This week, the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this day, the world pauses to remember the unimaginable horrors inflicted upon millions of innocent men, women and children simply because they were Jewish. Auschwitz stands as a haunting symbol of what can happen when antisemitism goes unchecked, and when good people — nations, leaders and everyday citizens — choose to remain bystanders. This milestone serves not only as a solemn moment of remembrance but as a clarion call for action and leadership here in Canada.
The lessons of the Holocaust must resonate beyond history books and memorials. The rise of antisemitism and radicalism in our own country demands urgent attention. Canada is experiencing a troubling surge in antisemitic incidents, from vandalism and hate speech to acts of violence. Such incidents are not relics of the past but stark warnings of what happens when society becomes complacent.
Leadership — both political and within civil society — is crucial in confronting these challenges. Our political leaders must go beyond statements of condemnation and take decisive, concrete steps to combat antisemitism and radicalization. This means strengthening and enforcing hate crime legislation, ensuring law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to address threats, and enhancing education programs that teach future generations about the Holocaust and the dangers of discrimination.
It feels like many politicians haven’t recognized the gravity of the situation, and when they do speak out, their words often lack the urgency needed to combat the escalating threat.
However, government action alone is not enough. Civil society — businesses, faith groups, educational institutions and everyday citizens — must also take responsibility. It is our collective duty to foster communities rooted in tolerance and respect. We must encourage bystander intervention, promote allyship and challenge hate wherever it appears, whether in our schools, workplaces or online spaces. We, as allies, must use our voices. Our Jewish friends and neighbours must hear that they are not alone.
Antisemitism in Alberta, as in other parts of Canada, has seen a troubling rise in recent years. Jewish communities have faced increased incidents of hate speech, vandalism and violence, with social media platforms often amplifying harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories. In July, threatening graffiti messages were left outside a synagogue and Jewish day school; in October, Jewish students were trapped in a lecture hall by protesters when a speaker from Israel came to give a private talk, prompting university security to evacuate the Jewish students for their safety; and, horrifically, on the anniversary of Oct. 7, hundreds of protesters gathered at city hall to celebrate Hamas and their massacre.
Speak to someone who is Jewish and more than likely they will be able to share a story of their own experiences. While many leaders and communities condemn such acts, there has been insufficient action at the political and societal levels to address the roots of this hate. Alberta, like the rest of Canada, must intensify efforts to combat antisemitism through education, legislation and solidarity.
While Canada has long prided itself on being a beacon of multiculturalism and human rights, some Jewish families are actively considering leaving Canada because they feel so unsafe. After the Holocaust, many survivors came to Canada to build a better life for their families, and to live in safety and security. We need to honour that decision by reaffirming our Canadian values through bold action.
Frankly, I cannot imagine anything that runs so fundamentally against the values that we share as Canadians than people afraid to go to their house of worship, community centre or even drop their kids at school. The rise of antisemitism isn’t a Jewish problem, it is a Canadian one.
As Elie Wiesel said, “Action is the only remedy to indifference: the most insidious danger of all.” This is why I am committed to acting. History has taught us that silence in the face of hatred is complicity. The liberation of Auschwitz was not merely the end of a horrific chapter; it was a moment of reckoning — a powerful reminder that the cost of inaction is too great.
On this solemn anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the promise of “Never Again.” Not just in words, but in deeds. For the sake of our country, our communities and future generations, we must lead with courage and conviction.
The time to act is now.
Alex Pourbaix is executive chairman of Cenovus Energy.