Kindertransport refugee calls for action on anti-Semitism

A Jewish child refugee, who escaped to England before the outbreak of the Second World War, has warned people about becoming blasé over the horrors of the Holocaust.
Ernest Simon, a Jewish refugee who was born in Austria in 1930 and came to England as part of the Kindertransport rescue, was at Hounslow’s Civic Centre as part of the borough’s commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Mr Simon said: “I think it’s important people should realise the Holocaust is not just a part of history, it is history which has significance. If you do not take account of the terrible things that did happen, you just become blasé.”
He was joined by local school children from St Mark’s Catholic School in Hounslow, the Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Corinna Smart, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Amrit Mann and the borough’s Deputy Lieutenant, Maria Pedro, at the event.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Smart said: “Hounslow is proud to host this event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and welcome Ernest.
“It’s a day when we can all take time to remember the millions murdered by the Nazis so we can make sure this crime against humanity never happens again.”
Cllr Mann added: “What we have seen and heard this morning sends out many powerful messages, not least of all to keep the memory alive.
“It is a call to action in which we can all play a part – together as one.
“Sadly, the spectre of anti-Semitism has raised its ugly head again recently, and we must unite to ensure it is wiped out forever.”

January 29th , 2015