York Region Recognizes International Holocaust Remembrance Day

York Region joins people around the world to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration and Extermination Camp.

On this day, we remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other people murdered because of their sexual orientation, perceived disability and nationality or political ideology. The victims of this dark time in history were parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings and children who were killed simply for who they were or their beliefs.

We also use this day to honour the survivors and heroes who risked their lives to save others. Their stories have immortalized the human suffering of the Holocaust and serve as a reminder that we must continue to learn from this dark moment in history and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Sadly, we know discrimination, violence, xenophobia and antisemitism still exist. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has highlighted this in communities around the world, including York Region.

There is much we can do, both through words and actions, to address this xenophobia and intolerance. Together, we must commit to standing up and speaking out against antisemitism, prejudice and violence wherever it is encountered – and challenge any attempts to distort history and the horrors of the Holocaust.

York Region is committed to fostering welcoming and inclusive communities that recognize and celebrate all dimensions of diversity. As a government, Regional Council will always stand up for human rights and will continue to build strong, caring and safe communities for all who call York Region home.