Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, John Lamont MP has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered.
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, 27th January.
In the lead up to the day thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools and community organisations across the country.
Holocaust Memorial Day was established following an MP’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Moved by his visit, Andrew Dismore MP proposed a bill, “to introduce a day to learn and remember the Holocaust” on 30 June 1999.
Following planning permission being granted in July 2021, a new national Holocaust Memorial will be built next to Parliament. It is anticipated to open in 2025. The government will provide free entry to all visitors, in perpetuity.
John Lamont MP said:
“It is a great honour to sign the Holocaust Book of Commitment on behalf of local residents in the Scottish Borders.
“On the 27th January, there is another important opportunity to reflect on one of humanity’s darkest moments.
“It is now 77 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Soon we will be without first-hand accounts of this dreadful part of history.
“That makes it all the more important for us to take the time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and pledge to never forget.
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added:
“As the Holocaust fades from living memory, it falls on all of us to ensure that their stories and the stories of the 6 Jewish million men, women and children brutally murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, are never forgotten.
“We all have a duty to remember the Holocaust and to stand up against antisemitism and hate, now more than ever.”
