TORONTO (August 31, 2017) – Friends ofSimon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) commends the TorontoDistrict School Board (TDSB) for passing a motion at its board meeting last night to stand upagainst hate.

The motion,initiated by Trustee Ken Lister, calls on the TDSB Director to “review thepolicies and procedures for issuing permits to ensure schools do not becomeforums for spreading anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and any form of hatred.” This motion comes on the heels of recent incidents of hatred in public spaces,mentioning that hate groups booked rooms at Toronto public libraries, and theplan to hold a rally at the University of Toronto to spread hatred.

“The anti-hatemotion passed by the TDSB is a welcome initiative considering the rise inantisemitic incidents we have seen over the summer,” said Avi Benlolo, Presidentand CEO of FSWC. “We urge public bodies including school boards,municipal governments, and other community groups to follow this example inreviewing policies to ensure that there is zero tolerance for antisemitism andracism in public institutions.”

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FSWC works tirelessly tocounter hate and intolerance in communities across the country. Please take amoment to sign our petition to "Stand Up To Hate" calling onOntario’s Attorney General to take action in prosecuting hate crimes. Thepetition can be found at www.friendsofsimonwiesenthalcenter.com/petition on the FSWC website.