Condemn racism

Letters

This letter was originally submitted by the B.C. Association of Social Workers' Multicultural and Anti-Racism Committee (BCASW MARC), and has been exhibited on the BCASW Web site. It is reprinted with permission.

Editor: We are members of the BCASW MARC. As such, we have a special interest in issues related to racism. We wish to condemn all racist acts and, in particular, the rising anti-Semitism we see in Canada. The April 5 fire-bombing of Montreal's United Talmud Torah school was not an isolated incident. It followed several weeks of stepped-up vandalism, as noted by swastikas painted on Jewish-owned homes and cars, and cemetery gravestone toppling.

Last year, there were almost 600 reported anti-Semitic acts, which ranged from vandalism to assaults. When Jewish families go to synagogue now, it is taken for granted that there will be a guard in front. Security has become a major issue for all Jewish institutions. Speakers on campuses have been shouted down or hassled in other threatening ways. History shows the Holocaust began by increments, with such safety and personal freedoms gradually being eroded.

We must not be silent. We should follow the lead of the House of Commons, which passed a unanimous resolution on March 25 condemning anti-Semitic acts in Canada. As well, Prime Minister Martin made a strong statement after the fire-bombing. April 19 was Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorated in Victoria and other provinces with a ceremony in the Legislature. This was the first commemoration after the National Holocaust Memorial Day Act, Bill C-459, was passed on Oct. 21, 2003 by Parliament.

Unless we acknowledge that there is racism around us, we are clearly part of the problem.

B.C. Association of Social Workers' Multicultural and Anti-Racism Committee

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