Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center

A major new report by the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children provides further, deeply disturbing documentation of the sexual and gender-based violence committed during the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel and against hostages held in captivity. The report, Silenced No More: Sexual Terror Unveiled, lays out extensive evidence of atrocities that were not incidental, but widespread, systematic and used as part of Hamas’ campaign of terror against Israeli civilians. At a time when too many continue to distort, justify or erase the atrocities of October 7, this report is an important reminder of the need to bear witness with clarity and resolve. The report can be found here: …1-400e-ae14-65ae0400675b.filesusr.com/ugd/aab121_882…

Last night, 600 members of the Jewish community and allies gathered at Beth Emeth Synagogue in Toronto for an evening of meaningful conversation with @havivrettiggur, @coldxman, moderated by @SulkinMaya. From powerful remarks on allyship and Holocaust education to a profound discussion on antisemitism, Israel, higher education and the importance of truth and storytelling in a post-October 7 world, the evening left a lasting impact on all in attendance. We are deeply grateful to Haviv Rettig Gur, Coleman Hughes and Maya Sulkin for sharing their insight and wisdom, and to @Clothomas and Bram Belzberg for their meaningful remarks. Thank you as well to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable night of dialogue, reflection and community. Together, we continue to stand proudly, strengthen our community and champion a Canada rooted in freedom, safety and shared values.

Thank you to the @CanadianFSWC for tonight’s Voices of Change conversation. A thoughtful evening on hard questions. How we confront antisemitism. How we keep faith with the values that have made Toronto a home for people from every corner of the globe. Grateful for the work this organization does, and for the chance to listen and learn.

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Jewish Canadians across the country. Established in 2018 following the passage of legislation introduced in 2016 by former MP @LevittMichael and former Senator @LindaFrum, this month invites reflection on the enduring impact of Jewish communities in shaping Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. From arts and science to sports, public service, business and advocacy, Jewish Canadians have helped build a stronger and more vibrant society. As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the very real challenges facing Jewish communities today, including the rise in antisemitism. Honouring Jewish heritage means continuing to stand up for respect, understanding and the safety of Jewish life across Canada.

A new report released this week by @bnaibrithcanada finds that antisemitism in Canada continues to rise, with 2025 marking the highest number of incidents recorded since its annual audits began in 1982. This data is a sobering reminder of both the scale of antisemitism and the daily reality facing the Jewish community. We commend B’nai Brith for this important work and urge national law enforcement and government leaders to move beyond awareness toward measurable action. Read their audit here: leagueforhumanrights.ca

FSWC welcomes the sentencing of a LaSalle, ON., man for inciting hatred against the Jewish community and weapons-related offences. This follows a criminal complaint filed by FSWC last year. The sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the importance of accountability. Read our full statement: fswc.ca/news/fswc-appl…

FSWC welcomes new charges laid against hate propagandist Travis Patron following an RCMP investigation into antisemitic content - an investigation initiated by a criminal complaint we filed. These charges send a clear message: antisemitism and hate speech have no place in Canada. Accountability matters. Read our full statement: fswc.ca/news/fswc-laud…

Today, I was proud to join Premier @FordNation, and colleagues from our @OntarioPCCaucus, at the @CanadianFSWC reception here at Queen’s Park.   I want to recognize the important work that FSWC does in education and advocacy to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.   But remembrance alone is not enough.   At a time when antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate — we must stand together and say: #neveragain. We must call out antisemitism wherever it appears. An attack on one, is an attack on all.

This #YomHaShoah, we solemnly remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered in the Holocaust at the hands of unchecked evil. For every survivor and for every victim and their families, we commit to #NeverAgain be a bystander against antisemitic hate. Thank you @CanadianFSWC for a moving reception at Queen’s Park with @fordnation, colleagues, and friends.

Today, I represented Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for the Yom Hashoah commemorative ceremony. Thank you to Speaker Raj Chouhan and Minister Nina Krieger for hosting the ceremony and to the many Members of the Legislature who joined our community for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Today on Yom HaShoah, we gathered in solemn remembrance, honouring the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators and bearing witness to the enduring strength of survivors. At Queen’s Park, Ontario leaders stood alongside members of the Jewish community for a powerful Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by FSWC, sponsored by MPPs Hon. @TeamKerzner and @MichelleC_PC. The ceremony featured moving remarks from @fordnation, members of the opposition, Holocaust survivor Renate Krakauer, and FSWC President & CEO Michael Levitt. Ontario ministers, MPPs, staff, and community members were in attendance. The program also included a screening of FSWC’s second Legacy Portrait Project film, a testament to memory, legacy and the responsibility to never forget.

I joined the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center to mark Yom HaShoah and remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. We will continue to stand with the Jewish community, confront antisemitism and ensure the lessons of history are never forgotten.

Today, Jews around the world mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day. Six million lives. Murdered simply for being Jewish. More than 80 years later, we still struggle to comprehend the hatred, the silence, the indifference that made it possible. We feel its echo in the antisemitism rising around us today. We remember the victims. We honour the survivors. We carry their stories forward. We must teach the lessons of the Holocaust. Never forget. Never again.

Tonight, Jewish communities around the world gather for Passover, retelling a story of liberation, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of freedom. Passover teaches us that freedom is never guaranteed. It must be protected in every generation. From past to present, one truth remains: we will endure and we will persevere. This Passover, we celebrate with pride in our resilience and a renewed commitment to ensuring freedom and safety for our community. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and meaningful Passover. ✡️

FSWC is raising alarm over the candidacy of Leslie Bory in the University–Rosedale by-election, a riding with a significant Jewish community. Bory was previously convicted of advocating genocide, promoting hate against Jews and uttering threats, yet is permitted to run under current election laws. We are urging @ElectionsCan_E to ensure safeguards are put in place to protect members of the Jewish community and others targeted by Bory’s hateful rhetoric, particularly given his access to a complete list of voters in the riding. fswc.ca/news/fswc-voic…

An Edmonton man made more than 100 hateful posts, including threats to kill Jews, and was found in possession of weapons in his home. Yesterday, he walked free, sentenced to just two months of time served and two years of probation. As outlined in FSWC’s community impact statement presented in court, sentencing must send a clear and unequivocal message: antisemitism and threats of violence will not be tolerated. Anything less fails to hold offenders meaningfully accountable and undermines deterrence. We are disappointed by this outcome. This minimal sentence does not reflect the severity of the harm caused, nor the fear instilled in the Jewish community in Edmonton and across the country. edmontonjournal.com/news/crime/edm…

Today, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice handed down a sentence of 20 years in the case of Matthew Althorpe, who pleaded guilty in October to three terrorism-related charges. In response, five Jewish organizations that provided community impact statements – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, @ALCCAcanada, @bnaibrithcanada, @CAEFto and @CIJAinfo – issued the following joint statement: fswc.ca/news/jewish-co…