Please note: Proceeds from Spirit of Hope will go exclusively to fund our educational programs in Canada devoted to the Holocaust, antisemitism and human rights.
FSWC looks forward to hosting Dame Helen Mirren at the Spirit of Hope gala in Toronto on November 2, 2023, when she will be presented with FSWC's 2023 Humanitarian Award and will participate in an intimate discussion about her storied career and issues of interest to her and our community.
Given recent developments in Israel, we’ve made a few additions to the Spirit of Hope program, including: a briefing on the current situation in Israel from Israel’s Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism Michal Cotler-Wunsh; remarks from community allies; and a ceremony to honour Toronto, Peel Region and York Region police who have worked to ensure the safety and security of our community during this difficult time.
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Program begins at 6:20 PM
Jeanne Beker was born in Toronto to Holocaust survivors who instilled in her the importance of fearlessness, hard work, and tenacity from a young age. She began her professional show biz career at the age of 16. After studying acting in New York and mime in Paris, she moved to Newfoundland where she worked as an arts journalist for CBC radio. A few years later Beker found herself back in Toronto landing a job at CHUM radio and in 1979 she co-hosted the ground-breaking series The NewMusic. A founding member of MuchMusic, Jeanne continued to trailblaze when in 1985 she launched the legendary Fashion Television which was presented in over 130 countries for 27 years.
