Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center's Statement on Charlottesville

Tuesday – August 16, 2017 – Following President Trump's assertion that all sides were to blame for the violence in Charlottesville, Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) echoes Rabbi Marvin Hier and encourages the President not to draw moral equivalency – hate is hate and should be condemned unconditionally. 

On CNN today*, Simon Wiesenthal Center Dean and Founder Rabbi Hier said, "The President of the United States should make it very clear that there is no comparison with the bigots and haters that is represented in the philosophy of Neo Nazis, White Supremacists and the Klan…Mr. President, go out there and condemn these racists and bigots."

"Unfortunately, the rising tide of white supremacism in America is also having an impact in Canada where we are seeing a rising tide of incidents including a planned rally in Toronto," said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. "We are very much interconnected and many of our members work, travel and reside in America and as such, have expressed concern."

FSWC is a leading human rights organization committed to countering racism and antisemitism and to promoting tolerance, justice and human rights.  The organization will continue monitoring and speaking out against hateful incidents like the one that took place in Charlottesville, while encouraging leaders to take action. 

* Watch Rabbi Hier's interview on CNN: