The Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) has expressed appreciation for a significant financial commitment from the government, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an additional £2 million

for Holocaust education during her budget speech.

Addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday, Reeves paid homage to Lily Ebert, a Holocaust survivor and educator who recently passed away at the age of 100. She emphasized the importance of remembering the voices and experiences of those who witnessed the atrocities of the Nazi era firsthand.

Reeves declared, “I am today committing a further £2 million for Holocaust education next year, so that organizations like the Holocaust Educational Trust can continue their crucial work. It is essential to preserve these vital testimonies for future generations.”

HET Chief Executive Karen Pollock CBE responded positively, calling the funding “fantastic news.” She expressed gratitude to the Chancellor for recognizing the critical moment in history as the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles and highlighted the importance of preserving their accounts.

“We are immensely thankful that the Chancellor understands the urgency of ensuring that survivor testimonies remain available and impactful for generations to come,” Pollock said. She also spoke about the need to use modern technology to engage young people, mentioning HET’s innovative program, Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust. Launched earlier this year, the initiative allows students to engage interactively with survivor testimonies and virtually explore significant Holocaust sites directly from their classrooms.

Pollock added, “With rising antisemitism and as the Holocaust transitions from living history to history, this work is more critical and urgent than ever.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also underscored the significance of Holocaust education during HET’s annual dinner in September. He pledged to keep Holocaust education on the national curriculum, emphasizing a “new national ambition” to ensure that every student has the opportunity to hear recorded survivor testimonies, reinforcing the commitment to Holocaust remembrance in the UK.