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MPs from around the world and Holocaust survivors to attend memorial event at Auschwitz
October 3, 2013 15:30
By, Charlotte Oliver
1 min read
ByCharlotte Oliver, Charlotte Oliver
Over 200 members of parliaments from around the world will meet hundreds of Shoah survivors in Auschwitz next year to discuss combating antisemitism and to honour Holocaust survivors.
The gathering will take place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27 2014, and will also mark the 69th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation.
Organising the event is London-born Israeli Jonny Daniels, the CEO of the non-profit organi s ation From the Depths, which works to preserve the memory of the Holocaust.
Mr Daniels said a significant feature of the event will be an Israeli Knesset session, led by its Speaker Yuli Edelstein, which will take place on site in Auschwitz. At least 60 MKs from all major parties will be attending.
Mr Daniels believed it would be “ the first time in history that one government has held a session on the grounds of another. The fact that the Polish government has invited us, and that there’s a connection between the Polish government and the Israeli government - that is truly remarkable.”
He also revealed that a special session will be held the night before the event focusing on the rise of antisemitism in Europe.
According to Mr Daniels, he is working with British MPs to ensure Westminster’s representation at the event. Conservative MPs Lee Scott and Andrew Percy are “very good supporters of the initiative”, he said.
He added: “We’re working closely with the European Friends of Israel to bring delegations from Europe. It’s also very important to us that Chief Rabbi Mirvis flies out.”
“It is of utter importance to do this event now”, he added. “If I could do it next week, I would. A survivor dies every hour.”