Local residents vowed recently to stand up against anti-semitism and hatred of all kinds.
A Holocaust memorial was held at Lakers Clubhouse in Vernon by International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
“Jews, Christians and others stood together to say, ‘Never again’ and, ‘No’ to anti-semitism and prejudice in all its forms,” said Gail Mobbs, with ICEJ.
Among those participating were Vernon Coun. Scott Anderson and Anne Marie Johnston, whose family was honoured for saving Jews during the Holocaust. Melina Moore performed the theme from Schindler’s List and HaTikvah, Israel’s national anthem.
During the Holocaust, six million Jews, the primary target of a state-ssponsored annihilation, and five million others died while many countries, including Canada, closed their doors to the Jews fleeing the death camps.
“In spite of this atrocity and the lessons we have learned, anti-semitism is once again on the rise throughout much of the modern world,” said Daniel Morlang, the master of ceremony for the memorial.
“The question is how do we bring about change? Clearly there is a great need for education, especially with regards to the next generation.”
Taking part in the ceremony was Evan Orloff, a retired teacher in Kelowna who dedicated much of his career to educating students about the Holocaust and why it’s imperative to remember.
Orloff led participants in the Kaddish, or hymn of praises, during the candle lighting ceremony to honour the Holocaust victims.