TORONTO, ON (June 6,2017) – FSWC denounces antisemitic graffiti that was found on a mural in Vernon,British Columbia on June 6, 2017. A swastika and Hitler-type moustache wasdrawn onto the face of an indigenous woman.

"Canadian Friendsof Simon Wiesenthal Center strongly condemns vile and hateful graffiti of thisnature. The usage of Nazi imagery is racist and antisemitic in nature andreminds us all of the atrocities committed by the German Nazis and theiraccomplices in the Holocaust. We deplore hateful rhetoric and messaging andcall for compassion, tolerance and friendship amongst all Canadians," statedAvi Benlolo, FSWC President and CEO.

According to a DowntownVernon Association (DVA) spokesperson, a graffiti removal company has beenhired to remove the graffiti on the mural. The DVA has also been in contactwith one of the mural artists to coordinate repairs once the antisemiticgraffiti is removed.

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To arrange an interview withAvi Benlolo, please contact:

Atara Cadesky
Communications Associate
416.864.9735 x 30
acadesky@fswc.ca

Avital Borisovsky
Communications
Associate416.864.9735 x 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca

Follow us on Twitter at @CanadianFSWC for latest news andorganization updates.

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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for HolocaustStudies (FSWC) is a top Jewish human rights foundation in Canada's organizedJewish community. It directly impacts over 100,000 people each year and500,000+ peripherally. FSWC is committed to countering racism and antisemitismand to promoting the principles of tolerance, social justice and Canadiandemocratic values through advocacy and educational programs includingworkshops, Freedom Day, Spirit of Hope Benefit, Tools for Tolerance and thewidely acclaimed Tour for Humanity. FSWC is affiliated with the SimonWiesenthal Center, an international Jewish human rights organizationheadquartered in Los Angeles which has won two Academy Awards, has built twoMuseums of Tolerance (with a third being built in Jerusalem) and is an NGO atthe United Nations, UNESCO, OAS, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the LatinAmerican Parliament. Visit us at www.fswc.ca.