StarBuzzOnline.com : Keeping lessons from the Holocaust alive

Monday, June 16, 2014

Keeping lessons from the Holocaust alive

Canada participates in Yad Vashem’s 60th anniversary mission

June 14, 2014 — Jerusalem, Israel — Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, is attending Yad Vashem’s International 60th Anniversary Mission to Israel on behalf of the Government of Canada, highlighting Canada’s continued efforts to promote Holocaust remembrance, education and research.

Yad Vashem, Israel’s official living memorial to Jewish victims of the Holocaust, is the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust. To mark the 60th anniversary since its creation, Yad Vashem is leading an international mission through Poland and Israel to educate participants on the horrors Jews faced during the Holocaust. This mission will also allow participants to experience first-hand the remarkable range of activities conducted by Yad Vashem.

Minister Uppal is attending the Israel portion of the mission, demonstrating Canada’s position as a world leader in the global fight against anti-Semitism and the government’s commitment to Holocaust commemoration. Canada’s recent efforts to promote Holocaust education and remembrance include the development of a National Holocaust Monument, to be unveiled in Ottawa in fall 2015. In addition, Canada chaired the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) from March 2013 to February 2014. Canada continues to work closely with IHRA as an active member country.

Quick facts

· Canada has been profoundly shaped by approximately 40,000 Holocaust survivors, who resettled across the country after World War II.

· In 2011, Canada was the first country to sign the Ottawa Protocol on Combating Anti-Semitism, an international action plan to help nations measure their progress in the fight against anti-Semitism.

· Canada joined IHRA in 2009 and was named Chair in March 2013.

· Yad Vashem was established in 1953.

Quote

“I’m proud to take part in this important mission to Israel to see the significant initiatives undertaken by Yad Vashem to commemorate the Holocaust and to reinforce Canada’s dedication to combating anti-Semitism in all its forms. Our government is committed to raising awareness of the Holocaust, of the fate of its victims and of the resilience of those that survived. Over the coming days, I look forward not only to participating in the many tours and presentations of the mission but also to bringing the important lessons Yad Vashem is teaching to Canada.”

Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism)