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This Weekend: National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education
In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this weekend Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is hosting the third annual National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education. Join Canadian educators, law enforcement officials and business leaders from across the country for this innovative conference experience, which will look at the future of Holocaust education through discussions led by renowned human rights and Holocaust educators and experts.
If you have not yet registered, contact Melissa Mikel as soon as possible at mmikel@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 40.
Tour for Humanity Travels Across GTA This Week
This week the Tour for Humanity is travelling to schools across the GTA - including Etobicoke, Mississauga and Brampton - delivering human rights and Holocaust education to students from Grades 5 to 8. On Monday, the bus made a stop at a Catholic elementary school in Etobicoke. When speaking with the Grade 5s, FSWC educator Elena focused on the narrative of Simon Wiesenthal's life as a way to introduce the subject of the Holocaust, which led to questions about the treatment of Jewish people in European history.
Every day, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is helping make the world a better place one student at a time. Consider providing your support to FSWC today. All contributions are 100% tax-deductible and fund programs like the Tour for Humanity, Compassion to Action, Speakers Idol and more.
Netanyahu, Trudeau Hold 'Last-Minute' Meeting in Switzerland
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in what the Prime Minister's Office called a "last-minute pull-aside." Netanyahu spoke with Trudeau, as well as Swiss and Belgian leaders, about the Iran nuclear deal and invited the countries to "deepen economic and technological cooperation," according to an Israel government press release. The two prime ministers also spoke about updating the existing Israel Canada Free Trade Agreement and agreed to "expedite contacts on the issue."
Arab Leaders Express Optimism About Possibility of Resuming Peace Talks
At the Davos conference today, Arab leaders expressed their support for the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, despite the controversy over US President Donald Trump's recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. King Abdullah II of Jordan stated that regardless of Trump's announcement and the country's intention to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, he would rather focus on relations with Israel and how these ties can promote peace. Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said that if the American initiative "will have components that both parties can accept, it will be possible to renew negotiations despite the current crisis surrounding the Trump statement."
Israel Ranked Among Most Innovative, Powerful Countries
Two US publications have ranked Israel among the top 10 in their lists of most powerful and innovative countries in the world. US News and World Report ranked Israel as the 8th most powerful and influential country, citing the country's strong military, political influence and strong international alliances as the top reasons for this ranking. Bloomberg News listed Israel at the 10th most innovative country.
Polish Neo-Nazis Arrested and Charged Following Shocking Expose
Authorities in Poland have arrested and charged three members of a neo-Nazi group with propagating fascism. This comes after the release of hidden-camera footage that showed the members dressed in Nazi uniforms celebrating Hitler's birthday last year. During a news conference, Poland's prime minister stated that the country cannot have tolerance of Nazi symbols and that the use of them is "against the law and against all of our values."
From the Arab World
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Lebanon, the US is urging the Lebanese government to cut its financial support for Hezbollah. "[America urges] Lebanon to take every possible measure to ensure [Hezbollah] is not part of the financial sector," said Treasury Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Marshall Billingslea. The US recently initiated an investigation into the terror group's global financial network and drug trafficking operations, and in 2017 US President Donald Trump called Hezbollah a "menace" and threat to Lebanon.
On Monday the UNRWA launched a global fundraising campaign, which follows the announcement by the US that it will cut half of its funding to the Palestinian relief agency. According to the UN, this campaign is meant to help sustain resources for its "education, health and other assistance programmes."
Mark Your Calendars: Spirit of Hope Taking Place on May 30, 2018
If you haven't done so already, mark May 30, 2018 in your calendars! Spirit of Hope 2018 will be an evening to remember, as the former prime ministers of Canada, Israel and Spain will be the featured speakers of the dinner. Lara Logan, 60 Minutes correspondent, will be the host and moderator.We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of entertainment, insightful and inspiring discussions, and an incredible celebration of human rights and freedom. To register or for more information, contact Tracey Steyn at tsteyn@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 21.
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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