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Durham Student Says Free Speech Shouldn't Be Used to Spread Hate

Speaker's Idol elementary school winner Grace Patterson was recently featured in the Port Perry Star, where she discussed her involvement in Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center's (FSWC) annual competition and shared her take on Simon Wiesenthal's quote "freedom of speech is not freedom to propagate hatred."

"You hear that one person can change the world. OK. But how? Just entering this competition, so many people were able to hear my speech," Grace said. "By doing this, I can maybe change someone's opinion."

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FSWC Announces 'Shabbat for Life' Project to Remember the Shoah

FSWC invites Jewish communities worldwide to remember the Shoah by partaking in "Shabbat for Life," an inaugural project dedicated to honouring Holocaust survivors and preserving the memory of those who perished.This initiative, set for Friday April 13th following Yom Hashoah, encourages members of the Jewish community to host Holocaust survivors for Shabbat and share an enriching evening together. FSWC will be hosting its own dinner in Toronto with survivors who participate as educators in the organization.

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Through its Tour for Humanity and daily workshops, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is a leader in delivering programs that inspire Canadians to raise their voices for freedom, democracy and human rights. Provide your support today.  

Click here to donate.

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FSWC Horrified by Reports of Chemical Attack in Syria

Reports state that chemical weapons were used against civilians in Syria over the weekend. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, are being blamed for the assault. FSWC is calling for a full investigation into the alleged attack and demands accountability for those responsible. The organization also echoes the Canadian government in its praise of medical workers and organizations who are working to save innocent lives.

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Hundreds in London Protest Antisemitism, Demand Labour Party Hold Leader to Account

Hundreds gathered on Labour Party headquarters in central London yesterday to protest against antisemitism in the party. Demonstrators held signs that read "zero tolerance for antisemitism", "Labour hold Corbyn to account" and "antisemitism is racism." A complaint to the Labour Party denouncing Jeremy Corbyn and accusing him of bringing his party into disrepute for dismissing antisemitism was submitted two weeks ago, reportedly receiving hundreds of signatures.

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Polish Survivors Sue Publisher Over Holocaust Denial Books

In a landmark case, two Holocaust survivors and one former fighter of the Polish Home Army and Warsaw Uprising filed a lawsuit on Friday against a publisher based in Poland that published pro-Nazi propaganda books that glorify Nazism and deny the Holocaust. The three Polish citizens brought forth numerous arguments, including that the publisher violates their personal rights and their right to the memory of the historical truth. The lawsuit requests the publisher to stop selling and distributing the books.

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From the Arab World

Just before the final days of Passover, Hamas's reward system was published - revealing that the terror group is promising to pay the families of Palestinians killed or wounded during the violent riots at the Gaza-Israel border. The system will pay $3,000 to families of those killed, $500 to families of those seriously wounded and $200 to families of those moderately wounded.

During a sermon on Friday, the senior advisor to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas charged Hamas with "selling illusions, trading in suffering and blood, trading in victims," so they can "go to the TV and media with strong declarations." He went on to say the "[Hamas] acts of 'heroism' don't fool anyone anymore." Yesterday Abbas said he won't be responsible for what happens in Gaza as long as Hamas stays in control of the Gaza Strip.

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Preston Group Recognized as Gold Sponsor of Spirit of Hope 2018

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is pleased to recognize Preston Group as a gold sponsor of the 2018 Spirit of Hope Benefit. Preston Group joins a long list of supporters of this annual celebration of freedom, human rights and the state of Israel.

With Spirit of Hope less than two months away, don't forget to register today! 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.