Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“January 27 is the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. On this solemn occasion, we pause to remember and honour the millions of innocent lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in human history. The Holocaust – or Shoah, as it is known in Hebrew – stands  as a stark reminder of the depths to which hatred, prejudice and discrimination can lead societies and individuals.

“As we reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and remember the six million Jews who were murdered, the 1.5 million of them who were children, and the millions of people murdered from other targeted groups, including Roma, Slavs, people with disabilities, religious minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and other opponents and resisters of Nazism, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragic period are never forgotten. It is our collective responsibility to educate future generations about the consequences of intolerance and the importance of upholding human dignity and the Yukon is working to do this by incorporating Holocaust education into the territory’s Grade 10 school curriculum beginning in the 2025–26 school year.

“This day serves as a reminder that we must actively strive to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities by standing against Antisemitism and all forms of racial and religious discrimination and by promoting tolerance, understanding and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background, religion or ethnicity. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy, we can contribute to a world where the echoes of the Holocaust serve as a powerful call to build bridges of compassion and solidarity.

“To mark this day of remembrance, on January 27, the Jim Smith Building sign will be illuminated in yellow. We encourage all Yukoners to reflect on this dark chapter of history and to remember and honour the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.”