Gavin Newlands MP Marks Holocaust Memorial Day

Last week, Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and 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.

Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annually on 27th January, the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.

In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘Torn from Home’.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Newlands commented:

“Holocause Memorial Day is an important time and a chance for people from Paisley and Renfrewshire North to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust passes from living memory, it becomes even more important to remember the victims and pay tribute to the survivors.

“During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi Government, and the total death toll of all groups which included Romani, Polish, Yugoslav, Russian, disabled, and gay people could be as high as 17 million.

Each of these people had loved ones, stories, and dreams that were brought to a shattering end by a totalitarian regime.”

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 Gavin Newlands MP 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.”