FSWC Reaches Out to U of T About Speaker Known for Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories

FSWC has reached out to the University of Toronto asking it to review complaints it has received regarding the recognized group called Alumni for a Free U of T. FSWC has learned that the head of the group has been lecturing on campus about antisemitic conspiracy theories, and making the videos available online. This concern comes after a University of Winnipeg radio station suspended one of its programs after one of its episodes featured an interview with the speaker, who promoted such conspiracy theories.

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Local Victoria Business Defaced with Symbols of Hate and Oppression

FSWC is deeply disappointed to learn of the defacement of a well-known Victoria business with offensive symbols. Yesterday afternoon, swastika and KGB symbols, written with permanent markers, were found on windows, doors and the back wall of the building as it opened for business. Staff were shocked to find the disturbing graffiti and moved quickly to remove it as best they could.

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FSWC Brings Holocaust Education to High School Students Across Ontario

Friday was the last day of the Tour for Humanity's week-long visit in Stratford and the surrounding area. The last two days of the visit were spent at a high school in Clinton, providing workshops to students in Grades 9-11. Students were all familiar with Hitler and some of the details of the Holocaust, and as is often the case, many of the conversations were centred on themes that are important to students today.  There were also some thoughtful questions and comments about Canadian history. A lot of students had heard of residential schools but were shocked to learn they were still running as late as 1996.

Today, FSWC facilitated a Lessons and Legacies of the Holocaust workshop at a Catholic secondary school in Brampton. The workshop was organized by the daughter of a Compassion to Action alumni and former Superintendent at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Although initially designated for the Grade 10 history classes, the workshop was later opened up to all interested classes and students. The result was over 300 students and multiple staff and administration listening intently in the school cafeteria, especially when Holocaust survivor Max Eisen came to speak to the group - sharing his remarkable story with the Grades 9-12 students.

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Consider Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center as your charity of choice for #GivingTuesday. Your support helps fund educational initiatives such as Tour for Humanity and Freedom Day, and allows us to continue our Canada-wide advocacy efforts.

Donations are 100% tax-deductible.

Click here to make a donation.

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German Broadcaster Withdraws Sponsorship of Roger Waters Concert  

The German public broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) has removed its support of an upcoming Roger Waters concert because of the musician's BDS support and antisemitic views. This decision comes after a local resident launched a petition calling on the broadcaster "not to grant support with public money for the anti-Semite Roger Waters." WDR was set to televise the concert and air it on the radio, but it has since removed an announcement for the concert from its website.

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University in Alberta Ends Suspension of Professor Accused of Espousing Antisemitic Views

Last week, the University of Lethbridge in Alberta reinstated professor Anthony Hall, who was suspended last year for expressing antisemitic views online - including suggesting a Zionist connection to the 9/11 attacks and questioning the Holocaust. While the university stated that Hall has returned to work, he will not be returning to the classroom as the university commences an investigation into his activities.

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Almost 10% Rise in Antisemitic Incidents in Australia: Study

According to a report by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, there has been an almost 10 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents in Australia over the past year. While the report reveals that there has been a decrease in assaults, vandalism and harassment, there was an increase in reported incidents - which primarily include posters and graffiti. The most prominent change was in the rise of far-right groups in the country, including the neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance.

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Polish Police Seize 'No Jews Allowed' Banner from Hotel

A banner reading "no Jews, speculators and traitors allowed" was seized from the entrance of a hotel in Poland on Thursday after images of the banner surfaced on social media. The hotel is reportedly owned by an ultranationalist who was sentenced earlier this year to three months in prison for burning an effigy of a Jew at a 2015 demonstration, and is now in jail for violating terms of his detention after participating in a nationalist march that featured antisemitic rhetoric.

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From the Arab World

A terrorist attack at a mosque in Egypt on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 305 people and wounded at least 128 others. Leaders around the world condemned the horrific attack, which officials are calling the deadliest attack in Egypt's modern history. The attack was carried out by 25-30 militants, who barged in carrying automatic weapons and the Islamic State flag.

Despite demands by the Palestinian Authority to have Hamas disarm, as part of a reconciliation agreement, Hamas has since vowed to expand its militant activities against Israel - revealing the challenges that lie ahead as disagreements between the two parties intensify. The announcement was made today by a senior Hamas official, who stated the terrorist group's arsenal "can't be divided or talked about in any dialogue."

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Rohingya Refugee Crisis Exhibit Launch (New Date)

Join us on Tuesday, December 5 for an important exhibit launch featuring CTV News correspondent Peter Akman, who will be sharing his experience after recently visiting a refugee camp in Bangladesh to speak with Rohingya refugees who have fled what the UN is calling a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." The exhibit will provide insight into the refugee crisis through the eyes and artwork of Rohingya children. 

To RSVP, please contact Melissa Mikel at mmikel@fswc.ca or 416-864-9735 x40.

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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.