Martin marks Holocaust Memorial Day (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Martin marks Holocaust Memorial Day

February 6, 2008 9:45 AM

Synagogue in Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM MP Martin Horwood has demonstrated his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those killed in the Holocaust and individuals that risked their lives to help those being persecuted.

On and around Holocaust Memorial Day, schools, local communities and faith groups from across the UK join together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Thousands of events are held across the country to commemorate all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust and in more recent genocides. This year, Martin also attended a holocaust memorial service at Cheltenham's beautiful regency synagogue.

Martin commented: 'Holocaust Memorial Day provides a focus for each of us to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust. The aim of the day is to motivate people - individually and together, to ensure that the horrendous crimes committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides such as Rwanda's are neither forgotten nor repeated again.

We should reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and remember all the victims killed and persecuted by the Nazis but we also have to challenge the prejudice and discrimination that still exist today and work hard for a better world founded on tolerance and understanding.'

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said: 'We are delighted that Martin has supported Holocaust Memorial Day. At a time when antisemitism, Holocaust denial, racism, prejudice and sadly even genocide still continue to pollute our world today, Holocaust Memorial Day and Holocaust education is more important than ever.

It is through the participation and support of schools, local groups and elected members that give this day the impact it has around the country and we applaud their commitment to ensuring the lessons of the past learnt, acted upon and disseminated.'