Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, Matt was invited to sign Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment as a way to remember the Holocaust - one of the darkest and most defining moments of human history.
At a Holocaust Educational Trust reception in Parliament with Holocaust survivors, young Holocaust Educational Trust Ambassadors from across the country and members of the Jewish community, members and attendees talked about being brave, speaking out and being louder in the fight against antisemitism.
Matt Vickers MP said:
We must and will always remember those who died in the Holocaust. I am honoured to have signed the Book of Commitment and pay tribute to those who died at the hands of a villainous regime.
The Jewish community remain proud of their history and proud of their communities today. I have the utmost respect and admiration for our Jewish friends, as many within their communities continue to live in fear of anti-Semitic attacks, even in our modern world.
We must remain steadfast in stamping out Anti-Semitism for good.
Karen Pollock MBE commented:
"This year, hundreds of Members of Parliament have signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment for Holocaust Memorial Day. This is not a photo opportunity, but a way to commit to remembering the Holocaust.
Whilst we want all Members to pledge to remember the Holocaust; with antisemitism on the rise, denial and deliberate distortion of the Holocaust seemingly becoming more mainstream, an MP’s signature means nothing without tangible action. Words in a book are not enough.
For those MPs who consort with Holocaust deniers, say antisemitism is a smear and deny the lived experiences of Jewish people, their motivations for signing can and should be questioned. Signing the Trust's Book of Commitment does not absolve MPs of past associations or comments. Rather, their signature on our page means we now expect significant action without delay. If there is no action, we know the assurances were false and their sympathy, fake."
