Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement marking the International Day of Commemoration to Honour the Victims of the Holocaust:
“Today, let us pause to remember one of the darkest moments in human history, when the Nazis reached a new nadir of inhumanity, intolerance and anti-Semitism, massacring nearly six million Jews and others during the Holocaust.
“This deliberate, systematic and industrial slaughter of innocent men, women, and children will forever be a stain on human history. Let us join with the families and friends in remembering and honouring those who perished during this senseless horror.
“Last week I had the privilege of laying a wreath at Yad Vashem in Israel to honour the victims of the Holocaust. It was a deeply moving experience.
“On this day, we also remember those individuals of remarkable conviction and fortitude who stood up for what was right during those dark days, risking everything to protect those who were being victimized during the Holocaust.
“We have a duty to honour and continue their inspirational work. That is why our Government will remain steadfast in its commitment to fight anti-Semitism in all its forms, and will continue to stand up for the existence of a free and democratic Jewish State of Israel.”