Vanier College in Montreal has issued a formal apology after postponing its annual Holocaust commemoration, drawing sharp criticism from survivors and the Jewish community.
The decision, made less than a week before the event, canceled the planned testimony of Holocaust survivor Eva Kuper. College officials cited heightened security concerns and the current geopolitical climate-despite no specific threat.
"When fear rules your decisions rather than conviction of what is right, that’s dangerous," Kuper said, calling the move "cowardly." The Jewish Community Council of Montreal condemned the action as "a disgraceful act of capitulation."
In a statement, Vanier acknowledged it "did not fully consider the significance and impact" of the postponement. It emphasized that its 34th Holocaust and Genocide Symposium continued as scheduled, but the commemorative segment was separately delayed.
The college extended "sincere apologies" to Kuper and all survivors, vowing to reschedule the commemoration under conditions that ensure dignity and respect.
Vanier affirmed its commitment to remembrance, education, and dialogue with the Jewish community.