Toronto (September 7, 2018) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) notes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement that Canada will issue a formal apology on November 7 for Canada turning away Jewish refugees on the MS St. Louis in 1939 who were fleeing Nazi Germany.

“This is an important acknowledgement by the prime minister. As antisemitism has once more risen in Canada, this provides an additional opportunity for the government to address contemporary issues,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “By recognizing such wrongs committed in the past, we can move toward creating a Canada that is truly dedicated to standing up for tolerance, acceptance and diversity.”

In its recent study, FSWC notes that 15-27% of Canadians hold antisemitic attitudes. Therefore, this is an opportunity for the prime minister to further address antisemitism while noting that 78% of Canadians believe Holocaust education is of critical importance. 

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