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FSWC Files Complaints in Relation to Inflammatory Speech at Anti-Israel Rally in Toronto
FSWC has filed a complaint with the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) and Toronto Police Hate Crimes Unit regarding a hateful speech delivered by the chairperson for the Ontario branch of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) at the December 9 anti-Israel rally in Toronto.
A Celebration of Tour for Humanity's 4th Birthday
Today was a very special day for the Tour for Humanity program. FSWC celebrated the 4th year of the award-winning mobile human rights education centre that travels the province of Ontario, reaching tens of thousands of Ontario elementary and high school students each year - teaching lessons of tolerance, justice and human rights. FSWC's birthday celebration was held during the 463rd stop for the Tour for Humanity at Victoria Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto.
Toronto Public Library's New Rental Policy Reflects Community Concerns
FSWC commends the Toronto Public Library Board for unanimously passing its revised Community and Event Space Rental Policy to reflect community concerns. Following discussions with Library Board members and administrators, FSWC has been assured that under the revised policy, bookings will be carefully examined on a case-by-case basis to determine if an event is likely to promote or have the effect of promoting discrimination, contempt or hatred, with no event getting a pass based on its stated purpose alone.
Send a tribute card to your loved one in celebration of Hanukkah. 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.
Vancouver Mayor Releases Statement Against Hate and Discrimination
In the statement, Mayor Gregor Robertson spoke out against several recent hate incidents that occurred in the city, including expressing that he does "not condone the burning of the images of Israeli flags," calling it an "aggressive and threatening act that made some people feel fearful for their safety." FSWC sent a letter to the mayor commending his recent statement, stating that it is important that community leaders make it clear that hate, in any form, will not be tolerated.
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US Senate Passes Bill to Help Holocaust Survivors Obtain Restitution
The senate unanimously passed a bill yesterday - called the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today Act - that will help Holocaust survivors and the families of victims to obtain restitution or the return of Holocaust-era assets that were wrongfully confiscated or transferred. This measure will require the State Department to report on the progress of certain European countries toward the return of or restitution for these assets.
Israeli Archaeologists Reveal Discoveries on Eve of Hanukkah
On the eve of Hanukkah, Israeli archaeologists revealed a Hanukkah-related discovery - an ancient inscription of a seven-branched menorah on a stone slab in the Israeli city of Tiberias, with the basalt block featuring the engraving dating back to the 2nd and 4th centuries B.C. The Israel Antiquities Authority also announced the discovery of an ancient clay lamp dating back 2,200 years.
From the Arab World
During a summit of more than 50 Muslim countries in Istanbul today, leaders criticized the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and, in a signed joint declaration, stated the US cannot play a part in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process any longer. Following the meeting, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said it is out of the question for the US "to be a mediator between Israel and Palestine." Leaders also called on countries to recognize East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
FSWC Welcomes 2018 Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs
Today FSWC announced that two prominent families will be representing the organization as its 2018 Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs: Joel and Dr. Melissa Feldberg and Tom and Anna Koffler.
"Both families have a history of philanthropy and successful business engagement in Canada. They share a long history of leadership at FSWC at the board of directors level and through social action and education advocacy," said Avi Benlolo, FSWC President and CEO.
Spirit of Hope will be taking place on May 30, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's South Building. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and details in the coming weeks!
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.
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