US Embassy Officially Opens in Jerusalem
The US officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem today, marking the opening in a ceremony attended by 800 American and Israeli officials. For now, the ambassador's office and about 50 staff members will move to an already existing former US consulate in the city while the US plans to eventually build a new embassy building.
Terror Group Hamas Reaffirms Call for Violence Against Israel
FSWC condemns a recent call for violence by Hamas. In a tweet posted yesterday on Jerusalem Day, Hamas called upon the Palestinian people to “engage with the enemy, rally in the return marches, escalate the intifada of Jerusalem.”
“This statement by Hamas reaffirms that the terror organization is attacking Israel,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Canada and other peace-loving nations must condemn this incitement to hatred and violence and recognize that Hamas is part of the problem, not the solution.”
FSWC Applauds Montrealers for Standing Up Against Hate
FSWC would like to applaud Montrealers for standing up against hateful ideologies since the revelation earlier this month that a prominent neo-Nazi recruiter is based in the city. Hundreds of activists and residents from Montreal's Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough have marched over the past two weekends to denounce local hate groups.
Join FSWC in standing up against hate and intolerance in our communities. Your support helps fund ongoing educational programs and advocacy efforts that inspire people of all ages to make a difference.
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Israel Wins Eurovision Song Contest
For the fourth time in four decades, Israel won the international song competition Eurovision. Netta Barzilai, with her song "Toy," was announced as the winner at the competition's finals on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal. Israel came 93 points ahead of Cyprus and 187 ahead of Austria. The competition will be held in Israel next year.
'You Are Right About Iran': Stephen Harper to Donald Trump
In an ad titled "Mr. President, you are right about Iran," former prime minister Stephen Harper joined other former world leaders - including former Australian prime minister John Howard and former Canadian foreign affairs minister John Baird - in sending the message that "Iran is a danger to us, to our allies, to freedom." The ad ran in the New York Times on Wednesday, a day after Trump announced the US is pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal.
Study Suggests Poles Responsible for More Deaths in Holocaust Than Previously Thought
According to a new study done in Poland, which includes 1,600 pages of research compiled by historians over the last fives years, two thirds of Jews who hid from Nazis in Poland did not survive the war, largely because of the actions of non-Jewish Poles. The study suggests Poles were responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths during the Holocaust - a figure higher than previous estimates.
From the Arab World
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah claimed today that the rocket attack launched on the Golan Heights last week marks the start of a “new phase,” stating the Iranian rocket fire sent a message to Israel and the terror group’s allies Iran and Syria will respond to Israel’s Syria raids. According to the IDF, Iran launched 20 rockets toward Israel from Syria last week, four of which were intercepted.
Spirit of Hope Is 95% Sold Out!
With less than three weeks left to go and 95% of tickets sold, time is running out to register for Spirit of Hope. Purchase your seats today before it's too late!To register or for more information, contact Tracey at tsteyn@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 ext. 21.
Register for Spirit of Hope 2018
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.