The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hannah Marazzi as executive director. The unanimous decision by the board and Executive Committee reflects confidence in Hannah’s leadership, strategic vision and commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance. 

Hannah first joined the VHEC in 2023, as director of communications and special projects, where she played a key role in strengthening public engagement, educational programs and partnerships.  She has served as acting executive director since fall 2024, following the departure of longtime executive director Nina Krieger now MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake.

“As an organization, we were very fortunate to already have on staff someone as knowledgeable and passionate about our very important work as Hannah,” said VHEC president Al Szajman.

“It became apparent early on that her previous work in Ottawa, including as a senior advisor to Irwin Cotler, had equipped her with strong relationships among our national and international partners—such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), various foundations, government officials and thought leaders. She has also significantly deepened our local partnerships. We have come to recognize Hannah as a leader of vision, integrity and maturity.”

Hannah brings to the role more than a decade of experience in human rights advocacy, strategic communications and public policy. She previously served as special advisor to Canada’s inaugural Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and was a lead author of Canada’s national report to the IHRA. Her work has spanned national and international initiatives addressing antisemitism, racism, and historical memory.

“It is an honour to serve the VHEC community in this new capacity,” said Hannah.

“I am inspired every day by the stories of survivors, the dedication of our staff, and the commitment of our partners in education, justice, and remembrance. At a time when Holocaust distortion and antisemitism are on the rise, the work of the Centre has never been more urgent. I look forward to stewarding the next chapter of the VHEC’s history with humility, resolve, and deep gratitude.”

The VHEC engages students, educators and the broader public with the history of the Holocaust—the Shoah—and its ongoing relevance. It does so to further its vision of a world free of antisemitism, discrimination and genocide, with social justice and human rights for all. With Hannah at the helm, the Centre will continue to expand its reach, relevance and impact across British Columbia and beyond.