Mike Weatherley

Local MPs Mike Weatherley and Simon Kirby have pledged their support for Holocaust Memorial Day which is on January 27.

The day marks the 66th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Holocaust Educational Trust places a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust.

On and around Holocaust Memorial Day, schools, local communities and faith groups from across the UK will join together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Thousands of events are being held across the country to commemorate all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides. The aim of the day is to motivate people – individually and collectively, to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are neither forgotten nor repeated.

Mike, who signed the Book of Commitment, said:
“In the tenth year of its commemoration in the UK, Holocaust Memorial Day 2011 marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. As antisemitism, racism and prejudice are still present in our society, learning from the extraordinary ‘Untold Stories’ of those who survived gives us the opportunity to reflect on the evil that was perpetrated during the Holocaust and other genocides and pledge to create a brighter future.”
 
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:
“We are delighted that Mike Weatherley is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. As the number of survivors dwindles, remembering the Holocaust and passing on their testimony is more crucial than ever. Reflecting on ‘Untold Stories’ helps give back voices to those who were persecuted and reinforces the contemporary lessons that can be learnt from this dark period in our history.”

Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown is encouraging his constituents to take the time to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
 
Simon said:
“Because of the overwhelming amount of evidence that documents the Holocaust, many of us are familiar with the horrific brutality of the Nazi regime. 27th January provides the opportunity to reflect and remember the millions of victims of Nazism by participating in Holocaust Memorial Day.
 
“I wholeheartedly support the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust. Their Outreach Programme allows students and teachers the opportunity to hear survivor testimony firsthand, raising awareness of the past and challenging prejudice and racism today.”

For more information view:
www.hmd.org.uk