Sir Gavin Williamson has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment, and in doing so has pledged to honour those brutally murdered in the Nazi regime, as well as standing with survivors and calling out egregious acts of antisemitism.
Holocaust Memorial Day, falls on 27th January which was the date of the liberation of the infamous concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation.
It is also an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to all those persecuted by the Nazis, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents to the Nazis, and others.
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said: “This year, on Holocaust Memorial Day, we come together to mark 80 years since the liberation of the extermination and concentration camps of Europe.
“We remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators and we honour those who survived as well as rebuilt their lives after enduring unimaginable horrors.”
Sir Gavin said: “Holocaust Memorial Day presents an important opportunity for us to remember the darkest times of European History. I have met many Holocaust survivors and their strength and courage to tell their story so we never forget the atrocities, is awe-inspiring.
“Sadly recent events has seen a dramatic increase in antisemitism and I know that Jewish people across the UK are genuinely fearful as well as being subjected to vile rhetoric, and physical abuse.
“We must stand together to reject any form of discrimination and I hope that this Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us of the need for community cohesion during deeply unsettling times.”
