The Canadian Army has issued an apology following a social media post on International Holocaust Remembrance Day that failed to specifically mention Jewish victims. A military spokesperson stated that the forces “regret the error and apologize for the hurt it caused.”
The Controversial Social Media Message
On January 27, the Army posted a message highlighting “victims that suffered and died at the hands of Fascism for being members of marginalized groups.” It urged recognition that societies rooted in fear and division lead to tragedy, while advocating for inclusiveness, diversity, and a society free of antisemitism and hate. The post has been deleted but was captured and shared on Facebook by University of Ottawa professor Jan Grabowski.
Criticism from Experts and Advocates
Grabowski expressed shock, initially believing the post was fabricated. “I always thought that on that particular day we commemorate Jews who died because they were Jews, and not because they were ‘members of a marginalized group,'” he said. He referenced the Holocaust’s definition as the “systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators.” Grabowski warned that Holocaust distortion and de-Judification amount to a form of denial.
Pro-Israel watchdog HonestReporting demanded a formal apology to Jewish Canadians, arguing that deletion alone falls short. Dara Solomon, executive director of the Toronto Holocaust Museum, emphasized: “It dishonours the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust to omit the primary target of Nazi persecution on a day that commemorates their attempted eradication.” She noted rising antisemitism and declining Holocaust knowledge make such omissions harmful and distorting.
Simon Wolle, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, stressed the need to specifically honor over six million Jewish victims of the Shoah—the Hebrew term for the Nazi genocide of Jews. “We acknowledge the apology of the Canadian Army but this must serve as a learning experience for all Canadians,” he said. Wolle highlighted how failing to recognize the atrocities against Jews deepens community trauma, especially amid surging Holocaust denial in Canada.
Military’s Response and Commitments
The Army acknowledged the post did not clearly identify Jews as Holocaust victims. While intended to mark a solemn day, the wording lacked historical precision and sensitivity. Social media content undergoes internal review, but no Jewish community members were consulted beforehand.
The post was removed upon realizing it inaccurately reflected the genocide of six million Jews. The military is now enhancing review processes, including senior-level oversight and consultations for sensitive topics. It has met with the Office of the Chaplain General to implement safeguards ensuring accuracy, context, and respect.
