Montreal’s Jewish community came together on Wednesday to remember the victims of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The annual event, organized by the Montreal Holocaust Museum, was held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the community still found a way to honor and pay tribute to the millions of lives lost during one of the darkest periods in human history.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by a candle lighting ceremony where six candles were lit to represent the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The candles were lit by survivors and their descendants, as well as community leaders and representatives.
One of the survivors, Eva Kuper, shared her story of survival during the Holocaust. She was only six years old when she and her family were forced into a ghetto in Poland. She recalled the fear and uncertainty she felt as a child, and the loss of her family members who were killed in concentration camps.
Kuper’s powerful testimony served as a reminder of the atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust and the importance of never forgetting the victims.
The ceremony also included musical performances and readings of poems and prayers, all in remembrance of the victims. The Montreal Holocaust Museum also presented a virtual exhibition showcasing the stories of survivors and their experiences during the Holocaust.
Despite the virtual format, the event was still able to bring the community together to honor and remember the victims of the Holocaust. It served as a reminder to never forget the past and to continue educating future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.
As we mark Yom HaShoah, let us remember the victims and honor their memory by standing against hate and discrimination in all forms. Let us also continue to educate ourselves and others about the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background.
May the memory of the victims of the Holocaust be a blessing and may we never forget the lessons of the past.
