Cumulative murders at 3 death camps in one yearS
A study carried out by the Association for Canadian Studies revealed disconcerting facts about Holocaust denial in Canada. It indicates a worrying trend primarily amongst the younger generation which doubts historic facts of the Holocaust.
The central facts of the survey show that 31% of Canadians between the ages of 25-34 cast doubts about the six million figure of Jews killed in WWII. Of the younger bracket of 18-24, 27% doubt the veracity of the number of victims.
Dr. Sarah Goldstein, historian and expert on Holocaust research in the University of Toronto, expressed a deep concern regarding these facts. "These figures emphasize the urgent need for a more embracing education on the Holocaust in schools and academies of higher education. This is a clear warning that we must intensify our efforts in preserving this historic memory."
The leaders of the Canadian Jewish community reacted sharply to the findings of the study.
"These are shocking results which demand immediate action. We call upon the government to invest added resources in anti-Semitic education and Holocaust studies," they demanded.
The survey also examined reasons behind the lack of acceptance of the Holocaust reality. Many noted the theories of conspiracy being spread in social circles as a central factor in their reservations.
In response to the findings, the Canadian Ministry of Education announced that it will explore ways to broaden Holocaust study in the national curriculum. "We are seriously relating to these findings," said the Education Minister, "and we will take action so that every student in Canada shall receive comprehensive and meaningful education on what took place in the Holocaust."
Canadian Jewish organizations and Civil Rights organizations announced that they intend to hold an emergency rally to discuss the survey and arrive at a program of action to deal with this phenomenon.
The study constitutes an early warning to the Canadian society, stressing the immediate need for extensive action to fortify the necessary historic education, and the need to fight prejudice and anti-Semitism.
