Matthew pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons.
Friday 27th January marks the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history – and 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 actively to speak out against prejudice and bigotry today.
In signing the Book of Commitment Matthew paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who, having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.
Matthew also took part in a Westminster Hall debate where he stated that “Holocaust Memorial Day is not just for people who are Jewish; it is for everybody who has concern, in whatever form, about the holocaust”. He also went on to describe his most recent visit to Auschwitz, when he accompanied young people from schools in the Hendon constituency. You can read Matthew’s full comments by clicking here:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?gid=2012-01-19a.370.1
Matthew said: “This Friday marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide. I urge all constituents to mark the day and to commit to ‘speaking up and speaking out’ against prejudice.”
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We are proud that Matthew has been supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of bigotry.”