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Israeli PM Visiting India, Praises 'New Era' in Relations Between Countries
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in India yesterday for a six-day visit to increase relations between the two countries. This visit comes a year after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel. Today the two prime ministers held talks, announcing afterwards that the countries have signed key deals in various areas, including defence, agriculture, security and science.
New Jersey Divests from Danish Bank to Comply with Anti-BDS Law
The New Jersey state government had recently sold its investments in Denmark's largest bank, Danske Bank, because of its blacklisting of two Israeli defence companies. This is due to New Jersey's law which prohibits the state from investing certain funds into companies that boycott Israel and Israeli businesses. New York and Colorado are at least two other states that do not conduct business with the Danish bank because of anti-BDS laws.
"Bookkeeper of Auschwitz" Launches Bid for Clemency
In a final attempt to avoid going to prison, former Auschwitz death camp guard and accountant Oskar Groening - also known as the "bookkeeper of Auschwitz" - has launched a bid for clemency. Groening was convicted in 2015 as an accessory to the murder of 300,000 Jews and sentenced to four years in prison. Due to the appeals process, he has not yet spent time behind bars. A decision regarding clemency will likely be made this week.
During an interview today on The Evan Solomon Show, FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo stated that regardless of his age, Oskar Groening and others like him must serve time for the heinous crimes committed during the Holocaust.
Support the work of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center as we continue in our educational and advocacy efforts. Your contribution funds programs such as Tour for Humanity and Compassion to Action, which provide Holocaust and human rights education to both students and professionals.
Report: Israel's Neighbours Among Most Dangerous Countries for Christians
According to a new report by a Christian charity group, most of Israel's neighbours are among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. These countries include Egypt, Jordan, Syria and the Palestinian territories. The report states that in Egypt, for example, Christian converts face pressure to convert back to Islam and severe restrictions on building places of worship and congregating. Recently, churches in Egyptian cities were struck by terror attacks, killing many.
Charges Against Ottawa Professor in Synagogue Bombing Dropped
Terrorism charges against former Ottawa professor Hassan Diab have been dropped in France due to lack of evidence. Diab was arrested more than nine years ago in connection with a 1980 bombing of a synagogue in France that killed four people. He spent the past three years in French prison awaiting trial after being charged with first-degree murder. Simon Wiesenthal Center's Shimon Samuels, who witnessed the bombing, recently said in a letter that the release was "a body-blow for survivors and victims families."
From the Arab World
Today's double suicide bombing at a busy street marked in Baghdad has killed at least 38 people, Iraqi health and police officials said. At least another 105 people were injured. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but Iraqi and US officials have warned that ISIS would continue with attacks despite success in uprooting the terror group across the country.
The Israeli military said yesterday that it had destroyed a mile-long tunnel that stretched from Gaza into Egypt. The tunnel crossed into Israel under the Kerem Shalom border crossing, which is used to transfer goods from Israel into Gaza. The Israeli military therefore concluded that it was an attack tunnel.
Paul Bronfman Recognized as Platinum Sponsor of Spirit of Hope
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is pleased to recognize Paul Bronfman as one of the platinum sponsors of the upcoming Spirit of Hope Benefit. This year's dinner will welcome former prime ministers of Canada, Israel and Spain as the evening's panel of speakers. Register today for what will be a truly exciting and inspiring event.
For more information about Spirit of Hope, please contact Tracey Steyn at tsteyn@fswc.ca or call 416-864-9735, ext. 21.
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Submit reflections to aborisovsky@fswc.ca.
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