Avi Benlolo with Max Eisen on June 24, 2021
06/24/21: Today is the first annual International Holocaust Survivor Day. I am pleased to serve on the international committee of Holocaust experts to promote and recognize this important day. We must all stand with and thank Holocaust survivors for being humanity's moral compass over the years.
In the next number of weeks, I will be launching a new foundation that will be strongly aligned with this initiative among many others. If you have not yet subscribed for additional information and announcements please register at www.avibenlolo.org
Avi Benlolo: "I had the honour and privilege this morning of sitting down with my friend and Holocaust survivor, Max Eisen for a frank discussion about the world around us. I thanked Max on our behalf for educating and advocating over many decades and asked him for his reflections about the rising tide of Antisemitism".
Max Eisen: “For me, to see this kind of poison, it brings back horrors,” said Eisen. “I know how deadly these words are. And I see these words now in Canada, in newspapers and online. It’s the lies that become the truth … people bought it and they got on board and this is exactly what happened in Europe pre-World War II.…
"So I am speaking for myself and perhaps other survivors, I’m in my 90s … we should not be forgotten because we have a message to deliver: knowing today what is happening and doing nothing, that is a million times worse.”
As well, I was pleased to speak to more than 2 million Canadians today on the News Forum about the importance of Holocaust Survivor Day and Holocaust remembrance. Tomorrow, my column about this important day will also be published in the National Post.
Interview on the News Forum regarding Holocaust Survivor Day
About: On March 6, 2021, Michael Berenbaum and Jonathan Ornstein published the following op-ed in The Jerusalem Post calling for the creation of a "Holocaust Survivor Day." In their words, "Holocaust survivors deserve a day of joy; a day of celebration. Not a day to share with condemnation of the Nazis, but a day to celebrate their lives they built in response to the Holocaust. Survivors represent the best in all of us, the best of the human spirit. They are our treasure and our light and we must shine that light into every dark corner of our world. We call on the world to join us and celebrate the inaugural Holocaust Survivor Day on June 26th." https://www.holocaustsurvivorday.com/
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.