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As antisemitism continues to surge in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas atrocities in Israel, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) remains unwavering in its mission to combat hate and build a more inclusive society in Canada. This year, FSWC expanded its reach, delivering impactful education and training programs and advocating on behalf of the Jewish community across the country. From equipping professionals and law enforcement with tools to address Jew-hatred, to engaging students and teachers with lessons on the Holocaust and human rights, to standing firm against acts of antisemitism and extremism, FSWC's efforts had a major impact in 2024.

Here are just some of the highlights from our work this year, made possible by the support of our many committed donors and community partners.

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Tour for Humanity Visits West Coast for the First Time

This year, FSWC broadened its educational and advocacy initiatives in Western Canada, marking its first visit to British Columbia with the Tour for Humanity mobile education centre. During a five-week spring tour, the Tour for Humanity travelled through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, reaching 24 schools and educating 3,210 students about the Holocaust and human rights.

FSWC Launches New Vancouver Office

In September, FSWC opened a new office on the West Coast, led by Michael Sachs, Director of Western Canada. Since its launch, FSWC has provided antisemitism and Holocaust education to the BC RCMP and Vancouver Police Department, collaborated with University of British Columbia leadership and engaged with diverse local communities, including Christian and Indigenous groups.

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Substantial Growth in Professional Antisemitism Education

In 2024, FSWC increased its antisemitism education programming for corporate and public sector professionals by more than five times from the previous year. Through the Antisemitism: Then and Now program, 5,280 professionals in fields such as media, law and government gained insight into historical and contemporary antisemitism and learned relevant tools to become stronger allies to the Jewish community.

Law Enforcement Training to Address Antisemitism, Extremism and Hate Crimes

This year, FSWC trained approximately 1,000 law enforcement personnel across Canada, focusing on the Holocaust, antisemitism and strategies to better deal with extremism and hate crimes. At the fourth annual Building a Case Against Hate conference in Toronto in February, participants from nine provinces and more than 50 police departments attended sessions on topics such as radicalism in Canada, post-October 7 hate crime trends and the impact of online hate.

New Antisemitism Program for University Leaders

FSWC, in partnership with Hillel Ontario, launched Unpacking and Dismantling Antisemitism on Campus, a workshop for university and college administrators. This program equips post-secondary leadership with tools to effectively address rising antisemitism on campuses. Since its introduction, 32 colleges and universities have inquired about the workshop.

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55,000+ Students Educated on the Holocaust and Human Rights

In 2024, FSWC reached more than 55,750 students nationwide, educating them about the Holocaust, other genocides, racism, antisemitism, online hate and human rights. More than 5,000 students participated in the annual Freedom Day event, featuring powerful stories and words of inspiration. Additionally, the Ontario government announced a $150,000 investment in FSWC’s new student workshop, Ever Again: An Introduction to Antisemitism, which has already educated hundreds of students.

Professional Development for 2,400+ Teachers

FSWC delivered training to 2,495 educators this year, providing workshops on Holocaust education, antisemitism, online hate and effective classroom strategies. More than 300 teachers participated in our Antisemitism: Then and Now workshop, learning about this age-old hatred and how to be an ally to Canadian Jews, both in the classroom and the educators' communities.

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Call for Transparency on Suspected Nazi War Criminals

FSWC has long urged the Canadian government to release the names of Nazi war criminals who immigrated to Canada after the Second World War. During a stakeholder consultation in September, FSWC emphasized the importance of finally publishing the long-concealed Part II of the 1986 Deschênes Commission report, which names approximately 900 suspected Nazi war criminals.

Ensuring Accountability in Memorials

FSWC successfully advocated against the inclusion of individuals with suspected Nazi ties on Ottawa’s Memorial to the Victims of Communism. The memorial was unveiled earlier this month without the contentious names, as Canadian Heritage continues its vetting process.

Action Against Nazi-Honouring Monuments

Earlier this year, FSWC exposed a monument at an Estonian children’s camp in Elora, Ontario honouring leaders of the Nazi Waffen-SS. Following a public outcry, the camp removed the references from its monument and website.

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Action Against Hateful Anti-Israel Protests

Since October 7, 2023, FSWC has upped its efforts in combatting the antisemitism, anti-Israel hate and terror glorification that reared its ugly head on our streets and university campuses across the country. From denouncing countless disturbing protests in major cities that glorified terrorism and incited hate and violence against Jews, to being granted intervenor status in the University of Toronto injunction application that ultimately led to the removal of the anti-Israel encampment on its campus, FSWC remained a strong advocate for the Jewish community.

A Strong Voice Against Antisemitism

FSWC has worked closely with police and lawmakers to address acts of vandalism and violence targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and community centres. From shootings at a Toronto Jewish girls' school to synagogue firebombings in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, FSWC continues to demand swift, substantive action to protect the Jewish community.

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The above is just a partial selection of FSWC’s impactful work in 2024 combatting rising antisemitism. Your support ensures this essential work continues. Please consider making a donation before the year ends.

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