Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27th January, Henry Smith MP has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust.

The Crawley MP also paid tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people.

Henry said;

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people in Crawley and across the whole country to reflect on the tragic events of this crime against humanity that was perpetrated by the Nazis and axis regimes.

“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.

“I hope we can all support the commemoration and help ensure future generations are taught about the horrors of the Holocaust and that this awful chapter of history can never be repeated.”

The date of 27th 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 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, ‘How can life go on?’

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 very grateful to Henry Smith MP 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.”