Community Intelligence Brief: August 28, 2024

August 29, 2024

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Latest News

Non-Jewish Community Leaders Should Stand Up Against Antisemitism Too

Hon. Paul Tellier, Hon. Kevin Lynch, Andrew Molson, and Paul Deegan urge non-Jewish leaders in Canada to take a strong stand against rising antisemitism. Reflecting on past initiatives like FAST and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, they emphasize the need for action from business, academic, political and faith leaders to stand with and protect Jewish communities.

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Jewish Federation of Ottawa, uOttawa Host Separate Pride Events Amid Capital Pride Controversy

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the University of Ottawa were among dozens of organizations who held their own Pride celebrations after choosing to withdraw from events organized by Capital Pride on Sunday. Over 200 community members gathered for a Pride breakfast to celebrate the Jewish LGBTQ+ community.

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Flag with Swastika Removed from Kitchener Home, Police Investigating

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after a Kitchener home displayed a flag featuring a swastika, sparking community outrage. The flag has since been removed, and police are working with affected community members. Although displaying such symbols is not illegal under the Canadian Criminal Code, police and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic condemned the act, stating that hate has no place in the region.

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RCMP Working with International Police Amid New Slew of Threats Targeting Synagogues

The RCMP responded to additional bomb threats last week,  which targeted synagogues, museums, malls, ports, and other locations across the country. Authorities are collaborating with domestic and international police forces to identify those responsible for the threats, which have impacted Jewish institutions in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

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Cleric Who Calls Jews 'Enemies' of Islam Denied Use of Montreal Theatre Amid Speaking Tour

A Canadian event featuring a Saudi cleric who has described Jews as enemies of Muslims was denied the use of a Montreal theatre, Jewish groups announced on Friday, amid politicians’ outrage over his tour in the country.

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‘I Utterly Reject the Charge of Antisemitism’: CUPE Vice-President Defies Union Board’s Demand to Resign

CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn is refusing to resign despite the union's executive board demanding his departure over a video he posted, which has been criticized as divisive and antisemitic. Hahn removed the video but rejects the accusation of antisemitism. CUPE's national president, Mark Hancock, noted that Hahn's elected position complicates removal, and the situation is unprecedented. While Hahn’s resignation is sought from his national vice-president role, his leadership of CUPE Ontario remains under scrutiny amidst growing internal pressure.

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Hostage Rescued by IDF from Tunnel in South Gaza After 10 Months of Hamas Captivity

Israeli hostage Farhan al-Qadi was safely rescued by IDF special forces from Hamas captivity in one of the terror group’s tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after more than 10 months in captivity. The rescue operation was led by the Israel Defense Forces’ Southern Command, the Shin Bet security agency, and the IDF’s 162nd Division.

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French Police Arrest Suspect Over Fire Attack on Synagogue

French police arrested a 33-year-old Algerian suspect in Nîmes over an arson attack on a synagogue in southern France, authorities said on Sunday. The blaze in the city of la Grande-Motte slightly injured a policeman when a gas bottle exploded as police secured the site of the attack on Saturday morning.

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Ezra Frech, Ian Seidenfeld, an Oct. 7 Survivor and 12 Other Jewish and Israeli Athletes to Watch at the 2024 Paris Paralympics

The Paralympics, founded by German-Jewish doctor Ludwig Guttman, are set to take place in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Over 4,000 athletes with physical disabilities will compete in 22 sports, including swimming, table tennis, and goalball, a sport for the visually impaired. Jewish athletes from the U.S., Brazil, Canada, and Israel will participate, showcasing their skills on the global stage.

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Report Antisemitism and News of Concern to FSWC

If you would like to report antisemitism or news of concern to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, please email advocacy@fswc.ca.

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