As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a chilling survey reveals that a growing number of young Canadians believe the Holocaust has been exaggerated. This troubling trend comes at a time when the number of living Holocaust survivors is rapidly decreasing, making education about the atrocities more critical than ever.
A study conducted by Leger in May 2024 found that 18% of Canadians aged 18 to 24 and 15% of those aged 25 to 34 agreed with the statement, “I think the Holocaust was exaggerated.” These figures have increased compared to a similar poll conducted earlier in the year, highlighting a rise in Holocaust denial and distortion. Among Canadians aged 35 to 44, agreement with the statement rose from 5% to 8%, while the 45-to-54 age group saw an increase from 4% to 11%.
Deborah Lyons, Canada’s special envoy on antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance, expressed concern about the challenge of preserving Holocaust education as survivors pass away. “A story like the Holocaust is first and foremost an emotional story. Losing those survivors now as they pass on is particularly challenging for us to work through new ways of helping people understand,” Lyons said.
The importance of survivor testimonies is underscored by events like the commemorations at Auschwitz, where only about 50 survivors are expected to attend this year. Lyons, who attended the March of the Living at Auschwitz in 2024, described the dual emotions of mourning the victims and honoring the resilience of those who survived. She emphasized the need to find innovative ways to make Holocaust education resonate with younger generations.
A separate survey conducted this month revealed that younger Canadians are increasingly turning to online sources for information about the Holocaust. Among respondents under 25, 22% cited online platforms as their primary source of knowledge. However, films and documentaries remain the most common sources of Holocaust education across all age groups, with 34% of respondents relying on them.
Despite the challenges, there is reason for hope. The poll also found that 46% of Canadians, particularly younger individuals, expressed interest in learning more about the Holocaust. To meet this need, the federal government launched a five-year, $5 million fund in December to promote Holocaust education through public campaigns, school programs, and creative mediums like art and music.
Lyons stressed the importance of human connection in teaching about the Holocaust. “What is so compelling and intensely disturbing about the Holocaust is how it happened through years of planning—humans systematically dehumanizing and killing others,” she said. “We owe it to our young people to share this story in ways that enrich their understanding of humanity and the dangers of hatred.”