Community Intelligence Brief: June 1, 2020

June 1, 2020

Intelligence Brief

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Jewish Community Attacked Amid Protests Across the US

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) condemns the ugly antisemitism and rioting that saw synagogues, Jewish schools and Jewish-owned stores targeted across the United States this past weekend. “Looting, defacing and damaging property only serve to diminish the cause of justice and do nothing to address the root causes of racism that should concern all of us,” said Rabbi Meyer May, Executive Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

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FSWC Horrified by Desecration of Montreal Synagogue

FSWC is horrified by reports that a home-based synagogue in Montreal was found desecrated last week, including Torah scrolls dumped on the floor and prayer shawls stuffed in toilets. We are calling upon Montreal police to thoroughly investigate this horrific crime and to find and prosecute the perpetrator of this hate crime to the fullest extent of the law.

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‘Never Again’ Holocaust Education Bill Signed Into Law

The Never Again Education Act, which allocates $10 million in federal funding over the next five years to further Holocaust education, was signed into law on Thursday. The funding will go toward expanding the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's education program and supporting curriculum materials for teachers and workshops in Holocaust education across the U.S.

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Antifa to Be Designated as Terrorist Organization, Trump Says

In a tweet posted yesterday afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump said the country will be "designating Antifa as a terrorist organization." This followed tweets in which he stated the left-wing militant movement was perpetrating violence during protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

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Munich Bans Use of Nazi 'Jewish Star' at Coronavirus Protests

The city of Munich has banned the use of Nazi-era Stars of David at coronavirus protests after several protesters throughout Germany were seen wearing them with the word "unvaccinated" emblazoned on them in recent weeks. Some protesters have also been seen dressed up in striped prisoner uniforms and holding up signs reading "Masks will set you free" and "Vaccination will set you free."

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Report: Iran Attempted to Raise Chlorine in Israel’s Water Supply to Dangerous Levels

According to a report released on Sunday, Iranian hackers tried to trick Israeli computers into raising the chlorine content in the country's water supply to dangerous levels. The attack has been widely attributed to the regime in Tehran. Had it been successful, hundreds would have fallen ill from excess chlorine.

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Many Holocaust Survivors Are Struggling mid the Pandemic. Here’s How Virtual Gatherings Are Helping

As Holocaust survivors remain home amid the coronavirus pandemic, efforts are underway to ensure survivors keep in touch with others through video chats and phone calls. These opportunities to connect have not only helped survivors cope with triggered memories of isolation and helplessness, but also allowed survivors help others cope through their exemplary resilience.

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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