More than 600 people, both Jews and our allies, attended FSWC's annual Voices of Change event last night in Toronto, highlighted by a timely, thought-provoking panel discussion. Before a sold-out audience at Beth Emeth Synagogue, one of Israel’s top geo-political analysts, Haviv Rettig Gur, and highly-respected American writer and podcast host Coleman Hughes, addressed topical matters in an insightful conversation with The Free Press's Maya Sulkin. They presented their well-informed, astute perspectives on issues ranging from the current antisemitism crisis and the war with Iran, to Black-Jewish relations and the troubled state of higher education.

The evening began with powerful remarks from Christie Love Thomas, a Toronto business executive who spoke about her journey to allyship with the Jewish community in Canada, her abhorrence of antisemitism, the danger it represents for all Canadians, and the importance of educating future generations about the lessons of the Holocaust.

FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt, along with Spirit of Hope 2026 co-chair Bram Belzberg, also addressed the audience, followed by a screening of FSWC's poignant short film, The Legacy Portrait Project, Part 2, about the special bond between Holocaust survivors and their grandchildren, especially since October 7.

During the discussion moderated by The Free Press journalist Maya Sulkin, both featured speakers offered their recommendations on how best to respond to the global rise in antisemitism.

"Teach the story, that's all we have ever been," Haviv told the audience, in stressing the importance of Jews learning and recounting their history. "We forgot it because we didn’t need it for a century. It’s time to get those muscles back in shape and start doing it again."

For his part, Coleman said providing one’s children with a strong sense of self and community help them stand up to antisemitism and prevent them from falling through the cracks in large institutions like universities.

Other topics addressed included the pernicious impact of social media from both the left and the right, the upcoming Israeli election, the harm of current university education in North America, and the role of allies and other minority groups in the Diaspora. Both Haviv and Coleman stressed the importance of truth and storytelling in the context of moving forward with strength in a post-October 7 world plagued by widespread misinformation and antisemitism.

FSWC is grateful to Haviv, Coleman, and Maya, as well as the other speakers, attendees, and generous sponsors and donors who made the evening so memorable.