On 27th January I attended a ceremony at the Guildhall in Northampton to remember those who were killed in the Holocaust. Representatives of the Northampton Jewish community, local dignitaries and members of the public who wished to pay their respects were in attendance.
The event began with a flower-laying and candle lighting ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial Stone followed by a number of poignant addresses and performances from local schools, members of the Northamptonshire Jewish community and local officials in remembrance of the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust.
Holocaust Memorial Day is held annually on 27th January and signifies the anniversary of the liberation on that day in 1945 of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. It commemorates the six million Jews and millions of others murdered during the Holocaust. It also commemorates those who have since been lost in subsequent acts of genocide.
I strongly support the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust, which aims to preserve the memory of the Holocaust by educating young people and sharing the testimonies of survivors for future generations. It is of seminal importance that we continue to preserve the memory of the horrific events which took place.
Further information about the Holocaust Educational Trust organisation is accessible via the following link: https://www.het.org.uk/
In recent times we have seen a rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial, and it is vital that we continue to honour the millions who were lost to such senseless barbarism and learn from the tragic horrors of the past. Education through events like that which I attended and through work with schools such as that done by the Holocaust Educational Trust is crucial in ensuring the memory of those killed lives on.
(Photos: Michael Ellis MP at the Guildhall in Northampton for the Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, including with the Chairman of the Council, the Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, the Chief Fire Officer, the Assistant Chief Constable, and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire Morcea Walker)