The Saddleworth Peace Group reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust
Reporter: Ruby Anstee
Saddleworth Peace group gathered together this afternoon to hold a vigil to remember the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust.
The 27 January 1945 was the date of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Unfortunately there have been many more genocides since then, including in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when the group seeks to remember the lessons of the past and to recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own, it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qurner spoke at the gathering. Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, was scheduled to speak but gave her apologies due to illness.
Debbie Abrahams has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day, honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.
Debbie also attended the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony in London on 25th January which saw hundreds of survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, and their relatives, gathered to pay tribute to the millions who died.
After signing the Book of Commitment, Debbie commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for us all to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust.”
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Holocaust did not start in the gas chambers but with hate filled words. Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to Debbie for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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