Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau:

“Every Jan. 27, British Columbians join people around the world to commemorate the loss of six million Jews and millions of other marginalized people who were murdered during the Holocaust. These were friends and neighbours, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons.

“As we remember those who are gone, we are also reminded about what happens when we remain silent or indifferent in the face of hate.

“When we say, ‘never again,’ let’s all pledge to follow this promise with action. We must continue to share the stories of those who survived the horrors that took place during the Shoah. We need to make sure younger generations do not forget what happens when people don’t stand up and speak out against anti-Semitism, prejudice and violence.

“By learning from the past, we can begin to build a better, more inclusive future. Today, we reassert our government’s commitment to upholding the human rights of every person, regardless of their religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability or political beliefs.”

For a French translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20200127_STM_PJH_Holocaust%20Remembrance%20Day_FR.pdf