Toronto (October 15, 2018) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) reaffirms its previously stated position expressing concern over Canada’s funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, announced on Friday that Canada will be providing up to $50 million in aid to UNRWA over the next two years, bringing the total to $110 million in support for UNRWA that Canada has committed to since 2016.

"We respect the intent of our government, however remain steadfast concerned about utilizing UNRWA as a distributor of these funds. UNRWA has a track record of inciting hatred and violence and even enabling Hamas to hide arms used in its terrorist activity," said Avi Benlolo, FSWC President and CEO. "Reports of antisemitism in UNRWA school books in addition to anti-Israel sentiment are abound. Even while Canada pledges oversight, and while still imperfect, we believe that funds should be distributed directly to the needy and to responsible institutions which deliver the programs themselves."

According to the announcement,Canada will provide $40 million to help with basic education, health and livelihood needs of Palestinians, while $10 million will provide emergency life-saving assistance.

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Media Contact:‍

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