Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. On the morning of January 27,1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps still held some 7,000 prisoners. Over a million people deported to Auschwitz perished there. It is estimated that six million Jews were exterminated in the death camps. This solemn anniversary reminds us of the horrors faced by six million Jews and millions of others who were victims of hatred, bigotry and intolerance.

As we honor their memory, we also confront the challenges of our time. Disinformation and denial of historical truths threaten to erode the lessons of the past. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the truth and educate future generations about the dangers of prejudice and division.

Let this day be a call to action—a reminder that unity, compassion and vigilance are essential in building a world where such atrocities can never happen again. Together, we must stand against hatred in all its forms and work towards a future of justice and peace.

“Never forget” means not only remembering what happened. To avoid the mistakes of the past we must support Holocaust education to promote social justice, human rights and genocide awareness. Remembering provokes reflection and insight into the dangers of remaining silent, apathetic and indifferent to the oppression of others. 

In 2005, the United Nations declared January 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In the resolution, it is stated that every member of the UN should honor the six million Jews as well as those members of other minorities who perished in the Nazi genocide and to develop educational programs about this history to help prevent such atrocities in the future.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay #NeverAgain #StandTogether

Written by

Antonia Hristova is an Associate Lawyer at Avanessy Giordano LLP and has been with the firm since 2020. Her practice is devoted to all areas of personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents, occupier’s liability, medical malpractice, product liability, CPP and STD/LTD disability benefits and accident benefit claims.

Antonia is an OTLA Board Member. She has been devoted to advocacy and policy work at OTLA since 2020 and has been a part of the New Lawyers Division leadership for two consecutive years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus.

Antonia is a graduate of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, she received her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Law & Society and Human Rights and Equity Studies from York University, where she graduated with distinction.