Ranil Jayawardena attended an event held by the Holocaust Educational Trust to honour Holocaust survivors and Ambassadors for the Trust. Their aim is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. The Trust works in schools, universities and in the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, providing teacher training, an outreach programme for schools, teaching aids and resource material.
Ranil said: ‘It is vital for young people to learn about the Holocaust, it is an event that should never be forgotten and never be repeated. There is evidence that there is a rise in anti-Semitic attacks in the UK and in Europe, and this intolerance should not be accepted in the society we live in today. Social media can mean radicalisation and hatred can be easily spread, and some will never see opinions that are not their own. This is why the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust is essential; to ensure that young people understand the consequences of intolerance and the benefits of a country where safety is not reliant upon race.’
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: 'We are delighted that Ranil is supporting the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust. We are reaching thousands of young people across the country, but we know our work is not yet done. Now, more than ever, we are dedicated to ensuring that every person from every background understands the enduring relevance of the Holocaust. We hope that by educating the next generation, they will carry the flame of remembrance forward when the survivors are no longer able to, so that the Holocaust is never forgotten.'