HAVING witnessed unspeakable horrors at Auschwitz Birkenau as a teenager, Leslie Kleinman understands more than most about the importance of remembering the atrocities that took place.
He lied about his age when he arrived at the concentration camp aged 14 in 1944 - with the Nazis believing him to be 17 and strong enough to work for them. He never saw most of his family again.
Having been rescued in 1945, Mr Kleinman, now aged 87, dedicates his life to ensuring we never forget what happened.
This week has been busier than most for the public speaker, who has visited seven schools and even returned to Auschwitz as part of the build up to Holocaust Memorial Day - taking place today.
He said: “You should never forget it because it is history and history is important.
“In every generation the Jews have been murdered but with all that we have gone through, we are still here. We have kept our ways and we do not forget.”
He added: “I visit schools talking about my experiences in the concentration camp. My mission is to pass a message to the future generations how hatred and intolerance can lead to such horrors.
“Young people need to carry the memory of the Holocaust so such atrocities will never happen again. They don’t realise what it is all about which is why I go and talk to them from the heart.”
While many question why Mr Kleinman would want to return to the camp where lost his loved ones, he is determined to never forget his roots - no matter how dark they may be.
He said: “People always ask me why I go back. I’ve been there a lot. I go back because I want to show people I have never forgotten who I am or where I came from.
“I also go back because I do not have a cemetery to go to where I can say a prayer for my family. I go there and I light candles for them. When I say my blessings, I have in my mind one million people who died there.”
Mr Kleinman added: “I never believe that I am in England. I came from the darkness and into the brightness and that is what I like to pass on - that life would be much easier if we just cared for each other. It only takes a small group of hate to threaten that.”
Memorial services and remembrance events are taking place across the county today.
Anne Brown, county councillor for libraries, said: “It is important that we never forget the terrible events of the holocaust and Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to remember and reflect.
“It is our duty to teach future generations about the events that took place as well as the aftermath when so many innocent lives were taken from us.”
Andrew Moring, councillor for corporate and community support services in Southend, added: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a significant nationally recognised day on which we pay tribute and remember loved ones lost and their families who suffered in genocides throughout the world.
“To do our utmost to prevent such things ever happening again, it is fundamental that we remember and offer everyone the opportunity to learn and understand the horrifying consequences of the Holocaust and other genocides. The council plays a vital role in commemorating this day.”
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