TORONTO (May23, 2018) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) ispleased that the Jewish Heritage Month banner featuring the flag ofIsrael has been put back in its original place in the front foyer at ForestHill Collegiate Institute.

FSWC had constructive conversations today with Toronto DistrictSchool Board (TDSB) officials, the school principal and parents and students. Our objective is to ensure that TDSB adheres to its own values of equityand inclusivity for all students, particularly when it comes to celebratingtheir proud identity. In this case, the opportunity to celebrate JewishHeritage Month should be enhanced by the school, as it is by many TDSB schools– some of which are hosting FSWC for workshops this week. We thank TDSBtrustees, superintendents and staff for their assistance. 

FSWC willcontinue working with parents and students to ensure they are fully satisfiedwith this conclusion. 

Statementissued by the Toronto District School Board: 

“Throughout the month ofMay, Jewish Heritage Month is being celebrated across the TDSB, including atForest Hill CI, where a number of events are taking place. Students involved inorganizing events at that school designed a banner which solely featured theIsraeli flag with the words “Jewish Heritage Month.” Some members of the schoolcommunity expressed concerns about the banner and the use of the Israeli flag.As a result, it was removed and then subsequently relocated to the library,where Holocaust survivors were speaking with students today. It has since beenplaced back in the school’s front foyer and we apologize for anymisunderstanding or hurt that may have been caused by the initial decision.Going forward, staff will be having conversations with students to ensure allof them feel safe and welcome at their school. As part of that, the school will beholding assemblies tomorrow to continue that discussion.”