Today marks a significant moment as we remember the Holocaust and honor its survivors on this 80th anniversary of liberation
Torfaen: Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, and it’s a big one—80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. People all over the UK and beyond are coming together to remember the Holocaust.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the MP for Torfaen, has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment. This is a way to honor those who lost their lives and to recognize the survivors who work hard to educate others.
This day isn’t just about the Jewish victims; it’s also a time to remember everyone persecuted by the Nazis. That includes Roma and Sinti people, disabled individuals, gay men, and political opponents, as well as those affected by genocide in places like Cambodia and Rwanda.
Nick Thomas-Symonds shared, “This year marks 80 years since Auschwitz was liberated. It’s a chance for folks in Torfaen to reflect on some really dark times in our history.”
He added, “I promise to remember the six million Jewish victims and to stand against rising antisemitism, which we need to confront directly.”
Karen Pollock, the chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, emphasized the importance of this day. She said, “We gather to remember the six million Jewish lives lost and to honor those who survived and rebuilt their lives.”
She also pointed out that the images and stories from the liberation showed the full extent of the Nazis’ horrific actions. The phrase “Never Again” serves as a reminder of the need to combat hatred and antisemitism.
As we mark this important anniversary, the lessons from the Holocaust are more relevant than ever. With fewer survivors around and antisemitism on the rise, it’s crucial that we remember the victims and take action to prevent such hatred from growing again.
