Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, Bridget Phillipson, Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South, signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment at Parliament.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) honours those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people.

Friday 27 January is 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 HMD and on the day itself, thousands of commemorative events will take place at schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country to remember all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda,BosniaandDarfur continues to raise challenging questions for individuals, communities and nations. The theme for this year’s commemorations -; ‘How can life go on? -; asks people to think about what happens after genocide and their own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Bridget Phillipson MP commented:

“It was a great honour to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment once more.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

“It is now over seventy years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. With each passing year, fewer and fewer survivors of the Holocaust are able to recount their experiences.

“As the Holocaust passes out of living memory, it is more important than ever that we take the time to remember the victims and pay tribute to the survivors.

“It is clear that genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue to this day, and we have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.

“That’s why I encourage everyone to go along to one of the thousands of commemorative events that are taking place across the country before, during and after Holocaust Memorial Day.”

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 Bridget Phillipson 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.”