On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Canadian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Holocaust, as part of International Holocaust Remembrance Day observances.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, issued a joint statement remembering the 6 million Jews and other victims of the Holocaust. They highlighted the horrors of Auschwitz, where 1.1 million people, including one million Jews, were murdered by the Nazi regime. The ministers underscored the importance of safeguarding the stories of those lost and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
“Preserving the stories of these innocent lives and educating ourselves about the Holocaust and the hatred that fueled it is essential,” the ministers stated, noting the rise of antisemitism in Canada and globally. “We must ensure that the truth of the Holocaust and the stories of survivors are never distorted or denied.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of six million Jewish people and millions of others, including Roma, Sinti, political dissidents, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. He condemned the rise in antisemitism, particularly in the wake of recent global events, and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to combatting hate.
Over the past 15 months, especially following the Hamas attack against Israel, antisemitic incidents have surged, creating an atmosphere of fear within Jewish communities. In response, the government has introduced new measures to protect these communities, including the Canada Community Security Program and a National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism set for March.