Help define Shoah remembrance in Britain

Members of the community are being urged to contribute to a major consultation on the future of Holocaust remembrance in Britain, writes Justin Cohen.

The call is part of the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Commission, which was launched by David Cameron in January.

The initiative has tasked figures including actress Helena-Bonham Carter, senior political figures from the three parties and the Chief Rabbi with exploring what more Britain can do to ensure that future generations continue to remember the horrors of the Shoah long after the survivors are no longer with us.

The British public has been asked to feed in their views by the end of May and this week The Board of Deputies, which has been asked to coordinate Anglo-Jewry’s response, asked members across the community to submit evidence both to it and directly to Downing Street.

As well as producing an umbrella submission reflecting the full breadth of views, the Board will hold three sessions – backed by the Jewish News and other community media – for experts, members of the public and specifically young people to express their views starting with the latter at JW3 next month.

Board senior vice-president Laura Marks said: “This is a unique opportunity for the Jewish community to help ensure Britain has a permanent memorial to the Holocaust and appropriate educational resources for future generations.  But if our community does not fully engage with this consultation process, we can hardly expect others to do so.  The Board is delighted to be playing its role to ensure that our voice is heard loud and clear.”

Among the suggestions already floated for consideration are a new permanent memorial, further school resources or a new museum. The Commissioners are due to report to Cameron before the end if the year.

• To take part, visit the Holocaust Commission’s website https://engage.number10.gov.uk/contact-the-holocaust-commission or email the Board at holocaust_commission@bod.org.uk