By Rachel Metalin (Manager, Professional Learning)

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked each year on January 27, is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a call to educators to lead with purpose, care and moral clarity. As teachers, we are often the first to help young people encounter difficult histories, and how we frame those moments matters deeply. Remembering the Holocaust in our classrooms is not only about honouring the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators; it’s about preserving humanity, confronting hatred and helping students understand the consequences of indifference.

This responsibility feels especially urgent today. In recent years, we have seen a troubling rise in antisemitism — online, in public spaces and within schools themselves. Many students are encountering hateful ideas long before they have the historical context or critical tools to understand them. International Holocaust Remembrance Day offers educators a vital opportunity to pause, reflect and respond thoughtfully. It allows us to counter misinformation, challenge harmful stereotypes and ground difficult conversations in historical truth and human stories.

Marking this day in schools does not require graphic detail or overwhelming students. Instead, it invites age-appropriate learning that prioritizes people over numbers — stories of individuals, families, courage, loss and resilience. When students learn about the Holocaust through empathy and reflection, they are better equipped to recognize injustice and to understand the real-world impact of hatred and dehumanization.

Educators play a powerful role in shaping not only what students know, but how they see others. By marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, teachers affirm that remembrance is an active responsibility — one that helps students develop compassion, critical thinking and a commitment to standing up against antisemitism and all forms of hate. In doing so, educators ensure the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant, meaningful and urgently needed today.

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