This
week Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock signed the
Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment in the House of Commons. In doing so
he pledged his commitment to honouring those who died during the Holocaust.
Holocaust
Memorial Day on the 27th January marks the 68th anniversary of the
liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp
which is the site of the largest mass murder in history.
In the
weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of
Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who
were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to
work together to combat prejudice and racism today.
In
signing the Book of Commitment, Mr Metcalfe paid tribute to those who perished
during the Holocaust and honoured the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who
work tirelessly to educate young people about what they endured, through the
Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.
In the
weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of
commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community
organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust
and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to honour
those communities that have been destroyed by genocide and reflect on the
importance of coming together to oppose prejudice and hatred.
Stephen
Metcalfe MP commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to
remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. I encourage all
constituents to mark the day and to join members of community in the fight
against prejudice and intolerance.”
Karen
Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We are proud that Stephen Metcalfe is
supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we
both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as
ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of hatred and bigotry.”
For
further information and to find out about events near you, please visit: http://hmd.org.uk/.
