The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said in a statement: “The Holocaust was one of the very darkest times in human history and we must never forget the atrocities committed. As the years pass, and as we have fewer survivors to pass on their stories, it is vital that we work even harder to preserve the site and ensure younger generations learn the lessons from history.”
He added: “These lessons are all the more significant as we see anti-Semitism and hate crime on the rise.
“By joining others from around the world in giving a grant to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, we will be able to preserve this hugely important site and educate people about the Holocaust and the history of many Jewish Londoners for decades to come.”
Sadiq Khan has said he will come to Poland on January 27 for commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
“I will stand with survivors and cities and countries from around the world to remember all those who were killed in, and suffered the horrors of, the Holocaust”, he added.
According to the Auschwitz Memorial Museum, delegations from 31 countries have confirmed they will take part in the commemorative event on January 27.
Over 200 former camp prisoners and Holocaust survivors are expected to attend, including 120 from abroad.
(mk/pk)