Dr Hywel Francis MP meets survivors of genocide at launch of theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2014
24th April 2013
Dr Hywel Francis MP recently met Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert at the launch event for Holocaust Memorial Day 2014.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is commemorated each year on 27 January – the liberation of the Auschwitz death and concentration camp. HMD provides an opportunity for everyone to learn lessons from the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides (in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur) and apply them to the present day to create a safer, better future.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust promotes and supports HMD activities in the UK. Each year HMDT selects a theme around which HMD activities can focus. The theme for 2014 is Journeys.
Dr Francis spoke to Lily Ebert about her journey to the UK. At the age of 14 Lily was deported to Auschwitz with her family. On arrival at Auschwitz her mother, brother and sister were separated from her and sent to their deaths. Lily survived several months in Auschwitz and then as a slave labourer, before being liberated in 1945.
Dr Francis said:
‘Lily Ebert‘s story is a reminder of the importance of commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day – a day where we share the memory of the millions who were affected by the Holocaust and other genocides. I want to encourage as many people as possible in Aberavon to mark HMD on 27 January 2014.’
Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said:
‘We were delighted that Dr Francis showed his support for Holocaust Memorial Day. We hope that many more people in Aberavon will organise events for next year’s HMD – adding to the over 2,000 activities which took place for HMD 2013.’
Dr Hywel Francis MP, Lily Ebert, Holocaust survivor and Lesley Blower, Neath Port Talbot College and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Champion for Wales
