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National Policy Conference to Look at Future of Holocaust Education
In less than three weeks, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center will host its third annual National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This innovative conference will feature renowned Holocaust and human rights educators and experts who will discuss important topics such as how educators can continue preserving the memory of Holocaust survivors.
"We work mostly with people who are not Jewish," FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo told Canadian Jewish News. "We educate non-Jews. These people take away best practices to educate their students. That's what we want to see."
Tour for Humanity Brings a Week of Holocaust Education to Brampton
The Tour for Humanity was back in action on Monday, starting off the new year at a middle school in Brampton. Students at the school will be participating in workshops on the bus throughout the week. The school is using the Tour for Humanity visit as a jumping off point to begin units on the Holocaust and encourage further discussion about tolerance, equity and inclusion. Because of past incidents, the school is also working on addressing bullying issues head-on.
During one of yesterday's workshops, several students shared their experiences with bullying and discussed steps they can take to stop bullying. The workshop ended with a reminder of past injustices like the Holocaust and how these students had the power to be heroes and create positive change.
With students back in school this week, consider giving your support to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center. The Center provides numerous educational programs to schools and teachers throughout the year aimed at increasing knowledge about the Holocaust and promoting human rights and tolerance.
Hundreds Attend Funeral of Rabbi Murdered in West Bank Terror Attack
The funeral of Rabbi Raziel Shevach - who was murdered yesterday night in a drive-by terror attack on a highway - was held today in the West Bank outpost of Havat Gilad. Hundreds of people attended the funeral, including ministers and chief rabbis. The IDF has since expanded its search for the perpetrators of the attack, bringing in reinforcements to assist. Shevach was a 35-year-old volunteer medic and married with six children.
French Kosher Shop Hit by Arson Attack on Anniversary of Jewish Supermarket Shooting
On the three-year anniversary of the deadly terror attack that took place in a Jewish supermarket in Paris, a kosher shop near Paris was destroyed after being hit by an arson attack. The attack happened yesterday morning - just six days after being one of two stores tagged with swastika graffiti - reviving fears of antisemitism.
Israeli Defense Ministry: PA Paid Terrorists Nearly $350 Million in 2017
Israel's Defense Ministry notified the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee yesterday that the Palestinian Authority (PA) paid terrorists more than $347 million in 2017. The figures come from the PA's records, which reveal how payment amounts are determined. Terrorists sentenced to 3-5 years in prison receive $580 each month, while terrorists sentenced to 20 years or more in prison receive over $2,800 each month.
From the Arab World
In a speech broadcasted by Iranian media on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US and "the Zionists" of inciting the anti-government protests that took place in the country, stating the "enemies" spent months preparing demonstrations in small towns hoping they would spread to Tehran. He then went on to praise the "massive movement of the people against the plots of the enemies," referring to the pro-government rallies that were held.
According to one Iranian lawmaker, around 3,700 protesters have been arrested in Iran over the last two weeks - a number much higher than what Iranian authorities released, who had simply stated that "hundreds" were arrested in Tehran alone. The lawyer stated that because different security and intelligence forces detained protesters, it would be difficult to know the exact number of detainees. On Sunday, Tehran's prosecutor said that 70 of the detained protesters have been released on bail during the last 48 hours, with more releases to take place.
Have you registered for Spirit of Hope 2018 yet?
As tables are filling up, don't forget to reserve a seat at this year's Spirit of Hope Benefit. The annual dinner and fundraising event provides the support Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center needs to continue countering antisemitism and hate in communities across Canada, while also providing educational programs that inspire youth and professionals to stand up for human rights and tolerance.
This year's Spirit of Hope will be hosted and moderated by 60 Minutes correspondent Lara Logan and will feature an incredible panel of speakers: former prime minister of Canada Stephen Harper, former prime minister of Israel Ehud Barak and former prime minister of Spain Jose Maria Aznar. This is an event you don't want to miss!
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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