Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua reflects on the atrocities of the Holocaust
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City of Vaughan proclaims January 27 International
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after Council proclaimed January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Vaughan:
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after Council proclaimed January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Vaughan:
“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we
remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and pay tribute to the
survivors. This solemn day also serves to raise awareness and deepen our
collective understanding of the significant lessons learned as a result of the
Holocaust.
“Holocaust denial and other forms of antisemitic
demonstrations continue to threaten communities and undermine democracy. We
have a shared responsibility to stop antisemitism in all its forms and
manifestations through education and public consciousness. By means of this
proclamation, each year the City of Vaughan will reflect on this horrific
genocide and honour the victims and their families.
“In May 2019, the City of Vaughan officially
marked Jewish Heritage Month. That month, we also held a flag-raising ceremony
in recognition of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day and commemorated Yom
Hashoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day. Celebrations like the City’s
annual menorah lighting ceremonies to mark Chanukah have become
much-anticipated traditions enjoyed by citizens of all backgrounds and faiths. The City of Vaughan has also adopted
the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of
antisemitism as adopted at the IHRA plenary on May 26, 2016.
“In November 2019, I led a mission to
Israel. During our visit to Yad Vashem — Israel’s official memorial to the
victims of the Holocaust — I once again reflected on the unthinkable atrocities
committed during the Holocaust. At the Western Wall — a place of prayer and
pilgrimage — I was reminded, encouraged and inspired by the strength,
resiliency and sense of mission embodied by the Jewish people.
“As years pass, there are fewer Holocaust
survivors to share their stories with us. And yet, the first-hand accounts of
Holocaust horrors are the strongest and most powerful.
“Vaughan resident Max Eisen is a Holocaust
survivor and educator who has maintained a life-long commitment to teaching and
inspiring others through his personal experiences. He has become a beacon of
hope and has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to promote the importance of
the noble values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
“Last June, I was honoured to present Mr. Eisen
with a Key to the City in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the
city of Vaughan and the world. He is also a 2019 recipient of the Order of
Vaughan — the City’s highest honour, which he received during a ceremony in
December.
“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I
encourage all residents to take time to listen to survivors’ stories and pause
to reflect on how such tragedies occurred so that they may never happen again.
“We must never forget.”
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LEARN MORE
- International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism
- Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua welcomes Galit Baram, Consul General of Israel in Toronto
- Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes Israel Independence Day
- Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes Jewish Heritage Month
- Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua presents Max Eisen with Key to the City
- Staff Report: 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Mission to Israel
- 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan