OTTAWA,
ON, May 5, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister,
Justin Trudeau, today issued the
following statement on Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust
Remembrance Day:
"Tonight at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will mark Yom
HaShoah.
"On this day, we solemnly remember the six million Jews who were
systematically and senselessly murdered during the Holocaust.
"As one of the darkest chapters in history, the unimaginable
loss and inhumanity faced during the Holocaust will never fade. We
can never bring back the lives lost. We can never finish the
stories left incomplete. Many of those who survived and their
descendants continue to live with the trauma of what occurred. It's
why remembering the past – however
painful – also reminds us of our eternal
obligation to stop this from ever happening again.
"This year, Yom HaShoah, and its message, comes as Jewish
communities are still reeling from the events of October 7, 2023. Hamas' brutal terrorist attacks
against Israel were the deadliest
attacks on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Canada unequivocally condemns the attacks and
anyone who glorifies Hamas' indefensible actions. Hamas are not
freedom fighters; they are not a resistance; they are
terrorists.
"Since October 7, Jewish
communities in Canada and around
the world have experienced a disturbing rise in antisemitism. That
is unacceptable and must not continue. Whether it's at a synagogue
or a Jewish business or school; whether it's wearing the Star of
David or a Kippah – Jewish Canadians deserve to
feel safe, supported, and welcomed. They deserve to live openly and
proudly Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.
"To Jewish Canadians, know that we stand with you. Our
solidarity is steadfast. And our commitment to your safety is
ironclad. We will continue to take action to keep you safe and
raise awareness about antisemitism. Budget 2024 announced the
creation of a new permanent national Holocaust remembrance program,
with a $5 million investment. This
will support initiatives to preserve the memory of the Holocaust
and help more Canadians learn about the atrocities and the
antisemitism that led to them. Budget 2024 also invests over
$273 million over six years to
implement Canada's Action Plan on
Combatting Hate, including over $29
million ongoing to combat hate crimes and enhance community
security. And we're renewing Canada's National Holocaust Monument,
increasing its visibility and engagement so its lessons reach even
more communities across the country.
"Today, and everyday, we honour and celebrate the courage and
resilience of Jewish Canadians and the Jewish people. As ceremonies
are held in schools, synagogues, and community centres across the
country, I encourage all Canadians to speak out against
antisemitism and to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the
Holocaust.
"Together, let us never forget and let us all repeat the vow:
'Never again'."
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office