Intelligence Brief
< Back to News Room
FSWC Supports Proposed Library Policy That Prevents Hate Groups from Booking Space
This evening, at a meeting for Toronto Public Library Board, changes will be proposed to the Library's Community and Event Space Rental policy. The new policy, which will be voted on at tonight's meeting, reaffirms the current policy to maintain a welcoming and supportive environment free from discrimination and harassment while introducing clear rules regarding the denial of any bookings likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred of others.
Antisemitism at Palestinian Rally in Toronto Denounced
FSWC denounces what appeared to be an antisemitic claim that Jews were responsible for 9/11, and is disappointed that organizers of Saturday's anti-Israel rally in Toronto would permit such racism and antisemitism at their event."It appears that in this particular case, the man pictured was unencumbered by the people milling about him," said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. "Most disconcerting is that while media was reporting on the rally, it failed to mention the hatred being propagated at the event."
Anti-Israel Activists in Vancouver Burn Israeli Flag in Hateful Protest
FSWC is also shocked by the hateful protest that took place in Vancouver over the weekend. A video shows a protester burning a cardboard Israeli flag with a red X drawn over it, while another grabs an Israeli flag out of the hands of a counter-protester. The protest came following US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Send a tribute card to your loved one in celebration of Chanukah. Your special someone will receive a personalized greeting card along with a message that a donation has been made in their honour.
A 2017 tax receipt will be issued for all tribute card donations made by the end of the year.
Jewish Buildings in Sweden Attacked with Firebombs
On Saturday, a synagogue in Sweden was attacked with firebombs a day after 200 protesters had gathered in the city of Malmo, reportedly threatening violence against Jewish people. Two days later, Molotov cocktails were thrown at a Jewish chapel. Three suspects were arrested in connection to the synagogue incident, while police are currently investigating the chapel incident as an "attempted arson." Swedish police have tightened security near Jewish buildings across the nation.
Bahraini Delegation Visits Israel in Move Towards Normalizing Relations
A Bahraini delegation of 25 members arrived in Israel on Saturday for a five-day visit aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Bahrain. Hosted by Simon Wiesenthal Center, the group did not include government officials but did make good on a pledge by the King of Bahrain to allow citizens to travel to Israel freely. The delegation's leader stated that the delegation includes Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, Christians, the leader of a Hindu temple and a Sikh, and that the group is there to "talk about peace and coexistence."
Israel Destroys Cross-Border Hamas Tunnel
Israeli forces announced on Sunday that a Hamas attack tunnel from the Gaza Strip has been destroyed. An IDF spokesman stated that the tunnel ran hundreds of metres into Israeli territory, ending a kilometre away from the nearest village in Israel. The tunnel was monitored for months beforehand and was destroyed using a new system, said the spokesman.
From the Arab World
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that its war against the Islamic State is over, stating that Iraqi troops are now in full control of the Iraqi-Syrian border. This announcement comes two days after Russia declared it had defeated IS in Syria. Since 2014, the terror group had seized large areas of Syria and Iraq, but it has since suffered numerous defeats.
Jordan's parliament reportedly approved a proposal yesterday that would establish a committee to look at whether the country's agreements with Israel, including the peace agreement, should be continued or canceled. This decision was made following a debate in parliament regarding US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
FSWC Announces Gerald W. Schwartz, O.C. as Title Sponsor of Spirit of Hope
FSWC was pleased to announce this weekend Gerald W. Schwartz, O.C. as the Title Sponsor of the 2018 Spirit of Hope Benefit, which will be taking place on May 30, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The dinner - which helps support FSWC's countless educational programs and initiatives such as the Tour for Humanity, Holocaust education and diversity training, and Compassion to Action - is designed to foster dialogue about some of the most relevant issues of the day, while celebrating tolerance, justice and human rights.
Stay tuned for an announcement revealing the event's lineup of speakers!
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.
