Hamilton Jewish Federation will commemorate victims of anti-Semitism Thursday

The Hamilton Jewish Federation says this year's commemoration ofHolocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday is a chance to stand in solidarity with those affected by recent anti-Semitic violence across North America.

Three rabbis from the community will begin the ceremonyat city hall which is open to everyonewith a prayer at 6 p.m.

After that, participants will observe a moment of silence to honour the victims of a fatal shooting at a San Diego synagogue on April 27, which killed one person and injured three others.

The attack came exactly six months after a similar deadly attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that claimed 11 lives. It was the most deadly anti-Semitic attackin American history.

Six local families who are descendants of holocaust survivors will also be present at the Hamilton ceremony to light candles in memory of the six million Jews that were killed during the Second World War.

Fear in the community

Gustavo Rymberg, CEO of the Hamilton Jewish Federation, hopes the eventwill serve as a reminder of a problem the communityonce faced and now faces again.

"Anti-Semitism is growing again how are we going to stop this hate?" Rymberg said.

Hate-related criminal activity directed at Jewish people in Hamilton saw a 25 per cent increase in 2018 from 2017, according to a Hamilton Police Service report.

Anti-Semitic hate crimes have been steadily increasing in Hamilton since 2015.

"I can't say a specific word of how the Jewish community feels, but there is fear. We have to be alert 24 hours and at the same time be proud of who we are," Rymberg said.

He believes that gathering the community regardless of their faith or background is important to educate people about the horrors of the holocaust.

"It is about educating the new generation by coming together to remember this has happened and can happen again," he said.

Falsehoods lead to hate

Pamela Swett, a McMaster University history professor specializing in 20th century Europe, said prejudiced views against Jewish people have existed for centuries. They aren't based in any truth.

"I would like to hope many have realized they are falsehoods that lead to hate but those who believe the stories pass them on," she said.

"Jewish groups have reported an uptick in anti-Semi crimes for several years now.

"So this has been brewing alongside the intolerance and hate we have seen directed at other minority groups in North America and Europe for some time," Swett said.

"Sadly, Pittsburgh and San Diego are just the most extreme examples," she said.