Harrow marks National Holocaust Remembrance Day

12.00.00am GMT Mon 28th Jan 2002

Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, joined Harrow Liberal Democrat councillors Anne Diamond and Laurence Cox at the event organised by Harrow Council to mark the second National Holocaust Remembrance Day [Sunday 27th January 2002].

They heard Hermann Hirschberger speak of his experiences as a child in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1939 before he escaped to England on the 'Kindertransport', the operation whereby the lives of 10,000 Jewish children were saved by being given refuge in Britain. Hermann's parents were murdered in Auschwitz death camp in 1942.

Said Sarah: "Hermann's talk, and the performances by local pupils, including travellers, brought home movingly and powerfully what happens when hatred and intolerance take hold in people's hearts. They inspired and challenged us to ensure 'never again'.

"We must not let up in the fight against prejudice towards minorities and those who are different from us. The celebration of diversity must be our watchword. And we are also reminded of how refugees from persecution deserve welcome and compassion."