UK Government announces support to Auschwitz-Birkenau foundation
The Government has announced a £2.1m contribution to the preservation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp to help ensure the lessons of Auschwitz live on.
The money will be used to ensure the long-term preservation and restoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and its important place in educating people of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“I am determined that the Government should take an active approach to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a searing reminder of the horrific consequences of intolerance and hatred. It should never been forgotten. I am proud that the UK is able to play a part in commemorating the millions of victims who died there, educating future generations of the evils of that period in history and ensuring its preservation for many years to come.”
Speaking at the Jewish Museum in London, the Communities Secretary emphasised the significance of remembering the Holocaust and reiterated the Government’s commitment to working with all of Britain’s different communities to put an end to prejudice and hatred in all its forms.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:
“Auschwitz-Birkenau is an important place of remembrance, it is vital that we do not forget it. Just as we collect and preserve the stories of eyewitnesses, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a perpetual reminder of the pain and destructive force of hate. We must ensure that the lessons from the Holocaust are taught today and to future generations. Today I am proud to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to remembering the Holocaust.”
UK Envoy for post-Holocaust issues Sir Andrew Burns said:
“Auschwitz-Birkenau is a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust and a warning of what can happen when hatred is allowed to flourish. The number of visitors to the camp continues to grow, showing that it has become a place of reflection and commemoration for the whole world. There is a continued need for a place people can visit to learn about and understand what happened. The preservation of the camp will enable us to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive for future generations.”
Chairman of the Holocaust Educational Trust Lord Greville Janner of Braunstone commented:
“Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of the largest mass murder in human history and an iconic symbol of the Holocaust. The Holocaust Educational Trust has urged the UK Government to provide financial support for the upkeep of the site and today’s commitment of £2.15 million sends a clear message that we have a responsibility to safeguard the future of the camp.
“Through our Lessons from Auschwitz Project the Holocaust Educational Trust gives over 3,000 British students each year the opportunity to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, this announcement will ensure that when young people visit Auschwitz, they will see for themselves what can happen when racism and prejudice is allowed to go unchecked.”
Eric Pickles was joined today at the Jewish Museum by the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and the Polish Ambassador, Barbara Tuge - Ereci?ska. They were given a tour of the Museum and had the opportunity to listen in on a talk being given to local schoolchildren by Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich.