Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has completed a series of events and activities to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. For almost two decades, she has been attending the Borough of Barnet’s official commemoration, which this year took place in Middlesex University’s Rickett Quadrangle.
The speakers included the chair of the Holocaust Educational Trust, Craig Leviton, by the High Commissioner for Rwanda, Johnston Busingye, and by two students from East Barnet School, Anna Volstad and Amberley Thay.
Speaking after the event, Theresa said “This ceremony is always moving and thought-provoking. It is especially welcome to hear from young ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust, Amberley and Anna, about what they learned while taking part in the Lessons from Auschwitz visit and educational programme.”
“The weeks since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel have seen an appalling increase in antisemitic incidents and crimes. This makes it more important than ever to mark Holocaust Memorial Day to honour the victims of the Nazis and warn about the horrors to which racism and anti-Jewish hatred can lead.”
The Barnet MP has taken part in a number of Holocaust related events in the past week including a memorial service hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, signing the Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment, and speaking in a debate in Parliament.
In her speech to MPs, Theresa condemned those who accuse Israel of genocide, saying: “I want to conclude with a reflection on the recent brave article by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, responding to those who accuse Israel of genocide. We should heed his words that misappropriation of the word “genocide” is an affront to the victims of the unspeakable crimes that we remember today. As he said, its use in this context is the ultimate demonisation of the Jewish state. It is a moral inversion that undermines the memory of the worst crimes in human history.”
“As we say, “Never again”, on Holocaust Memorial Day, and we renew our commitment to combating antisemitism and racism, let us remember the November march in London, where hundreds of thousands turned out to support Israel and the Jewish community, many with placards telling us, “Never again is now”. Our vigilance against anti-Jewish hatred must never cease, wherever and however it manifests itself.”
Digital Imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.
