1. Developing: At Least 10 Dead After 'Nail Bomb' Explodes on St. Petersburg Subway

At least 10 people are dead and at least 40 more are injured after an apparent bombing attack earlier today on the subway system in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is from St. Petersburg, is visiting the city today with the President of Belarus. Putin told media that special services are looking at all possible causes, including terrorism and common crime.

2. Palestinian Textbooks Teaching Children to Be Martyrs, According to Recent Report 

According to a recent report by the Hebrew University's Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se), the Palestinian Authority's new textbooks for students in Grades 1 to 4 denies the existence of Israel, teaches students to be martyrs, glorifies attackers, and emphasizes an exclusively Palestinian land. At FSWC we are extremely troubled by this information, as this type of incitement at a young age is one of the leading contributors to hatred towards the State of Israel and its people. 

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3. Texas State House of Representatives Unanimously Passes Anti-BDS Bill

FSWC is delighted to note that the Texas House State Affairs committee has unanimously passed a bill that prevents state contracts and investments from being awarded to firms which participate in the BDS campaign. The "anti-BDS" bill - sponsored by State Representative Phil King - was passed by a vote of 10-0 on the committee, just a few short days after the passing of a similar bill by the Texas State Senate. The bill will now be sent to the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, to be signed into law. 

4. FSWC Reaches Out to Toronto Police Service Regarding Hate Crimes

Following the release of the 2016 Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report by Toronto Police Service two weeks ago - which revealed that Jewish groups have been the most victimized by hate bias crimes - FSWC reached out to Toronto police to gain insight into what steps are taken when such crimes occur. Referring to an incident that occurred at a Toronto condo - where mezuzot were ripped off doorposts and sticky notes with antisemitic messages were left on doors - police spokesperson Mark Pugash stated that police provide "increased presence, heightened patrols and attention to distress" in these situations. According to Pugash, Toronto police investigate all cases fully, including "working closely with the Hate Crime Unit, following up each case, collecting evidence, and then deciding the most sensible action."

5. Israel Unveils New Missile Defense System 'David's Sling'

Yesterday, the government of Israel unveiled their newest tool to defend the Jewish State from foreign missile threats - the "David's Sling" anti-missile defense system. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with other high-ranking Israeli government and military officials, welcomed the new defence system into service during a ceremony held yesterday at the Hatzor airbase. Netanyahu told those gathered at the ceremony that "this is a celebratory day for all of Israel. We're adding a significant layer to the strength of Israel. I repeat that those who seek to harm us will be beaten. Those who threaten our existence will put their own existence in danger." 

6. BDS Activists Disrupt University Speech Given by Israeli Ambassador to France

Late last week, "dozens" of anti-Israel, pro-BDS activists interrupted a lecture led by Israel's ambassador to France, Aliza Ben-Nun, at Rennes University. The activists reportedly chanted "Freedom to Palestine" while waving large Palestinian flags at the front of the room that the lecture was held in. However, the Israeli Embassy in Paris said that Ben-Nun was able to continue the lecture without incident - after a significant delay - following the removal of the activists from the premises. 

7. FSWC at Work

Last week, FSWC educators aboard our award-winning, state-of-the-art mobile learning classroom, the Tour for Humanity, led workshops attended by nearly 800 students in the Greater Toronto Area alone! One memorable moment occurred during a stop in Markham when a class of Grade 6 students began sharing their own personal stories of discrimination with FSWC educators following a workshop on the Tour for Humanity. This was an important experience for all involved, and spoke to the power of discussing the principles of tolerance, social justice and Canadian values with young Canadians.