On Jan. 27, the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, three months to the date after the unspeakable slaughter of Jewish worshippers at their synagogue in Pittsburgh. While the Holocaust is many years in the past, the rise in anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and prejudice worldwide and in sa国际传媒 is very much in the present.
In the wake of the Pittsburgh killing, the Jewish community of Victoria and Vancouver Island held a vigil to remember those killed and injured. The support of the Victoria community was a blessing.
On behalf of the Jewish community of Victoria and Vancouver Island, I would like to thank all of our fellow Island residents for this outpouring of support. Events such as this shine a light on the true spirit of a community, and the folks here on Vancouver Island truly shone brightly.
All people on the Island, both as individuals and as a community, were made stronger by the love and support given to the Jewish community as we tried to make sense of the killings. While we are seeing a society-wide rise in racism of all types, it is clear that on the Island, hatred is on the fringes and that the strong, beating heart of our community is one of love and inclusivity.
We invite members of our community to reflect on the meaning of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 鈥� that we as a society will actively reject hatred and racism of all types to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
Jeff Kushner
Vice-president
The Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island
