Toronto (January 17, 2018) - Today Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) recognizes Raoul Wallenberg Day. In 2001, Canada designated January 17 as Raoul Wallenberg Day to honour the Swedish diplomat for his courage and successful mission that saved the lives of an estimated 100,000 Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

"By issuing special passports and providing shelter, Raoul Wallenberg helped prevent the murder of tens of thousands of Jewish men, women and children by the Nazis during the Holocaust. His courage and heroism deserves to be celebrated, and he serves as an example of what an individual can achieve when they stand up against hate," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. "On this day, we are reminded that the fight against antisemitism isn't over and that communities across Canada and beyond must continue to work tirelessly to ensure such a tragedy like the Holocaust never happens again."    

In 1985, Wallenberg became the first Honorary Citizen of Canada.

Through its educational programs and advocacy initiatives, FSWC works to combat antisemitism and intolerance throughout Canada. On January 27 and 28, in honour of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, FSWC will be hosting its third annual National Policy Conference on Holocaust Education - bringing human rights and Holocaust educators and experts - which will focus on the future of Holocaust education.

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To speak with Avi Benlolo about Raoul Wallenberg and Holocaust-related issues, contact:

Avital Borisovsky 
Communications Associate   
416.864.9735 x 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca

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Follow us on Twitter at @CanadianFSWC for latest news and organization updates.

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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) is a top Jewish human rights foundation in Canada's organized Jewish community. It directly impacts over 100,000 people each year and 500,000+peripherally. FSWC is committed to countering racism and antisemitism and to promoting the principles of tolerance, social justice and Canadian democratic values through advocacy and educationalprograms including workshops, Freedom Day, Spirit of Hope Benefit, Tools for Tolerance and the widely acclaimedTour for Humanity. FSWC is affiliated with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an international Jewish human rights organization headquartered in Los Angeles which has won two Academy Awards, has built two Museums of Tolerance (with a third being built in Jerusalem) and is an NGO at the United Nations, UNESCO, OAS, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament. Visit us at www.fswc.ca.

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