By Carlos Haag, FSWC Educator

Holodomor Memorial Day, marked every year on the fourth Saturday in November, is a solemn occasion that demands our collective remembrance of a monumental tragedy that often goes underrecognized. This man-made famine in Ukraine, lasting from 1932 to 1933, was part of Soviet policy, which claimed millions of innocent lives in a deliberate act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. As we reflect on this dark chapter in history, we honour the memory of those who perished.

Commemorating the Holodomor, also known as the Ukrainian Famine, reminds us of the power of empathy and the need to amplify voices that have been silenced for too long. The stories of those who survived, those who resisted and those who suffered in silence should inspire us to be vigilant in the face of injustice. The Holodomor teaches us about both the depths of human cruelty and the strength of human resilience. The Ukrainian people, despite the brutal attempt to break them, held on to their identity, their culture and their hope.

Holodomor Memorial Day serves as a call to action for all of us. It is a reminder that we must be the guardians of truth, standing against those who seek to deny or distort history. By remembering the Holodomor, we honour not only those who were lost but also reaffirm our commitment to fighting against hatred and tyranny in all its forms.