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US Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) supports the United States' declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. This afternoon, US President Donald Trump formally announced this recognition, following reports of a plan to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. "Since the establishment of Israel almost 70 years ago, Jerusalem has been the official capital of the country - serving as the home for Israel's legislature and supreme court. This is a day of historic significance, as the US formally recognizes a sovereign nation's right to declare its capital," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.
FSWC Hosts Exhibit Dedicated to Victims of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis
CTV News Correspondent Peter Akman joined FSWC for a very special program about the Rohingya refugee crisis. Akman, who recently travelled to Bangladesh to report on the crisis, returned to Canada motivated to speak out specifically because of the children who touched his life. Akman photographed children who had been rendered silent due to the horrific circumstances they had endured. These children gave their testimony through their drawings, depicting their harrowing survival and escape to Bangladesh.
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FSWC Condemns BDS Resolution Passed by Oshawa Federal NDP Riding Association
FSWC condemns the passing of a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) resolution by the Oshawa Federal NDP Riding Association, and is asking the federal NDP to not put forward support for the BDS movement. FSWC contacted the Oshawa Federal NDP Riding Association directly to protest the matter after the resolution was passed on Sunday at the Association's annual general meeting. The resolution calls for a debate at the upcoming Federal NDP Convention regarding whether boycotting specific companies that operate in the West Bank should become national party policy.
Tour for Humanity Visits an Alternative Education Centre in Cobourg
On Monday, the Tour for Humanity was in Cobourg at an alternative education centre serving teens and adults who are working on their high school diplomas. It was a really great day of small groups coming through for the Global Perspectives on Genocide workshop. One of the topics FSWC educator Elena discussed was the post-Holocaust era and the importance of the Holocaust in our modern understanding of human rights and the concept of genocide itself.
Taylor Force Act Targeting Terror Payments Passes by Unanimous Vote
On Tuesday the US House of Representatives unanimously passed the Taylor Force Act, legislation that prevents the US from providing aid that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority unless it stops paying monthly salaries and other benefits to the families of Palestinian terrorists. The PA - whose largest international donor is the US - reportedly spent $355 million on payments to families this year.
From the Arab World
On Monday, the presidential palace in Yemen's capital was attacked by at least seven airstrikes coming from Saudi Arabian warplanes. This was an attack against Houthi rebels, who currently use the palace after stating they had killed ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh. While Saleh had previously had an alliance with the Houthis, the pact broke down in recent days as the former president appeared to have switched sides and offered Saudi Arabia a way out of the conflict.
Following US President Donald Trump's announcement declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, protests began erupting in Gaza and demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the Middle East. In anticipation of the protests, the American consulate in Jerusalem warned government employees to not travel in certain parts of the city and the West Bank.
Save the Date: Spirit of Hope - May 30, 2018
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies is delighted to confirm the date and location of the annual Spirit of Hope Benefit in 2018.
Date: May 30, 2018
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Stay tuned for an announcement revealing the event's exceptional lineup of speakers!
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.
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