Upon learning that 93 year old statesman and former Israeli PresidentShimon Peres has suffered a massive stroke, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies(FSWC) released the following statement:"FSWC hosted Mr. Peres at the Spirit of Hope Benefit at the end of May and Ibelieve that was his most recent speaking engagement in Canada. He was quitean eloquent and passionate speaker, and we are devastated to learn that he isnow in grave condition. Mr. Peres, a genuine pioneer of the nascent Jewishstate, is a true global icon whose voice on behalf of peace and tolerance mustcontinue. As he receives treatment in hospital I join his family, the people ofIsrael and Jewish communities around the world in praying for his "RefuahShlema" - a full recovery and good health."

- Avi Benlolo, President & CEO,Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies

For More Information Contact
Stacey L. Starkman
Director of Communications & External Relations
416.864.9735 x 32

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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is a leading Canadian non-profit human rights foundation directly representingover 30,000 members. FSWC is committed to countering racism and antisemitism and to promoting the principles oftolerance, social justice and Canadian democratic values through advocacy and educational programs including workshops,Freedom Day, the Spirit of Hope Benefit, Tools for Tolerance and the widely acclaimed new Tour for Humanity. FSWC isaffiliated 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 anNGO at the United Nations, UNESCO, OAS, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament. Visit us atwww.fswc.ca

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