Montreal will get a new Holocaust museum amid rise in anti-Semitic incidents
Montreal will get a new Holocaust museum by 2025.
On St-Laurent St., near the Quartier des spectacles, "the new Montreal Holocaust Museum will stand on an emblematic thoroughfare," said the councillor responsible for the heritage file, Ericka Alneus, in a press release.
Jewish community members, including those at the helm of the existing Holocaust Museum in Montreal’s Cote-des-Neiges neighbourhood, joined the mayor and executive council Wednesday to announce $1.5 million in funding for the new building.
“We remember all the heroic and dignified acts of resistance that took place in the ghettos and camps throughout the years of terror,” said Rabbi Reuben Poupko in an impassioned speech.
“We remember the over 6 million murdered by the evil ones … We remember the survivors,” he continued. “But there’s too much for any one of us to remember, and therefore, we must remember together.”
“We may no longer be naive enough to believe that memory alone will save the world, ... but we are certain that at least through memory, we can be worthy to call the victims our sisters and brothers.”
Towards the end of the announcement, Mayor Plante lit the first of six candles symbolizing the 6 million Jews slain during Hitler’s reign.
“We must learn from the past in order to shape the future, intolerance, hatred and prejudice are still parts of our daily lives,” said Plante. “Unfortunately, the Jewish community continues to be the most frequently targeted group for hate crimes and incidents in Canada.”
“These violent and Anti-Semitic acts … have no place in Montreal, they have no place anywhere.”
REPORTED ANTI-SEMITIC ACTS UP IN QUEBEC
An annual audit by Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith found there were 2,799 anti-Jewish hate crimes, including beatings, vandalism of synagogues and swastikas in schools. Most of Canada’s recorded incidents were reported in Quebec.
Quebec reportedly saw 828 incidents of Anti-Semitism last year, up from 686 in 2020.
The Island of Montreal was the stage for several anti-Jewish acts in 2021.
In January, Montreal police arrested a man after one of the city area’s largest synagogues was vandalized with swastikas.
Later that year, police increased their presence in Cote-Saint-Luc, Mont-Royal, Outremont and Plateau-Mont-Royal -- areas said to be targeted by Anti-Semitic threats.
In the federal election that took place in the months after, campaign posters belonging to Jewish candidates were also vandalized with swastikas.
Elsewhere in Canada, British Columbia saw a 111 per cent increase, to 409 incidents in 2021 from 194 in 2020, including 56 cases of vandalism and 296 incidents of online abuse and hatred.
Anti-Jewish abuse sharply increased in Alberta, and more than doubled in the Prairies and Nunavut.
Lawmakers and community members said Wednesday they hope the new museum will help to combat Anti-Semitism in Montreal by providing easier access to Holocaust education.
“In a context marked by the rise of discrimination against minorities, teaching about the Holocaust remains essential for citizens to remain vigilant and respectful of diversity,” said Richard Schnurbach, Holocaust Museum president, in the press release.
-- Published with files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: Gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO still at large
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson died in a dawn ambush Wednesday in New York City. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest.
AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year
The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025.
Congo government says it's 'on alert' over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens
Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.
'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken
Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth.
U.S. man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Buffalo border
A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week.
Honda to recall over 200,000 SUVs in Canada, U.S. over fuel leak concern
Honda is recalling approximately 12,000 vehicles in Canada
Ready to light up your home for Christmas? Here are some safety tips
The magic of the holidays wouldn't be complete for many people without Christmas lights, but there are some important tips to know before you set up your ladder.
DEVELOPING Words carved into bullet casings, police sources say amid search for gunman in shooting of U.S. CEO
Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.