On January 27th, the 74th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we will honour the Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jewish communities across the globe will join together in spirit to say 'Never Again'.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day encourages the development of educational programs about Holocaust history in order to help prevent future acts of genocide. Click here to link to your local Federation website to find out about International Holocaust Remembrance Day events near you.
Since 1988, March of the Living Canada has brought over 13,000 Canadians - survivors, students and community members - to Poland to visit sites of mass murder and Nazi genocide along with visits to once-thriving places of Jewish life and culture.
This year on May 2nd, Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day), the Canadian delegation will march alongside thousands of people from across the globe from Auschwitz to Birkenau, in memory of all victims of the Holocaust and against prejudice, intolerance and hate. The journey will continue to Israel to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut on the streets of Jerusalem.
'As we observe the 2019 International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 74th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, two quotes from Auschwitz survivors are worth reflecting upon.
Auschwitz survivor Henry Appel reminds us that “...there is only one thing worse than Auschwitz itself ... and that is if the world forgets there was such a place”.
Auschwitz should always remain an eternal reminder for humanity's capacity for abject cruelty and evil.
Roman Kent, Auschwitz survivor, teaches us that "Hate is never right and love is never wrong!”
The response to hatred should never be more hatred. Only light can conquer darkness.
As we mark this solemn day, let us be reminded of the ever-present evils of antisemitism and racism. But let our response be guided by love and kindness - which indeed is the most fitting way to honour the millions of our martyred ancestors.'
- Eli Rubenstein, National Director of March of the Living Canada - Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA
March of the Living Canada is a powerful two week experience through Poland and Israel that honours the memory of Holocaust victims and celebrates Israel and the achievements of the Jewish people. Since 1988, over 13,000 Canadians have joined over 260,000 people from 52 countries on the March of the Living. The March of the Living Canada is sponsored nationally by Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA, and locally by the respective Jewish UJA/CJA Federations. Visit www.marchoftheliving.org to learn more.