Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies
Simon Wiesenthal Center


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Tolerance • Justice • Human Rights

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies works to improve Canadian society by combating hate and antisemitism and supporting projects which promote tolerance, justice and human rights. Friends carries out projects and programmes in the following areas:

  • International Programmes and Activities
  • Educational Programmes in Canada
  • Tolerance Education in Canada.

I. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES

Friends is conducting its international efforts through:

  • Moriah Films: Friends is a co-producer of various film documentaries about the Holocaust and Israel. Friends has co-produced the following films: Genocide, The Long Way Home, Echoes that Remain, Liberation, In Search of Peace, Unlikely Heroes and Ever Again. Most recently, Friends, in collaboration with Moriah Films has co-produced a feature documentary, which examines the life and legacy of famed Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal. A second documentary sequel film will be co-produced (In Search of Peace II) which examines Israel’s history in the context of the peace process during the years 1967 through 1992.
  • Museum of Human Dignity, Jerusalem: Friends, through designated giving by Canadian donors, is constructing, together with others, a tolerance center to reflect everyone's hopes and dreams in Israel and throughout the Middle East.
  • International Representation: Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is increasingly sending ambassadors to represent the organization at various forums and assemblies. This includes recently the Assembly of State Parties for the International Criminal Court. It also included participation on a Wiesenthal delegation to Amman, Jordan to meet with His Majesty, King Abdullah.

II. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN CANADA

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center proactively promotes tolerance, justice and human rights across Canada through some of the following programmes:

  • Hate Groups: Researching, monitoring and tracking hate groups in Canada and around the world including shutting down of hate sites whenever possible, and production and distribution of a CD-Rom to schools, police, security and intelligence bodies.
  • University Campuses: Friends is developing programmes to counter increasing antisemitism and anti-Jewish sentiment on some university campuses.
  • Holocaust Remembrance: Friends conducts various programmes across the country to ensure Holocaust remembrance and in doing so, to educate the public about the consequence of hatred.
  • Speakers’ Bureau: Host world renowned speakers at open community forums to educate on antisemitism, terrorism and mutual respect and dialogue.
  • Educational library: In the spirit of growing our ability to offer resources to students and scholars, for research purposes, Friends is developing a library that reflects issues concerning antisemitism, terrorism and human rights.
  • Human Rights: Commissions/Tribunals and Security Committees: As Internet related issues continue to proliferate, Friends is increasing its involvement in legal cases before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal which can benefit from our acknowledged expertise and leadership in this field.

III. TOLERANCE EDUCATION IN CANADA

Antisemitism, racism and hatred between various ethnic and religious groups in Canada is on the rise according to hate crime reports. Friends has undertaken new and innovative measures to promote tolerance and contribute effectively to the improvement of Canadian society:

  • Student Education: Friends will be subsidizing some 10,000 public school students to see a theatrical production entitled, The Secret of Gabi's Dresser. The play is a true story about a young girl who finds her gentile friends slowly turning against her as they are swept by the banality of Nazi euphoria. The play teaches students about the dangers of social influence – particularly with respect to racism.
  • Professional Education: Friends launched the Tools for Tolerance Programmes for Educators and Police officers in Canada. The Tools for Tolerance Programmes provide sensitivity training at the world renowned Museum of Tolerance on cutting edge issues concerning racism, antisemitism, Holocaust education, personal awareness and leadership.
  • Resource and Leadership Training Centre: Friends has constructed a new Centre that houses a cutting edge library and materials on antisemitism; terrorism and human rights; and includes a leadership training facility for law enforcement, educators, students and the community at large.

To find out more about these gift opportunities and others please contact Avi Benlolo, President and CEO at 416-864-9735 ext. 25 or by email at abenlolo@fswc.ca. Alternatively, to become a member now, click here.


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Here’s How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the work of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. With a specified gift-giving system, donations can be applied to various projects and ongoing programmes here in Canada and abroad. Our goal is to create a more tolerant, just and safe Canada. Every dollar donated to FSWC brings us closer to that goal and is exceedingly appreciated by the community at large. Here are the programmes that you can help sustain.


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