Intelligence Brief
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FSWC Raises Concerns with TDSB Regarding Guidebook's Reference to Malcolm X and Group Linked to Antisemitic Rhetoric
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) was dismayed to discover that the Islamic Heritage Month guidebook released by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) includes reference to the Nation of Islam, whose officials have a history of antisemitic rhetoric, and suggests including Malcolm X - who was accused of making antisemitic remarks - in morning announcements.In response to this finding, FSWC sent a letter to TDSB's Director of Education outlining its concerns.
Tour for Humanity Educates Students on Canada's Role in World War II
FSWC's Tour for Humanity spent the day in Oakville yesterday, providing Canadian Experience workshops to Grade 10 students. The students were particularly interested in the story of the SS St. Louis - a ship that carried hundreds of Jewish refugees from Germany in 1939, only to be denied by Canada and other countries - and Canada's role in World War II. Students were surprised to learn that Canada was not always a diverse, multicultural and welcoming country. The bus was back in Oakville today for a second round of workshops.
Join Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center in making the world a better place by countering antisemitism, racism and intolerance in our communities. Your donation goes towards funding incredible programs like the Tour for Humanity, which educates people of all ages to stand up against hate. We appreciate your support!
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Study Reveals New Palestinian Textbooks Express Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Sentiments
A comprehensive new study by the Center for Near East Policy Research, which the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) helped fund, looked at 150 Palestinian textbooks that are being used in the West Bank and Gaza, including those provided to the UNRWA. According to the study's findings, the new Palestinian textbooks - including the many used in UN schools - "indoctrinate violence, denial, deceit, and demonization of the Jewish people," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper. The study was presented at the UN headquarters in New York and on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Cold Case Review Launched to Identify Who Betrayed Anne Frank
A former FBI agent, Vince Pankoke, has launched a cold case review to identify who may have betrayed Anne Frank and her family to the Gestapo in 1944. He will be working with forensic experts, historians, psychological profilers and former police detectives, using investigative techniques developed in the past decade. "There is no statute of limitation on the truth," said Pankoke. While the Anne Frank House museum published its own study in December suggesting the Frank family may have been discovered by chance, there was no conclusive evidence.
School Stamp Project Remembers Holocaust Victims
A school in Massachusetts has surpassed its goal of collecting 11 million stamps to remember the Jewish and other victims of the Holocaust. The project, which began nine years ago, had student volunteers collecting stamps as a way to make the magnitude of the genocide more tangible. The new goal is to complete 18 collages using the stamps, which will be displayed for the community during Holocaust remembrance programs.
Israel's Water Revolution
Although Israel is nearly two-thirds desert, it manages to have enough water to sustain itself and its people. Israel reuses more than 80 per cent of wastewater for irrigation - the highest percentage in the world. Israel's national water company is now aiming even higher, focusing on desalination to offer Israel and possibly the world a solution to its water crisis.
From the Arab World
On Monday, Palestinian Authority's (PA)Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah visited Gaza for the first time in two years,initiating forming a unity government with Hamas. During a meeting yesterdayheld by Hamdallah, reconciliation efforts began between Fatah and Hamas -with Hamas agreeing to hand over responsibilities to Hamdallah. However,disputes over Hamas' weapons has caused doubt that reconciliation is possible.During an interview on Egyptian television, PA President Mahmoud Abbas statedthat he would not allow the terror group Hamas to keep weapons or armedbrigades, adding that if a Hamas member is caught with a weapon, he would beimprisoned. Hamas responded that members will not give up weapons.
IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out about the reconciliation talksbetween Fatah and Hamas, stating Israel will not accept a deal between therival factions that puts the country at risk. On Tuesday, Netanyahu stated,"We are not prepared to accept bogus reconciliations" in which thePalestinians reconcile "at the expense of our existence."
Freedom Day Is One Week Away!
In just one week, Yonge-Dundas Square will be filled with students for Freedom Day! Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, the event is meant to inspire youth to stand up for freedom, democracy and human rights. This year, FSWC is excited to welcome an incredible list of speakers who dedicate time and energy every day to making the world a better place. The event is taking place on October 11, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
It is not too late to reserve a spot for your school - or yourself - at this year's Freedom Day. For more information or to RSVP, contact Melissa at mmikel@fswc.ca or 416.864.9735 x40.
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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