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National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education a Success
FSWC held its third annual National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education over the weekend - welcoming leaders, experts and educators from across North America in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Saturday's opening dinner included a candle-lighting ceremony with Holocaust survivors, while Sunday's conversations centred on the future of Holocaust education.
At Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, fighting antisemitism and hate through education is a priority. Provide your support today to help fund important programs and events just like the National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education. We thank you for your support.
Israel and Poland to Hold Talks After Polish Holocaust Bill Sparks Outrage
On Friday, the lower house of the Polish parliament passed a bill that would criminalize blaming Poles for Nazi crimes and calls for prison time for referring to "Polish death camps" - sparking outrage around the world, particularly in Israel. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and Poland have agreed to hold talks and "try to reach understandings" regarding the proposed bill, which still requires approval from Poland's Senate and president.
New Orleans Repeals Resolution Drafted by BDS Activists
By a vote of 7-0, the City of New Orleans rescinded a recently passed bill that was drafted and celebrated by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activists. The measure, which passed 5-0 on January 11, sought to prohibit "contracting with or investing in corporations whose practices consistently violate human rights." Despite being hailed by anti-Israel BDS activists as a victory, City Council members said they were surprised the resolution was seen as anti-Israel.
Israel Unveils New Tool to Monitor Online Antisemitism
On Thursday, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry unveiled its new system to track online antisemitism. The Antisemitism Cyber Monitoring System includes real-time interactive maps showing antisemitic activities from around the world and can display information based on geography, language, dates and other factors. While in pilot mode for a month, the system monitored and analyzed 409,000 antisemitic posts and tweets.
Report: 79% Increase in Enrollment of Arab Students in Israeli Universities
According to a recent survey released by Israel's Council for Higher Education (CHE), there has been a 79 per cent increase in enrollment of Arab students in Israeli universities over the past seven years. A total of 46,855 Arab students were enrolled in degree-seeking programs in 2017, compared to 26,214 in 2010. In 2015, the Israeli government approved a five-year, NIS 15 billion plan to develop the Arab sector in the country, including improving Arab students' access to higher education.
From the Arab World
The head of the Muslim World League, a Saudi-based organization, wrote an official letter to the director of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum last week on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In the letter he denounced Holocaust denial, stating that "any denial of the Holocaust or minimizing of its effect a crime to distort history and an insult to the dignity of those innocent souls who have perished." He also expressed "great sympathy with the victims of the Holocaust, an incident that shook humanity to the core."
The Afghan government declared a national day of mourning after more than 100 people were killed in a deadly attack in Kabul yesterday. An ambulance packed with explosives blew up in a crowded street, in the heart of what's considered the most secure part of the city, injuring another 235 people.
David and Stacey Cynamon, Nancy Pencer Recognized as 2018 Spirit of Hope Platinum Sponsors
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is pleased to recognize David and Stacey Cynamon and Nancy Pencer as platinum sponsors of the 2018 Spirit of Hope Benefit. The dinner will be taking place on May 30, 2018, with an incredible panel of speakers that you don't want to miss.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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