From the Prime Minister of Canada
On Yom Hashoah, Canadians stand together to remember the countless innocent people, including the nearly six million Jewish men, women and children who suffered and died at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust.
As we mark the liberation of the first Nazi concentration camp in Buchenwald, Germany, let us also pay tribute to all those brave souls who fought with the Jewish resistance during this dark period, and let us renew our own commitment to continue their fight against all forms of intolerance, discrimination and antisemitism.
On March 5, Canada became the chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). As chair, Canada is committed to an ambitious campaign to raise Holocaust awareness and fight antisemitism at home and abroad. Canada will host a major IHRA conference in October in Toronto.
The atrocities of the Holocaust betrayed the fundamental value of human dignity. We must never allow such unthinkable crimes to be forgotten or repeated.
Stephen Harper
Prime Minister
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From the Premier of Ontario
On behalf of the government of Ontario, I am deeply honoured to join our province’s Jewish community in observing Yom Hashoah.
It is only by remembering the heinous crimes of the Holocaust that we can strengthen our resolve to never let such a tragedy happen again. And it is by paying tribute to the Holocaust’s victims and heroes – and by telling their individual stories – that we are reminded anew of the need to continue building a society based on mutual respect, acceptance and understanding.
For Ontarians of different faiths and backgrounds, Yom Hashoah is an opportunity to learn more about the immensity and meaning of the Holocaust – a time to reflect on the millions of innocent lives it claimed, the inspirational testimonies of its survivors and the obligation it has placed on all humanity to never remain silent in the face of injustice, intolerance and bigotry.
As Jewish Canadians mark Yom Hashoah, I encourage all Ontarians to rededicate themselves to the principles of a just and fair society.
Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
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From the Leader of the Official Opposition
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember with deep sadness the systematic extermination of six million human beings simply because they were Jewish.
As we reflect on the absolute horror that was inflicted on so many innocents, we pay tribute to the incredible strength and determination of those who survived. We also recognize the courage of those who provided refuge at tremendous risk to their personal safety.
The Holocaust profoundly transformed our perception of humanity and what humanity is capable of. It is our duty to remain vigilant against intolerance, racism and hatred of any kind and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Lest we forget.
Thomas Mulcair
Leader of the Official Opposition
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From the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
On Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – we reflect on the unique horror of the Holocaust, and remember the six million innocent men, women and children who were brutally murdered by the Nazis. In Israel, Yom Hashoah is a national memorial day. In Canada, communities gather across the country to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, pay tribute to the survivors and recognize the righteous individuals who risked their lives to save others.
Although the Shoah stands alone in the annals of human evil for its systematic cruelty and killing, it is essential that we never forget the lessons of the past and continue to educate future generations about the pernicious effects of prejudice and hatred. This is why Canada is committed to Holocaust remembrance, education and research, and to leading global efforts to fight antisemitism.
Last month, Canada assumed the position of chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. We assumed this role with a sense of pride and duty, and have committed to an ambitious campaign in the year ahead to raise Holocaust awareness and combat antisemitism, both domestically and internationally.
As minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I encourage Canadians to use the occasion of Yom Hashoah to learn about the Holocaust, commemorate the victims and pledge to combat antisemitism, racism and all forms of discrimination.
Jason Kenney
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism