Video — Message from the Special Envoy
Transcript of the video — Message from the Special Envoy
Video length: 00:05:03
My name is Deborah Lyons, and I am Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.
While I wish that this role were not needed, the sad fact is that antisemitism is on the rise globally and here at home in Canada.
My mandate to preserve Holocaust Remembrance and combat antisemitism is one that includes an international and a domestic focus.
Here at home, I will advocate to combat antisemitism by working with Canadian institutions and stakeholders to promote Holocaust Education and remembrance, and to encourage the domestic adoption and implementation of the IHRA Definition of antisemitism. I will also of course provide recommendations to Ministers and decision makers to make Canada a safer home for the Jewish community.
Internationally, my role includes collaborating with international partners to advocate against antisemitism and to support all human rights, while working with other nations to strengthen and promote Holocaust remembrance.
I always knew this job would be difficult. But having been the Canadian ambassador to both Israel and Afghanistan, I don’t shy away from a challenge. However, when I accepted this job at the end of September, no one could have anticipated the horrors of October 7th.
The brutal Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7th have affected me deeply, and like so many of you, my heart carries an indescribable pain for the brutal killing of children, women, and men of all ages.
During my time as Canadian Ambassador to Israel, I spent years developing personal connections there, along with lasting and meaningful relationships. And unfortunately I, like so many of you, lost friends on October 7th.
And even more disturbing, while the Jewish community should be grieving and have the time to grieve, they are instead forced to grapple with new waves of alarming antisemitism here in Canada.
We witness it in the streets. We see it online. And we hear it, wrapped in chants and slogans that are like daggers to an already wounded and weary community.
And so, today, more than ever, I feel an immense sense of duty to work to combat all acts of hatred towards the Jewish community. We all know as Canadians that antisemitism is in direct contradiction to our shared values. L'antisémitisme est en contradiction directe avec nos valeurs canadiennes communes.
History has shown us the terrible and unspeakable things that happen when societies allow antisemitism to grow and exist. This is why we must collaborate to strengthen and promote Holocaust education and remembrance. And that includes working with Canadian schools and universities to highlight, and address, the rise of antisemitism on campuses.
Places of learning, most particularly our universities, should encourage civil discussion and debate on dissenting views, but absent of hate speech and intimidation.
As Special Envoy, I am working with law enforcement, educators, stakeholders, and governments of all levels to help foster an environment that rejects intolerance and embraces the principles of equality and respect for the Jewish community and all Canadians.
In my very short time in this role, I have travelled across Canada in order to connect with, and understand how Jewish communities are feeling in a post October 7th Canada. And I’m happy to say I’ve also recently been to Israel and I intend on going back very soon.
I have seen a lot of pain in the eyes of Jewish Canadians. But the Jewish community is one of incredible resilience. And I will work to highlight the significant contributions that our Jewish community has made – and continues to make - to Canadian society despite their small numbers. Of course, I am here for the benefit of all Canadians, and I need the involvement of all of you, as we build together toward a better Canada.
Nous sommes forts ensemble. We are always strong together. And always remember that never again is now.
Thank you and I look forward to talking again soon.