January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is an important day, because 81 years ago the Auschwitz- Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination camp was liberated. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time for all of us to remember, mourn, and honour the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, along with the millions of others targeted by Nazi persecution.
Today is an opportunity for us to reflect and remember how unchecked antisemitism, racism and hate can have devastating consequences. History teaches us that if we allow what divides us to become bigger than our shared humanity, we all lose. Days like these are a reminder of our collective responsibility to lead with empathy, compassion and to work together to protect and uplift the human rights and dignity of every member of our community.
Jewish individuals and communities face bullying, violence and threats on a daily basis in our country and around the world. Antisemitism and hate have no place in Canada or at U of G. It’s up to each and every one of us to work tirelessly every day to create a campus where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. That includes calling out hatred when we see or hear it, whether it’s through symbols, words, violence or gestures. Antisemitism in any form is wrong.
This week, I invite you to reflect and learn more about the Holocaust and the consequences of unchallenged antisemitism and hate. There are several events being held by the student club Guelph Hillel at U of G including:
- Holocaust Survivor Testimony – Tuesday, January 27, 6 p.m., zoom
- Holocaust Education Week Exhibit – Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:30 – 7 p.m., UC Courtyard
- Holocaust Memorial Ceremony – Thursday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., UC Courtyard
I want you to know, that the Office of Diversity and Human Rights takes Antisemitism and hate seriously. We are developing several new trainings and updating existing training modules to identify and address these issues.
So today, as we mourn the millions of lives lost, let’s commit to challenging antisemitism when we see it, and work together to build a solid foundation for social justice and dignity at U of G where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Indira Naidoo-Harris
AVP, Diversity and Human Rights