‍

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday in Toronto for Spirit of Hope '23 and helped make it such a special night.

More than 1,250 Jewish community members and non-Jewish allies came together for a meaningful evening of unity, allyship and resolve. Legendary actress Dame Helen Mirren graced us with her inspiring presence as the keynote speaker, reminding us of the power of the human spirit.

A special thank you to all the speakers who took the stage, including two of this year's FSWC Compassion to Action participants, Kenora Chiefs Advisory's Harmony Scott and Holocaust survivor Gershon Willinger, who opened the evening.

‍

‍

Israel’s Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, delivered a powerful speech on the profound impact that October 7 has had on Israelis and Diaspora Jews and how the subsequent, dramatic increase in antisemitism globally is bringing Jewish communities together.

"Never Again is right now," said Cotler-Wunsh. "Holocaust education is the key to understanding and remembering the past so that we can identify the current threats not only to Jews."

‍

‍

Many dignitaries joined us, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, both of whom shared compelling remarks on their commitment to combatting antisemitism.

‍

‍

‍

Those in attendance included federal and provincial ministers, MPPs, city mayors and councillors - including Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca - law enforcement officials, educators and representatives of many communities, including Filipino, Italian, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Ukrainian, Latvian, Czech and Slovak, Estonian, Hindu, Christian and Muslim, and more.

FSWC was pleased to honour Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw, York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween and Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah on stage in a show of appreciation for their work in ensuring the safety and security of Jewish people during this time of rising antisemitism.

Earlier, FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt told the audience emphatically, "Jews in Canada will not be silent. We will not cower, we will not run away. We are a proud Jewish community. We will not yield an inch to those spewing hate or glorifying terror. We are and will remain strong. And we will be even stronger with all of you in this room by our side."

‍

‍

Following the presentation of the 2023 FSWC Humanitarian Award to Helen Mirren by FSWC Board Chair Fred Waks and Michael Levitt, the highlight of the evening was a captivating discussion with Mirren, moderated by Canadian journalist Jeanne Beker. It delved into her longstanding friendship with Israel and the Jewish people, her reaction to the October 7 Hamas terror attack and longing for more women to take on leadership positions in public life. The conversation also focused on Mirren’s much-acclaimed body of work, including successful films in which the Holocaust and Israel figure prominently.

Asked about what most frightens her today, Mirren replied, "October 7th. That scares me the most, and whatever it is in humanity that makes people able to do that, whatever it is that pushes them to commit those acts.”

While discussing her recent film Golda, Mirren said she was inspired by the dedication and commitment of former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to the Jewish state, describing Meir coming to power in Israel as a "monumental moment." In connection with the Holocaust, she said she's "always felt so strongly that we must never forget."

‍

‍

We are enormously grateful that this year's event raised $3.2 million - much-needed funds that will go toward FSWC's important education programs that teach about the Holocaust, antisemitism and human rights.

See our up-to-date fall impact report here.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

‍