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Earlier today, Toronto leaders, community members, local dignitaries and foreign diplomats joined Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) for a special reception at Toronto City Hall to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Toronto city councillors, mayoral candidates, consuls general, law enforcement officials and other community leaders were in attendance to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and honour the survivors, some of whom are featured with their grandchildren in FSWC's Legacy Portrait Project exhibit, on display to the public at City Hall until April 20.

FSWC is thankful to all of our community members and allies who joined us for the meaningful commemoration, including our lineup of speakers - Holocaust survivor Eva Meisels, Toronto Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and City Councillor James Pasternak, all of whom delivered impactful and heartfelt remarks. We also acknowledge the presence of mayoral candidates, including Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Mitzie Hunter, Josh Matlow and Mark Saunders.

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The Legacy Portrait Project began as an FSWC initiative to commemorate Yom HaShoah by photographing survivors together with their grandchildren. These portraits capture a moment in time, a glimpse into the individual triumph of each survivor, having prevailed over evil by rebuilding their lives, creating families, finding love and joy after the Holocaust. We encourage you to visit Toronto City Hall over the next two days to see the portraits and the survivors' testimonies.

Interviews with these survivors and their grandchildren are featured in a short film, which premiered on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January. Watch the inspiring and moving film below.

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Today, for Yom HaShoah, FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt discussed The Legacy Portrait Project and the importance of Holocaust remembrance, reflection and education on Breakfast Television and CP24. Watch the segments below.

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Today and every day, we remember the lives lost during the Holocaust and honour those who survived, remaining committed to the vow of Never Again.

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