1. Leader of UK Labour Party Embroiled in Antisemitism Dispute After Former Mayor of London Claims Hitler Supported Zionism

The leader of the United Kingdom's left-wing Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, is embroiled in yet another controversy surrounding allegations of antisemitism after apparently refusing to outright condemn and expel the former mayor of London - and Labour supporter - Ken Livingstone from the Labour Party for claiming that Hitler was supportive of Zionism. Corbyn told media that he wished Livingstone would help him "win elections" when asked about Livingstone's comments, although he did say that they were "insensitive." 

2. United States: Sarin Used in Syrian Gas Attack 'Almost Certainly' Carried Out by Assad Regime

Following a chemical attack in Syria yesterday - which has killed upwards of 100 innocent civilians, and injured nearly 400 more - the U.S. government is saying that it believes that the attack was "almost certainly" carried out by forces loyal to the Syrian government, and Syrian Dictator Bashar al-Assad. Intelligence officials with the U.S. also believe that the chemical agent sarin was used in the attack - an illegal chemical which the international community has long believed the Assad regime holds stockpiles of. FSWC released a statement yesterday regarding the attack, with President and CEO Avi Benlolo stating the attack "shows complete disregard for the lives of innocent people."

3. BDS Fails at Columbia University

After a yearlong campaign of hate and divisiveness from pro-BDS activists at New York's iconic Columbia University, FSWC is pleased that the Columbia College Student Council has voted overwhelmingly against moving forward with a student referendum on the question of supporting the antisemitic, anti-Israel BDS campaign. Jewish and pro-Israel students at Columbia are hailing the vote as a decisive victory against the hatred promoted by BDS, although they note that the university had always stood against any boycotts against Israel. 

4. Jewish Boy Forced to Leave Berlin School After Antisemitic Bullying from His Muslim Classmates

In a story which has sparked widespread disgust and anger, it is being reported that a 14-year-old Jewish boy from Britain was forced to leave his school in Berlin after being relentlessly bullied by his Muslim classmates after he revealed to them that he was Jewish. Reports claim that the boy was beaten, threatened with toy guns, and told "Muslims hate Jews. All Jews are murderers." The boy's mother said to British media that the school had told her "this is normal for adolescents from this background, that they're just trying to find their identity." She responded by stating "it shouldn't be normal... I've never experienced such direct antisemitism before in all the years I've lived in Germany."

5. Neo-Nazis Operating with Impunity in Sweden

A local Jewish association has decided to close down its community centre in Sweden following numerous antisemitic threats and incidents. Leaders in the Jewish community in Sweden and worldwide are denouncing Swedish authorities' inability to provide security to Jewish citizens in the country."This is but the latest shameful episode when Swedish authorities fail to provide for the basic safety of its Jewish citizens," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. "This time, it is neo-Nazis operating with impunity in northern Sweden, threatening Jews."

6. FSWC at Work

ICYMI: FSWC's dinner with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper was featured prominently in The Hill Times earlier this week. The piece noted Harper's strong support for the Jewish State during his nine-and-a-half years as the prime minister of Canada, as well as his government's principled stance on the world stage against terrorist groups which threaten and target the people of Israel. The piece also covered Harper's comments on Iran, which he said was led by an "extremist government" that repeatedly makes "genocidal threats" against the State of Israel. You can read the piece here.

PHILANTHROPY CORNER

FSWC is a designated Canadian charitable organization that provides tax receipts for charitable contributions. A donation to FSWC is tax deductible and provides an incredible footprint of direct action in our community. If you want to change lives and provide for positive community development, consider extending your philanthropy to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center this spring.  

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