The North Down MLA was speaking following the launch of the ‘Love in a Cold World’ exhibition at the Assembly to mark the upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27. The event, which was sponsored by Mr Muir, is a collaboration between local artist Leslie Nicholl and Brighton-based musicians the Life and Death Orchestra. 

“The Holocaust should be a lesson to us all of the consequences of letting anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice go unchecked,” he said.

“However, sadly too many atrocities and genocides have since been committed, such as those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. 

“This year’s theme, the ‘fragility of freedom’, is an apt and timely reminder the hard-fought progress made since World War II can all too easily be lost. As populist politics continues to threaten the democratic world and too many choose to scapegoat, it is more important than ever we unite to stand against hatred. 

“I for one am immensely proud of Northern Ireland’s history of offering shelter for people in need, whether the children who fled the Nazis as part of the Kindertransport or more recently the Ukrainian families forced to leave by Putin’s aggression. However, it is sadly the case refugees are increasingly being met with cold hearts rather than empathy.  As a party, Alliance will always act with compassion and speak out against anti-Semitism, prejudice and hatred in all their forms. 

"This exhibition was an opportunity to reflect through the poignant work of my constituent Leslie Nicholl, which included paintings inspired by the music of the Life and Death Orchestra and portraits of real people who lived through the Holocaust. I would congratulate Leslie for what is a stunning exhibition.”

Pictured are James Stewart (Bangor Academy), Leslie Nicholl (Artist), Vicky Cameron (Bangor Academy), Natalie Pogson (Bangor Academy), Andrew Muir MLA and Shirley Lennon (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust).