“We must remember the Holocaust and learn the lessons of history” - MP

25.01.05

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has backed a Parliamentary motion about remembering the 60th Anniversary of the Holocaust on 27th January and has called on people to remember this terrible chapter in the history of humanity and to learn its lessons. Mike Hancock said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is vitally important, not just so we remember those who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis, but to encourage us to take a decisive look at the world today, and challenge racism and intolerance head on.”

On January 27th schools, universities and local communities throughout the country will mark Britain’s fifth Holocaust Memorial Day. Hundreds of events are being held across Britain to commemorate all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis in the Holocaust. This year provides us with a unique opportunity for remembrance as it is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the day will mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi extermination camp

This year’s theme is ‘Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding lives’. This enables us to hear first hand from people who suffered during the Holocaust. There is nothing more moving than listening to their testimony. In addition, to hear from those soldiers who could not have imagined being faced with such horror – the liberators – is a testament to those that perished. These soldiers experienced the aftermath of the Holocaust and cannot forget what they saw. Testimony from Survivors and Liberators help us understand the aftermath of genocide and the best and the worst of human behaviour.

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive, Holocaust Educational Trust said: “To see schools, local communities, and youth groups across the UK mark the day in so many inspiring ways, it reminds us as individuals and as communities of our responsibility to unite in combating prejudice”

Details of the national event in London on 27 January and associated events across the rest of the UK are available on the Holocaust Memorial Day website at www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk.

The purpose of Holocaust Memorial Day is to the horrors of the Holocaust and remember those who perished. The day aims to ensure that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten, and its relevance for each new generation is understood.

The Holocaust Educational Trust has been closely involved in the establishment and development of Holocaust Memorial Day since its inception in 2000. We are represented on all working groups dealing with education, local activities, the main event and at a strategic level. Holocaust Memorial Day came about following an MP’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Moved by his visit, Andrew Dismore MP proposed a bill, “to introduce a day to learn and remember the Holocaust” June 30 1999 EDM 482 which Mike Hancock has signed states: “That this House notes Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January 2005, which is the 60th anniversary of the day the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated; recognises the significance of this year and the importance of all commemorations taking place in 2005, acknowledges the importance of the theme ‘Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding Lives’; remembers all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and other more recent tragedies; recognises the contribution Holocaust Survivors have made to life in Britain, applauds organisations such as the Holocaust Educational Trust for their work; and encourages all honourable Members to be involved in a day that not only helps to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten but also warns of the dangers of all forms of discrimination today.”