International Holocaust Remembrance Day
On this solemn occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Unifor stands in solidarity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others who suffered and perished under Nazi persecution. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II. The anniversary is a powerful reminder of the atrocities born from hatred and bigotry and our collective role to combat antisemitism and hate.
We must confront the alarming resurgence of antisemitism across the globe. This rising tide of hatred and discrimination demands vigilance and action from all of us, especially from unions and working people who play a critical role in building inclusive and equitable societies.
The Holocaust serves as a stark warning of the devastating consequences of unchecked prejudice and the necessity of combating hatred in all its forms. Labour unions like Unifor have a unique responsibility to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and communities. Together, we can build solidarity across differences, fostering a society where every individual is respected and valued.
Unifor reaffirms our commitment to combatting antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination. Through education and awareness, we aim to equip our members and communities with the tools to challenge hatred, promote understanding, and create spaces of tolerance, respect, and belonging.
This day also honors the resilience of Holocaust survivors, whose stories teach us about the strength of the human spirit and the necessity of standing united against oppression. Their testimonies must continue to guide our actions and inspire our resolve to fight for justice and equality.
As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we call on our members, partners, and allies to join us in this important work. Together we honor the victims and survivors by remaining steadfast in our commitment to fight hatred, build bridges, and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Together, we remember, we learn, and we organize for a world free from hate, where solidarity and justice prevail.
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National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
Today marks eight years since the tragic events of January 29, 2017, when an Islamophobic and racist act of violence took the lives of six worshippers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec.
We remember the six individuals whose lives were senselessly taken: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti. On this solemn day of remembrance, Unifor stands in solidarity with Muslim communities, including the survivors of this attack, to honor the lives lost to this horrifying violence.
This day is especially important as we continue to witness an alarming rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim violence during a time of increased conflict.
Canada’s Senate Committee on Human Rights reports that rampant Islamophobia in Canada is costing Canadian Muslims their wellbeing and even their lives—and these issues have a dire impact on our communities, workplaces, and our society.
On many fronts, labour unions have an important role in building a stronger sense of safety and belonging for Muslim workers. We do so through collective bargaining, demanding that employers collaborate with us to foster more safe and equitable workplaces, and by enforcing better policies to protect all people, regardless of their religion.
As workers committed to social justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of all individuals, we strongly denounce Islamophobia in all its forms.
Education is our most powerful tool in the fight against hate. Unifor calls for the inclusion of anti-Islamophobia education in school curricula, workplaces, and community programs. By working together to instill understanding and tolerance, we can create a society where acts of violence cease to exist.
As we reflect on the devastating brutality of that day, we must also reflect on ways we can each take concrete action against Islamophobia.
Let us stand united against all forms of hatred.
Green Square Campaign
You can show your support by wearing a green square during the week leading up to January 29. Cut a square out of a piece of green fabric or felt and attach it to your garment with a small safety pin. The colour green represents the green carpet inside the mosque where the tragedy occurred.
Take pictures wearing your green square or with this sign of support and email them to [email protected] or post on social media using the #Unifor hashtag.
Pictures should reflect the solemnity of the day of remembrance.
Learn more about the campaign and seven other ways you can stand against Islamaphobia at the National Council of Canadian Muslim’s website.
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