Personal Post - A Critical Cause in this Era

As those of you who follow me know, I rarely post personal messages. This cause, however, is personally important, and critical in this era. Please donate to https://www.jewishtoronto.com/2024-thm-ride-to-remember - and read the entire message.

It’s been several years since I’ve actively participated in the Ride To Remember (R2R). Between COVID (with no events), family obligations and health issues, I have at best only solicited for your assistance.? In 2024, however, I will again actively participate, and ask for your support in this worthy cause.

With all now going on in Israel you might ask why you would stretch even further in support of programs teaching diversity and tolerance in memory of the Holocaust.? A bit of thought, however, leads to a an obvious conclusion – with the surge in global antisemitism worldwide, it is more important than ever to teach history, diversity and tolerance.

We have recent generations, sparked by systemic antisemitism, who see propaganda and do not do further research.? They do not read the Hamas Charter, readily available online, or the Iranian government position on every ethnicity which is non-radical Muslim. They do not know that Gaza has been an independent country since 2005. The have not heard how since it’s inception the Hamas terrorists turned away 8 of every 12 trucks daily bringing needed relief to the Palestinian people, the leadership living in luxury while the people remain hungry and angry. They do not know that this is how the Hamas terror organization wants the civilians.

They do not recognize the 30,000 Israeli deaths attributed to terrorism and war. They do not know the history – that in 1948 the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem told the Arab residents to leave their homes and that in 48 hours the Jews would be eliminated and they could return and claim the spoils.? That these displaced people became the residents of Gaza (and the West Bank), were left unsupported by the Arab countries under whose governments they languished, breeding terrorism and anger.

And at it’s core they do not recognize the Holocaust.? They either know nothing about it, or do not believe that it actually happened. Globally, in many places, it is no longer even being taught.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commanding General of the Allied Forces that defeated Nazi Germany in World War II, and later President of the United States recognized then the potential for denial, and declared: “Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened.”

We must continue the fight on all levels, one of which is education.? So June 6-9, 2024, the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance (JMA), returns to Toronto in support of The Toronto Holocaust Museum.

The Toronto Holocaust Museum is a space for education and dialogue about this critical history and its ongoing relevance. The Museum serves as a powerful and growing force against antisemitism, bigotry and hatred in all its forms. The state-of-the-art facility is the premier destination for Holocaust education in Toronto, showcasing cutting edge technology, including interactive Holocaust survivor testimony stations at the core of each exhibit space and augmented reality tablet tours. The Museum deepens the public’s knowledge and understanding, while inspiring visitors to think critically about the tragedies of the Holocaust and to make connections between the Holocaust, world events, and contemporary [Canadian] life.

The Museum's displays are primarily electronic, allowing people to interact with them. They're designed to stimulate the interest of children, to teach them the horrors of the Holocaust and the need to speak up whenever bigotry raises its ugly head. You can ask questions of (hologram) survivors. The visit is certain to impart a sense of concern and caring to all. The JMA believes firmly that the Toronto Holocaust Museum is deserving of our support. We didn't want donations to merely 'fill their coffers' but instead to fulfill a distinct benefit. The donations we make to them will be used to help bring school children from rural areas, who'd otherwise be unable to visit. For them, it'll be the first time they'll encounter Jews. We want to provide a positive learning experience for them.

Please donate in support of the JMA fundraising efforts and my riding in support of that goal. The following is a link to the Toronto Holocaust Museum Ride to Remember donation page.

Thank you in advance for your support in all past years, and at this critical juncture in world (and Jewish) history.

Sam M Cohen

Hillel’s Angels, founding JMA club