MP signs Holocaust Trust’s Book of Commitment

Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day later this month, Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament.

In signing the memorial book, David pledged his continued commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.

Saturday 27th January will mark 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 ‘The power of words’.

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. The Holocaust Educational Trust has been closely involved in the establishment and development of Holocaust Memorial Day since its inception in 2000.

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Holocaust did not start in the gas chambers but with hate filled words. Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to David 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.”

After signing the Book of Commitment, David commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Macclesfield and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. With the passing of time, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage local residents to show their support for such an important day.”