Intelligence Brief
< Back to News Room
Jerry Grafstein: Leaders Must Address Concerns of Antisemitism and Racism
The Hon. Jerry Grafstein, former Canadian senator for Metro Toronto, has spoken in support of FSWC's petition calling on the Ontario Attorney General to prosecute hate crime and hate speech. He has the following message:"Standing up to hatred and intolerance is of utmost importance in Ontario. Our leaders need a wake-up call to address key concerns of antisemitism and racism. Everyone should be signing this petition and sending a strong message to the Attorney General of Ontario that racism and antisemitism is unacceptable in our province." - Hon. Jerry Grafstein, Senator, Metro Toronto (Ret.)
Strip Mall in Okotoks Spray-Painted with Antisemitic Graffiti
FSWC condemns the antisemitic graffiti that was discovered outside a strip mall in Okotoks. The Star of David was spray-painted with a swastika inside. The city's mayor, Bill Robertson, said that while the RCMP has dealt with numerous graffiti incidents, this is the first swastika he's seen. The RCMP is treating the graffiti as a hate crime.
FSWC Opposes BDS Motion Passed by Unifor's Canadian Council
FSWC opposes a decision made by Unifor - which considers itself to be Canada's largest private sector union - to pass a BDS motion against Israel at its recent convention in Winnipeg. "While Unifor claims delegates left the convention with the resolve to 'push back against the rise of the right' and 'build a better world,' passing the BDS motion shows support for what has proven to be an antisemitic movement," said Avi Benlolo, FSWC President and CEO. "This motion does not benefit Canadians or Unifor members in any way."
Be part of the movement that stands up to hate! By supporting Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, you raise your voice against antisemitism, racism and intolerance. We appreciate your support! Click here to make a donation.
Israeli Aid Group, Jewish Community Assists Hurricane Harvey Victims
As Hurricane Harvey continues to make its way through Texas, destroying thousands of homes, an Israeli aid group and the Jewish community have been assisting those in need. Jewish camps are providing shelter at their facilities and food and clothing to families. Chabad has been importing kosher products that have been scarce, while volunteers from Israeli relief agency IsraAid have been providing emergency assistance to relief efforts.
Hamas Admits Iran Is Backing Group's Terror Activities
During a meeting with journalists on Monday, Hamas' new leader, Yahya Sinwar, admitted to the terror group receiving aid from Iran, stating the country is "the largest backer financially and militarily" to Hamas' military wing. Relations between Iran and Hamas were severed in 2012 after Hamas refused to support Syrian President Bashar Assad - Iran's close ally - during the Syrian civil war. More recently, however, Hamas has opened up about ties being restored.
Why Standoff with North Korea Affects Middle East
As the world pays attention to North Korea, which most recently fired a ballistic missile over Japan, it's critical to understand how the current standoff affects the Middle East. According to an aritcle in the Jerusalem Post, the current tensions between North Korea and the US are deflecting US resources from the Middle East and causing less attention to be paid to Iran. North Korea is also known to have its fingerprints on nuclear programs in the Middle East.
Israeli Doctors First to Implant Device for Congestive Heart Failure
The procedure that has gained great interest in the medical world was performed for the first time on a 72-year-old Canadian who ran out of treatment options for his heart failure in Canada. Invented by Israeli cardiologist Dr. Yair Feld, the device was implanted by doctors at Haifa's Rambam Medical Center. Congestive heart failure currently has no medical solution and can be fatal, which is why doctors hope the device can become a "therapeutic breakthrough."
From the Arab World
According to reports, Iran has dismissed demands by the US for UN nuclearinspectors to visit the country's military sites. Iran statedthe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - which was pressed by NikkiHaley, US ambassador to the UN, last week to ensure Iran's military wasn'tconcealing activities that were banned by the 2015 nuclear deal - would notagree to an inspection. An Iranian government spokesman went on to say onTuesday that the demands are "only a dream" and that"information about these sites is classified."
Asuicide bombing at a bank in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday killed at least five and wounded eight. The Taliban hasclaimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was targeting police andsoldiers withdrawing salaries ahead of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.
Liebe Geft to Speak at FSWC's National Policy Conference
FSWC is excited to have Liebe Geft - Director of the Museum of Tolerance - as a speaker at the National Police Conference on Holocaust Education. The Museum of Tolerance is the educational arm of FSWC's sister organization, the Simon Wiesenthal Center - an internationally renowned human rights organization dedicated to educating about the Holocaust, confronting antisemitism and bigotry, and promoting tolerance and human dignity for all. FSWC's 3rd Annual National Policy Conference is being held on January 27 and 28, 2018, in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
FSWC Wants to Hear from You
Passionate about an issue in the news or your community? Does it align with FSWC's mandate? Then we want to hear from you! FSWC is inviting you to submit reflections on issues that matter to you and the community. While we won't be publishing anything just yet, we will be taking all submissions into consideration for future projects.
Submit reflections to aborisovsky@fswc.ca.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Copyright © FSWC. All Rights Reserved.
