In a normal week the announcement of a new national Holocaust memorial, a £50million spending commitment and a raft of measures aimed at extending Shoah education would have been huge news.
Understandably the recommendations of David Cameron’s commission were overshadowed by the enormously moving services at Auschwitz and around the world. But make no mistake — the plans unveiled by the Prime Minister will have an impact in Britain for generations to come.
As politicians prepare for the general election campaign, and all that it entails, note two things. First, there are few, if any, votes to be won by taking this approach. Our national leaders do this because they believe it is the right thing to do. The commitment to £50 million of funding was immediately agreed to by all parties — at a time when every penny of national spending is heavily scrutinised.
Secondly, the sight of the heir to the throne, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition sitting solemnly in the front row alongside survivors at the national service on Tuesday spoke volumes.
When some are questioning the future of the Jewish community in Britain, we must also acknowledge the great efforts being made to commemorate our truly darkest hours.
