Havant MP Alan Mak has signed the Holocaust Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, honouring those who died during the Holocaust and paying tribute to the many extraordinary survivors.
Next Friday (27 January) marks 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 Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemoration events will be taking place across the country, arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisation. They will remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
After signing the Book of Commitment Mr Mak paid tribute to the survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people on the horrors of the Holocaust.
He said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people across Havant and the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust fades from living memory, it is more important now than ever to remember victims and pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage all residents to show their support for such an important day.”
This year the theme for the commemorations is ‘How can life go?’ and a special memorial ceremony will be taking place at 11am at Havant Cemetery on Friday 27 January.
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are grateful to Alan for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging anti-Semitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.”