Vancouver (Sept 11, 2019) - At the invitation of BC chiefs of police, Avi Benlolo spent the last 24 hours with police leadership in Vancouver.

Joined by Holocaust survivor Max Eisen, and at the invitation of Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer and Deputy Chief Steve Rai, Mr. Benlolo presented to more than 30 senior law enforcement officials from across the province. Mr. Benlolo provided them with a comprehensive overview of antisemitism in Canada and around the world.

Mr. Benlolo also had the opportunity of joining Chief Palmer at the Federation Campaign Launch and spent time with Abbotsford Police Chief Mike Serr discussing critical matters.

"I am humbled and honoured by the graciousness shown to us by the BC police community - many of whom are alumni of Compassion to Action," said Mr. Benlolo. "On behalf of FSWC, we are thankful for their deep commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination."

Mr. Benlolo further met with Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung who spearheaded a recent campaign to have Vancouver City Council adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Although her motion was defeated, Mr. Benlolo thanked Mrs. Kirby-Yung for standing up to antisemitism and encouraged her to continue the fight for human rights.

During a panel discussion about hate crime and antisemitism on the popular Lynda Steele radio show, Mr. Benlolo challenged a Holocaust denier to learn about the Holocaust and to stop offending Canadians.

"For the person who doesn't believe the Holocaust existed, we actually have a Holocaust survivor right here, so you're welcome to meet him and see his tattoo on his arm," said Mr. Benlolo, adding that it's important to "understand that Canada itself has a stake in the game. We fought against the Nazis. We sent our soldiers over to liberate Europe from the Nazis...It's not just an insult to the Jewish community, it's an insult to Canada itself."