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FSWC Deeply Concerned Over Revelations About New Canadian Human Rights Chief Commissioner’s Anti-Israel Activity
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is calling on the Canadian government to address its latest vetting failure that led to its appointment of a new head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) who has a history of anti-Israel actions.
Hate Crime Incidents Continue to Rise in Toronto, with Police Attending 5 Hate-Related Calls a Day
Toronto hate crime incidents have increased more than 50 percent over the same time period last year, with officers responding to an average of five hate crime calls for service daily, according to the latest data shared at the Toronto Police Service's recent board meeting.
‘I Wish Hitler Was Back,’ One Student Told Me. Here’s What It’s Like to Be Jewish and in High School in 2024
"Right now it’s hard to be a Jewish kid at just about any school in Canada," writes Hannah Schwartz, a high school student and founder of the anti-bullying initiative Voice and Action, in the Toronto Star. "It feels like Jewish kids are being blamed for a war in the Middle East that we didn’t start and that we don’t have the authority to end." Schwartz shares her experience with antisemitism at school and online following Oct. 7.
Was a Toronto Byelection a Wake-Up Call on Trudeau's Approach to Antisemitism?
Both Liberals and Conservatives have acknowledged that the crisis in the Middle East was a factor in the Toronto-St. Paul's riding where one in six residents identifies as Jewish.
Liberal MP Housefather's Appointment to Role Fighting Antisemitism Delayed by Concerns About Caucus Divisions
A proposal to appoint Liberal MP Anthony Housefather to a new role fighting antisemitism — which has been in the works for weeks — has been held up by concerns about divisions in the government caucus over the Israel-Hamas war.
"Apparently Liberal MPs now feel emboldened to publicly weigh in on who they feel are good or bad Jews in the fight against antisemitism," said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt in an online post. "Worse still, the delaying of Housefather’s appointment suggests someone is actually listening. Both Housefather and the Jewish community deserve better."
Appointment of the University of Ottawa’s Special Advisor on Antisemitism
The University of Ottawa announced yesterday that it has created the position of Senior Advisor on Antisemitism, appointing Artur Wilczynski to the role. The Special Advisor's mandate includes "studying antisemitism and advising the University’s senior leadership on strategies to combat it and other forms of racism, discrimination and harassment to promote a safer campus for all" and "serving as a liaison between members of the Jewish community and the University administration."
Counter-Protesters Tell City to Stop Tolerating Pro-Palestinian Encampments
Around 100 counter-demonstrators gathered to condemn the occupation of Victoria Square in Montreal by anti-Israel protesters who have set up an encampment to protest Quebec's pension manager investing in companies linked to the Israeli state.
Ceremony Marks Start of Rebuilding for Pittsburgh Synagogue Targeted in Antisemitic Mass Shooting
On Sunday, dignitaries marked the groundbreaking of a new structure replacing the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 worshippers were murdered in 2018 in the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history. Plans for the new complex include a cultural centre, sanctuary, educational centre and museum along with a memorial to the worshipers from three congregations who were murdered.
Pro-Palestinian Protest Outside LA Synagogue Criticized as ‘Antisemitic’ After Street Fights with Pro-Israel Protesters
A pro-Palestinian protest held outside a Los Angeles synagogue devolved into chaotic street violence with pro-Israel counterprotesters on Sunday in an incident that several officials, including President Joe Biden, criticized as antisemitic.
Synagogues in Dagestan, Russia, Targeted Alongside Churches in Terror Attack
Two synagogues in the Dagestan region of Russia were attacked on Sunday amid a coordinated and deadly attack on houses of worship in two cities. No one was reported to be injured at the synagogues, but a priest, several civilians and a number of police officers were reportedly killed during the attack.
October 7 Victims Sue UNRWA for $1 Billion, Claiming It Aided and Abetted Hamas
More than 100 victims of the devastating October 7 Hamas assault on Israel and their families filed a lawsuit Monday claiming $1 billion in damages from UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians, accusing that it aided and abetted the terror group’s assault.
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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