Intelligence Brief
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"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides." - Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor & Nobel laureate
Dozens of Rockets Fired at Southern Israel
Dozens of rockets and mortar shells have been fired at southern Israel, injuring several Israelis and prompting the Israeli Air Force to bomb 12 Hamas positions in Gaza. Thousands of Israelis were sent to bomb shelters as rockets set off sirens throughout the night.
FSWC Concerned Over Planned Hate Rally in Toronto
FSWC is expressing concern over a planned hate rally to take place in Toronto on Saturday on the anniversary of last year’s antisemitic and hate-filled Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rally. The rally is being organized by a Calgary-based group called the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam.
Alberta Man Charged After Displaying Money Stamped with Antisemitic Messages
FSWC commends Medicine Hat police for laying charges against a man for inciting hatred in public. A local business reported the 35-year-old man after he displayed money stamped with antisemitic messages, such as “Jewish White Genocide,” as well as a link to an antisemitic website that promotes conspiracy theories against Jewish people. Police also discovered white supremacy documents, firearms and ammunition in his home.
Swastika Spray-Painted in Toronto Gay Village
Toronto police are investigating after a swastika and the letters "SF" were found spray-painted on a rainbow walkway in the Gay Village. Investigators are looking into two people who reportedly deliberately tried to conceal their identities.
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Letter to the Editor: Calling Out Antisemitism
In his Letter to the Editor, published in Globe and Mail on Friday, FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo responds to a recent article in the newspaper titled "The Anti-Semitism Controversy Inside Britain’s Labour Party" and speaks out against antisemitism in the UK Labour Party.
"This is not merely a 'controversy,' but a very serious matter which is affecting and victimizing many Jewish families, and possibly the very future of the British Jewish community itself. Mr. Corbyn and his party should be appropriately called out for his irresponsible behaviour," writes Benlolo.
Home of Late Holocaust Survivor Elie Wiesel Vandalized
Police are investigating after disturbing antisemitic graffiti was discovered on the childhood home of Elie Wiesel, one of the world’s most well-known Holocaust survivors and a Nobel laureate, in Romania. In a tweet, FSWC's Avi Benlolo said there are "no words left to say when one of humanity’s heroes who espoused love and peace toward all is degraded."
Newly Obtained Archive Documents Polish Diplomats’ Efforts to Save Jews During Holocaust
An archive recently obtained by Poland documents the efforts of Polish diplomats to help Jews get out of Europe during World War II by issuing fake passports from Latin American countries. The archive shows that 330 people survived the Holocaust due to the efforts of Polish diplomats based in Switzerland. Another 387 were killed despite having the forged passports, while the fate of 430 is unknown.
Under Pressure, Tunisia Allows 7-Year-Old Israeli to Participate in Chess Tournament
Tunisia has backtracked on its refusal to grant a visa to a seven-year-old girl from Israel to participate in an international chess tournament. According to a report, the FIDE World Chess Federation pressured Tunisia to allow her to compete, threatening to revoke the country’s privileges to host the match. This is not the first time an Arab country has placed limitations on Israel’s representation in sports and cultural events.
From the Arab World
New information continues to surface as the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Canada continues. The conflict arose after Canada’s Global Affairs Ministry issued a tweet denouncing Saudi Arabia’s arrest and detention of two female bloggers and activists and urging their release. Saudi Arabia announced it was suspending all future trade with Canada and severing diplomatic ties, calling the tweet an attempt to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. Since then, reports have stated that Saudi Arabia ordered the removal of the Canadian ambassador from the kingdom, Saudi Airlines will be suspending flights to and from Canada, and Saudi Arabia ordered around 16,000 students in Canada to either return home or complete studies in another country.
Sign Up for FSWC's Annual Educator Certificate Courses
Less than one week to go until FSWC begins our annual summer educator certificate courses. Whether you're an elementary or high school educator, these courses deliver innovative teaching tools and techniques that you can bring into the classroom come September.
RSVP today: education@fswc.ca
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 aborisovsky@fswc.ca.
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