Ilkley MP pays tribute to Holocaust vicitms (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ilkley MP pays tribute to Holocaust vicitms

10:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in Local news

Ilkley and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons and pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.

This Sunday will mark the 68th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history.

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 to work together to combat prejudice and racism today.

Thousands of commemorative events are also being arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country.

Signing the Book of Commitment, Mr Hopkins paid tribute to those who perished during the Holocaust and honoured the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.

He said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

“I would encourage Keighley and Ilkley residents to mark the day and join the continuing fight against prejudice and intolerance.”

Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, Karen Pollock MBE, said: “We are proud that Kris is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year.

“It is vitally important that we remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of hatred and bigotry.”