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To RSVP, contact Tracey Steyn at tsteyn@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 21
Swastika, 'Heil Hitler' Found on Hallway Blackboard at UBC
On Friday, FSWC condemned the hateful antisemitic graffiti that was discovered on a hallway blackboard at the University of British Columbia. This incident coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht - a two-day anti-Jewish pogrom in Nazi Germany that took place November 9-10, 1938. "As we commemorate Kristallnacht and the Jewish civilians who were directly affected by this horrific moment in history, this graffiti is a painful reminder that antisemitism still exists in our communities and that we must continue to stand up against it," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.
Pro-Nazi Posters Found at UBC's War Memorial Gym on Remembrance Day
On the morning of UBC's Remembrance Day ceremony at the War Memorial Gym, students and staff arrived to pro-Nazi posters posted on all entrances. FSWC is shocked by these disturbing posters, which promote Nazism and disrespect the Canadian soldiers who fought for freedom against Nazis. UBC stated that it is looking into the posters and is asking those with information to contact campus security.
FSWC Condemns Pro-White Poster Campaign at U of T
FSWC is concerned about a renewed pro-white campaign at the University of Toronto over the weekend. The group allegedly behind the Toronto posters claims to be made up of students and alumni of the university who see "white civilization" as being under attack. "Reminiscent of Nazi campaigns out of World War II and the language of the neo-Nazi movement in Canada seen in the '80s and '90s, this group...seeks to promote intolerance towards those they see as a threat to their so-called 'white civilization,'" said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. FSWC has been in contact with administrators at the university, who expressed that they share the organization's concerns.
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'Jews Out of Poland' Chants Heard at Nationalist March in Poland
As Poland celebrated its independence day, tens of thousands of far-right nationalist protesters took to the streets of Warsaw to express their views - which included antisemitic chants like "Pure Poland, Jew free Poland" and "Jews out of Poland," according to Times of Israel. In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry called on the Polish government to take action against those who organized the march. There are reportedly less than 10,000 Polish Jews left in the country, as around 90 per cent of Polish Jewry was killed during the Holocaust.
Relatives Unite to Honour Girl Who Died in Holocaust After Pendant Discovered by Archaeologists
More than two dozen relatives from around the world united in Frankfurt on Monday to commemorate Karolina Cohn - a Jewish girl who perished in the Holocaust. Many of the relatives - who did not know about Cohn - met each other for the first time. Last year archaeologists discovered a pendant belonging to Cohn, with her birthdate and birthplace engraved, at the grounds of the former Sobibor death camp.
Graphic Version of Anne Frank's Diary Aims to Reach Wider Audience
With the goal of reaching a wider audience, The Diary of Anne Frank is now being turned into a graphic novel. Ann Frank Fonds, a foundation set up by Frank's father who survived the Holocaust, developed the project to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the diary's publication in 1947. The novel has been released in numerous languages, including Hebrew and French, and an English version will be released next year.
Display That Encouraged Visitors to Take a 'Selfie' with Hitler Removed by Museum in Indonesia
A museum in Indonesia has removed one of its displays after protests from numerous Jewish and rights groups, including Simon Wiesenthal Center. The display included a waxwork of Hitler with a background image of Auschwitz, and has been part of the museum since 2014. The museum initially defended the exhibit, calling it "fun" and Hitler a favourite figure for visitors to "take selfies with."
From the Arab World
According to reports, a cease-fire agreement reached by the US, Russia and Jordan will allow Iranian-backed forces in Syria to remain as close as three miles from some parts of Israel's border - while being pushed up to 19 miles away from other parts. Today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue operating in southern Syria in accordance with "security needs."
On Thursday, Syria declared victory over the Islamic State after capturing the jihadists' last town in the country - marking an end to its three-year reign in the region. The Syrian army stated some fighting is still taking place in desert areas near Albu Kamal, but there are few fighters left.
FSWC Invites You to Gain Insight Into the Rohingya Refugee Crisis
Join us on November 21 for a powerful discussion about the Rohingya refugee crisis. Since August 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas have fled Myanmar due to what the UN is calling a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." With their homes burned down, Rohingya families have been seeking shelter in Bangladesh.
CTV News Correspondent Peter Akman will be the guest speaker, sharing his experiences from his recent visit at a Bulukhali refugee camp and chilling insight captured through the eyes of Rohingya children.
To register, contact Melissa Mikel at mmikel@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 40
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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