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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center wishes everyone celebrating a Happy Purim!
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer Pledges to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
In the form of a pledge, Canada's Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and his party declared that if the Conservative party forms government next year, it will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo commended Scheer for taking this step, stating that he's pleased to note Scheer will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and that "it's the right thing to do."
This announcement comes following US President Donald Trump's recent recognition of the city as the capital and after the State Department most recently stated the US embassy will be moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May.
Canada's Minister Freeland Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Antisemitism
While speaking during yesterday's UN Human Rights Council session, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland spoke about Canada's commitment to defending human rights around the world. She also reiterated the importance of learning from the Holocaust and the country's commitment to not tolerating antisemitism in any form. FSWC thanked Minister Freeland for reaffirming Canada's stance on antisemitism in her statement.
Tour for Humanity Continues Two-Week Visit to London Area
Monday marked the first day of the Tour for Humanity's two-week visit to London and the surrounding area, organized by the Thames Valley District School Board. Students from 10 different high schools will have the opportunity to step onto the bus and participate in workshops. Yesterday the bus stopped in Aylmer, a town south of London, marking its second visit to the school since 2014.
Help Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center continue developing and delivering much-needed Holocaust and human rights educational programs for students and professionals.Your support is greatly appreciated.
Report: Antisemitic Incidents in US Spiked in 2017
According to a new report released yesterday by the Anti-Defamation League, the number of antisemitic incidents in the US increased by 57 per cent in 2017 - totaling 1,986 incidents, compared to 1,267 incidents in 2016 and 942 in 2015. This was the largest one-year increase in recorded history. According to the audit, this increase is partly due to an increase in people reporting antisemitic incidents. Almost all instances were either harassment or vandalism.
Murder of French Jewish Woman Will Be Prosecuted as Antisemitic Crime
After much reluctance from French media, officials and the court to recognize the brutal murder of Sarah Halimi - a French orthodox Jewish woman -by Islamist assailant Kobili Traore last April as an antisemitic hate crime, the judge investigating the case announced on Tuesday that the murder will be prosecuted as a hate crime after all. This comes after an appeal was made against a judge's decision to scrap a hate crime element from the indictment of the perpetrator earlier this month and psychiatric test results revealing Traore was responsible for his actions.
Polish Delegation Arrives in Israel to Discuss Controversial Holocaust Law
A Polish delegation arrived in Israel today ahead of tomorrow's meeting with a team headed by the Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. According to Israel's Foreign Ministry, both delegations are made up of historians, journalists, lawyers and diplomats, who will work on coming to an understanding between the two countries on Poland's recent Holocaust law.
From the Arab World
According to a Jordanian news report, Jordan had foiled several terrorist attacks by a terror cell affiliated with ISIS. The targets had included the US embassy in Amman and Israeli businessmen visiting Jordan. The country's security forces uncovered the terror cell's plot in November and arrested 17 members before they were able to carry out any attacks.
New satellite photos and intelligence reports reveal that Iran has constructed a new permanent military base outside the Syrian capital of Damascus that may be housing missiles that are capable of striking Israel. According to the head of US Central Commander, Iran has been increasing the number and quality of ballistic missiles it is installing in Syria.
Support FSWC's Educational Programs at Spirit of Hope 2018
Watch longtime FSWC supporters Mark and Susan Weisbarth discuss why they support the organization and its programs, particularly the Tour for Humanity. "What's great about it is, it goes to local communities, it talks to people at a grassroots level," says Mark, who also believes it's through a vehicle like Tour for Humanity that we'll "win the battle for the hearts and minds of the general population." Join Mark and Susan at this year's Spirit of Hope. To register or for more information, contact Tracey at tsteyn@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 21.
Register for Spirit of Hope 2018
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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