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Ottawa Inaugurates National Holocaust Monument
FSWC congratulates Canada on the opening of the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa today. For its inauguration, FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo was in attendance to participate and lend support on behalf of 30,000 FSWC members. Until today, Canada was the only allied nation without a Holocaust Monument in its capital."The monument especially comes at a very important time as antisemitism and hate is on the rise in our community," said Benlolo. "Hopefully this can act as an educational tool for all, not only making the Holocaust a more prominent discussion in classrooms, but also opening people's eyes to the consequences of intolerance."
Canada to Apologize for Turning Away Jewish Refugees in 1939
According to The Canadian Press, the federal Liberals are planning an official apology for Canada's 1939 decision to turn away more than 900 Jewish refugees on the MS St. Louis who were fleeing Germany and seeking asylum. The ship was forced to return to Europe, with 500 passengers ending up back in Germany - half of whom didn't survive the Holocaust. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated his regrets during today's inauguration of the National Holocaust Monument.
FSWC Urges City of Peterborough to Reconsider Permit Granted to White Nationalists for Rally
FSWC is urging Peterborough's mayor and councillors to pull a permit that was granted by city staff to self-proclaimed white nationalists for a rally on city property. FSWC spoke with the city's mayor today and reached out to the Peterborough police chief. The organization also sent a letter to the mayor and councillors expressing concern about the rally - which is being organized by a group called the Canadian Nationalist Front - and urging reconsideration of the permit.
A Meaningful Day on the Tour for Humanity Bus
Tour for Humanity spent a very meaningful day at a Catholic elementary school in Bracebridge yesterday. Six workshops were presented on the bus to students from Grades 3-8. Following a workshop, FSWC's Educator Daniella admired a comment that was given by one of the students, who said she now really understood the importance of standing up for other people because, "if someone had stood up for Simon [Wiesenthal] maybe he wouldn't have been sent to the camp."
Rosh Hashanah Celebrated on Parliament Hill; Canadian Leaders Denounce Antisemitism
On Monday, FSWC marked the beginning of the Jewish New Year with Canadian political and community leaders on Parliament Hill. The day included engaging discussions with MPs, the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship and the leader of the Green Party, as well as a Rosh Hashanah reception. During members' statements in the House of Commons, antisemitism was vigorously denounced and MPs called for standing in solidarity with the Jewish community and its fight against antisemitism.
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'KKK' Spray Painted on Home of Former Edmonton Football Player
Last week, "KKK" was discovered spray painted on the garage door of former football player Craig Ellis' home in Edmonton. Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is shocked by this disturbing display of racism, but is also heartened to learn that nearby residents united to help remove the racist graffiti. According to Edmonton police, the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
Antisemitic Post Condemned by Muslim Council of Calgary
Following a recent antisemitic online article by a group called Muslims in Calgary, the Muslim Council of Calgary has issued a statement condemning the hateful content against Jews. This is the council's second statement after it initially disavowed aspects of the article, but did not acknowledge the antisemitic content. After meeting with a Calgary rabbi, a second statement was published.
Five Portraits of Holocaust Survivors Living in Toronto
A Toronto-based photographer spent a day shooting portraits of Holocaust survivors - including Max Eisen, who is featured on neverforgetme.ca. Readers have the opportunity to learn about each survivor's story, including what they endured during the Holocaust and their achievements since coming to Canada.
From the Arab World
According to officials, almost 93 per centof IraqiKurds voted in support of Kurdish independence from Iraq and splittingfrom Baghdad. Voting took place on Monday, and results were then announced onWednesday evening. The Prime Minister of Iraq, however, has refused torecognize the referendum and has even demanded Kurdish authorities tocancel the referendum's results.
Hoursafter U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis landed in Kabul, rocketswere firedat Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. The Talibanhas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that Mattis' plane was thetarget. The rockets landed in an open area and nobody was injured.
Rick Campanelli Invites You to Freedom Day!
Click to watch video.Rick Campanelli is inviting you to join him and FSWC at Freedom Day! In two weeks, Yonge-Dundas Square will be packed with 3,500 students from across Ontario participating in festivities and being inspired to take action in making Canada a more tolerant and inclusive society. Campanelli will emcee the event, which will welcome some incredible speakers - including Corey Fleischer, who dedicates his time to erasing hate graffiti, Holocaust survivor and author Max Eisen, Indigenous activist Tracee Smith, and former CFL player and motivational speaker Orlando Bowen.
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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