March of the Living at Auschwitz-Birkenau
Thousands gathered at the historic Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in Poland on April 14, 2026, for the annual March of the Living, a solemn event to honor the memory of those lost during the Holocaust.
Among the speakers was Nate Leipciger, a 98-year-old Holocaust survivor from Canada. Leipciger expressed his deep concerns about the rising antisemitism in Canada, urging leaders to take decisive action against those who perpetuate hate.
Leipciger recalled a troubling experience he faced recently in Toronto where mezuzahs, sacred to the Jewish faith, were forcibly removed from his apartment door, and his synagogue was attacked in a drive-by shooting. “It’s sad to feel unsafe in a country that values democracy,” he stated.
The alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in Canada has drawn serious attention. B’nai Brith Canada reported over 6,200 such incidents in 2024, more than double compared to 2022 figures. The unrest appears to have escalated since the events of October 7, 2023, which intensified fears in Jewish communities.
Israeli officials have reached out to Canadian authorities, emphasizing their concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish Canadians. “We recognize the heightened concern among Jewish communities regarding their safety,” said Israeli Ambassador to Canada, Ido Moed. “We see Canada as a high-risk country for antisemitic attacks.”
As part of the ongoing conversation on these issues, U.S. Special Envoy Yehuda Kaploun highlighted the need for accountability from leadership and law enforcement to tackle antisemitism effectively. He advocated designating certain organizations as terrorist groups to reinforce global efforts against hate.
Recent events, including gunfire aimed at Jewish establishments during the Passover holiday, underline the urgency of the situation. Canadian officials are under pressure to address these violent incidents seriously. Richard Marceau from the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs noted that Jewish Canadians face hate crimes at an alarming rate.
This year’s March of the Living reminds us of history’s lessons and the need to stand against hatred and persecution. As communities worldwide join together in remembrance and pledge to advocate for truth, it’s clear that the fight against antisemitism remains crucial.
This annual event not only honors the past but inspires action for a safer future for all.
