This week, Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons in advance of Holocaust Memorial Day, which honours those who died during the Holocaust.

Sunday 27th January will mark the 68th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history. In the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to work together to combat prejudice and racism today.

Upon signing the Book of Commitment, Bridget paid tribute to those who perished during the Holocaust, and honoured the extraordinary Holocaust survivors working tirelessly to educate young people through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.

In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events have be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people have been encouraged to honour those communities that have been destroyed by genocide and reflect on the importance of coming together to oppose prejudice and hatred.

Speaking after the signing, Bridget said:

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and I encourage everyone to mark the day. We must also remember the modern day genocides have happened across the world. I commend the Holocaust Educational Trust for its work to educate young people about the terrible tragedies that occurred in Bosnia, Darfur and Rwanda.

It’s critical to remember that prejudice has not been eradicated from our society, and I urge all members of our community to join the fight against intolerance.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

“We are proud that Bridget is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day again this year. It is vitally important that we continue to remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust and work to challenge all forms of hatred and bigotry.”

Further information:
You can find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day here:http://hmd.org.uk/