Intelligence Brief
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Orlando Bowen Has a Message for You!
Former CFL linebacker and motivational speaker Orlando Bowen will be one of several speakers at this year's upcoming Freedom Day! The annual one-day event - dedicated to preserving the legacy of Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal - will bring together approximately 3,500 students from across the GTA and beyond to celebrate freedom, democracy and human rights. Join us on October 11 from 12 pm. to 1:30 p.m. to take part in the festivities and be inspired.
The World's 'Most Persecuted' Minority
Called the world's "most persecuted" minority by the UN, Myanmar's Rohingya people have for a long time been vilified and the target of discrimination. Their situation is now being called a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" by the UN, as 370,000 Rohingya refugees have fled violent attacks from the government and other nationalist factions. Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been accused of being complicit in the ongoing atrocities.
Posters in Toronto Urge Residents to Call Police on 'Your Ward News'
Posters appeared overnight in The Beaches - a neighbourhood in Toronto - urging residents to "stand up for immigrants" and Jewish, LGBTQ and veteran neighbours by calling cops on "Your Ward News." Numerous groups have been targeted by the hateful and antisemitic publication, which continues to be distributed to neighbourhoods across the GTA.
Offensive Graffiti Found at Markham School Once Again
Graffiti was discovered once again at a high school in Markham - just weeks after numerous Markham schools were targeted with antisemitic and racist graffiti. Police were immediately notified after the graffiti - which included the anarchy symbol and the statement "Death to cops and Nazis" - was found. A spokesman with the York Regional Police said that, in recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in offensive graffiti in the region.
Congress Approves Resolution Condemning Hate Groups
Following a vote by the US House and Senate earlier this week, Congress is backing a resolution that urges President Donald Trump and his administration to speak out against hate groups - including neo-Nazis and white supremacists. The resolution also recognizes the death of Heather Heyer - who was killed after a car slammed into demonstrators protesting the hateful rally in Charlottesville - as a "domestic terrorist attack."
Argentina Hands Thousands of Files to Israel to Uncover Aid Provided to Nazi War Criminals After Holocaust
During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Argentina this week, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri delivered nearly 140,000 secret digital files and photographs from 1939-1950. These document will help confirm what aid was provided by Argentina to fleeing Nazi war criminals following the Holocaust. This was the first visit to the region by an Israeli leader since 1948 - a visit that Netanyahu says marks "a new dawn" in Israel's relationship with Latin America.
Wish your special someone a happy Jewish New Year by sending them a tribute card! Your friend or loved one will not only receive a personalized greeting, but they will also know that a donation has been made in their name towards fighting antisemitism and intolerance.
Send a Rosh Hashanah Tribute Card.
Seven People Injured Following Suspected Terrorist Attack in Toulouse
A 42-year-old man was arrested after attacking and injuring seven people, including three police officers, in Toulouse, France today. According to police, the alleged perpetrator - who was allegedly yelling "Allahu Akbar" during the attack - was recently released from a psychiatric hospital. There are no deaths reported, but two civilians have been sent to a nearby hospital.
Study: 30% of British People Hold Antisemitic Attitudes
According to a study in Britain, more than a quarter of British people hold at least one antisemitic view. When researchers questioned participants about whether they agreed with a number of antisemitic statements about Jewish people, 30 per cent agreed with at least one statement. However, only a small percentage agreed with multiple statements and, according to the report, 70 per cent of Britain does not hold antisemitic ideas.
Israeli Aid Groups Help with Cleanup Efforts in Florida
Aid groups from Israel were dispatched to Florida this week to help with cleanup efforts following Hurricane Irma. Israel Rescue Coalition and United Hatzalah arrived in Miami on Sunday, bringing rescue veterans, medical and psychological first-aid responders, diving teams, veteran EMS and natural disaster personnel. IsraAID, which also provided emergency assistance to relief efforts in Houston, will be assisting in debris cleanup, while Israel's ZAKA organization has set up two command centres ready to respond to local communities.
From the Arab World
According to aUN report, the number of children recruited for active fighting roles in theMiddle East and North Africa has morethan doubled in the last year. Countries where the use of child soldiers isincreasing include Syria, Iraq and Yemen. With more than 16 million childrenacross the region out of school, many parents are left with few options otherthan having their children bring income to support the family.
A source inthe Persian Gulf said on Wednesday that Egypt has informed Hamas that the countrywill no longer continue mediating between Israel and the terror groupover the issue of captives and missing persons. This decision comes only threeweeks after the Israeli in charge of the issue resigned from his position -leaving families of the captives and missing feeling abandoned.
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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