by Marcus Dysch, The Jewish Chronicle, 2 May 2014

The landmark event, to be hosted by the Prime Minister in association with the JC [Jewish Chronicle] in north-west London, is expected to be one of the largest-ever gatherings of Holocaust survivors in this country.

First, it’s about saying thank you to some inspirational people who have come to this country and given us so much. [...]

Second, the event is about making a very simple promise — but one that is so important. It’s about saying to Britain’s Holocaust survivors: “We will not let you down — we will make sure that Britain always remembers.”

That’s why I have set up the Holocaust Commission — with cross-party backing — to find the right ways to pass on the legacy of the survivors from generation to generation.

Third, and most importantly, the event is about hearing first hand from survivors how the Commission can best fulfil that promise. We need to think about how best to remember, commemorate and educate future generations of every faith and none.  [...]

So I really want us to hear from every survivor in the country during the event and during the rest of the consultation that runs to the end of May.

I am grateful to the Jewish Chronicle for their brilliant support on this and I hope that any readers who know of a survivor we haven’t yet reached will get in touch.