Written By David Gomez
On January 27th, the world commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a poignant reminder not only of the Third Reich’s atrocities but also of the millions of lives shattered by racism, xenophobia, and fascist extremism. The Holocaust claimed six million Jewish lives and took the lives of countless other victims, including Slavs (primarily Poles), Romani people, prisoners of war, political dissidents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and people with disabilities. This period stands out as one of history’s most grievous examples of human cruelty.
Whenever I write or speak about the Holocaust, I always remember Primo Levi, an Italian writer of Sephardic Jewish origins, who survived the horrors of Auschwitz. Levi’s works, which everyone should read at least once, do not merely recount his survival; they explore the depths of human oppression and the enduring struggle to maintain dignity under brutal conditions.
In one of his most notable works, ‘The Truce,’ Levi chronicles his arduous journey home (Italy) after being liberated. He expresses a sentiment that resonates deeply today: ‘I am constantly amazed by man’s inhumanity to man.’ These words serve both as a reflection and a warning in times of ongoing conflict and peace neglect.
I remain vigilant about the dangers posed by the rising tide of a fundamentalist and interventionist extreme right. The ideologies and ambitions of President Donald Trump exemplify the potential for a dire future. Recent actions by the U.S. government suggest an expansionist and potentially invasive agenda, particularly concerning Greenland and Panama, where Trump has sought control for strategic resources and military leverage. Unlike those countries, Canada faces primarily commercial and economic threats from Trump’s policies. We are currently experiencing a temporary commercial truce, which hopefully will extend indefinitely. However, a trade war, marked by rising tariffs, would severely impact both nations.
I would like to mention two more points that I find extremely important. First is Trump’s recent advocacy for a military invasion of the Gaza Strip, declared alongside his friend, Israeli Prime Minister, and international criminal -according to the International Criminal Court (ICC)- Benjamin Netanyahu. This plan would displace over two million Palestinians to establish an American colony, a clear violation of international law and a move towards ethnic cleansing.
Second, the construction of a large detention facility in Guantanamo Bay for over 30,000 deported migrants is alarming. This centre will detain not only migrants who have committed crimes but also those who cannot be returned to their countries. While managing illegal immigration is necessary, we must always prioritize human dignity, fair trials, and justice.
Finally, I just want to say, keep buying Canadian, keep defending this beautiful country in which I am fortunate to live. Canada’s sovereignty and the pride its citizens take in their cultural and historical heritage are crucial as we navigate these challenging times together.
