This week local MP, Caroline Dinenage signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.
Saturday 27th January will mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.
In the lead up to and on 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. The theme for this year's commemorations is 'The power of words'.
After signing the Book of Commitment, Caroline commented:
"Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Gosport and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. A few years ago I was honoured to take a group of Gosport sixth form students to Auschwitz - we must never forget and always persevere to educate young people about this dark period of history. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day."
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:
"The Holocaust did not start in the gas chambers but with hate filled words. Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to Caroline for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms."
