HAMILTON — Conservative MP and Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman received the Tom Weisz Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy Award, presented by the Hamilton Jewish Federation and the Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy Centre.
The award was presented in a ceremony held this week. It recognizes Lantsman’s significant efforts in promoting Holocaust education and protecting Jewish communities in Canada.
In social media posts, Lantsman said she was “deeply honoured and humbled” by the award. She credited it to her efforts in raising awareness of Holocaust history and fighting antisemitism in public life.
The award is named in memory of Tom Weisz, a respected Jewish educator whose work inspired generations. It was established this year to recognize individuals who make meaningful contributions to Holocaust learning and Jewish advocacy.
Representatives from both the Hamilton Jewish Federation and Margaret’s Legacy Centre praised Lantsman’s initiatives. They highlighted her role in advancing Holocaust awareness in Parliament and her leadership in national campaigns addressing antisemitism.
Lantsman, a Toronto-area MP and Canada’s first openly gay Jewish MP, cited the importance of maintaining both education and vigilance. “Holocaust knowledge is our strongest defence against hate,” she said in her remarks.
Lantsman has also been a vocal advocate for robust Canadian-Israel relations. She has repeatedly cautioned against normalizing extremist views and has pushed for stronger security measures for Jewish and Israeli institutions in Canada.
Her stance on Israel and Jewish issues has earned her widespread praise from Jewish and Zionist organizations across Canada.
This article is based on verified information from Melissa Lantsman’s official social media accounts, statements from the Hamilton Jewish Federation and Margaret’s Legacy Centre, and reliable coverage of the award ceremony.