News Release – Government of Canada supports project aimed at fostering intercultural awareness

Calgary, January 26, 2012 – Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney, today announced financial support for a photographic exhibit honouring Muslim Albanians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. The exhibit tells the moving story of how the Besa, a code of honour in Albanian culture, guided their courageous actions.

“Exhibits like this one help to showcase the values we celebrate in this country and the importance of respect for fundamental freedoms, regardless of one’s background or religion,” Minister Kenney said.

The “BESA: A Code of Honor” exhibit, hosted by the Calgary Jewish Federation, pays tribute to 17 of the more than 60 Muslim Albanians recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations – non-Jews who risked their own lives to save Jews from extermination by the Nazis.

“Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Inter-Action program aims to create opportunities for different cultural and faith communities to build bridges,” said Minister Kenney. “The Calgary Jewish Federation is contributing to strengthening our society through education and awareness. This photographic exhibit will facilitate interaction and foster an increased understanding of the diverse communities of Calgary, particularly between the Muslim and Jewish communities.”

In honour of the UN-declared International Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, the photographic exhibit, funded in part by Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Inter-Action program, will take place from January 27 to February 5, 2012, at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day, and is open to the public free of charge.

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For further information (media only), please contact:

Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca