Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) notes Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s condemnation of white supremacy and clarification that it is a threat to Canadians. Scheer’s statement came yesterday after Conservative Senator Leo Housakos suggested white supremacy is not a significant threat.

FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo called Housakos’ statement “very disconcerting” for the Jewish community, adding that the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people, is an example of the threat of white supremacy.

“The hate and violence that white supremacists bring is a true threat to communities across Canada, including the Jewish community. It’s extremely disappointing that any government official would think that the threat of white supremacy doesn’t require the same level of attention and concern as other security threats,” said Benlolo. “The clarification from Scheer is appreciated, and hopefully it resonates with other party members.”

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‍Media Contact:‍

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