The Canadian government announced an investment of $2.5 million in the UJA Federation’s Toronto Holocaust Museum, a decision lauded by Toronto’s Jewish community.
“We are grateful for this exceptional investment from the Government of Canada, which will help ensure that more people in Greater Toronto, especially youth, learn the vital lessons of the past and recognize the dangers of anti-Semitism and bigotry,” said Adam Minsky, president and CEO of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. “The new museum is an incredibly important tool in our community’s efforts to combat rising anti-Semitism. The government’s investment speaks volumes of its commitment to that mission, as well as its recognition of the high standard of excellence that the museum represents in this field.”
“Our government stands with Jewish communities across Canada and the world,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “We are committed to upholding the values of diversity and inclusion, including tackling anti-Semitism and discrimination in all their forms. We are proud that our support for the Toronto Holocaust Museum will improve accessibility to arts and heritage, promote Holocaust education, combat anti-Semitism and help build a more inclusive Canada.”
The new 10,000-square-foot museum, slated to open in the spring of 2023, is geared to inspire visitors to contemplate the Holocaust while connecting with contemporary anti-Semitism, racism, current world events and life in Canada.
“Sadly, we are approaching the end of the era in which survivors can offer firsthand testimony about what happened to them and their families during the Holocaust,” said Minsky. “This significant investment will help ensure that students will continue to learn from survivors through an immersive technological experience that preserves and honors their memory and legacy.”
Federal funding comes from two grants provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Cultural Spaces Fund will support both the architectural fit-up and fabrication of the museum’s state-of-the-art exhibits. The second grant from the Digital Access to Heritage, part of the Museums Assistance Program, will fund technology with French content and French translation to ensure access for the French-speaking population, which is essential in connecting with a diverse range of student populations across the province.
