TORONTO (October 11, 2017) - More than 1,000 students left Yonge-Dundas Square today feeling energized and motivated to bring positive change to their communities. The students came from across Ontario to be part of Freedom Day - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center's annual event that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal while encouraging students to stand up for freedom, democracy and human rights.

"Freedom Day is all about inspiring students to stand up against all forms of hate, antisemitism and racism and become positive leaders in their communities," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. "The incredible speakers we had today spread the message that young people have the power to bring change and make a difference."

Former ET Canada co-host Rick Campanelli was the MC for Freedom Day, starting the event by introducing FSWC members and Freedom Day co-chairs Marc Bissell and Morli Shemesh. Holocaust survivor and author Max Eisen was the first speaker of the day, sharing his family's experience during the Holocaust and spreading a message of love and hope with the audience.

Other speakers included Corey Fleischer - a Montrealer who dedicates his time and energy to erasing hate graffiti - former CFL linebacker and motivational speaker Orlando Bowen, and Indigenous activist Tracee Smith. 

"It's about the people in our lives and how we treat them," Bowen said to the audience. "We need to surround ourselves with people who will hold us accountable."

During the event, students were also given the opportunity to step inside the Tour for Humanity bus - FSWC's 30-seat, technologically advanced mobile human rights education centre - and to express what freedom means to them.

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