Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau:

“Today, we join people around the world to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated Jan. 27 as a day of remembrance to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. On this day, we also honour the survivors, and recognize all those who risked their lives to save others during the dark days of the Holocaust.

“We remember those who were murdered simply for who they were and what they believed. Six million Jews and millions more people were systematically persecuted and murdered by the Nazis because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, perceived disability, nationality and political ideology.

“The atrocities committed are staggering. At the same time, we can never lose sight of the fact that behind the numbers are real human beings: beloved children, siblings, aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents. Through the stories of survivors and their families, the horrors of the Holocaust will always live on.

“In memory of those lost, and those whose lives were tragically altered by the Shoah, we vow ‘Never again’.

“We must always speak out against antisemitism, prejudice and violence. We will never forget the atrocities of the past and we will always share these lessons with younger generations.

“Our government will always stand up for human rights, here in B.C. and around the world. We will never stop our work to build a province that is more just, safe and inclusive for everyone.”

Video Link:

For a video of the Premier’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day statement: https://youtu.be/SReUI7BdKpk