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Last night, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) was joined by more than 650 community members at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto for our 2024 Voices of Change event featuring Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, who discussed pervasive anti-Israel bias at the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, growing antisemitism on a global scale and the need for Canada to demonstrate moral clarity on the international stage.

"We have to light the candle of truth, and together we'll never give up," Neuer told the audience, as he called on the Jewish community to take action against antisemitism - whether it's on social media or reaching out to a local MP. "We're going to fight back, and we will win."

FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt and Board Chair Fred Waks presented Neuer with the 2024 Wiesenthal Award of Honour for his tireless advocacy work against endemic antisemitism at the UN.

Following his powerful keynote address, Neuer was joined on stage by the Honourable Linda Frum, former Canadian senator and journalist, who moderated an insightful discussion.

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Prior to introducing Neuer, FSWC shared a compelling video message from Reverend Majed El Shafie, President and Founder of One Free World International, an international human rights organization. After being arrested and imprisoned for converting from Islam to Christianity in Egypt, Shafie escaped to Israel and was ultimately granted asylum in Canada. He has been outspoken against radicalization and antisemitism, including in the form of anti-Israel hate. Watch his message below.

Thank you to Hillel Neuer, Linda Frum, Reverend Majed El Shafie and everyone who joined us for an incredible evening.

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