Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel has selected a teenager from Lancashire to join David Cameron’s commission on Shoah education.
Charlotte Cohen, 17, was one of a six-strong panel of youth ambassadors chosen earlier this month to work on developing educational tools to help future generations learn about the genocide.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Wiesel decided her essay on keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive was the strongest entry, meaning she will become a full commissioner alongside the Prime Minister, leading politicians, academics and celebrities later this year.
Miss Cohen, who lives in Carnforth and is a boarding pupil at York’s Queen Margaret’s School, told the JC how she had become involved in the commission after joining a Holocaust Educational Trust programme and becoming an ambassador for the charity.
“I took part in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme and it was a revelatory experience. The seminars and discussions before and after the trip turned the Holocaust into a contemporary issue for me,” she said.
Miss Cohen joined the other youth panellists at a session discussing the Shoah in Downing Street a fortnight ago.
“It was a really special experience. Going in the front door of Number 10 was a surreal moment.”
She said she was honoured to have been selected as the commission’s youth adviser.
Mick Davis, chairman of the commission, said: "I'm delighted Charlotte has been selected.
"It’s crucial we ensure young people are part of our work. We received nearly 800 entries to the competition and the standard was incredibly high. I know Charlotte is set to make a significant contribution.”
The commission is due to submit its findings to Mr Cameron in December, with a public announcement expected early next year.
