City commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today the City of Calgary is, for the first time, officially recognizing and commemorating a city-wide International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The City joins others around the globe in mourning and remembrance on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.
Recent surveys show that one in five Canadian youth haven’t heard of the Holocaust or aren’t sure what it is. According to tatistics Canada, Jewish people are the most frequently targeted group when it comes to police reported hate crimes The City’s inclusion in this international movement is an effort to remind and educate Calgarians about the horrors of the Nazi-perpetrated genocide of the Jewish people and others that were imprisoned, tortured, and murdered by the regime. It is also an opportunity for education and dialogue around anti-Semitism in Calgary and around the world.
“This is a solemn day for remembrance and to come together as a community,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “We observe this day to keep in mind those whose lives were lost in the name of hatred, those who still face oppression because of their race or religion or orientation or identity, and take the time to raise awareness of a history that we must acknowledge and discuss. We stand in unity with Calgary’s Jewish community and with all those who condemn anti-Semitism and discrimination of all kinds.”
“As the world loses its first-hand knowledge of the horrors of the Holocaust to the passage of time, it is so important that humanity works together to ensure that this darkest moment in history is never forgotten. We are proud to be part of a city that recognizes the importance of this endeavour, and to partner with the entire community to achieve this goal,” said Yannai Segal, President of Calgary Jewish Federation.
The January 27 date will be honoured annually by The City of Calgary.
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Media Contacts:
Calgary Jewish Federation
Amy Glassman Boiko
aglassmanboiko@jewishcalgary.org
403-444-3153 (office) or 403-826-3381 (cell)
City of Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi