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FSWC Speaks with Sask. Justice Minister, Urges Charges Against Canadian Nationalist Party Leader
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) spoke by phone with Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan today, urging him to ensure the leader of the Canadian Nationalist Party faces charges for hate speech. The Saskatchewan Justice Minister reiterated to FSWC his affinity for the Jewish community and his commitment to taking action on incidents of hatred and intolerance. He was not able to confirm, however, whether or when charges against Travis Patron might be laid.
FSWC Calls for Police Investigation Into Antisemitic, Racist Attack During Green Party Debate
FSWC learned today that a hate incident that occurred during the Green Party of Canada’s online leadership debate last night is being reported to RCMP. FSWC is calling on the RCMP to pursue an intensive investigation into the incident to find the perpetrators and lay appropriate charges. According to Green Party leadership candidate Annamie Paul, the Zoom debate was interrupted by individuals who posted racist and antisemitic slurs such as "N****r" and "F**king Jew" over chat. Paul, who is both Black and Jewish, has been the target of extensive antisemitic harassment and attacks that have been directed at her online since the beginning of her campaign.
In Case You Missed It: Zoom Briefing with Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders
Yesterday morning, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders sat down with members of the community to reflect on his experience being part of FSWC's Compassion to Action journey through Poland, Germany and Israel; discuss the growing issue of hate crimes in Toronto and share his thoughts on challenges facing our city and priorities to focus on. Thank you Chief Saunders for joining us and for your insight!
Most Canadians Want Social Media Companies to Do More About Racism, Hate Online: Ipsos
Nearly nine in 10 Canadians agree that social media companies should do more to prevent or remove messages of hate and racism from their platforms. The poll surveyed 1,000 Canadians between July 8 and 10, finding that most respondents (82 per cent) also felt that social media companies should be mandated to let police know about any messages or posts that spread hate and racism.
Twitter Mistakenly Locked Accounts That Tweeted Star of David
Earlier today, Twitter acknowledged it had mistakenly locked some accounts that tweeted images of the Star of David, stating, "We categorically do not consider the Star of David as a hateful symbol or hateful image. We have for some time seen the 'yellow star' or ‘yellow badge’ symbol being used by those seeking to target Jewish people." This follows a report that found Twitter had deemed the Star of David to be “hateful imagery” and locked some users’ accounts.
Trial Begins in Germany Over Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur
Twenty-eight-year-old Stephan Balliet, who is charged with two counts of murder and 68 counts of attempted murder and other crimes following his attempted attack on a synagogue filled with Jews observing Yom Kippur last year, appeared in court earlier this week. If convicted of murder, he faces life in prison.
Netherlands Admits to Paying Terrorists Who Killed 17-Year-Old Israeli
Netherlands' foreign minister and development minister admitted to parliament on Tuesday that the country had paid part of the salaries of two terrorists involved in killing 17-year-old Rina Shnerb. The killers are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a designated terrorist group in the EU, and employees of the Palestinian Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), to which the Dutch representative in Ramallah pledged nearly $20 million in 2013-2021. The Netherlands is suspending its donations to UAWC indefinitely, pending an investigation.
Spain Adopts International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Definition of Antisemitism
FSWC commends the government of Spain for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition describes various forms of antisemitism, including hatred and discrimination against Jews, Holocaust denial and expressions of criticism of Israel.
Activists Urge Canada to Recognize Uyghur Abuses as Genocide, Impose Sanctions on Chinese Officials
Human-rights activists are urging Parliament to recognize the abuses against Muslim Uyghurs in China as genocide and doubling down on calls for Canada to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for the repression of the minority.
Report Antisemitism and News of Concern to FSWC
If you would like to report antisemitism or news of concern to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, please email jaime@fswc.ca.
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