News Advisory - The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the
Victims of the Holocaust

TORONTO , Jan. 28 /CNW/ - On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) remembers and pays tribute to the 6,000,000 Jews who perished in the Holocaust along with many other innocent victims. We also honour the courage of those who survived and those who sought to protect the persecuted.

"It is vital that we do not forget the past, in order to preserve and enhance our commitment to human rights and recognition of the dignity and worth of all", said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, Executive Director of the CRRF. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation continues its efforts to eliminate racism and racial discrimination through the delivery of education and training programs, research and publications, organization of fora for public discussion and debate, and general public awareness initiatives.

"Although the Holocaust by itself should have shocked the world out of its complacency, the lessons of the past are obviously not fully understood as we continue to encounter unprecedented numbers of incidents of antisemitism, racism and discrimination", Al-Yassini said.

The CRRF supports the Government of Canada in its efforts to ensure zero tolerance of antisemitism and all other forms and manifestations of racism and discrimination. Only when Canadian laws are applied to the fullest, and commitments to rights and dignity of all citizens are honoured, will all Canadians be able to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust, and ensure the inherent right to human dignity.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation's mission is to shed light on the causes and manifestations of racism, provide independent, outspoken national leadership, and act as a resource and facilitator in the pursuit of equity, fairness and social justice for all Canadians. Founded as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, the CRRF is a registered charitable organization and has Special NGO Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For further information: Aren Sarikyan - Project Associate: [phone] or 1-888-240-4936; Dominique Etienne - Communications, social development: [phone] or 1-888-240-4936