Ted Chudleigh MPP to address launch of crucial new teacher’s aid for Holocaust Memorial Day

November 6, 2001

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 6, 2001 — The League for Humans of B’nai Brith Canada will today officially launch its Yom ha-Shoah Teacher’s Guide as one of the central programs of Holocaust Education Week. This publication was developed to help educators understand the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day, and to provide resources to assist in designing a program for individual classrooms and schools to commemorate this important day.

The special guest speaker for the launch will be Ted Chudleigh, MPP who brought forward Bill 66 — the Act proclaiming Holocaust Memorial Day. This event will provide information to teachers and community members who are interested in teaching the Holocaust. There will be an opportunity to become acquainted with the Teacher’s Guide through a multi-media presentation.

“The need to educate our students about the Holocaust, and for all of us to learn the lessons of that horrific chapter of our history, especially now, is a crucial one,” said Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada. “Education is our number one tool against the ravages of racism, antisemitism, bigotry and discrimination in all its forms.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B’nai Brith Canada added: “As the world becomes enveloped in hate it is imperative that we remember what ultimate hate and bigotry can do to a society. The lesson of the Holocaust must be taught and retaught especially as we confront the bigotry of the 21^st century.”

The Yom ha-Shoah Teacher’s Guide was piloted this past year by educators from York Region and the City of Toronto. It will be destributed in the 2001/2002 academic year to schools throughout Ontario, and adapted for use across the country.

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B’nai Brith has been active since 1875 as the community’s senior human rights advocacy organization.