Dear Friends,

This past Monday our community commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD), honouring the survivors and remembering the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with millions of other persecuted groups, including Romani people, Poles, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Each year, on January 27th, we mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, by Soviet forces in 1945. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, this day serves as a solemn reminder of one of history’s darkest chapters and underscores the importance of combating antisemitism, racism, and intolerance.

In the frigid cold, and with the wind bellowing through the site of the National Holocaust Monument, we gathered and heard remarks from elected officials, community leaders, emissaries from around the world, including His Excellency, the Ambassador of Israel to Canada, Iddo Moed. Each speaker recognized the strength and resilience of our survivors, the great pain and loss of those who were murdered, and the imperative of speaking out against antisemitism and hate. (View the recording of the event here.)

Our very own Karen Palayew, chair of the Federation board of directors, was one of the speakers. In her remarks she reminded us of the need to be hopeful and to empower our young adults: “Today, as we remember those who perished, and honour the survivors, we look to our future with hope. Hope that through Holocaust remembrance and education, our youth will become the strong voices (speaking out against racism, hatred, and discrimination), ensuring that humanity never forgets the atrocities of our past, working towards a more peaceful world for all.”

Other landmarks illuminated in honour of International Holocaust Remembrance Day were City Hall, the National Holocaust Monument, and the Peace Tower.

Remembrance is vital not only to honour the victims but also to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten. Survivors and historians emphasize that forgetting or distorting history could allow such horrors to happen again. We frequently read news of Canadian youth who know staggeringly little, if anything, about the Holocaust. We also see inaccurate comparisons made by protestors and hear and see Nazi language and gestures made by influential leaders. It is becoming cliché to say never again is now, but that is the sad truth. Global Jewry and its allies continue to experience escalating hate, perpetuation of disinformation, and an online prevalence of conspiracy theories by social media influencers. We must continue to ensure we hold hateful people and hateful organizations to account.

As we experienced IHRD, we also managed our feelings related to the recent release of Israeli hostages and the anticipation of more people being set free (with the release of three Israelis and five Thai nationals yesterday). The agreement has triggered many emotions, bringing resolution and joy to have some of our dear hostages back, but also bringing news that some will not be returning home, and that many, too many, who are returned will not be alive. Though there will be some closure, there will be immense pain. As a community physically far, but spiritually close, to Israel, we will experience these highs and lows along with the broader diaspora community and with our brothers and sisters in Israel.

In the coming weeks as more hostages are released, we must support one another, give space to one another, and recommit ourselves to our community, to Jewish Ottawa. As one, we will navigate these challenging times. As one, we will continue to be vibrant and strong. As one, we will continue to proclaim

– Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam

Upcoming!

Kindness in Action: Tikkun Olam Day

February 17 at 10 am

Join us for a heartwarming Mitzvah adventure this Family Day! Gather your loved ones and participate in a series of meaningful Mitzvahs to kick off Kindness Week.

Find out more and register here.