As the Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds constituency, I stand with the community in remembering and honouring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors is an inspiration to us all.
The Holocaust was not just a historical event, it was a human tragedy affecting millions of innocent people and their families, including members of our own community. It is important to remember that the Holocaust affected not only Jewish people, but also other marginalized communities such as the disabled, and other ethnic and religious groups.
Why we must remember the atrocities committed is in part to ensure that they are never repeated. It is our responsibility not only to educate ourselves but future generations about the Holocaust and its lessons, and to support survivors and their families. We owe it to the victims and their families, and to ourselves as a civilized society. Unfortunately, the threat of anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination remain all too real. It is crucial that we remain vigilant in our efforts to combat hateful ideologies and instead promote a culture of respect and acceptance for all people, regardless of race, religion, or background.
As a Member of Parliament, I had the honour of signing the Book of Commitment in Parliament for Holocaust Memorial Day. Although it was not my first time writing in the book, adding my contribution served as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of hate and intolerance, and the importance of never forgetting. It was a humbling experience that reinforced the significance of remembering and the responsibility to preserve the memory of all those who suffered and lost their lives.
Though the Holocaust may seem distant in time, its lessons and impact are still relevant today. When I visit remembrance services across the Bury St Edmunds constituency and in Westminster, I am frequently struck by the personal stories of those who so cruelly suffered, and their remarkable bravery and strong spirits. By remembering and educating ourselves about this dark chapter in history, we honour the victims and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. It is through this active remembrance that we can learn to combat hate and discrimination in our own lives and in society as a whole. #DoNotHate
