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Newfoundland and Labrador Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
Yesterday, FSWC commended the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and pledge "to continue the dialogue on antisemitism and to continue to demonstrate support for the Jewish community.” The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, signed a proclamation to adopt the IHRA definition as he was joined by Jewish community representatives.
Premier Apologizes for Comparing Vaccinated Albertans to Followers of Hitler
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has apologized after a resurfaced 2021 video shows her comparing vaccinated Canadians to supporters of the Nazi regime. FSWC called the video "disconcerting" and said the apology "doesn't fix the harm caused."
"Holocaust comparisons are inappropriate, disrespectful to the victims and minimize one of the darkest times in human history - which the Jewish community has been outspoken about since the start of the pandemic," FSWC stated in an online post.
Ontario Expands Grant Program for Protection from Hate Crimes
The Ontario government has unveiled a new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help improve security at religious and minority community institutions and protect them against hate-motivated incidents. The $25.5 million program will fund security cameras, locks, cybersecurity measures, training and the short-term hiring of guards to keep facilities safe.
FSWC applauds Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, Minister Michael Ford and the entire Ontario government for launching this grant and for standing up for the safety of the Jewish community and all other groups that continue to be targets of hate.
5 Killed in Shooting Near Synagogue in Tunisia During Jewish Pilgrimage
Five people were killed yesterday outside a synagogue in Tunisia, including two Jewish civilians and three Tunisian police guards. This occurred during an annual Jewish pilgrimage on the island of Djerba.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims' families and those injured in this senseless attack.
Ceasefire Talks Ongoing as 350 Gaza Rockets Shot at Israel
Ceasefire talks between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad continued today after the terror group launched over 350 rocket attacks from Gaza this week.
Holocaust Survivor Alex Buckman Shared His Story with Youth, Leaving Legacy of Humanity
Holocaust survivor Alex Buckman was not quite four when he was whisked to safety by a resistance member in Belgium, leaving behind his parents who he later learned were murdered at Auschwitz. Decades later, he began accompanying young Canadians on March of the Living, sharing his story. Sadly, last month during another March of the Living trip, Buckman passed away.
May his memory be a blessing.
The Controversy Behind Christie’s Auction of an Austrian Heiress’ Jewels
An auction house that's selling 700 pieces of jewelry from the collection of the late Heidi Horten - an Austrian heiress whose German husband built a retail empire starting in the 1930s - says it's expecting to reap some $150 million, with proceeds going to a Vienna art museum, welfare for children, medical research and, following criticism, Holocaust education.
It has been steeped in controversy, as Horten's husband built the empire partly from assets sold by desperate Jews as they fled Nazi Germany. Simon Wiesenthal Center called on the auction house, Christie's, to withdraw the sale, stating that billions in riches amassed were the “sum of profits from Nazi ‘Aryanization’ of Jewish department stores.”
German Artist Nearing 100,000 Cobblestones to Mark Victims of Nazis
Gunter Demnig is preparing to lay the 100,000th cobblestone commemorating a person who was deported and killed by the Nazis. Since about three decades ago, he has been placing Stolpersteine ("stumble stones") outside the last known addresses of victims across Europe, with each person's name, date of birth and circumstances of death embossed by hand.
Dutch Police Arrest 154 Soccer Fans Over Antisemitic Chants
Police in Amsterdam arrested 154 soccer fans for singing antisemitic chants on a train on Saturday. Charges included insulting a group of people because of their race, religion or conviction.
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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