Toronto – June 11, 2016 – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) condemns offensive Nazi Salute – the Zig Heil – displayed by two members of the Niagra Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) on January 18, 2017.  In a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=497TxF__V5o&t=315m00s a community member alleges that "Councillor Douglas Joyner raises his hand awkwardly to get the Chair’s attention. Mayor Jim Diodati (right side of the screen) imitates him. Mayor Frank Campion (left side of the screen) then makes a full Nazi salute, which was returned by Mayor Diodati".

"The Zig Heil that was performed during an open and public board meeting of members of the Niagra Regional Council is offensive not only for the Jewish community, but also for Canadians who fought to liberate Europe from the Nazis.  The Zig Heil – was a Nazi greeting sometimes referred to as "Heil Hitler" in obedience to Adolf Hitler who led the genocide of six million Jewish people and the loss of over 50 million people in World War Two.  It is worth noting this salute is a criminal offense in Germany and can be subject to hate speech laws in Canada. We expect council undertake corrective measures including sensitivity training (for the participants) and excise antisemitism from within its ranks" said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. 

This incident falls on the heels of the motion condemning the NDP Niagara Centre Provincial Riding Associations support the for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at the June 8, 2017 Niagara Regional Council meeting. We hope Niagra Regional Council continue to pursue motions and programs that promote anti-racism.  Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center has offered council its Tour for Humanity for tolerance training.