Toronto (February 12, 2020) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) commends Vancouver City Council for its decision to pass a motion declaring January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Council unanimously passed the motion, brought forward by Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, following a debate yesterday.

“We thank Councillor Kirby-Yung for standing with the Jewish community and bringing this motion forward for the City of Vancouver to officially declare January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” said FSWC president and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Vancouver has joined a growing list of cities in Canada that have taken this important step in recognizing January 27 as a day to remember and pay tribute to victims of the Holocaust, reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and stand together against hate. We are hopeful that more cities will understand the importance of officially recognizing this day and follow suit.”

The motion calls for International Holocaust Remembrance Day to be added to Vancouver’s official observances calendar as well as for the city to acknowledge the day with a proclamation.

In November, FSWC awarded Kirby-Yung a plaque recognizing her commitment to combatting antisemitism after she put forward a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.