1. To remember those who perished and to be a witness to the Shoah, ensuring this dark chapter in our history is never forgotten.
2. To pay tribute to the courage of those who survived the Holocaust, who rebuilt their lives despite the haunting memories of the past, and to be the bearers of their memories, the witnesses for the witnesses.
3. To recognize and learn from the brave actions of the Righteous Among the Nations, who teach us to never be a bystander in the face of oppression.
4. To honour the heroic veterans of WWII, including our brave Canadian soldiers, who fought to liberate Europe from the hands of Nazi tyranny.
5. To inspire participants to commit to building a world free of oppression and intolerance, a world of freedom, democracy, and justice for all humanity.
6. To strengthen the Jewish identity of the next generation by acquainting them with the vibrant Jewish heritage that existed in pre-war Eastern Europe. To commit to living our Jewish lives today with pride and joy, carrying on the diverse values and traditions of pre-war European Jewry.
7. To understand the importance of the existence of Israel as the spiritual centre and homeland of the Jewish people. To develop an appreciation of the hardships and sacrifices endured by her citizens on behalf of Israel. Despite the devastation of the Holocaust, the Jewish people never gave up on their belief in building a better tomorrow. Rather, they defeated the odds and established the State of Israel—the hope and future of the Jewish people.
8. To instill in students a love for Am Yisrael, an appreciation for and connection to the Jewish people in every community and every country, throughout the ages and in contemporary times.
9. To remind participants of our unique mission—rooted in our traditions, spiritual values, and ethics—for each of us to play our role in strengthening the Jewish people while making the world a kinder, better, and more just place for all.
