On October 7, Hamas terrorists launched the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust — murdering over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking hundreds of hostages. Just nine days later, I was appointed as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.

Some might say that I consistently find myself in difficult jobs, during especially excruciating times, having most recently led the United Nations’ efforts in Afghanistan when the Taliban took over in 2021. But this role is different. As a diplomat, I dealt with issues that impacted Canada’s relationship with other countries, but as Special Envoy, I’m dealing with an issue that is challenging Canada’s very own relationship with itself, its social cohesion, democratic values, and national security.