International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 27. It is a solemn occasion for the global community to honour the millions of lives lost during one of the darkest periods in human history. As we pay respect to the victims and survivors, we also recognize the importance of remembering, learning, and working together to build a world rooted in empathy and understanding. 

Holocaust Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities committed during World War II. The systemic persecution and genocide orchestrated by the Nazis claimed the lives of six million Jews, along with millions of others, including Romani people, disabled individuals, political dissidents, and more. By dedicating a day to remembrance, we ensure that past horrors are not forgotten. 

The Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and unchecked power. It prompts us to explore the roots of prejudice and the importance of standing against injustice. Through education, we empower ourselves to recognize early signs of discrimination and actively work to prevent repetition of such atrocities.  

Survivors of the Holocaust play a role in ensuring that the lessons of the past are passed down to future generations. Their stories serve as living reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.  

As survivors age, preserving and sharing their stories has become increasingly important, allowing their experiences to inspire empathy and action in younger generations. 

Canada has the fourth-largest Jewish community in the world, with a population of over 390,000. More than eight in ten Canadian Jews define themselves as being of Ashkenazi ancestry (from Western Europe and Eastern Europe), and one in ten is of Sephardi or Mizrachi ancestry (from Southern Europe and the Middle East). 

Antisemitism continues to persist in Canada through: 

• vandalism and graffiti 
• circulation of hate propaganda 
• intolerant and racist language on social media 
• bomb threats to Jewish schools and community centers 
• intimidation of Jewish university students  

As we observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, let it be more than a day of mourning; let it be a catalyst for positive change. By educating ourselves and others, fostering empathy, and actively working against discrimination, we contribute to creating a world where the lessons of the past guide us toward a more compassionate future.