Signature Programs
The Museum is proud to present best in practice educational and commemorative programs for diverse audiences, leading the field with innovative approaches to Holocaust education.
Holocaust Education Week 2024
Stay-tuned for more information about this year’s HEW programs.
November 2024
Holocaust Education Week was founded in 1982, under the auspices of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee, part of the former Toronto Jewish Congress. Its formation and continuation is in great part due to the hard work of a group of dedicated Holocaust survivors whose passion and commitment to Holocaust education paved the way for its future success. HEW was one of the first formalized Holocaust education and awareness initiatives in Canada. Now called Neuberger Holocaust Education Week, it is recognized by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a best practice in the field and known for its world class programming. Each year, Neuberger HEW presents programming for diverse audiences across the GTA.
Raoul Wallenberg Day
In honour of Raoul Wallenberg and his heroic actions, the Museum presents an annual commemorative and educational program.
January 2025
Raoul Wallenberg Day was designated by the Government of Canada in 2001 to honour Wallenberg, Canada’s first honorary citizen, who is credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews. When Soviet forces liberated Budapest in February 1945, more than 100,000 Jews remained, mostly because of the efforts of Wallenberg and his colleagues. Wallenberg disappeared on January 17, 1945. His righteous heroism is a legacy and inspiration for all Canadians. Wallenberg Day reminds us that even under the most difficult of circumstances, there were those who chose to stand up for what was right and attempt to save Jews during the Holocaust. This date ensures that his personal example of heroism, courage, and decency is always remembered by Canadians.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD)
A global date of remembrance to honour the victims of Nazi persecution. The Museum commemorates the date with a specially curated public program.
January 2025
January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated this day as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD), an annual day of commemoration to honour the victims of the Nazi era. International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the millions murdered during the Holocaust and is a time to reflect on the lessons of the past. The day also serves as a call-to-action for younger generations to equip themselves with the knowledge and resources to combat antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, creating a better future for all.
Yom Hashoah V'Hagvurah
Holocaust & Heroism Remembrance Day
May 2025
Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah (Holocaust & Heroism Remembrance Day) is designated by the State of Israel on the Hebrew date of 27 Nisan. It is observed as Israel’s memorial day for the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. The first official commemorations took place in 1951, and the observance of the day was anchored in a law passed by the Knesset (legislature of Israel) in 1959. Globally, Jewish communities and individuals commemorate Yom Hashoah with ceremonies and memorial services to coincide with the date designated by Israel. In Toronto, the Museum (former Holocaust Education Centre) has been spearheading the annual memorial (yizkor) service for decades, which is presented in partnership with several community organizations. The program often includes remarks from dignitaries, choirs, survivor testimony, and a candle-lighting service to memorialize and pay tribute to the victims of the Shoah and to honour the survivors.