Brentwood and Ongar MP, Alex Burghart, signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment
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.
Brentwood and Ongar’s MP, Alex Burghart, has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust. He will also be attending commemoration events being held in Brentwood at Brentwood Theatre and Brentwood County High School to pay tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.
The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘The Power of Words’.
After signing the Book of Commitment, Alex Burghart commented:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for local people and those across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As a former history teacher I have seen the Holocaust move from living history to just history. This is where it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and pay tribute to the survivors. 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 Alex 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.”
Holocaust Memorial Day was established 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” on 30 June 1999.
The Holocaust Educational Trust has been closely involved in the establishment and development of Holocaust Memorial Day since its inception in 2000. The theme for the UK Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 is ‘The power of words’