International Holocaust Remembrance Day Statement  

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a somber moment to pause, remember and honour the six million Jewish lives tragically lost during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of others who were persecuted, tortured, and murdered under the brutal regime of Nazi Germany.  

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the largest and most notorious of the Nazi death camps, which serves as a stark reminder of the horrors humanity is capable of when hatred, prejudice, and indifference go unchecked. But it is also a call to action to build systems that safeguard the values of empathy, equity, and respect for all people. 

Canada’s rich diversity is one of our greatest strengths. However, the rise of antisemitic acts in this country, from hate speech to physical violence, reminds us that the battle against hate is far from over. 

In December 2024, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights released the report titled Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It  which explores the rise of antisemitism, focusing on university environments and broader societal contexts since October 2023. The report emphasizes the need for safety measures, educational reforms, and policy changes.  

The memory of the Holocaust is not just a historical account; it is a living lesson. In today’s world, we must ensure that the hatred that led to the genocide of six million Jews does not take root again. Our collective responsibility is to safeguard human dignity, uphold the values of inclusion, and resist all forms of hate wherever they appear.

– Mohammed Hashim, CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. 

As part of our efforts to combat antisemitism, the CRRF and other partners are supporting a new exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) called Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. This powerful exhibition focuses on the history and legacy of Germany’s largest concentration camp and will run from January 10, 2025, to September 1, 2025.  

In February 2025, the Government of Canada will hold a National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism in Ottawa to discuss the growing public safety threat of antisemitism in this country. 

Today, as we remember those who perished in the Holocaust, we also renew our commitment to educating future generations about the dangers of prejudice and the importance of standing up for justice.  

Let us honour the memories of the victims of the Holocaust by fostering a culture of compassion, equity, and kindness — a world where the horrors of the past can never be repeated.