Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian politician and human-rights advocate, to the role of special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating anti-Semitism.
Calling World War II and the Holocaust "one of the darkest chapters in history," Trudeau said, "We must never forget the painful lessons of the Holocaust, or the memories of those who lived through it, because anti-Semitism has no place in Canada, or anywhere else.
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In the statement, he noted that Jewish communities in Canada and around the world were facing a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
"The government of Canada will always stand with the Jewish community and fight the anti-Semitism, hatred, and racism that incites such despicable acts. We will also continue to preserve the stories of survivors through younger generations, and work to promote and defend pluralism, inclusion, and human rights."
A renowned legal scholar, Cotler served as a member of the Canadian parliament for the Liberal Party, including as a justice minister and attorney general, from 1999 to 2015.
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In his role, Cotler will lead the Canadian government's delegation to the 34-member International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, while also working with Canadians, civil-society groups, and academics. It will also enable Cotler to advance the adoption of the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism at institutions in Canada, as well as international organizations like the United Nations.
Canada adopted the IHRA's definition of anti-Semitism in 2019.
Reprinted with permission from JNS.org
