Rochdale MP signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment

Paul Waugh, Member of Parliament for Rochdale, signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his dedication to honouring Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.

This day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and death camp, and pays tribute to the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered during the Holocaust, as well as all those persecuted by the Nazis and victims of subsequent genocides.

The 2025 commemoration holds special significance as it marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

This anniversary is particularly poignant as it may be one of the last major anniversaries at which survivors can share their testimony firsthand.

This commemoration is not limited to the Holocaust but also includes other genocides including 30 years since the massacre of Bosniak Muslims in Srebrenica where more than 8,000 men and boys were massacred in 1995.

Across Rochdale and the UK, schools, faith groups, and community organisations will hold commemorative events under this year’s theme: ‘For a Better Future’. The theme calls for reflection on the lessons of the Holocaust and the importance of standing against antisemitism, prejudice, and hatred in all forms.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Paul Waugh emphasised the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, stating that it is a time to reflect on the lessons of history and commit to building a more inclusive future.

Mr Waugh also highlighted the role of Rochdale’s Falinge Park High School, which has been actively involved in Holocaust education through its legacy Beacon status under the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education. Students from the school recently attended Greater Manchester’s Holocaust Commemoration event and continue to engage in meaningful dialogue on the importance of tolerance and understanding.

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, commented: “Eighty years on, we remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and all those persecuted by the Nazis.

"We must continue to educate young people about the consequences of unchecked hatred and ensure that antisemitism and racism have no place in society.

"The testimonies of survivors are an invaluable tool in achieving this, and we are grateful to MPs like Paul Waugh for their commitment.”

As Holocaust survivors grow fewer, the Holocaust Educational Trust’s innovative initiatives, such as the digital education programme Testimony 360, ensure that their voices continue to be heard.

Through this programme, students can engage with survivor testimonies using virtual reality technology, helping to keep these important stories alive for generations to come.

This year also marks 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia and the massacre at Srebrenica, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance against hatred and division in all forms.

Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prejudice and the importance of building a future based on understanding, justice, and mutual respect.