Sir Gavin Williamson signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, and in doing so pledged his commitment to marking Holocaust Memorial Day – honouring the six million men, women, and children who were mercilessly murdered during the Holocaust as well as honouring heroic survivors.
Holocaust Memorial Day falls on 27th January, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.
As time passes, the responsibility falls to the next generation to remember and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. In addition, Holocaust Memorial Day presents an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to all those who were persecuted by the Nazi’s including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents, and others.
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Trust, said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered by the Nazi’s and their collaborators, and we honour the survivors who rebuilt their lives while coming to terms with unimaginable loss.
“This Holocaust Memorial Day comes at a moment of renewed danger to Jewish communities worldwide. From Bondi Beach in Australia to Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, in recent months we have seen Jewish people murdered on the holiest days. The atrocities did not occur in a vacuum. This followed two years where antisemitism has been permitted to grow louder, more brazen, and increasingly normalised.”
Sir Gavin said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a harrowing reminder of the atrocities experienced by millions of people during the Nazi occupation, however, it is also a reminder of the bravery shown by survivors and those who dedicate their lives to ensure that educating the next generation is central to remembrance.
“We have seen an alarming rise in antisemitism due to a combination of global events and political toxicity. I am unequivocal that any form of hatred has absolutely no place in society and all communities should be able to live in peace without fear of prejudice.
“History shows us the horrors that can happen when we are divided. I hope that future generations learn from the past and that Holocaust Memorial Day continues to honour those who are no longer with us as well as those who showed tremendous resilience in the face of evil.”
