Education vital to moving past darkness of violence
This past weekend, the Jewish people were once again reminded of the ancient hatred that finds its expression in the murder of innocents.
Jewish communities around the world are now living through a time of tragedy and sorrow, following the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were killed simply because they were Jewish.
Tragically, they were struck down by an anti-Semitic hate that has targeted our people in so many places and at so many times throughout history. It has reached our doorsteps here in North America in its most heinous and unforgiving form.
Despite the grief, and anger, now is a time for healing. For standing together with those experiencing inconsolable pain. For saluting the bravery of law enforcement officials, and for remembering individuals whose lives so mirrored our own. Now is a time when we must all come together and anchor ourselves in the Jewish and universal Canadian values that we all hold dear.
We are not alone in the fight against anti-Semitism. I am moved and motivated by the outpouring of support from so many organizations and leaders across the community who immediately reached out in solidarity.
On Monday evening, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs brought the community together, including many organizations both in the Jewish community and among other faith groups, in an emotional and inspiring vigil in memory of the victims.
More than 5,000 Torontonians packed Mel Lastman Square — along with thousands more who watched on television and on our live stream — and stood shoulder to shoulder with leaders from numerous faiths, representatives of all levels of government and civic and labour leaders to condemn anti-Semitism and hate. Despite the sense of overwhelming sadness, the vigil was a truly inspiring community event and I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support of the Toronto community.
Now comes the hard work of determining how to move forward. How can we keep our community safe from antiSemitism, from racism and bigotry, and from the violence which it breeds?
Perhaps it is timely that less than a week after the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in North American history, we prepare to kickoff the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Centre for Holocaust Studies’ 38th annual Holocaust Education Week, which educates people about the dangers of anti-Semitism and hate in all its forms.
At this important moment, I believe Holocaust education, which draws a direct line between the promotion of racism and its violent effects, is the most important tool we possess to counter growing hatred.
It is in fact due in large part to the impactful work of Holocaust Education Week, cited by scholars as one of the most comprehensive vehicles for Holocaust education and remembrance in the world, that bigotry and anti-Semitism are widely understood and condemned by civil society.
The robust education provided by Holocaust Education Week, and the programs offered to students year-round at the Neuberger Centre, have taught generations of men and women in politics, law enforcement, education and other fields how the promotion of prejudice and hatred can lead to violence.
The understanding, empathy and expressions of heartfelt compassion following the Pittsburgh shooting, coupled with extensive condemnations of hate, is the positive result of this critical educational process.
I encourage all Torontonians to participate in Holocaust Education Week this year, which runs from Nov. 1 to 8 in venues across the GTA. Attend a panel discussion, listen to the testimony of a survivor, visit one of the many interfaith programs or watch one of the several compelling film screenings.
Educate yourself and share your knowledge with others. Education is the single most effective way to ensure that those who promote prejudice and violence against any group of people remain relegated to the margins of society.
I am moved and motivated by the outpouring of support from so many organizations and leaders across the community