In the House of Lords yesterday, CFI’s Honorary President, Lord Polak of Hertsmere CBE emphasised the importance of educating young people about the Holocaust and paid tribute to Holocaust survivors.
In an oral question, Lord Polak said: “My Lords, today is Holocaust Memorial Day – a day to remember those who perished and the brave soldiers who helped to liberate the camps, and to remember and pay tribute to the depleting band of survivors who spend their days educating young people”.
He went on to commend the Prime Minister for his announcement yesterday that a new Holocaust memorial will be built next to the Houses of Parliament, in Victoria Tower Gardens.
Lord Polak asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Department for Transport and the Home Office, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, if he agreed that “today of all days, we should acknowledge where hate crime can lead?”
He continued: “Does he further agree that the vital task of the Prime Minister’s Holocaust foundation should be to concentrate on educating young people as, sadly, there will soon be no survivors to tell the story?”
Lord Ahmad echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the poignancy of Holocaust Memorial Day. He said: “I believe I speak for every Member of this House as we come together on this poignant day, when we remember those who passed away in the Holocaust – victims of the biggest crime of genocide against humanity that we have seen in the world. We must work together, including on education”.
He asserted: “I am therefore proud that on entering my office in the Home Office, if you look to the right, the first certificate you will see is for the Anne Frank Trust UK, which does an incredible job in promoting Holocaust education. I praise the efforts of all organisations and the work of my noble friend in this respect”.
