06/30/21 - Alert on international Antisemitism and critical issues in Jewish affairs. I touched base with Irwin Cotler this week in Jerusalem to exchange some thoughts and ideas about combating Antisemitism.
Here are some additional updates:
Hungary took the EU lead to boycott the upcoming Durbin conference. Canada, the US, the UK and Australia have already backed out of the problematic conference that has been infused with Antisemitism and Anti-Israelism.
A bill to define Antisemitism in school lessons passes Senate in Arizona. Teaching antisemitism in Arizona public schools will include any claim that the state of Israel has no right to exist (Arizona Capitol Times)
In Newsweek, former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Ellie Cohanim says "the time has come for a domestic Antisemitism Czar in the U.S.
A Times Square billboard sheds light on Antisemitism with the following message: "Were just 75 years since the gas chambers. So no, a billboard calling out Antisemitism isn't an over reaction.
'Polish Insult to Holocaust Survivors': The Irish Times published an editorial that says that the Polish legislation passed making it impossible for Holocaust survivors and their families to claim restitution for property is an insult.
The Diplomat claims that Pakistan's government is normalizing prejudice in Pakistan. Not long ago, remarks by Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quereshi told CNN that "Jews have deep pockets".
In the Algemeiner, "top community leaders slam Rep. Ilhan Omar for claiming Jewish colleagues not "equally engaging in seeking social justice". Twelve Jewish members of Congress issued an open letter slamming Omar saying that "equating the United States and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban is offensive and misguided".
President Joe Biden told Israel's President Reuven Rivlin that the US will not "tolerate a nuclear Iran". This was met with doubt given that the U.S. continues to re-negotiate the JCPOA agreement with Iran even while Iran races to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Ahead of Canada's Foreign Minister's visit to the Middle East, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Trudeau is said to have underscored peace and security between the Palestinians and Israel.
In a move that continues to advance peace, Bahrain officially appointed its first ever ambassador to Israel. At the same time, Israel's newly installed Foreign Minister visited the UAE and opening the Israeli embassy there. In a State Department press release, the U.S. welcomed the "historic opening of the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi".
In Toulouse, an Imam accused of Antisemitism received six months probation. A report says he called for the "Killing of Jews" and praises Sheikh Yassin.
British Jews report record rise of Antisemitism during the month of May. According the the Community Security Trust, a record number of antisemitic incidents were recorded in the UK since last month.
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ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities, was founding President and CEO of a major organization in the Jewish community, has raised over $150 million for charities and is a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.