PM signs Holocaust Book of Commitment
Prime Minister David Cameron has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment for Holocaust Memorial Day.
In the run-up to Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, the Book of Commitment is signed by hundreds of MPs every year as a pledge to fight prejudice and hatred.
On signing the Book of Commitment, the Prime Minister wrote:
Thank you for your work in reminding us and generations to come of an event in the history of mankind that we must never forget. For some the passing of years and the fact there are now fewer survivors left means this is less significant - it is in fact more important than ever that we recall what happened and the terrible consequences.
As well as recalling the dreadful suffering and murder in the ghettos and camps we must also remember the genocide and hatred in our world today. From learning our history we must pledge that it should not be repeated.
During the reception at Number 10, David Cameron met an Auschwitz concentration camp survivor.
Trude Levi, 86, visited the Prime Minister in Downing Street as part of a delegation from the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Born in Hungary, Mrs Levi was sent to Auschwitz with her mother and father in July 1944. She was later sent as a slave labourer to a munitions factory in the German town of Hessisch-Lichtenau.
Holocaust survivor Trude Levi said:
I have always felt it was so important to relate what happened to me in the Holocaust in the hope it will make future generations think about the consequences of prejudice and discrimination and help prevent it happening again.
”It is important on Holocaust Memorial Day that we remember all those who lost their lives but we should also remember the beauty of this world and ensure we do everything we can to safeguard it. We are all individuals with feelings and sensibilities and we should treasure those differences and respect each other for them.
Mr Cameron said:
It’s a huge honour to meet someone who has been through all that and is determined through your presence to remind people.
Living examples like you are incredibly important.
Lord Janner, Chairman of the Holocaust Educational Trust, commented:
The Prime Minister’s pledge sends a clear message about the vital importance of remembering the atrocities that took place during the Holocaust and we are grateful for his continued support for this very important cause.
The Holocaust Educational Trust works with schools, colleges and communities across the UK to educate about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance.
Read more: Holocaust Educational Trust
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