HMDT statement about an event held on HMD in 2010
On Holocaust Memorial Day 2010, Jeremy Corbyn hosted an event in the House of Commons called 'The misuse of the Holocaust for political purposes'. It was part of UK tour called 'Never again for anyone - Auschwitz to Gaza'.
At the event, explicit comparisons were made between Jews in Israel and the Nazis. HMDT is clear that it is not appropriate to make such offensive comparisons on Holocaust Memorial Day.
Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust made the following statement:
‘This event was an appalling misuse of the Holocaust. It trivialised the suffering of millions of Jews by making inappropriate and offensive comparisons.
‘Holocaust Memorial Day is the time to remember the six million Jews, and countless others who were dehumanised, persecuted and murdered by the Nazis, as well as all those who suffered during genocides which followed. It is not a time to challenge the memory of the Holocaust, distort the truth or make offensive and antisemitic comparisons.
‘This event should never have taken place. Having chaired it, it is now incumbent on the Leader of the Opposition to recognise that it sought to misuse the Holocaust. He should make it clear, without delay, that he regrets chairing this appalling event.’