Ottawa, January 16, 2009 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement commemorating Raoul Wallenberg Day:
“Raoul Wallenberg Day is an opportunity to remember the Holocaust and a chance to pay tribute, not only to its victims, but to its heroes.
“While millions of Jews perished in the Holocaust during World War II, some were saved by the efforts of courageous individuals like Raoul Wallenberg. Canada’s first honorary citizen, Raoul Wallenberg is credited with saving the lives of more than 100,000 Hungarian Jews at the risk of his own life.
“When colleagues recommended to Raoul Wallenberg that he abandon his campaign to save Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust to protect his own life, the Swedish diplomat reportedly replied, ‘I’d never be able to go back to Stockholm without knowing inside myself I’d done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible.’
“Raoul Wallenberg was captured by Soviet forces on January 17, 1945, ten days after making that statement, as the Soviet Union pushed the Nazis out of Hungary. He was not seen again.
“Tomorrow, as we celebrate his legacy, we remember the achievements of this great man, as well as the lessons we can all draw from his example.
“The Holocaust stands alone in human history for its horror and its inhumanity. It is crucial that we learn from this experience, not only to ensure that such atrocities never take place again, but also to build societies based on human dignity in which such acts are not even possible.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that future generations understand the causes and consequences of the Holocaust. Our ongoing efforts to move toward full membership in the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research reflect this commitment. In 2008, we took another step forward and received Liaison Status in this Task Force. Liaison Status involves partnering with other member countries on Holocaust education, remembrance and research projects, and is the final stage before recognition as a full member.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I encourage Canadians to learn more about the important legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, as well as to be inspired by his heroism and selfless spirit.”
For further information (media only) on the Minister’s activities, please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
