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FSWC's Open Letter to Polish Ambassador Regarding Holocaust Bill
In a letter sent to the Polish ambassador in Ottawa, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) President and CEO Avi Benlolo expressed why the Polish government should reconsider its recently passed controversial Holocaust bill, stating that the legislation "could have the consequence of silencing discussion by academics and others as to the historical truths regarding the collaboration and complicity of members of the Polish population with their Nazi occupiers during the Holocaust."
FSWC has since expressed disappointment in the response received from the Polish Ambassador regarding the letter of concern.
Ontario Faced with Several Incidents of Antisemitic Graffiti
FSWC is concerned about ongoing reports of swastikas being found in many locations across Ontario.
In the latest reported incident, a swastika was painted onto a sidewalk in a park in the city of St. Catherines across from a local school. Other recent reports have included swastikas found drawn in the snow on cars in midtown Toronto, a large swastika etched onto a statute outside the Toronto offices of the Chief Coroner and a swastika with an offensive message left on a cigarette package at a seniors' residence in Newmarket.
Tour for Humanity Pays a Two-Day Visit to School in Brampton
On Monday and Tuesday, the Tour for Humanity was at a school in Brampton, providing a total of 12 Canadian Experience workshops to students in Grade 8. During yesterday's workshop, students had several questions about the Holocaust - including why Hitler targetted Jewish people and what Canada's response was. FSWC's educator Daniella discussed the history of the St. Louis, specifically focusing on how Canada had the opportunity to help the Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis but actively chose not to.
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 Tour for Humanity. We thank you for your support.
8-Year-Old Jewish Boy Beaten in Antisemitic Attack Near Paris
An eight-year-old boy was beaten yesterday by two teenage boys because he was wearing a kippa. French authorities have stated that the incident, which happened in a suburb north of Paris, was antisemitic in nature and is being investigated. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that "Every time a citizen is attacked because of his age, his appearance or his religion, the whole country is being attacked."
British Spy Honoured for Saving 10,000 Jews in Nazi Germany
Britain's Secret Intelligent Service honoured the late British intelligence officer Major Frank Foley yesterday for his work in saving an estimated 10,000 German Jews prior to the Second World War. While stationed in German's British Embassy, Foley issued thousands of visas to those looking to flee Nazi persecution. Foley's heroic work included entering concentration camps to present visas issued for Jewish prisoners, allowing them to escape, and hiding families in his house.
11 Countries Speed Up Aid to Palestinian Relief Agency
Eleven countries - including Russia, Norway, Sweden and Germany - have agreed to speed up aid to the UNRWA following the Trump administration's decision to cut a large portion of its funding. This year the US committed to providing only $60 million in funding compared to the $350 million the country provided last year, covering one-third of the agency's $1 billion budget.
From the Arab World
Preparations are underway for Israel's embassy to reopen in Amman, Jordan after it was closed last year following an incident involving an embassy guard that resulted in the deaths of two Jordanian citizens. Earlier this year, Israel apologized for the incident in a memo sent to Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that the country will carry on with legal action and compensate the families of those killed.
Today the US State Department said in a statement that Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh has been designated as a terrorist, along with two Islamist groups active in Egypt and one in the Palestinian territories. In the statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is quoted as saying the terrorist groups and leader "are threatening the stability of the Middle East, undermining the peace process, and attacking our allies Egypt and Israel."
Spirit of Hope Is 4 Months Away!
In just four months, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will open its doors for Spirit of Hope 2018. Join us for an incredible evening in a celebration of the rights and freedoms championed by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center. The dinner will be hosted and moderated by 60 Minutes correspondent Lara Logan and will feature a panel discussion between former prime ministers Stephen Harper, Ehud Barak and Jose Maria Aznar.
For more information and to register, 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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