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With Holocaust survivors becoming older and frailer, this year's 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps could be the last major commemoration where survivors can share their firsthand accounts. Local MP Jack Abbott has joined nationwide efforts to ensure their stories are preserved.
The big picture: Across the UK and internationally, people are gathering to mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and death camp. This anniversary holds particular significance as it may be the last major commemoration where survivors can personally share their experiences.
What's happening: Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment, pledging to honour both those murdered during the Holocaust and the survivors who continue to educate young people about its horrors.
By the numbers: The Community Security Trust reports that antisemitic incidents have risen sharply:
4,103 incidents recorded across the UK in 2023
147% increase from 2022
1,978 incidents in first half of 2024, the highest ever recorded in a six-month period
What they're saying: "Today presents a poignant opportunity for people from our town and our county to reflect on the darkest times of European history," says Abbott. "I pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism."
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, adds: "As we mark this significant anniversary, the lessons of the Holocaust remain as urgent as ever. With survivors becoming fewer and frailer, and with antisemitism continuing to surge across the world – we must all commit to remembering the six million Jewish victims."
The bottom line: As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, this year's commemorations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving their testimonies and ensuring their experiences continue to educate future generations about the consequences of unchecked hatred and antisemitism.
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