Sir Sajid Javid Joins HMDT as New Chair

Sir Sajid succeeds Laura Marks CBE, who retires after nine years of service, having completed the maximum permitted term as Chair. Laura’s exceptional leadership has been instrumental in transforming HMDT into a national institution and a successful fundraising organisation. Her creativity, empathy and guidance have significantly elevated the Trust’s public profile and reach while helping it navigate times of challenging social cohesion.  In recognition of her service, Laura has become an Honorary Vice President of HMDT and Chair of the Experts’ Reference Group.  Says Laura: “It’s been a huge privilege leading HMDT and I’m delighted to leave it in such good hands with Sajid”.

A distinguished public figure with an exceptional record of service, Sir Sajid brings to HMDT significant national leadership experience, knowledge of HMDT’s vital work and a profound passion for challenging antisemitism, racial hatred and persecution. His extensive experience in various Cabinet roles uniquely positions him to lead the Trust in its crucial mission.

During his tenure as Home Secretary, Sir Sajid demonstrated a clear resolve to protect vulnerable communities, significantly increasing government funding to combat antisemitism, other hate crimes and promoting social cohesion. Furthermore, as Secretary of State for Communities, he played a key role in the development of plans for the new national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre. He has worked closely with HMDT and other key partners in Holocaust education and remembrance, showcasing his deep understanding and support for the Trust’s objectives. Notably, he has visited both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Yad Vashem, underscoring his personal commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.

Upon his appointment, Sir Sajid Javid says: “I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and would like to thank Laura Marks for her outstanding leadership and dedication. My commitment to preserving the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and ensuring its lessons continue to resonate with future generations remains steadfast, in the hope of upholding the dignity and humanity of all people”.

HMDT’s Chief Executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, says: “We’re honoured to welcome Sir Sajid Javid as our new Chair. His leadership and steadfast commitment to confronting hatred will be instrumental as we continue our vital work to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. We also extend our deep gratitude to Laura Marks for her exceptional leadership of HMDT”.

Joan Salter MBE, Holocaust survivor and HMDT Trustee, says: “As a Holocaust survivor and a Trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, I’m truly encouraged by the appointment of Sir Sajid Javid as our new Chair. While Laura Marks leaves incredibly large shoes to fill after her exceptional leadership, I’m confident that Sir Sajid’s distinguished record of public service and profound dedication to combatting antisemitism and all forms of hatred will be invaluable as we continue our crucial mission of Holocaust education and remembrance. I believe that under his leadership, the Trust will further strengthen its vital work, ensuring the lessons of the past guide our future”.

Keith Black, Chair, Jewish Leadership Council, says: “On behalf of the Jewish Leadership Council, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Sir Sajid upon his appointment as Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. The JLC has been pleased to work closely with HMDT since its establishment nearly two decades ago. The Trust’s work in protecting the memory of the Holocaust is now more crucial than ever and I’m confident that this work will continue to progress under Sir Sajid’s chairmanship, especially given his strong support for our community during his time in government”.

Lord Eric Pickles, HMDT’s Honorary Vice President since January 2018, says: “In a period of rapid change, I can think of no one better than my old friend Saj to lead HMDT. The coming decade will gradually see the disappearance of the last Holocaust survivors. Old friends, who by their testimony inspired a new generation to commemorate the Shoah, leave a legacy to be honoured. For as long as I’ve known Sajid Javid, he’s always spoken passionately about the need for Holocaust remembrance, even in the most turbulent of times. His new role places him in a pivotal position to fight antisemitism and intolerance”.

Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE, Chief Rabbi, says: “Sir Sajid Javid is an ideal choice to be the next Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. His distinguished record of public service and tireless dedication to combatting antisemitism make him perfectly suited to lead this vital organisation. The lessons of the Shoah are so essential at a time when there is an alarming increase in anti-Jewish hatred across the world. I look forward to working together with Sir Sajid and the Trust to continue to educate and inspire future generations”.

Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, says: “We extend a warm welcome to Sir Sajid Javid on his appointment as Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. His distinguished record of public service, coupled with his commitment to British Jews and his proactive efforts to combat antisemitism during his time in government, makes him an outstanding choice for this vital role. We look forward to working closely with him and HMDT to ensure the powerful lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate for all future generations”.