Every January, the Holland Bloorview community comes together to honour two days of significance: Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia (January 29).

Though these days reflect different histories, they share a profound message: the urgent need to confront hatred, challenge discrimination and build communities grounded in empathy, dignity and humanity.

This message lives at the heart Holland Bloorview’s IDEAA values: inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti‑racism. Our IDEAA work guides how the Holland Bloorview community cares for one another, how it serves children and families and how the hospital grows as a healthy and inclusive workplace aligned with the HB2030 Strategic Plan. 

Through reflection, resources, education and staff-led initiatives, the hospital reaffirms its commitment to fight against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination.

“As a community committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti‑racism, it is our collective responsibility to actively participate in breaking down barriers of understanding. Allyship is focused on action, not identity.  Therefore, as allies, we must actively and consistently engage in the practice of learning and unlearning to understand systems of privilege, inequity and oppression. Participating in educational events and learning from our employee resource groups helps build a workplace where we all feel valued, safe and respected.” – Stewart Wong, vice president, communications, strategy and sustainability.

Remembering the Holocaust: Honouring survivors, families and the Jewish community

Holocaust Remembrance Day provides space to reflect on the millions of lives lost and the enduring trauma and resilience of Jewish communities worldwide.

Laura Bowman, project manager, research and evaluation, Employment Pathways program and co-lead of the Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG), shares:

“As the grandchild of four Holocaust survivors, a researcher and an occupational therapist who works to support inclusion, equity and participation, I uphold the importance of looking to our past to prevent its repetition in our future. The Jewish community, like many others, has faced discrimination, and continues to see the dangers of antisemitism. This day allows us all to reflect upon the resiliency of our communities, and the need for cultural sensitivity in the work that we do.”  (Read her full reflection)

Tammi Fromstein, speech language pathologist, also a member of the Jewish ERG shares her reflection inspired by Philosopher Edmund Burke's quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (people) to do nothing.” 

“I lost an entire side of my family in the Holocaust. I never thought I’d live to experience the rise of antisemitism, which is reminiscent of the stories I used to hear from my grandparents. Because Jew hate is an old form of hate, the Jewish community has not only become closer, but we’ve become organized and can stand up for ourselves more than we were able to in the past. What I’ve realized is even the smallest gesture of support or kindness is so appreciated and meaningful, and makes us feel like we’re not going through this difficult time alone.” (Read her full reflection)

In solidarity with Muslim staff, clients and Families 

On January 29, Canada marks the anniversary of the tragic 2017 Quebec City mosque attack, a day of mourning and a call to action against Islamophobia.

For many Muslim staff at Holland Bloorview, this day holds deep emotional significance.

Faiza Khawaja, research manager, Autism Research Centre, shares:

“In moments of remembrance, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to care for one another with compassion, dignity, and empathy. Inclusion and solidarity begin with recognizing our common humanity and choosing to lead with respect, even when differences exist. At Holland Bloorview, our commitment to building an inclusive world calls us to listen deeply, act with respect and create environments where everyone feels valued, safe and respected.”

Alysha Ladha, developmental pediatrician, reflects on the importance of visibility and solidarity: “Islamophobia, antisemitism, and discrimination in general are not always loud. Sometimes they can present in subtle ways; at other times in larger systems and structures. Acknowledging these truths moves us closer to a culture where inclusion is an active, shared responsibility. Days of remembrance and reflection are opportunities to listen with empathy and respect for our colleagues, and to share our own experiences, with the goal of building a stronger community.”

These reflections echo a message across Holland Bloorview: challenging harmful stereotypes, listening with care and learning about one another strengthens the hospital’s workplace culture and the care delivered to children, youth and families.

Joanne Maxwell, vice president, experience, transformation and social accountability (ETSA),  underscores the importance of these observances:

“Both of these observances remind us of the important role we play, and responsibility we hold, in creating an environment for our staff, clients and families where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. This responsibility is one that requires continuous learning and action.”

She highlights the ongoing work that supports this commitment:

• This year, for the first time, Holland Bloorview staff are participating in the Green Square campaign to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. Green square pins are available to staff who wish to take part, offering a visible symbol of remembrance, solidarity and a shared commitment to standing against Islamophobia
• Empowering employee resource groups as key partners in building a culture of inclusion.
• A dedicated IDEAA office, complemented by the IDEAA Taskforce - a voluntary group of staff, family, and youth leaders. The office is committed to removing barriers, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring psychological safety for staff by amplifying barriers and identifying inequitable systems.

“Together, these efforts strengthen the foundation of compassion and respect that defines Holland Bloorview,” she adds.

By honouring the past and confronting the realities of discrimination that persist today, Holland Bloorview continues its journey toward a community where diversity is celebrated, where staff and families feel they belong and where every child’s potential can shine.

Learn more about Holland Bloorview’s IDEAA initiatives

By Terry Mutuku