Intelligence Brief
< Back to News RoomUS Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council, Citing Anti-Israel Bias
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley announced yesterday that the US is officially withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council, stating the council for too long "has been a protector of human rights abusers, and a cesspool of political bias." Simon Wiesenthal Center applauded Haley for the announcement, urging other democracies to follow the US lead.
US Applauds Canada's Stand on Iran
In an opinion piece published this week, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) President and CEO Avi Benlolo discusses the tough stance on Iran that both major Canadian parties took last week in the House of Commons, a stand that was welcomed by the US. "Canada’s leading parties rarely agree on any particular issue. On this matter, they should be commended for coming together and for standing up for Canadian values of human rights, peace and democracy," said Benlolo.
FSWC Pleased to See Action Taken in Antisemitic Vandalism Case
FSWC is pleased to see action being taken in the case of antisemitic vandalism against an Owen Sound synagogue. On Sunday, Toronto Police located and arrested a male suspect accused of writing hateful and threatening messages on the door of Beth Ezekiel congregation early last month. Paul Swanek has been charged with mischief relating to religious property and uttering threats.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is continuing its efforts in ensuring tragedies like the Holocaust are never forgotten nor ever repeated through education and advocacy initiatives.We appreciate your ongoing support.
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Hamas Fires 45 Rockets and Mortars at Israel
Forty-five rockets and mortar shells were fired at Israel early Wednesday morning, forcing residents of southern Israel to run to bomb shelters and safe rooms. At least six rockets landed inside Israeli communities near the border, seven were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, three landed inside Gazan territory, and the rest landed in unpopulated areas of southern Israel.
Trump Signs Executive Order to End Separation of Families at US Border
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier today to end the separation of families at the US border. According to the order, officials will continue to criminally prosecute those who illegally cross the border but will find or build facilities that will keep families together.
From the Arab World
According to Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia had detained two more women's rights advocates earlier this month and imposed a travel ban on several others in an ongoing crackdown. The arrests came just weeks before the Kingdom is to officially end its ban on women drivers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan's King Abdullah met on Monday in Amman for talks on advancing regional peace. In a statement released by Netanyahu's office, the leaders “discussed regional developments and advancing the peace process and bilateral relations.”
Holocaust Survivor to Tell His Story of Survival at Freedom Day
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is excited to have Holocaust survivor Max Eisen as a speaker at the upcoming Freedom Day.At age 15, Max was arrested simply for being Jewish and was then deported to the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp with his family. Surviving this hell-on-earth, Max rebuilt his life in Canada and today shares his story of survival all over the world. Join us at Freedom Day on September 20 at Yonge-Dundas Square to hear his story.
FSWC Wants to Hear From You
Passionate about an issue in the news or your community? Does it align with FSWC's mandate? Then we want to hear from you! FSWC is inviting you to submit reflections on issues that matter to you and the community. While we won't be publishing anything just yet, we will be taking all submissions into consideration for future projects.Submit reflections to aborisovsky@fswc.ca.
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