Avi Benlolo
President & Chief Executive Officer
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
for Holocaust Studies
When not training for or running a marathon, Avi Benlolo is a prominent Canadian human rights activist who is President and Chief Executive Officer of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC). He was appointed to this role in 2000 to restructure, re-energize and re-develop the organization; since that time he has devoted his extensive fundraising, educational advocacy and leadership talents to successfully elevating the profile of the organization and revitalizing its presence across Canada. With numerous articles and citations in Canadian print and broadcast media, his unique experience and drive to promote tolerance, justice and human rights is needed to establish a strong presence for the Wiesenthal organization.
Mr. Benlolo’s initial achievements included the creation of a blue ribbon Board of Directors, the reformation of operations and office systems, ensuring the organization conforms to Revenue Canada guidelines, improving financial management and fiscal responsibility, the hiring and training of staff and relocating the FSWC office. Mr. Benlolo has initiated and implemented ambitious campaigns and programs that have increased overall revenue by more than 500 percent and have grown the organization’s constituency to more than 25,000 donors. Under his guidance, FSWC has evolved into a well managed, professionally staffed and highly respected community organization with a national presence.
Mr. Benlolo is recognized as the driving force behind the FSWC Resource and Leadership Training Centre. In fulfilling his vision for this all-encompassing educational site, he created a facility that includes a state of the art classroom, extensive reference resources and an exhibition centre to showcase contemporary themes ranging from the Holocaust and genocide to peace studies. The growth of the organization has enabled him to develop new and innovative educational programs that promote tolerance, justice and human rights, and to provide subsidies to thousands of students to attend artistic productions dealing with themes of hatred and the Holocaust. The Resource and Leadership Training Center serves as a focal point for educating and sensitizing the community at large about antisemitism, racism and terrorism – a meeting place that serves to build bridges among like-minded people who want to promote social justice and human rights.
With passion and determination, Mr. Benlolo has produced numerous events to increase awareness of the organization and encourage tolerance and human rights. Among them is the annual ‘Spirit of Hope’ gala which has featured such stellar guests as Elie Wiesel, Salman Rushdie, Rudy W. Giuliani, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Newt Gingrich, Dick Gephardt and Glenn Beck; this benefit continues to top campaign goals year over year. Other prominent events include major film premieres across the country; the Woman of Valour Luncheon, which attracts 350 dedicated community members; educational workshops in the new Tolerance Training Centre, a new Freedom Day celebration which drew over 700 students at the inaugural event and is expected to expand to well over 1000 students as well as community groups and grassroots organizations, and theatrical productions on the Holocaust attended by thousands of public school students. FSWC attracts speakers ranging from local and federal politicians to community activists and Hollywood producers to discuss their work and their support for FSWC activities.
To strengthen the organization’s outreach efforts, Mr. Benlolo has also produced video documentaries, executed mass media campaigns and developed key print and on-line marketing tools. As a result of his efforts, hundreds of top leaders are engaged in the work of the organization from the above noted Board of Directors and Board of Governors to the Advisory Council of the Resource and Leadership Training Centre; to the Lawyers, Doctors and Accountants 4Wiesenthal groups as well as the Community Liaison Committee.
Mr. Benlolo is regularly interviewed by media in print, on radio and television, and writes extensively for newspapers across Canada (see sample attachments). He speaks to thousands of people a year on a variety of issues relating to tolerance, justice and human rights. Throughout his career, he has raised millions of dollars in support of charities and non-governmental organizations which help make the world a better place. In his various roles, he has had numerous opportunities to confer with international, national and local community and business leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachev and His Royal Highness King Abdullah, as well as Canadian leaders including General Romeo Dallaire, Ontario Premiere Dalton McGuinty, numerous local mayors and Chiefs of Police, federal Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister of Canada.
Prior to his tenure with FSWC, Mr. Benlolo worked for United Jewish Appeal – Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto from 1993-2000. He excelled in several roles including Research and Development 1993-1995; Campaign Associate 1995-1996; and Director of Young Leadership 1997-2000 where he was charged with identifying and cultivating future leaders. While with UJA Federation, he led missions to the Ukraine, Morocco, Germany, Poland, England, America and Israel. Mr. Benlolo's education includes a Masters of Arts degree and an Honours Bachelors degree for which he graduated cum laude. He strives to find the time to complete his Ph.D.
Mr. Benlolo has a unique skill set based on his experiences in the Jewish community, with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies in Canada and with the Los Angeles based Wiesenthal organization. His background and understanding of business, fundraising, human rights activism, the Jewish experience and the Wiesenthal organization point to a level of distinction and status impossible to duplicate; it is these very skills that are so necessary to ensure the Wiesenthal organization is successful in its efforts.