International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day which calls us to reflect on the unspeakable horrors of Nazi Germany leading up to and during World War 2. This is a vital moment for humanity to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our commitment to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Between 1941 and 1945, six million Jewish people - alongside many other marginalized groups - were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime. This genocide represents the horrifying consequences of unfettered power, and unchecked hatred and prejudice, which were allowed to thrive in a world that did not fully comprehend the potential for unspeakable evil to triumph over compassion and humanity. We now know better.
Commemorating this day is not simply about remembering the past; but about confronting the present moment we live in. Anti-Semitism - far from being a relic of history - continues to fester in contemporary culture. Synagogues are attacked, Jewish individuals and communities face threats and violence, and harmful conspiracies persist on social media platforms, echoing the dehumanization that enabled the Holocaust. Hateful ideologies have gained disturbing momentum across the globe, exploiting economic and social anxieties to fuel division and oppression. The Holocaust teaches us that such ideologies, if left unaddressed, can lead to unimaginable violence.
By commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we ensure that the stories of survivors and victims are not lost or forgotten. Their stories are powerful reminders of the fragility of human rights and the responsibilities each of us have to protect them. Education, remembrance, and ongoing, public and persistent dialogue are our most potent tools in the fight against hatred, and ensuring history does not repeat itself.
By honoring this day, we reaffirm a universal commitment to reject bigotry in all forms. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and individuals to stand against anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia, and to champion the values of equality, dignity, and justice. Remembering the Holocaust is much more than an act of reflection; it is an act of resistance against hatred and a promise to build a better, more compassionate world.
The preceding is a statement from Joseph Fraser, Director & CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.