Intelligence Brief
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1. Temple Mount Reopens Following Terror Attack
The Temple Mount reopened today to Jewish visitors after closing down three days ago following a terror attack that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Druze police officers. This comes one day after two of nine entrances were reopened - with newly installed metal detectors - for Muslim visitors. Members of the Islamic trust that administers the site - where a status quo only allows Muslims to pray - have protested against the new security measures, resulting in clashes between protesters and police.
2. FSWC Expresses Disappointment in Handling of Antisemitic Graffiti Incident in Montreal
Last week a couple in Montreal was refused help from police after discovering a hateful message and swastika on their car. While police have since responded, FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo expressed his disappointment in how police originally handled the matter, stating that "it's up to the police to ensure these incidents are dealt with seriously and action is taken to prevent future incidents."
3. Montreal Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Antisemitic Imam
FSWC supports the arrest warrant that has been issued for a Palestinian-Jordanian imam, Sheikh Muhammad ibn Musa Al Nasr, who has been accused of hatred against Jewish people. During a sermon in December, the imam described Jews as "the most evil of mankind" and as "human demons."
4. Macron Condemns Anti-Zionism During Meeting with Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in France yesterday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. During the meeting, Macron reiterated France's responsibility for the arrest and deportation of 13,000 Jews in 1942. He also stated that France will not surrender to anti-Zionism, calling it a "reinvention of antisemitism."
5. Police Investigating Fire Set Outside Edmonton Jewish School
Yesterday Edmonton police began an investigation after a recycling bin was set on fire outside a Jewish school on Saturday. The next day, a burnt garbage bag was also discovered next to a door of the building. While police are gathering evidence and reviewing footage, investigators have stated that the fire may have been intentionally set.
6. Antisemitic Crime in Britain Reaches All-Time High
According to the National Antisemitic Crime Audit released by Campaign Against Antisemitism, antisemitic crime in Britain rose 44 per cent since 2014 - rising to its highest level in British history. The audit registered a total of 1,078 antisemitic crimes, 105 of which were violent. Only one of the 105 violent crimes was prosecuted.
7. Russia Says Israeli Interests to Be Considered in Cease-fire Deal
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that Israel opposes the cease-fire deal in southern Syria that Russia and the U.S. reached - which includes establishing de-escalation zones along Syria's borders with Jordan and Israel - stating that such an arrangement perpetuates Iran's presence in Syria. Following comments from Netanyahu, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia and the U.S. would do all they could to address Israeli concerns.
From the Arab World
Iran'sRevolutionary Guards sent a warning to the U.S. today against apotential terrorist designation and new sanctions. This was in response to amid-June senate vote that approved new sanctions on Iran for its ballisticmissile program - as well as a U.S. proposal to categorize the RevolutionaryGuards as a terrorist organization.
Pakistan'smilitary has launched an offensiveagainst the Islamic State along the Afghan border. According to aspokesman, this effort is meant to ensure the terrorist group does not extendtheir influence into Pakistan, where the group has claimed several attack inthe last two years.
FSWC at Work
Today FSWC welcomed teachers to its Tom& Anna Koffler Tolerance Training Centre to take part in the two-day GenocideEducator Certificate Course. This intensive program walks educators throughvarious genocides of the 21st century, informing them of proven tools andtechniques that can help them integrate effective, meaningful lessons into theclassroom.
Thisyear, the high school and elementary school teachers represent school boardsfrom all over Ontario - including the Keewatin Patricia, Upper Grand, YorkRegion, Toronto, Halton Catholic, and Durham school boards. Today the learnerswere extremely engaged and participated in many discussions, with a personalinterest rooted in the desire to create positive change.
PHILANTHROPY CORNER
FSWC is a designated Canadian charitable organization that provides tax receipts for charitable contributions. A donation to FSWC is tax deductible and provides an incredible footprint of direct action in our community. If you want to change lives and provide for positive community development, consider extending your philanthropy to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center this summer.
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