You can sign up to the Holocaust Memorial Day Statement of Commitment here: http://www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk/roc/default.asp
I met a holocaust survivor at the weeked; Leon Greenman, author of "An Englishman in Auschwitz", who is regularly present at the exhibition about his life at the Jewish Museum in Finchley. During the war, he was trapped in Holland with his wife and baby (both sent immediately to the gas chambers on arrival at Aushwitz) and captured by the nazis.
He is an incredible, inspiring character, 95 years old and still determined to tell as many people as possible about his horrific experiences - saying "Never forget". Because of this, he still receives threats from the likes of Combat 18 and the BNP and has bars on his windows as he has had them smashed recently.
The emotion in his voice as he recounts his story takes you right there. A recent survey indicated that half the British people do not know about what happened at Auschwitz - Holocaust Memorial Day has a vital role to play to keep the memory alive as the survivors get fewer. For Leon's sake and everyone's; "Never forget".
1. We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
2. We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation's collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
3. We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.
4. We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
5. We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people's lives worth less than others'. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
6. We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
7. We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day. We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. We value a free, tolerant, and democratic society.
2. We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation's collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
3. We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.
4. We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
5. We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people's lives worth less than others'. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
6. We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
7. We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day. We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. We value a free, tolerant, and democratic society.
He is an incredible, inspiring character, 95 years old and still determined to tell as many people as possible about his horrific experiences - saying "Never forget". Because of this, he still receives threats from the likes of Combat 18 and the BNP and has bars on his windows as he has had them smashed recently.
The emotion in his voice as he recounts his story takes you right there. A recent survey indicated that half the British people do not know about what happened at Auschwitz - Holocaust Memorial Day has a vital role to play to keep the memory alive as the survivors get fewer. For Leon's sake and everyone's; "Never forget".
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