Today, six candles were lit in a ceremony at the provincial legislature to honour the six million Jewish men, women and children killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945.

Multiculturalism Minister Teresa Wat and MLA for Vancouver-Langara Moira Stilwell were joined by representatives from The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, Victoria Holocaust Remembrance and Education Society, and more than 35 Holocaust survivors to remember and honour the victims of the largest act of systematic genocide in history.

Holocaust Memorial Day is also a day to remember the more than five million people who died and experienced oppression during the same time period because of their physical or mental disabilities, race, religion or sexual orientation.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of prisoners from the Auschwitz concentration camp where at least 1.1 million prisoners were killed. On Jan. 27, 1945, the Soviet army entered Auschwitz and liberated more than 7,000 prisoners.

Proclaimed by the Province, April 16 marks Yom Ha’Shoah or Holocaust Memorial Day.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism -

“Remembering the Holocaust gives us the opportunity to commemorate this tragic event and reflect on the lessons it holds for us today. British Columbia has an open and inclusive society, and we continue to be vigilant to ensure racism, bigotry and discrimination are not tolerated. Yom Ha’Shoah serves as a reminder of the haunting consequences of injustice and intolerance.”

Yael Levin, manager of Community Relations, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Pacific Region -

“With the passage of time and fewer survivors in our midst, preserving the memories of those who overcame the horrors of the Holocaust has never been more important. Today, throughout B.C. and around the world we bear witness to the strength and courage of those who survived and remember those who did not. While Jewish communities around the globe sadly face continued anti-Semitism we are reminded how fortunate we are to live in B.C. where countless ethnicities, cultures and religions not only coexist but thrive for the betterment of us all.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2003, The House of Commons established Holocaust Memorial Day as an official day of commemoration in Canada. The day is also observed each year by the legislature of the Province of British Columbia.
• The Holocaust Memorial Day Act was passed in 2000 and British Columbia was the second province to officially recognize this day in Canada.
• Yom Ha’Shoah is observed around the world and the day is determined each year by the Jewish calendar.
• Since 2002, over $9.1 million has been spent on funding programs and initiatives promoting multiculturalism, addressing racism and building inclusive communities in British Columbia.
• B.C. is the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, and welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year.
• Every year, the third week of November in British Columbia is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week.

Learn More:

Unlearn Racism Educational resource: www.UnlearnRacism.ca

Know Hate video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8ZEpxDgvk

End Hate Crime booklet: http://bit.ly/1rF8qK5

EmbraceBC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

B.C. Multicultural Advisory Council: http://tinyurl.com/n4nvauv

Holocaust Memorial Day Act: http://bit.ly/1I5OBq7

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Minister
Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-7293