BOOK OF COMMITMENT

On January 27th each year, the day on which the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated, we commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2011 is ‘Untold Stories,’ a chance to reflect upon extraordinary experiences of hope and loss during the Holocaust.

This year we are inviting you sign the Holocaust Educational Trust’s online Book of Commitment. This is an opportunity to publicly commit both to remembering the Holocaust and to working towards a future in which prejudice and hatred are never again allowed to gain a foothold in society.

Statement of Commitment

• We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
• We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
• We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.
• We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
• We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people’s lives worth less than others’. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
• We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide.
• We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
• We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day.
• We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. We value a free, tolerant, and democratic society.