Ehud Barak Lifts the Lid on Israeli Army's Most Elite Unit's Special Ops

For the first time in his new book to be released next month, Ehud Barak offers a firsthand and detailed account of the intelligence operations he participated in - including the first full look into the work of Sayeret Matkal, a special forces unit of the IDF, in its early years. Barak will be one of several featured speakers at FSWC's upcoming Spirit of Hope Benefit. To hear more of what he has to say, register for Spirit of Hope today.

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FSWC Mourns the Passing of Vancouver Businessman and Philanthropist Samuel Belzberg z"l

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center joins Simon Wiesenthal Center in mourning the passing of Samuel Belzberg z"l, a Vancouver businessman and philanthropist who was the Founding Chairman of SWC's Board of Trustees. Since the inception of FSWC, Belzberg served as its Honorary Chairman. "I had many meaningful conversations with Sam and the pleasure of catching up with him in Vancouver this past November," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. "We mourn his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Frances and their entire family."

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Canada Recognizes May as Jewish Heritage Month

Last week FSWC was pleased to learn that the Canadian Jewish Heritage Month Act passed a third reading in the House of Commons. The bill - sponsored by Senator Linda Frum and MP Michael Levitt - has since received royal assent and been signed into law. FSWC has made its Jewish Heritage Month Resource Guidebook available to community groups and to school boards across the country in order to enhance their participation in Jewish Heritage Month.

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It's not too late to wish your family and friends Happy Passover with a tribute card! Send a personalized message while sharing the gratification of contributing to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center.  

Request Tribute Card.

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Halifax Churches Defaced Over Easter Weekend

FSWC is discouraged to learn that two Halifax churches were defaced with vulgar graffiti in the overnight hours before Easter Sunday. "There is no place in Canada for expressing this kind of vulgarity and intolerance, especially against a place of worship," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. Police are reportedly investigating the two incidents as being related.

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Racist Graffiti Found on Bus Shelter in Gatineau Under InvestigationOn Friday photos of racist graffiti on a bus shelter in Gatineau, Quebec began to circulate online. The graffiti, which police began investigating, included comments written in French and a swastika drawn across an advertisement featuring people of colour.

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Holocaust Denial Conviction of Far-Right Activist Upheld in France

The Holocaust denial conviction of Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the far-right National Front party, was upheld by a French court last week. Le Pen was fined more than $30,000 for his 2015 statement that the Holocaust was "a detail" of World War II. Earlier this month Le Pen's party, which is currently led by his daughter Marine Le Pen, stripped him of his role as honorary president. 

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From the Arab World

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been re-elected for a second four-year term following last week's votes. According to official results, Sisi won 97 per cent of the votes. Opposition politicians had previously called for a boycott after several potential candidates dropped out or were arrested.

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FSWC Recognizes Michael Bregman and Katie Osborne as Spirit of Hope Gold Sponsors

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is pleased to recognize Michael Bregman and Katie Osborne as gold sponsors of Spirit of Hope 2018. Bregman and Osborne will be joining hundreds of others at the annual event that celebrates human rights, freedom and the important work of FSWC.

To register or for more information, contact Tracey at tsteyn@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 21.

Register for Spirit of Hope 2018

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FSWC Wants to Hear from You

Passionate about an issue in the news or your community? Does it align with FSWC's mandate? Then we want to hear from you! FSWC is inviting you to submit reflections on issues that matter to you and the community. While we won't be publishing anything just yet, we will be taking all submissions into consideration for future projects. Submit reflections to aborisovsky@fswc.ca.