DEBBIE Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment.
The MP has pledged her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered and those who survived.
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annually on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations, remembering victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘torn from home’.
Mrs Abrahams said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Oldham, and across the country, to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust.
“As the Holocaust moves from living history to ‘just’ history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors, many of whom work tirelessly to educate young people today.
“I encourage everyone 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 Debbie 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.”
The Holocaust Educational Trust was founded in 1988 to raise awareness and understanding in schools and amongst the wider public of the Holocaust and its relevance today.
Holocaust Memorial Day was established following an MP Andrew Dismore’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Educational Trust in 1999.
Moved by his visit, the MP proposed a bill “to introduce a day to learn and remember the Holocaust” and it was established in 2000.
To find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day go to: www.hmd.org.uk