The Government of Canada issues
statement to mark Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
OTTAWA,
ON, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kamal
Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with
Disabilities, and Deborah Lyons,
Canada's Special Envoy on
Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism,
issued the following statement on the occasion of Canadian Jewish
Heritage Month:
"Today marks the beginning of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month.
Since 2018, this month has been a time to celebrate Jewish culture,
faith and history, and also an opportunity to discover the
diversity of the Jewish people in our country.
The history of Jewish people in Canada is an integral part of our country's
story. Canada's Jewish
population is the fourth largest diaspora in the world. It
encompasses a broad range of traditions and heritage from every
region and continent. Canada's
Jewish heritage has shaped our country and enriched our culture in
many significant ways. Jewish people have made significant
contributions to Canada in fields
as varied as the arts, politics, business and science, as well as
medicine, innovation and social justice. Their achievements and
commitment to community service and philanthropy inspire us
all.
Unfortunately, antisemitism has been on the rise for years in
Canada. Jews are among the most
targeted groups for hate crimes in the country despite only making
up approximately 1 percent of the population. Antisemitism has
no home here. We all have a role to play in calling out hate in all
its forms whenever and wherever we see it.
Throughout this month, we also highlight the historical and
contemporary lived experiences of racialized Jews, Sephardic,
Ashkenazi or Mizrahi, and consider the impact that antisemitism and
marginalization have had and continue to have on them. During
this month and all year long, we will continue to build on the
measures already implemented by the Government of Canada to counter antisemitism. These include
historic investments of more than $260 million since 2018–2019
in Canada's two anti-racism
strategies, $273.6 million for
Canada's first-ever Action Plan on
Combatting Hate, and the Building Community Resilience call to
action.
In marking Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, we recognize the
importance of preserving and promoting the diversity of Jewish
heritage and traditions for future generations. Let's take this
opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the
importance of Canadian unity and strengthen the ties that bind
us.
We invite everyone to participate in Canadian Jewish Heritage
Month activities and learn more about Jewish history and
cultures.
SOURCE Canadian Heritage