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In an Era of Global Uncertainty, Record Numbers of Jews Seek to Return ‘Home’

In a time of darkness, a time of pandemic, pandemonium and power struggles, a thin ray of light can be seen in the Jewish world. In May, the number of North Americans applying to make aliyah was double what it was during the same time last year, marking the largest number of applications in the 19-year history of Nefesh B'Nefesh, the organization that has already welcomed some 60,000 North American Jews to new homes in Israel.

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Police Investigating After Saanich School’s Online Yearbook Targeted with Hateful Messages

FSWC has been in communication with police in Saanich, B.C. after a local high school’s online yearbook was recently targeted with hateful messages. Saanich police have confirmed that the messages, including “Never forget Jews did 9/11” and “If it ain’t white, it ain’t right,” were posted anonymously on some Mount Douglas Secondary students’ pages. The yearbook has since been taken down and investigations by both police and the school are underway.

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BC Liberal Volunteer Fired for Comparing Black Lives Matter Protesters to Nazis

A volunteer executive for the BC Liberal and federal Conservative parties has been ousted after posting a string of messages on social media comparing Black Lives Matter protesters to Nazis, including stating "A BLM fist in the air is no different than a Nazi salute." MP Tracy Gray spoke out against the messages, stating, "Racism is real, it is painful and it is wrong."

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Ontario Will Allow Synagogues to Reopen

Starting Friday, houses of worship in Ontario will be able to open to group prayers limited to 30 per cent capacity to allow for physical distancing. Other provinces, including British Columbia and Alberta, have allowed religious gatherings of up to 50 people as long as physical distancing could be maintained.

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Four UK Neo-Nazis Jailed for Membership of National Action

Three men and one woman, a former Miss Hitler beauty pageant contestant, convicted of being members of the banned terrorist group National Action have been sentenced to between 18 months and five-and-a-half years in prison. According to the judge, even after the terrorist group was banned in 2016, the four weren't prepared to dissociate from the vile ideology of the group, choosing to defy the ban and continue as members.

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In First, Sweden and Israel to Join Forces in Research and Development

Sweden and Israel are setting up an initiative, the first of its kind between the two countries, to boost joint research and development projects. It involves a new platform called The Connector, which aims to create joint market-oriented research and development teams and allow companies, government organizations and academic players from Israel and Sweden to work together, share data and form partnerships.

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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