Avi Benlolo

President & Chief Executive Officer
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
for Holocaust Studies

Avi Benlolo is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC). Since his appointment in 2000, he has devoted his extensive fundraising, educational advocacy and leadership talents to elevating the profile of the organization and revitalizing its presence across Canada.

Mr. Benlolo is recognized as the driving force behind the FSWC Resource and Leadership Training Centre. In fulfilling his vision for this all-encompassing site, he created a facility that includes a state of the art classroom, extensive reference resources and an exhibition centre to showcase contemporary themes. Today, the 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 tolerance, justice and human rights.

Mr. Benlolo has initiated and implemented ambitious campaigns and programs that have increased overall revenue by more than 500 percent and grown its 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. Most recently, he has opened an FSWC office in Montreal to complement the Toronto headquarters.

Through passion and determination, Mr. Benlolo has produced numerous events to increase awareness of the organization and promote tolerance, justice and human rights. Among them is the annual ‘Spirit of Hope’ gala, which has featured the likes of Rudy W. Giuliani, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Newt Gingrich, Dick Gephardt and Glenn Beck and 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 Resource Centre; and theatrical productions on the Holocaust attended by thousands of public school students.

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 a ‘blue-ribbon’ Board of Directors and Board of Governors; to the Advisory Council of the Resource and Leadership Training Centre; to the Campaign and Lawyer’s Cabinet and the Community Liaison Committee.

Mr. Benlolo is regularly interviewed by media – in print, on radio and television. 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.

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, England 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.