Intelligence Brief
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1. Ontario Teachers Complete FSWC's Genocide EducatorCertificate Course
Yesterday marked the final day of this summer's Genocide Educator Certificate Course. It was a powerful day of learning, and teachers walked away with a firm knowledge base in genocide studies, resources and activities that they can incorporate into their classroom. One participant stated, "I really think this education session should be a mandatory teacher professional development activity, as it has been life-changing for me in terms of what I am going to expose/educate my students to."
2. FSWC Urges Toronto Police to Charge Imam Speaker at Al Quds Day with Hate Speech
In light of the recent charge by the Montreal Police Hate Crimes Unit against Sheikh Muhammad ibn Musa Al Nasr for willful promotion of hatred against Jews, FSWC urges the Toronto Police to follow suit and charge Maulana Syed Mohammad Zaki Baqri of The Council of Islamic Guidance and Resident Alim of the Al Mahdi Centre for hate speech.
3. RSU Includes Federal Definition of Antisemitism in Handbook
FSWC was pleased to learn this week that the Ryerson Students' Union (RSU) has officially adopted and printed the definition of antisemitism that's endorsed by the Government of Canada. In March, the RSU had passed a motion in favour of changing the university's definition of antisemitism.
The federal definition outlines acts that are considered antisemitic - including calling for the killing or harming of Jews, making dehumanizing allegations against Jews, and denial of the Holocaust - as well as ways antisemitism manifests itself with regard to the State of Israel, including denying Jewish people the right to self-determination, comparing Israeli policy to that of Nazis, and holding Jews collectively accountable for the actions of Israel.
4. FSWC Condemns Hateful Act Against Mosque in Quebec City
The same mosque where a shooting took the lives of six men has been the target of another hate crime. An anonymous package with a defaced Qur'an and a note suggesting a hog farm as a cemetery arrived at the mosque on Friday. Police are investigating and working to determine who sent the package.
5. Anti-Zionism a Form of Antisemitism, US Senator Says
While speaking on the Senate floor, US Senator Chuck Schumer of New York stated that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism - reiterating French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement. He described the antisemitic BDS movement against Israel as an anti-Jewish biased campaign, as it imposes "boycotts on Israel and not on any other nation."
6. Canadian Government Revokes Charity Status of Group for Possible Funding of Pakistani Militants
Following an audit, ISNA Islamic Services of Canada - a Canadian Islamic organization - has been stripped of its charity status. According to a report by Global News, the organization had donated to a Pakistani group linked to armed militancy. This comes four years after the Islamic State of North America Development Foundation lost its charity status for funding a militancy-linked Pakistani relief group.
7. Hungarian PM Pledges Zero Tolerance of Antisemitism
During yesterday's joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country stands firmly against antisemitism, calling the collaboration with Nazis during World War Two a crime. "It is the duty of every Hungarian government to defend its citizens whatever their heritage," he said.
8. Fourth Day of Clashes Following Reopening of Temple Mount
Clashes between Muslim protesters and Israeli police continued today over the installation of metal detectors and security cameras at the Temple Mount. According to police, protesters - who have been staging protests in the Old City - have thrown rocks and bottles at officers. Police are preparing for Friday, as tens of thousands are expected to attend prayers on the Temple Mount.
9. Thousands Commemorate 1994 Buenos Aires Jewish Centre Bombing
Five thousand people gathered in Buenos Aires to remember the 85 lives lost in the 1994 AMIA Jewish centre bombing. Alberto Nisman, the special prosecutor who led the investigation into the bombing, was also honoured. Nisman was found dead in 2015 hours before he was to present allegations of a secret deal to cover up Iran's alleged role in the bombing. Argentina has previously accused Iran and Hezbollah of being the culprits; however, no one has been brought to justice since the attack.
From the Arab World
The US has slapped newssanctions on 18 Iranian individuals, groups and networks for actionssuch as supporting Iran's ballistic missile development. The Trumpadministration made this decision after certifying to Congress that Iran hasbeen complying with the nuclear deal. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hassince responded, stating that Iran will "respond appropriately" ifthe US imposes new sanctions.
According to reports, twofemale ISIL fighters from Canada have been captured by Iraqi forces inMosul. Global Affairs Canada is looking into the reports and is in contact withlocal Iraqi authorities to gather information.
OnTuesday, four Arab nations that are leading the boycott of Qatar - SaudiArabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt - told reporters at theUN they want the country to accept six principles, including acommitment to combat terrorism and extremism and end acts of provocation andincitement.
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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