On January 29th, representatives of CHES presented to Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as part of their commemorations of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In a virtual town hall, Holocaust Survivor Dr. Agnes Klein and CHES director Artur Wilczynski shared their experiences with over 450 Health Canada and PHAC colleagues. The event was opened by Health Canada’s Deputy Minister, Stephen Lucas.
The event was organized by Health Canada’s Jewish Employee Network. It was an opportunity to highlight the importance of Holocaust remembrance and education. It was also an opportunity to talk about the rise in antisemitism in Canada and around the world.
Dr. Klein shared her experiences as a child survivor from Romania. She spoke about the lifelong effects the memories of her and her family’s experiences. She spoke about why those experiences compel her to address the rise in antisemitism we are seeing across Canada today.
Artur provided a broad overview of who we are as Jews and the long history and complex nature of antisemitism that culminated in the Holocaust. He also spoke about the history of antisemitism in Canada. The presentation showed how the war in Gaza has amplified antisemitism, including Holocaust denial and diminishment, and called on participants to speak out and act against antisemitism.
CHES continues to work with partners in the community to speak to the history and complexity of the Holocaust, while also addressing modern manifestations of antisemitism. We thank Health Canada organizers Kayla Estrin and Sheri Todd for their important work in combating antisemitism across the Government of Canada.
Artur Wilczynski is a CHES director.
