‘Vast majority’ of Holocaust survivors back Westminster memorial, says Sir Ben Helfgott

The “vast majority” of Holocaust survivors agree with the building of a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre, Sir Ben Helfgott MBE  has said.

Responding to claims made by crossbench peer Baroness Deech that “many survivors” were upset by the government’s commitment to build the memorial next to parliament in Westminster, the president of the 45 Aid Society admitted there was “no obligation” for all survivors to share the same view of the project.

Helfgott said: “There is no obligation on those of us who survived the Holocaust to share identical opinions on all issues.

“Having said that, the majority of survivors in Britain came together as a ‘45 Aid Society and since 1963 have sought with our children and grandchildren to remember those who were lost and teach the history of the Holocaust and its lessons.

“Very few of the survivors are of course alive today but I know that the vast majority agree with us that this ‘UKHM’ should be built now as planned next to the Houses of Parliament. ”

Angela Cohen, chair of 45 Aid Society, added:”The 45 Aid Society Holocaust Survivors, second generation and our members have consistently welcomed and supported the cross–party plans for a UK Holocaust Memorial in a unique and important location next to the Houses of Parliament. ”

Last week, Jewish News revealed Deech, a long-time opponent of the memorial, had written that Rishi Sunak’s backing for a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to parliament has been met with “the disappointment of many, not least within the Jewish community and Holocaust survivors.”

In an article for The House magazine, which is distributed to MPs and other parliamentarians, Deech added there were “alternatives” to a memorial situated next to parliament, and mentions the Imperial War Museum or Richmond House.