This week, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP, Gerald Jones, 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.

Saturday 27th January will mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

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 ‘The power of words’.

Various events are also being held across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, including a Power of Words window display in Focal Point in Merthyr Tydfil, and book displays in Deri Library, Rhymney Library and New Tredegar Library.

On Holocaust Memorial Day itself, Merthyr Library have organised for a procession from The Fountain, starting at 2pm followed by a memorial service in St David’s Church in Merthyr Tydfil at 3pm, which Gerald Jones MP will be attending and participating in. There will also be a national Holocaust Memorial Day service in City Hall, Cardiff, on Monday 29th January.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Gerald Jones MP commented:

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust moves from living history, to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage constituents to show their support for such an important day.”

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 Gerald Jones 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.”

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