Defending Our Future. Protecting Our Past.
Defending Our Future. Protecting Our Past.
AGPI is a leading global think-tank and advocacy organization that provides over 30 years of in-depth insight on a wide range of topics including on Antisemitism, Holocaust Studies, the Middle East and human rights. Contact Us by email at media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca 416-646-2196
ERDAN TO HEADLINE CRYSTAL BALL BENEFIT:
Some say he is poised to become Israel's next Prime Minister, given his remarkable international leadership.Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s 18th Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Ambassador to the United States, has emerged as a beacon of moral courage and resilience. Join The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's iconic annual dinner gala at Toronto's Casa Loma on May 27th, 2025. To find out more about sponsorships, please click HERE to find out more.
AGPI RECOMMENDS SHIFT IN CANADA'S FOREIGN POLICY:
In today's National Post, AGPI argues that at this critical juncture, Canada must recalibrate its foreign policy. Our relationship with the United States is of paramount importance, and ensuring the security of North America should also be our top priority.This stark contrast in foreign policy underscores a troubling reality: while the United States stands firm with Israel, Canada has distanced itself from its historic ally since the October 7 attacks. In a world where democracies are under attack from radical Islamist forces seeking to undermine our values, Canada faces a critical question: which side are we on? The answer should be self-evident. Yet Canada continues to provide significant financial support to UNRWA, despite mounting evidence of the organization’s complicity in terrorism.
WHITE HOUSE RESETS WORLD ORDER WITH SWEEPING EXECUTIVE ORDERS ALIGNING WITH ISRAEL:
It's not just an alignment with Israel. It's an alignment with common sense. The UN and many of its agencies have been weaponized against democracies. This week, the White House issued two significant Executive Orders to transform world order. The first is the defunding of UNRWA, the review of UNESCO and the severing ties with UNHRC. The second is the sanctioning of the ICC and its employees over the arrest warrants of Netanyahu and Gallant. Last week, The White House also issued an EO to combat antisemitism and remove pro-Hamas student activists on visas.
AGPI'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS A HOME RUN!
This week, our Education Team was deeply honoured to be invited into Tanya Khan Public School in Kleinburg to launch our updated for 2025, The Power of One exhibit. It was truly inspiring to witness the level of engagement from students as they embraced the upstander mentality and explored the importance of standing against hate and injustice. We are grateful to the York Region District School Board and its various schools for welcoming us and providing the opportunity to showcase our work. It is a privilege to bring resources that foster a passion for humanitarianism and empower the next generation to create a more just and equitable world. LEARN MORE HERE
AGPI RELEASES 2025 STATE OF GLOBAL ANTISEMITISM REPORT:
The 2025 State of Global Antisemitism Report offers a comprehensive examination of the alarming rise in antisemitism observed across the globe throughout 2024. Our efforts to document this rise included the collection of thousands of reports, spanning multiple forms of antisemitic and anti-Zionist acts, including both overt and systemic hate. The incidents documented range from violent attacks, arson, and pogroms to more insidious forms of hate, such as institutional discrimination, gaslighting, and the spreading of misinformation. Click HERE to read.
AGPI EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO ISMAILI COMMUNITY:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) offers its deepest condolences to the Ismaili community of Canada and around the world on the passing of His Highness, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV.
A visionary leader, the Aga Khan devoted his life to advancing peace, pluralism, and humanitarianism—principles that continue to inspire us all. We stand in solidarity with the millions of Ismaili Muslims grieving this great loss and celebrating his enduring legacy. May his memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration for generations to come.
CANADA AT A CROSSROAD: THE URGENT NEED TO REASSESS OUR FOREIGN POLICY:
In a rapidly shifting global landscape, Canada finds itself at odds with its closest allies due to key foreign policy decisions that risk isolating the nation at a critical juncture. Watch our analysis on video
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading international organization dedicated to defending human rights, combating antisemitism, and promoting peace and security worldwide. Through advocacy, education, and policy engagement, AGPI works to uphold democratic values and foster global harmony.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Toronto, February 6, 2025] – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strongly concurs with and commends The White House for taking decisive action to sanction and bar the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its illegitimate and politically motivated actions against the United States and Israel.
In issuing an executive order to impose significant consequences on the ICC, President Trump has reaffirmed the sovereignty of democratic nations that uphold the rule of law and reject the ICC’s overreach. The executive order makes clear that the United States unequivocally opposes any ICC investigations, arrests, or prosecutions targeting American and Israeli officials, military personnel, or allies who have not consented to the Court’s jurisdiction.
The ICC, established by the Rome Statute, has repeatedly demonstrated an unjustified bias against Israel, a democracy committed to international law and human rights. The recent actions taken by the ICC, including the issuance of politically driven arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, are not only baseless but also serve to delegitimize the Court itself. The ICC’s persistent attempts to prosecute democratic nations while failing to hold terrorist organizations and dictatorial regimes accountable undermine its credibility and moral standing.
AGPI believes that international justice must be pursued with integrity, impartiality, and adherence to legal principles. The ICC’s overreach threatens global security, undermines national sovereignty, and emboldens bad actors. We stand with the United States in rejecting the ICC’s illegitimate actions and call upon all freedom-loving nations to do the same.
AGPI remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace, justice, and democracy. We applaud President Trump for his leadership in ensuring that the ICC does not infringe upon the rights of sovereign nations and their elected officials.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading international organization dedicated to defending human rights, combating antisemitism, and promoting peace and security worldwide. Through advocacy, education, and policy engagement, AGPI works to uphold democratic values and foster global harmony.
[Toronto, February 6, 2025] – In a rapidly shifting global landscape, Canada finds itself at odds with its closest allies due to key foreign policy decisions that risk isolating the nation at a critical juncture.
This week, the Trump administration announced new tariffs on Canada—an economic measure that extends beyond trade disputes and underscores the growing diplomatic rift between the two nations. While U.S. President Donald Trump has cited border security concerns, the broader issue is Canada’s misalignment with key American priorities, particularly in the Middle East.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was welcomed at the White House as the administration’s first foreign visitor, reinforcing America’s unwavering support for Israel, Canada took the opposite approach. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s endorsement of the International Criminal Court’s controversial warrant for Netanyahu highlights Canada’s growing departure from its historical alliance with Israel.
At the heart of this divide is Canada’s continued financial support for UNRWA, despite mounting evidence of the organization’s ties to Hamas. The recent revelation that at least nine UNRWA staff members participated in the October 7 Hamas massacre raises serious concerns about the agency’s role in fostering extremism. In response, the Trump administration has taken decisive action, issuing an executive order to cut all U.S. funding to UNRWA, citing the organization’s infiltration by terrorist groups.
Beyond UNRWA, the United States is re-evaluating its role in multilateral institutions, including withdrawing from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and reassessing its engagement with UNESCO—both of which have been widely criticized for their disproportionate bias against Israel. Additionally, Trump has issued an executive order mandating the deportation of pro-Hamas activists on student visas, underscoring his administration’s commitment to combating antisemitism and radical extremism.
These developments highlight a critical question for Canada: Will we stand with our democratic allies, or will we continue down a path of appeasement and failed diplomacy?
The United Nations, originally founded to uphold peace and security, has instead enabled anti-Western rhetoric and policies that undermine democratic nations. Canada’s participation in these institutions must be re-evaluated. Since October 7, Canada has failed to uphold a principled stance, aligning itself with some of the world’s most repressive regimes at the UN while distancing itself from Israel.
Now more than ever, Canada must recalibrate its foreign policy. Strengthening ties with the U.S., Europe, and Israel is not just a strategic choice—it is imperative for safeguarding our national security and democratic values. The time for action is now.
AGPI ATTENDS 80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ:
In today's National Post, we reflect on this year’s commemoration at Auschwitz which felt markedly different because the global landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Society has become increasingly polarized, angrier and more prone to extremism. Holocaust survivors, like the rest of us, have borne witness to pro-Hamas demonstrations that openly call for the annihilation of the Jewish people in Israel. Slogans such as “From the river to the sea,” the boycott campaigns and accusations branding Jews as colonizers — asserting they do not belong — mirror the very rhetoric employed by the Nazis to justify the Holocaust. The oft-repeated assertion that “silence is the ally of antisemitism” remains true, but it raises an important question: is mere condemnation sufficient? Over 50 world leaders attended the Auschwitz memorial, a well-intentioned gesture aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Jewish communities. However, some of these leaders drew scrutiny due to the dissonance between their rhetoric and their actions. Read this important reflective piece that draws critical questions about the state of the world.
THE CRYSTAL BALL BENEIFT - JOIN US FOR A MAGICAL NIGHT AT THE CASTLE:
Join The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's iconic annual dinner gala at Toronto's iconic, Casa Loma on May 27th, 2025. To find out more about sponsorships, please visit us at www.crystalballbenefit.com
EVIL HAS NO SHAME: ARE THEY ALIVE?
Hamas is set to release Yarden Bibas on Saturday, but everyone is also wondering about the fate of his wife Shiri and their two sons, Ariel and Kfir. Women and children were supposed to have been released first, however there has been little sign of life (if any) about Yarden's family. Israel is holding its breath about the fate of these innocents as Hamas continues to play psychological warfare to accomplish its evil goals.
BRAVO! ISRAEL FINALLY KICKS UNRWA OUT!
Following Israel's findings of the complicity of UNRWA in aiding and abetting terrorism, as of today, UNRWA can no longer operate in the State of Israel. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon said yesterday: "Israel’s legislation against UNRWA takes effect today. As of today, UNRWA will be required to cease operations in Israel and vacate its facilities in Jerusalem. No sovereign nation should tolerate a so-called humanitarian agency that collaborates with terrorists. UNRWA has failed its mission, deepened the conflict, and won’t be missed. Israel is ready to work with real humanitarian organizations—ones that actually uphold humanitarian values". In 2024, AGPI issued a report accusing UNRWA of complicity in terrorism and asserting the organization must be dismantled. The report may be found HERE.
WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES SWEEPING STEPS TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM:
AGPI supports President Trump's signed Executive Order this week to Combat Antisemitism. The Order states in part: "Immediate action will be undertaken by the Department of Justice to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism and leftist anti-American colleges and universities". Most significantly, "the Order demands the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws" by deporting "Hamas sympathizers and Revoking Student Visas".
SPOTLIGHT: PIERRE POILIEVRE
At a Holocaust memorial in Ottawa this week, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed support for the Jewish people: "And Israel has friends, as do the Jewish people. Friends that will stand through thick and thin, through fire and water, not equivocating, not speaking out of both sides of our mouth".
OCTOBER 7TH AND ITS AFTERMATH: WATCH AGPI'S EXCLUSIVE BRIEFING WITH GIL TROY:
This week, distinguished professor and author, Dr. Gil Troy joined AGPI's speakers series for an informative discussion about his new book about October 7th and its aftermath. He provided insights into the events that shook the world and their aftermath. To watch the presentation now, please click HERE.
AGPI SHOCKED BY INCIDENTS OF ANTISEMITISM IN AUSTRALIA:
This week, Australian authorities foil possible antisemitic attack after finding trailer packed with explosives.
AGPI TO RED CROSS: NEUTRALITY IS INDIFFERENCE:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) argues that neutrality is not indifference. In today's front page of the National Post, citing Eli Wiesel's contention that silence only helps the perpetrator, not the victim, we challenge the ICRC for not doing more to help Israeli hostages in Gaza. Click HERE to read the article.
483 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Auschwitz, Poland – January 27, 2025 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) joined an international delegation today at Auschwitz-Birkenau to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp. The solemn occasion brought together over 50 distinguished leaders, including King Charles III, numerous prime ministers, and presidents, to honour the victims and reaffirm a commitment to combating hate.
Representing Canada's Jewish community at this historic event, AGPI’s Founder and CEO, (Dr.) Avi Abraham Benlolo, and its Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, released AGPI’s annual Global State of Antisemitism Report. The report highlights the alarming resurgence of antisemitism worldwide, with particular attention to the troubling escalation since the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel.
A central theme of today’s memorial, echoed by Holocaust survivors, was the growing need for vigilance. Survivors emphasized that the promise of “Never Again” is being challenged by rising indifference and silence in the face of hate. As one survivor poignantly stated, “When we said, ‘Never Again,’ we thought it meant relentless resistance to antisemitism and apathy. Today, that message feels more urgent than ever.”
“Auschwitz stands as a warning to the world,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo. “Indifference to antisemitism and hatred, if left unchecked, can lead to devastating consequences. This memorial reminds us all of the critical importance of combating hate at every turn.”
As part of the ceremony, AGPI honoured Canadian Holocaust survivors by lighting a memorial candle on the tracks at Auschwitz. The organization expressed its deep gratitude to the Auschwitz Museum for preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring its lessons remain a beacon for humanity.
To mark the 80th anniversary, AGPI is releasing a new school exhibit. Called "Ordinary Children" the exhibit portrays the lives of 1.5 Jewish children murdered in the Holocaust.
AGPI is proud to have represented Canada's Jewish Community at this extraordinary event, reaffirming its commitment to Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism worldwide.
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A sigh of relief swept through Israel today as news emerged that Hamas announced the (hopeful) release of four more Israeli hostages—Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa.
Only a few months ago, AGPI had the privilege of standing with the mothers of Liri and Daniella, hearing firsthand their anguish and resilience as they awaited their daughters' return. Now, their torment will finally come to an end as their loved ones make their way home. Yet, this moment of reprieve is tempered by the cruel reality that so many more Israeli hostages remain in the clutches of Hamas, an organization driven by a brutal ideology of death and destruction.
The anticipation for the release of the next four hostages tomorrow is palpable across Israel, but so is the dread of learning the names of those who have been murdered in captivity. The human toll of Hamas’ barbarity is beyond measure, and its ongoing acts of terror continue to weigh heavily on the nation’s collective conscience.
Adding to this anguish is the devastating moral equivalence drawn by elements of the international community between innocent Israeli hostages and convicted Palestinian murderers being released as part of negotiations. For Israelis, this false parity is not only unjust but profoundly dehumanizing, eroding the very principles of accountability and justice.
Read more in The Friday Report
A MAGICAL NIGHT AT THE CASTLE:
Join The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's iconic annual dinner gala at Toronto's iconic, Casa Loma on May 27th, 2025. To find out more about sponsorships, please visit us at www.crystalballbenefit.com
AGPI TO RED CROSS: NEUTRALITY IS INDIFFERENCE:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) argues that neutrality is not indifference. In today's front page of the National Post, citing Eli Wiesel's contention that silence only helps the perpetrator, not the victim, we challenge the ICRC for not doing more to help Israeli hostages in Gaza. Click HERE to read the article.
AGPI TO ATTEND 80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ:
On January 27, 2025, the world will unite to mark the solemn 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a powerful symbol of the Holocaust and the murder of 6 million Jewish children, women and men. Among the international dignitaries invited to attend this historic memorial ceremony are Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), and Neil Orlowsky, AGPI's Director of Education. They will join many Holocaust Survivors and over 46 distinguished world leaders, including: His Majesty King Charles III; French President Emmanuel Macron; German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Israel's Minister of Education Yoav Kisch.
REGISTER FOR AGPI'S EXCLUSIVE BRIEFING WITH GIL TROY:
Distinguished professor and author, Dr. Gil Troy will join AGPI's speakers series on Zoom on April 29th at 5:00 p.m. for an informative discussion about his new book about October 7th and its aftermath. He will provide insights into the events that shook the world and their aftermath. To register and receive your zoom link, please click HERE.
AGPI QUOTE OF THE WEEK: PM KEIR STARMER
"My visit (to Auschwitz) today has also shown me more clearly than ever before, how this was not the evil deeds of a few bad individuals. It took a collective endeavour by thousands of ordinary people who each played their part in constructing this whole industry of death. To build the tracks, drive the trains, extract the hair and teeth, conceive the method of mass murder – each stomach-churning step rooted in the hatred of difference. The lessons of this darkest of crimes are the ultimate warning to humanity of where prejudice can lead".
HARVARD ADOPTS IHRA:
Harvard's adoption of the working definition of Antisemitism was not from free will, but forced in a discrimination settlement with Jewish students. Yet this adoption and pledge to enact the definition in combating antisemitism forces the university to confront the issue head on. Will universities like UofT and others follow Harvard's lead - given the rising tide of Antisemitism on campuses throughout North America? AGPI certainly will continue encouraging it.
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2025
On January 27, 2025, the world will unite to mark the solemn 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a powerful symbol of the Holocaust and the murder of 6 million Jewish children, women and men.
This milestone serves as a moment of global reflection and remembrance of the 1.1 million people murdered at the camp, predominantly Jews but also many others including the Roma and Polish and Soviet prisoners of war.
Among the international dignitaries invited to attend this historic memorial ceremony are Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), and Neil Orlowsky, AGPI's Director of Education. They will join many Holocaust Survivors and over 46 distinguished world leaders, including: His Majesty King Charles III; French President Emmanuel Macron; German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Israel's Minister of Education Yoav Kisch.
The main commemoration ceremony is taking place in a specially constructed tent over the gate to the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp. As a poignant reminder, a freight car—a haunting reminder of the deportations—will stand directly in front of the gate.
Reflecting on the importance of this anniversary, Avi Abraham Benlolo stated: "Although I have visited Auschwitz more than 11 times and taken more than 300 mostly non-Jewish leaders to the camp as a form of education about antisemitism, commemorating the 80th anniversary to me is like keeping a promise to Holocaust survivors like Max Eisen and many others who have been integral to my work. That promise is that we will never forget. This message is important now more than ever as we find ourselves once more fighting the scourge of antisemitism. The responsibility now falls onto us to carry forward the torch of remembrance."
The liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945 is recognized by the United Nations in 2005 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, underscores the imperative to remember the past and combat hatred and intolerance in all its forms.
AGPI is joining the Auschwitz Museum's 'Global Call to Action' inviting individuals and organizations worldwide to honour the memory of the victims, amplify the voices of survivors, and renew our collective commitment to ensuring that "never again" is not just a phrase, but a promise to humanity.
For media inquiries and to book an interview, please contact: media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 19, 2025: This morning, three Israeli hostages—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—arrived back in Israel following intense negotiations with Hamas.
Hamas, the terrorist organization responsible for the horrific massacres on October 7th, continues to perpetuate its campaign of violence and terror. On that dark day, Hamas brutally murdered over 1,400 innocent civilians, including children, and abducted nearly 250 people into captivity. The atrocities committed by Hamas are a grim reminder of the evil we are confronting.
AGPI recently met with Doron Steinbrecher's father, who demanded a deal to return his daughter home. Today, his wish has been fulfilled. While we join their families and all of Israel in celebrating their return, our thoughts remain with the 60 hostages still in captivity.
This morning, Israel has confirmed that many hostages are alive and is steadfast in its determination to bring them back home. In this first stage, 33 hostages are expected to be released; however, AGPI is demanding the release of the full approximately 98 hostages. Their release must remain an unwavering priority for Israel and the international community.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) acknowledges the profound moral and strategic complexities of these negotiations. Everything about this process feels inherently wrong. Engaging with terrorists signals to the world that terrorism yields results, while the release of convicted murderers jeopardizes future security. Israel is shaking hands with the devil, forced into untenable decisions in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
“As a society that cherishes life,” said AGPI’s Founder and Chairman Avi Benlolo, “we are confronted with impossible choices. While our adversaries exalt death, we value life, and in doing so, the release of our hostages comes at a terrible price.”
The international community must act decisively to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages. While Nazi-Hamas are celebrating in Gaza, inciting their own people against Israel, we are calling on the international community, international aid organizations, and the media to not sympathize with the evil that is this terrorist organization.
The international community must act decisively to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages. Any delay perpetuates the suffering of innocent civilians and emboldens those who seek to destabilize the region through violence and fear.
AGPI stands united with the people of Israel in this time of anguish and resolve. We urge governments worldwide to condemn the hostage-taking unequivocally and to support Israel in securing the safe return of every last captive.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Toronto, January 17, 2025 –
IS A BETTER WORLD POSSIBLE IN 2025?
Everything is morally and ethically wrong about this hostage deal. By negotiating with terrorists, we are saying that terrorism pays. By releasing butchers from jail, we are inviting our future murderers. Yet we value life and they value death. And so we are obligated to release our hostages and hope for a better world in 2025. In today's National Post, we write: "This year, the convergence of political renewal and personal celebration feels more poignant. The transformative changes anticipated in 2025 feel like a gift — a glimmer of hope in a world fraught with challenges."
AGPI MARKS RAOUL WALLENBERG DAY:
Every January 17th, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) solemnly honours the memory of Raoul Wallenberg, marking the day of his arrest and subsequent disappearance. Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat stationed in Budapest during World War II, is celebrated as one of history's greatest heroes for his extraordinary courage and humanity. Through his innovative use of diplomatic protection and Swedish passports, known as Schutz-Passes, Wallenberg saved tens of thousands of Jews from Nazi persecution. His legacy of bravery and selflessness serves as an enduring reminder of the power of individuals to stand against evil and protect the most vulnerable.
AGPI RAISES CONCERN OVER GOVERNMENT MONEY OFFERED TO GAZA REFUGEES:
This week, despite Canada’s Parliament being prorogued, the government announced a one-time payment of $3,000 for adults and $1,500 per child to refugees from Gaza. AGPI has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with insufficient immigration controls, particularly the possibility of individuals with affiliations to Hamas being admitted into Canada. We continue to express our disappointment with this government’s lenient approach to immigration measures, which fail to adequately address serious security concerns.
LOCAL JEWISH BUSINESS ATTACKED:
The war in Gaza is thousands of miles away but the local Jewish community continues to be targeted - for being Jewish. This week, La briut restaurant was smashed and graffiti sprayed on its walls. The community has rallied in its defence. The restaurant's management thanked the community and police for their show of support.
ICRC SHAMEFULLY OFFERS ASSISTANCE IN HOSTAGE RELEASE:
The International Committee of the Red Cross has issued a statement offering its assistance in the release of Israeli hostages and Hamas prisoners. Yet, this gesture rings hollow, given the organization’s apparent indifference over the past 15 months. Where was the ICRC when Israeli hostages suffered in captivity, hidden away in caves? Where was their intervention as families desperately pleaded for aid and action? Such belated involvement, seemingly motivated by optics and fundraising, is deeply disheartening and raises serious questions about its commitment to humanitarian principles.
BIASED ICJ JUDGE APPOINTED LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER:
Nawaf Salam, who served as a judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from 2018, has faced criticism for his extreme bias against Israel. This week he was appointed as Lebanon's Prime Minister. During his tenure as Lebanon's Permanent Representative to the UN (2007–2017), Salam consistently exhibited anti-Israel positions, voting to condemn Israel over 200 times and making inflammatory statements. He accused Israel of "organized massacres" and "ethnic cleansing," aligning with anti-Israel narratives while ignoring provocations from groups like Hamas. This history raises serious concerns about his impartiality during his ICJ service. Salam recently transitioned to a senior political role in Lebanon, further highlighting his politicized career.
AGPI ADVOCACY LEADS TO RADICAL CONFERENCE CANCELLATION:
AGPI is pleased to inform the community that the scheduled Hizb ut-Tahrir conference, titled “The Khilafah: Eliminating the Obstacles that are Delaying its Return,” has been canceled. In a statement, Hizb ut-Tahrir stated that "the decision was necessitated by circumstances that were beyond our reasonable control." This significant development follows AGPI’s strong advocacy campaign, including a detailed article published last Friday in the National Post by AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo. The article highlighted the dangers allegedly posed by Hizb ut-Tahrir’s apparent extremist ideology and called for decisive action to halt the conference.
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@agpi.ca.
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Toronto, January 14, 2025 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is pleased to inform the community that the scheduled Hizb ut-Tahrir conference, titled “The Khilafah: Eliminating the Obstacles that are Delaying its Return,” has been canceled. In a statement, Hizb ut-Tahrir stated that "the decision was necessitated by circumstances that were beyond our reasonable control."
This significant development follows AGPI’s strong advocacy campaign, including a detailed article published last Friday in the National Post by AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo. The article highlighted the dangers allegedly posed by Hizb ut-Tahrir’s apparent extremist ideology and called for decisive action to halt the conference. The article was preceded with a letter to Hamilton's Mayor, Andrea Horwath.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which promotes the establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate, has been banned in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany due to its antisemitic rhetoric, incitement to violence, and rejection of democratic principles. The group’s activities and messaging are incompatible with Canada’s values of democracy, inclusion, and respect for the rule of law.
AGPI continues to urge the Canadian government to formally designate Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code. Such a designation would reaffirm Canada’s stance against hate and extremism while ensuring the safety and unity of its communities. AGPI also calls on all levels of government to adopt stronger measures to monitor and counter the influence of extremist ideologies.
“We are encouraged by the cancellation of this event, which would have provided a platform for dangerous rhetoric,” said Benlolo. “However, more needs to be done to safeguard Canada’s democratic values and public safety. Hizb ut-Tahrir’s track record allegedly glorifies violence and promotes an exclusionary vision that has no place in our society. Our government must act decisively to protect Canadians from these threats.”
AGPI remains committed to fostering dialogue and action that reinforce Canada’s foundational values of equality, tolerance, and inclusion. The organization urges leaders across the country to work together to ensure that such extremist ideologies do not take root in Canadian society.
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@agpi.ca.
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
CANADA MUST STOP TOLERATING THE INTOLERANT:
AGPI has issued a strong call for action in light of an upcoming Hizb ut-Tahrir event in Ontario. Featured in today’s National Post, highlighting the urgent need for Canada to confront the extremist ideologies that threaten its democracy and public safety.Hizb ut-Tahrir is not the only threat. Extremism in all its forms — whether from Islamist radicals or white supremacists — poses a danger to Canada’s social fabric. These groups exploit our freedoms to spread ideologies that are fundamentally opposed to our democratic principles. By tolerating them, we undermine ourselves, allowing radicals to incite hatred and recruit others into their destructive worldviews. The answer to radicals among us lies in our actions. Canada must become intolerant of the intolerant.
HONOURING OUR FALLEN HEROES:
It's been a devastating week in Israel with at least 6 fallen heroes who have died defending their country in Gaza. We send our deepest condolences to the families of Major Dvir Zion Rovach and Major Eitan Israel Shkenazi, who fell this week in battle. Approximately 401 IDF Lions of Judah have fallen in Gaza since the start of the war, while hundreds more were killed on October 7th and in the North. May their memory be a blessing.
AGPI'S SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK: REP. BRIAN MAST
Lawmakers voted 243 to 140 in favour of the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” which would urge sanctions on any ICC official or entities backing The Hague who advance “any effort to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies.” Before passing the Act, Rep. Brian Mast gave a passionate speech in support of the hostages saying: "I don't care if you are a terrorist in a cave or a lawyer at the Hague, if you get in the way of bringing American hostages home, then you will be given no quarter and you damn well shouldn't expect to be welcomed on American soil with open arms".
ISRAELI JETS RESPOND TO HOUTHI ATTACKS:
Despite warnings, Yemen's Houthis continue to fire rockets and drones at Israeli civilian populations. In response, on Friday, Israel struck non civilian Houthi targets in order to deter the terrorist regime. AGPI calls on the world community to take action against the Houthis in order to deter further escalation.
AGPI NOTES RISING ANTISEMITISM:
HAMAS SPARES NO ONE, INCLUDING ISRAEL'S BEDOUINS:
This week, AGPI extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Ziyadne family and the entire Bedouin community following the tragic recovery of Youssef and his son Hamza Ziyadne by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from a tunnel in Rafah. “Today, we reaffirm our love and support for the Bedouin community. The horrific murder of Youssef and Hamza by Hamas highlights the inhumanity of this terror group and its Iranian headmasters and proxies”, said the organization in a press release.
A MOTHER'S PAIN AND SORROW:
This past week, Hamas released a horrible propaganda video of Liri Albag, At just 19 years old, she was the youngest captive taken from a military base on October 7th. recently, we met her incredible mother Shiri, who has been painfully advocating for her release. Today, there is hope Liri is alive. We send all our love and support to the Albag family and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages.
462 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
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Toronto, January 10, 2025 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, has issued a strong call for action in light of an upcoming Hizb ut-Tahrir event in Ontario. Featured in today’s National Post, Benlolo’s article highlights the urgent need for Canada to confront the extremist ideologies that threaten its democracy and public safety.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, an organization advocating for the establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate, has been banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany, for promoting antisemitism and inciting violence. The group’s scheduled conference, titled “The Khilafah: Eliminating the Obstacles that are Delaying its Return,” raises significant concerns about its rhetoric and compatibility with Canada’s values of democracy, inclusion, and the rule of law.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir’s track record glorifies violence, advocates for the toppling of governments, and promotes an exclusionary vision of governance,” Benlolo stated. “Canada cannot afford to allow such dangerous ideologies to gain a foothold in our society. The Minister of Public Safety must prioritize a review of their activities and consider designating them as a terrorist organization under Canada’s Criminal Code.”
Standing Firm Against Intolerance
AGPI commends local authorities in Mississauga for denying Hizb ut-Tahrir a platform for their conference and calls on Hamilton’s Mayor Andrea Horwath to take a similarly decisive stance. Benlolo emphasized the need for a unified approach across all levels of government to protect Canada’s foundational values of equality, inclusion, and respect for diversity.
The article stresses the broader implications of tolerating extremism:
A Call to Action
AGPI is urging Canadian leaders to take the following steps:
“The stakes are high,” Benlolo remarked. “We must decide whether Canada will remain a beacon of democracy or succumb to the forces of division and extremism. Our response will define the nation we become.”
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative Expresses Support and Solidarity with the Bedouin Community
(Toronto, January 8, 2025) — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Ziyadne family and the entire Bedouin community following the tragic recovery of Youssef (and likely his son Hamza Ziyadne) by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from a tunnel in Rafah.
“Today, we reaffirm our love and support for the Bedouin community. The horrific murder of Youssef and Hamza by Hamas highlights the inhumanity of this terror group and its Iranian headmasters and proxies,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and Chairman of AGPI. “I had the honour of meeting and interviewing (for our documentary) a member of the Ziyadne family, who demonstrated extraordinary heroism by rescuing countless Jews from the Nova music festival during the October 7th attacks. We stand in solidarity with the family and mourn this devastating loss.”
As part of building on The Abraham Accords, AGPI has long celebrated the bravery and contributions of the Bedouin community. In February 2024, AGPI honoured 13 Bedouin heroes for their exceptional service and dedication. In November, the organization recognized Remo Slaman El-Hozayel, an Israeli Bedouin policeman who heroically rescued over 200 Israelis from the Nova music festival during the same attack.
AGPI’s documentary, The End of the Innocence, captures eyewitness testimony from the Bedouin community, including rescuers, heroes, and members of the Ziyadne family. This powerful film underscores the courage and humanity demonstrated in the face of unimaginable terror.
Youssef was abducted alongside his children, Hamza, Aisha, and Bilal. Bilal and Aisha were both released as part of the November deal. The family is still waiting for confirmation that Hamza was also murdered—although that is yet unconfirmed. Their murder at the hands of Hamas underscores the indiscriminate cruelty of Hamas' hateful Islamic ideology, which spares no one, including Muslims and Bedouins.
Often, the world forgets that Israel is made up of many religious groups, including Bedouins, Druze Muslims, Christians, and others who are all proud citizens of the Jewish State.
During a visit to Rahat this past September, AGPI’s commitment to fostering strong bonds with the Bedouin community was further solidified. At the opening of the new Bedouin Heritage Museum, Rahat’s Mayor extended a special honour to AGPI for its ongoing efforts to promote peace, understanding, and recognition of Bedouin contributions to Israeli society.
“The Bedouin community is an integral part of the fabric of Israeli society, and their courage in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to us all,” Benlolo added. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to standing united against terror and supporting those who risk everything for peace and humanity.”
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative:
AGPI is a leading voice for human rights, peace, and democracy, committed to combating hate and extremism while fostering global understanding. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, AGPI works tirelessly to build bridges between communities and inspire a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
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Press Release (Toronto, January 3, 2025) — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, has been featured on the front page of today’s National Post. The article, titled “AGPI Sets a Roadmap for Canada in 2025,” outlines a transformative vision for Canada to reclaim its position as a respected global leader.
In the feature, Mr. Benlolo underscores the urgent need for Canada to realign its foreign policies, rebuild trust with key allies, and adopt bold domestic reforms to ensure a safe, united, and prosperous future. The article highlights pivotal issues, including strengthening Canada’s international relationships, reforming immigration policies to align with Canadian values, confronting radical ideologies, and fostering economic innovation.
“Canada has a profound opportunity to lead with integrity and purpose in 2025,” said Mr. Benlolo. “Our nation must stand firm on its principles, rebuild its global reputation, and take decisive action to secure our sovereignty, unity, and economic prosperity. The time for transformative change is now.”
Key points from the article include:
The article is a call to action for courageous leadership and principled decision-making to restore Canada’s standing on the world stage. It reflects AGPI’s commitment to advancing policies that foster global peace, democracy, and respect for human rights.
The article can be found here: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/new-years-resolution-make-canada-into-a-serious-country-again
About AGPI
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading voice for global peace, advocating for policies that promote democracy, security, and human rights. Through impactful research, public engagement, and policy recommendations, AGPI works to build a better future for all.
2024 is coming to an end. In a year when global discourse has often felt unmoored from reason, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has been a resolute beacon of truth, confronting the relentless tide of antisemitism, denial, and defamation against Israel.
With a rigorous voice of sanity, AGPI has taken on the critical battles of our time, shining a spotlight on hate and extremism while advocating for justice and human rights. Here are the highlights of AGPI’s remarkable impact in 2024:
Unmasking Terrorism:
One of AGPI’s most significant victories this year was its unrelenting campaign to expose the extremism of the group Samidoun. Following AGPI’s pressure, both Canada and the United States officially designated Samidoun as a terrorist entity. This triumph came after AGPI’s “Canada is Burning” campaign, which highlighted Samidoun’s incendiary actions—including the burning of a Canadian flag and chants of “Death to Canada” in British Columbia. This achievement underscores AGPI’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democratic values and exposing those who seek to undermine them.
Defending Israel’s Truth on the World Stage:
Throughout 2024, AGPI has combated the pernicious lies spread about Israel with facts and moral clarity. In September, we were in Israel meeting with hostage families, wounded soldiers and leaders in the Bedouin community. From refuting the baseless accusations of apartheid to challenging the distortion of history that falsely claims Jews are colonizers, AGPI has stood firm against these falsehoods. Through columns, reports, and public statements, AGPI has articulated Israel’s historical and legal rights while emphasizing its democratic values as a beacon in the Middle East.
Fighting Antisemitism, Denial and Distortion:
Over 2024, we published nearly 50 articles in the National Post, including front-page features, dissected radicalism and Holocaust denial while advocating for peace and truth. In March we released Avi Abraham Benlolo's new book, "Never Surrender: Countering Denial, Distortion and Complicity" - a central tool in our arsenal to fight antisemitism. This month, we released a 33-page national strategy on antisemitism, tackling both traditional hate and modern distortions like “anti-Palestinian racism.” This roadmap equips stakeholders to counter misinformation effectively.
Expanding Educational Outreach
In 2024, AGPI delivered transformative human rights programs to over 50,000 students, with plans to reach 75,000 in 2025. Partnering with school boards across Ontario, AGPI emphasized inclusivity and equity. Its "Power of One" exhibit has been updated to further inspire young minds. In 2025, AGPI will be releasing a new exhibit and curriculum, stay tuned!
Advocacy for Jewish Students on Campus
Antisemitism on university campuses reached alarming levels in 2024, but AGPI’s voice has been loud and clear. Its University Report Card called out institutions like Concordia, York University, and the University of Toronto for failing to protect Jewish students. At the same time, AGPI worked closely with universities to implement corrective actions, ensuring safer and more inclusive environments. This dual approach of accountability and collaboration reflects AGPI’s strategic acumen in tackling systemic antisemitism.
Honouring Heroes and Allies
This year, AGPI recognized remarkable individuals who exemplify courage and moral leadership. Among them was a Bedouin-Israeli policeman who saved 300 children during the October 7th Nova Party tragedy and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who received AGPI’s prestigious Defender of Israel Award. These recognitions not only celebrated individual bravery but also highlighted AGPI’s commitment to fostering unity across diverse communities.
Educating Law Enforcement
AGPI brought lessons about the Holocaust, Antisemitism and Israel to law enforcement. Keynote speeches at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in Boston and a Holocaust education session in Auschwitz for IACP leaders showcased AGPI’s commitment to combating hate globally, and worked with local police agencies to fight Antisemitism.
Amplifying Voices of Reason
In a world increasingly marred by extremism and division, AGPI’s publications have served as a vital source of insight and inspiration. From tackling Holocaust denial and distortion to dissecting the roots of radicalism on campuses, AGPI’s thought leadership has resonated globally. The organization’s ability to frame complex issues with clarity and compassion has galvanized support from allies across political, religious, and cultural divides.
Strengthening Interfaith Bridges
Recognizing that unity is the antidote to hate, AGPI expanded its interfaith initiatives in 2024. The organization hosted events featuring faith leaders who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community, demonstrating solidarity in the face of rising antisemitism. These efforts have not only built stronger alliances but have also affirmed AGPI’s mission to advance peace and understanding worldwide.
Mobilizing Community for Action:
AGPI’s fundraising and membership drives reached new heights in 2024, enabling the organization to expand its advocacy campaigns. The Crystal Ball Benefit at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma and other key events energized supporters and raised critical resources to sustain AGPI’s work. These gatherings served as a testament to the power of community in standing against hate and ensuring a better future.
A Vision for the Future
As 2024 draws to a close, AGPI remains steadfast in its mission. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to truth, AGPI is ready to confront them. In a world often consumed by madness, AGPI’s voice of sanity offers hope and direction. By rallying allies and empowering communities, AGPI is not just responding to hate—it is building a legacy of resilience and justice.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s achievements this year serve as a powerful reminder: even in the darkest times, truth and righteousness can prevail. Together, we can ensure that this legacy endures for generations to come.
AGPI PROFILE OF THE WEEK: PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG:
Israel's President Isaac Herzog went out of his way this week to issue a blunt warning to Canada that it must deal with the Antisemitism. President Herzog tweeted: "Following the abhorrent - repeated - attack on the Beth Tikvah synagogue in Montreal, I spoke this evening with Prime Minister of Canada. I reiterated to him my great concern over the intolerable wave of antisemitic attacks against the Canadian Jewish community. I stressed that words would not suffice, and that firm and decisive action must be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice, to stamp out antisemitism, and to educate and legislate in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the Jewish community".
AGPI RELEASES NATIONAL STRATEGY AGAINST ANTISEMITISM:
This week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has unveiled its National Strategy Against Antisemitism, presenting a comprehensive, solution-based approach to tackling the alarming rise of antisemitism across Canada. Central to this strategy is a groundbreaking focus on the weaponization of “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR)—a concept AGPI identifies as a manipulative tool designed to delegitimize Israel and perpetuate antisemitism in new forms. To read the document click HERE
AGPI: CLOSURE OF ISRAEL'S EMBASSY IN IRELAND A POWERFUL STATEMENT:
In today's National Post, we state that the closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin is a powerful statement, one that underscores the severity of the situation in Ireland. But it is also a warning. If Canada does not take meaningful steps to combat antisemitism and defend the Jewish community, we may one day see travel advisories issued against us. The loss of Jewish Canadians, who have contributed so much to this country’s cultural and social mosaic, would be an incalculable tragedy.
TORONTO JEWISH SCHOOL GETS HIT FOR 3RD TIME:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strongly condemns the recent wave of violent antisemitic attacks targeting the Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School in North York. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is investigating the third firearm discharge at the Jewish school this year, the latest occurring early Friday morning. Read More
AGPI ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR IRELAND:
This week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) issued a travel advisory for Ireland, a stark response to the alarming rise in antisemitism and a political leadership that appears to have lost its way. The closure of the Israeli Embassy in Dublin serves as a chilling marker of just how hostile the environment has become for Jewish people in Ireland. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, explained the decision, stating that Ireland had crossed “every red line” with its actions and rhetoric. These include unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and repeated accusations of “genocide” against Israel. These policies reveal a deeply entrenched bias, one that dehumanizes the Jewish state and its people. Read More
AGPI CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC ATTACK IN MONTREAL AND MEDIA'S MISCHARACTERIZATION AS ARSON:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) condemned the heinous attack targeting the Congregation Beth Tikvah synagogue on Montreal's West Island in the early hours of Wednesday morning. While police are investigating the use of incendiary devices and suspect activity near the site, AGPI is deeply concerned by the media's framing of this incident as merely an "arson attack," rather than recognizing it as a hate-motivated antisemitic crime. Read More
TORONTO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON EDGE:
After last night's shooting attack of a Jewish school, the community was on edge when a Menorah was accidentally struck. "Police responded to a three car collision last night near Bathurst and Cedarcroft Blvd. An impaired driver of a van lost control while making a left turn and struck the Menorah. The driver was arrested and taken to hospital with minor injuries".
PLANNING YOUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR 2025?
Avi Abraham Benlolo is described as Canada's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, countering Antisemitism, defending Israel and promoting human rights. He has led this fight in Canada for 30 years. Taking his global vision to the next level, he is the Founding Chairman and CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a Canadian NGO which promotes Human Rights. In recognition of this effort, he has received numerous awards including an honorary doctorate from University of Haifa; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights. He is a featured media personality, has a weekly column in the National Post and a documentary film producer and author of Never Surrender: Countering Denial and Distortion. To book him, please email us at office@agpi.ca
441 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON December 20, 2024 — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strongly condemns the recent wave of violent antisemitic attacks targeting the Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School in North York. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is investigating the third firearm discharge at the Jewish school this year, the latest occurring early Friday morning.
AGPI is deeply alarmed by this pattern of violence, which has traumatized the Jewish community and escalated fears for safety. We appreciate the swift actions of TPS, including involvement from the Hate Crime Unit and Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, this ongoing threat underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to combat antisemitism.
Mayor Olivia Chow’s condemnation of these attacks is not enough and words alone are insufficient. AGPI calls on the Mayor to take more forceful action to safeguard Toronto’s Jewish community, including bolstering security measures around vulnerable institutions and addressing hate crimes with greater urgency.
“These repeated acts of violence are not isolated incidents—they are attacks on the values of peace, tolerance, and inclusion that define our city,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and Chairman of AGPI. “We must all stand together to reject hatred in every form and ensure that our children feel safe in their schools.”
AGPI stands with the Jewish community in calling for justice and enhanced protection to prevent further violence.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: office@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON — December 18, 2024 — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strongly condemns the heinous attack targeting the Congregation Beth Tikvah synagogue on Montreal's West Island in the early hours of Wednesday morning. While police are investigating the use of incendiary devices and suspect activity near the site, AGPI is deeply concerned by the media's framing of this incident as merely an "arson attack," rather than recognizing it as a hate-motivated antisemitic crime.
“The targeting of a synagogue is not a random act of vandalism or arson—it is a deliberate attack on the Jewish community,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and Chairman of AGPI. “Downplaying such incidents undermines the real threat of rising antisemitism and desensitizes the public to its impact.”
According to Montreal police (SPVM), the attack involved at least one incendiary device and caused damage to the synagogue's window and door. Witnesses reported seeing at least one suspect near the premises before the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and damage was minor; however, the intent of such an act must not be minimized.
“This attack is a stark reminder that antisemitism persists in Canada,” Benlolo added. “We call on law enforcement to treat this as a hate crime and send a strong message that such acts of hatred will not be tolerated. At the same time, we urge media outlets to exercise responsibility in their coverage by accurately addressing the antisemitic nature of this incident.”
AGPI remains steadfast in its mission to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance and understanding. In light of this incident, AGPI is calling on government officials, law enforcement, and the media to take concerted action to protect Jewish communities and ensure accurate reporting on hate-motivated crimes.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these acts of hatred,” Benlolo emphasized. “Jewish Canadians must feel safe in their places of worship, schools, and community centers. This attack is an attack on all Canadians who believe in freedom, tolerance, and respect for diversity.”
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: office@agpi.ca
For Immediate Release
Toronto, [December 18, 2024] The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has issued a travel advisory to Jewish individuals and communities following the closure of the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. This decision underscores growing concerns about an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish people in Ireland, amplified by the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, confirmed the embassy closure, stating that Ireland had crossed "every red line" with its actions and rhetoric. He added: "The actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, along with double standards."
Concerns arise from several troubling developments, including Ireland’s unilateral decision to recognize a Palestinian state, its recent support for South Africa's legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and accusations of "genocide" levelled against Israel. These policies reflect a deeply ingrained bias against Israel.
AGPI has observed a parallel rise in anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment across Ireland. Protests featuring aggressive rhetoric, calls to "globalize the intifada," and the parading of terrorist group flags have intensified. Public defacement of posters featuring Israeli hostages and the distribution of school textbooks demonizing Israel and Judaism are additional symptoms of this hostility.
“Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin sends a powerful message about the severity of Ireland’s anti-Israel policies,” said AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. “This escalating climate of hatred and bias not only jeopardizes Israel’s diplomatic relations but also endangers Jewish communities in Ireland visitors.”
Reports of targeted assaults against Jewish individuals and the prevalence of anti-Zionist discourse further amplify these concerns. The closure of the embassy deprives Jewish residents and visitors of essential diplomatic support at a time when the safety of Jewish and Israeli communities is increasingly under threat.
While AGPI acknowledges the solidarity expressed by some Irish citizens toward Israel and Jewish communities, the overarching environment of fear and hostility remains alarming.
In light of these developments, AGPI advises Jewish individuals traveling to Ireland to exercise heightened caution and consider alternative destinations. The organization also urges governments worldwide to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism and take meaningful steps to protect Jewish communities.
About AGPI
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading voice for human rights, combating antisemitism, and fostering understanding between communities. Through advocacy, education, and action, AGPI remains committed to the safety and well-being of Jewish communities worldwide.
For more information about AGPI’s programs or to support its initiatives, please visit www.agpiworld.com To inquire about our programs for your organization, please send a note to office@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, [December 16, 2024] – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has unveiled its National Strategy Against Antisemitism, presenting a comprehensive, solution-based approach to tackling the alarming rise of antisemitism across Canada. Central to this strategy is a groundbreaking focus on the weaponization of “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR)—a concept AGPI identifies as a manipulative tool designed to delegitimize Israel and perpetuate antisemitism in new forms.
To read the document click HERE
This forward-thinking strategy equips school boards, educators, and institutions with actionable tools to create safer, more inclusive environments for Jewish students and employees. It focuses on the following key areas of action:
AGPI is deeply concerned about the increasing use of “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR) as a fabricated concept aimed at undermining Israel and the Jewish people. Under the guise of political discourse, APR is being weaponized to delegitimize Israel, erase Jewish history, and perpetuate harmful antisemitic narratives. By reframing criticism of Israel as “APR,” this term seeks to distort legitimate conversations and apply double standards that isolate the Jewish state.
The National Strategy Against Antisemitism is a comprehensive roadmap for governments, institutions, and civil society to combat hate in all its forms. It offers practical steps to address the normalization of antisemitism in educational spaces, marginalization of Jewish narratives in equity initiatives, and the role of media in downplaying antisemitic incidents.
“The rise of antisemitism in Canada and globally requires urgent and decisive action,” said AGPI. “Our strategy not only tackles traditional forms of antisemitism but also sheds light on emerging challenges, such as the manipulative use of APR, which perpetuates hate under a new guise. We must address these issues with courage, education, and advocacy.”
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a leading Canadian organization committed to advancing human rights, combating hate, and defending Israel and the Jewish people on the world stage. Through advocacy, education, and research, AGPI fosters a culture of tolerance and understanding.
For more information about AGPI’s programs or to support its initiatives, please visit www.agpiworld.com To inquire about our programs for your organization, please send a note to office@agpi.ca
AGPI CONTINUES TO GROW: JOIN OUR TEAM:
October 7th changed everything. If you're passionate (yet professional) about making a difference, AGPI is searching for a part-time Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. Please send your resume to office@agpi.ca.
AGPI PROFILE OF THE WEEK: SANTIAGO PENA
The President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena is The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's "Defender of Israel" of the week. He travelled to Israel this week to open Paraguay's embassy in Jerusalem. Speaking at the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), Pena said: “There are moments when you must take a stand,” calling Jerusalem “the eternal capital of Israel.” Pena added: “Without an embassy in Jerusalem, diplomatic ties will not be with true heart and soul. With this transition in our friendship, there will be a beating heart, and I hope we can inspire other countries to do the same.” To nominate a Defender of Israel. Send us an email to office@agpi.ca
AGPI UPDATES POWER OF ONE EXHIBIT:
With over 75,000 students having participated in our Power of One workshop, the program has been so successful that it has received a new makeover, identifying new heroes who have made a difference. Book the exhibit for your school or organization. To learn more, contact us at office@agpi.ca or visit our Educational Programs.
AGPI ISSUES WARNING ABOUT JIHADIS IN SYRIA:
In today's National Post, AGPI wrote: As Jews, because of our value for life, we’re vulnerable to being too trusting. Whether with Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran, hope has often been met with betrayal. This same principle applies to the new realities in Syria. The forces that have risen in the wake of Assad’s downfall present new dangers. These groups, cloaked in the language of liberation, do not likely seek democracy. Their interpretation of freedom is starkly different from that of the free world. For Israel, this moment demands vigilance. The fall of one tyrant does not guarantee peace; it often paves the way for another.The Middle East is undergoing a historic transformation, and Israel, the great liberator, is leading the charge.
POLICE LEADERS ATTEND AGPI WORKSHOP IN POLAND:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is proud to announce the successful completion of an executive leadership workshop in Krakow and Auschwitz, Poland, tailored for the executive board of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). This prestigious organization represents over 33,000 police chiefs and law enforcement officials across 170 countries, making the program a significant step in global efforts to combat antisemitism, hatred, and extremism.
CANADA VOTES AGAINST ISRAEL AT UN:
AGPI expressed its profound disappointment that Canada has sided with some of the worst human rights offenders on earth to vote against its friend and ally (Israel) at the UN this week. Canada has once again called for a ceasefire, despite the fact hostages are still being held by Hamas. It also voted to support UNRWA despite the fact some of its staff were involved in atrocities committed on October 7th and its complicity with Hamas. Sadly, Canada is emboldening antisemitism at home by undermining Israel at the UN.
AGPI SETS ACTION POINTS ON SYRIA'S NEW REGIME:
Among the most significant developments is the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, which had been a steadfast enemy of Israel since 1948. While Israel has no love for the Assads, the regime’s collapse has created a power vacuum filled by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). With a $10 million bounty on his head and deep roots in Al-Qaeda and ISIS, Jolani’s rise signals the establishment of yet another Taliban-like Islamic state, cloaked in extremist ideology. Recognizing this reality, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) released five critical steps to guide Israel and its allies in addressing this new threat while safeguarding regional stability. Please click HERE to read them.
434 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, about 97 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
For more information about AGPI’s programs or to support its initiatives, please visit www.agpiworld.com To inquire about our programs for your organization, please send a note to office@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024 - Among the most significant developments is the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, which had been a steadfast enemy of Israel since 1948. While Israel has no love for the Assads, the regime’s collapse has created a power vacuum filled by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). With a $10 million bounty on his head and deep roots in Al-Qaeda and ISIS, Jolani’s rise signals the establishment of yet another Taliban-like Islamic state, cloaked in extremist ideology. While some may celebrate the end of Assad’s brutal regime, Israel and the West must not delude themselves into believing HTS will bring stability or freedom to Syria. Jolani’s intentions are clear: to establish a radical Islamic caliphate that threatens the entire region, including Israel.
Recognizing this reality, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is releasing five critical steps to guide Israel and its allies in addressing this new threat while safeguarding regional stability:
By implementing these action points, Israel and the West can work to contain the threats posed by HTS, prevent further regional destabilization, and maintain security while upholding democratic values.
For more information about AGPI’s programs or to support its initiatives, please visit www.agpiworld.com To inquire about our programs for your organization, please send a note to office@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Krakow, Poland — December 9, 2024; The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is proud to announce the successful completion of an executive leadership workshop in Krakow and Auschwitz, Poland, tailored for the executive board of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). This prestigious organization represents over 33,000 police chiefs and law enforcement officials across 170 countries, making the program a significant step in global efforts to combat antisemitism, hatred, and extremism.
The workshop featured an in-depth session on the Holocaust and antisemitism, culminating in a group visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the essential role law enforcement plays in preventing such crimes in modern society.
The workshop focused on the historical processes leading to the Holocaust and the stages of genocide, highlighting the importance of understanding these events to address the dangerous resurgence of antisemitism today. Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO of AGPI, emphasized that law enforcement plays a pivotal role in Western democracies by protecting vulnerable communities, particularly the Jewish community, from violent antisemitism and terrorism. “Law enforcement is the only institution with the mandate and ability to shield communities from hate-driven violence,” said Benlolo. “At this critical time, law enforcement has a unique responsibility to defend democracy and safeguard the Jewish community.”
Benlolo commended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for prioritizing Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism as key components of its mission. AGPI was also invited to speak at its annual conference that was held this year in Boston and brought out over 19,000 delegates. “Our educational program will be carried forward nationally and internationally to ensure law enforcement professionals have the tools to counter hate and uphold moral and ethical standards,” Benlolo added.
The workshop underscored how the Holocaust did not begin with concentration camps but rather with words, propaganda, and discriminatory laws that stripped Jewish communities of their rights and humanity. Participants discussed parallels to the rising tides of hate and intolerance seen today and explored strategies for law enforcement to intervene early in addressing extremism and hate speech.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
Through its educational initiatives, AGPI continues to serve as a global leader in Holocaust education, human rights advocacy, and the fight against antisemitism. This executive leadership workshop underscores AGPI’s commitment to ensuring the lessons of history remain relevant in contemporary policing and public safety efforts. Through its Police Academy, AGPI continues to expand its work with law enforcement and strengthen its relationship globally.
For more information about AGPI’s programs or to support its initiatives, please visit www.agpiworld.com To inquire about our programs for your organization, please send a note to office@agpi.ca
December 6, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) marked Jewish Refugee Day by remembering the forced displacement of over 850,000 Jews from Arab and Muslim lands following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. These Jewish communities — integral to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of nations like Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, and Yemen for centuries — were violently uprooted amid waves of persecution, discriminatory laws, and escalating violence.
“This overlooked tragedy profoundly altered the Middle East and the Jewish world,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO of AGPI. “The stories of these refugees, who rebuilt their lives with remarkable resilience, stand as a testament to human strength and perseverance. Yet, they have received little international recognition or justice for the losses they endured.”
AGPI has outlined five critical recommendations to address this historical injustice:
The contrast between Jewish and Arab-Palestinian refugees highlights a broader political dynamic. While Jewish refugees were integrated into Israel, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere, Arab-Palestinian refugees have remained in limbo for decades, often exploited as political tools by Arab states and international bodies like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
“The deliberate perpetuation of Palestinian refugee status contrasts sharply with the resilience and integration of Jewish refugees,” Benlolo noted. “This disparity underscores the need for justice and historical accuracy in understanding the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
AGPI continues to advocate for historical recognition and justice for Jewish refugees while working to promote peace and understanding. As the world reflects on Jewish Refugee Day, AGPI calls on governments, educators, and community leaders to acknowledge and address these historical injustices, ensuring that the stories of Jewish refugees from Arab lands are no longer forgotten.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
For Immediate Release
Krakow, Poland, December 6, 2024 — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) unequivocally condemns Amnesty International’s latest report, which falsely accuses Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza. These inflammatory and baseless allegations represent a continuation of Amnesty’s longstanding bias against the Jewish state and contribute to the global spread of misinformation.
Speaking from Krakow, Poland—just a short distance from Auschwitz, a site that bears witness to the horrors of true genocide—AGPI’s leadership reflected on the stark difference between historical atrocities and Israel’s defensive actions against Hamas. The terror organization launched the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023, slaughtering over 1,400 civilians and taking hundreds hostage, including women and children.
“Amnesty International’s reckless report distorts the truth, demonizing a nation that is fighting for its survival against an internationally recognized terror organization,” said the organization. “To compare Israel’s self-defence measures to genocide is not only deeply offensive but also a disservice to the victims of real genocides throughout history.”
AGPI also highlights the broader context of Amnesty’s report, which ignores critical realities, including Hamas’s use of civilians as human shields and its deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians. At the same time, the organization remains silent on the ethnic cleansing of 850,000 Jewish refugees from Arab lands—a historical injustice commemorated earlier this week on Jewish Refugee Day.
“This biased narrative perpetuated by Amnesty and similar organizations reflects not just a double standard but an underlying antisemitic agenda,” addedthe organization. “It fuels hatred against Israel and undermines efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”
AGPI urges the international community to recognize the dangerous implications of such reports, which embolden extremist groups and contribute to the delegitimization of Israel’s right to defend its citizens. As we prepare to visit Auschwitz, we are reminded of the lessons of history and the moral imperative to confront falsehoods with truth.
About AGPI
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a leading voice in advocating for human rights, combating antisemitism, and defending the truth about Israel on the global stage. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, AGPI promotes peace and justice while challenging efforts to delegitimize the Jewish people and their state.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, November 29, 2024 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has issued a stark warning about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada, calling for urgent action to protect Jewish Canadians and uphold the nation’s moral values.
AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo highlighted the troubling trend in a statement published today, pointing to a series of disturbing incidents and systemic failures across institutions:
“Canada’s moral compass is under threat,” said Benlolo. “The nation once stood as a beacon of justice and fairness. Today, our failure to combat antisemitism erodes the very principles that define us as Canadians.”
AGPI calls for the following immediate actions:
“Pro-Hamas demonstrators targeting the Jewish community attack the values that liberated Europe from the Nazis,” Benlolo stated. “Canada must not allow its identity to be hijacked by hate and division. If we fail to act decisively, we betray not only our Jewish citizens but our shared Canadian values.”
AGPI urges Canadians to stand united against antisemitism and defend the moral integrity of the nation.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
PRESS RELEASE
Note: To read the full decision click HERE
Toronto, ON, November 22, 2024– Avi Abraham Benlolo, a prominent Canadian Jewish leader, human rights advocate and founder and CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), has secured a significant legal victory against the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed CUPW’s defamation claim against him with costs. The decision affirmed that Mr. Benlolo expressed his honestly held views as he was entitled to do.
“This is an important vindication of the right to engage in debate and express honestly held views,” said Avi Benlolo. “This is an important victory for me and one that will be meaningful for the Jewish community. It was a long journey, but throughout it all, I was surrounded by an incredible legal team from McCarthy’s – Paul Steep and Christine Lonsdale – and by my good friend, Mark Teitelbaum.”
The lawsuit arose from comments made by Mr. Benlolo and co-defendant Jerry Agar in July of 2014 regarding CUPW’s participation in a demonstration. Justice Mew, presiding over the case, determined that the comments were protected under the defence of fair comment.
Justice Mew observed:
“The comments made by Mr. Agar and Mr. Benlolo concerning CUPW’s support for terrorist groups, its siding and partnering up with a hate group like Hamas and questioning whether to differentiate between supporting ordinary Palestinians and supporting Hamas, were statements of opinion.”
The court concluded that both defendants had an honest belief in the opinions they expressed and acted without malice.
In his judgment, Justice Mew also commented on the broader context of the case:
“The conflict in the Middle East is a subject that generates passionate views, not all of which are expressed respectfully or in temperate language. Sadly, that remains the case over ten years after the words that are the subject of this case were spoken or written. It is a debate which the plaintiff and the individual defendants have engaged in from very different perspectives. On the one hand, CUPW is a harsh critic of the media and its representation of events in the Middle East. On the other, Mr. Agar and Mr. Benlolo deplore aspects of the Union’s activism.”
This case underscores the importance of protecting free speech and the right to express opinions on matters of public interest in a democratic society.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
November 22, 2024: In today's National Post, we write: Universities must take a stand. Leadership must draw a clear line: classrooms are for education, not indoctrination. Curricula must be reviewed to ensure they are balanced and factual, and professors who cross ethical boundaries must be held accountable.
There must also be robust support systems for Jewish students, who need to know their complaints will be taken seriously and that they are not alone in this fight. While universities have been slow to act, Jewish students are stepping up. They are documenting lectures, forming advocacy groups and pushing back against bias in every form. These students remind us that courage is not just found in grand gestures but in everyday acts of resistance against injustice. Their bravery deserves not only our admiration but also our active support.
The time for complacency is over. Universities must rise to the challenge of protecting all students, ensuring that education remains a tool for enlightenment, not a weapon for hate. The stakes are too high to ignore. We call on academic leaders to fulfill their responsibility to create safe, inclusive and intellectually honest spaces for all students. Silence and complicity are no longer acceptable.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, Canada – November 21, 2024 The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) expresses its strongest condemnation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This reckless and politically motivated decision underscores the ICC's troubling trend of weaponization against Israel, prepared by the Palestinian Authority and its allies since 2015.
The ICC, an institution founded after the Holocaust to bring justice to victims of atrocities, has tragically abandoned its principles. Together with the United Nations and affiliated agencies such as UNRWA, the ICC has perpetuated a false narrative accusing Israel of intentionally committing war crimes. These actions mirror historical antisemitic propaganda, further emboldening terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis — all backed by Iran, which funds and supports these proxies.
The October 7, 2023, massacre carried out by Hamas, a genocidal terrorist group, left over 1,200 Israelis murdered and thousands injured. According to the UN Charter, Article 51, every nation has the inherent right to self-defence against such existential threats. Israel’s actions are not only justified but necessary to protect its citizens and preserve international order. Yet, the ICC's arrest warrants dangerously distort international justice by empowering extremists, exacerbating global antisemitism, and undermining peace efforts during a time of heightened tensions.
"This targeted scrutiny against Israel, particularly in its moment of peril, disregards the security realities facing the Jewish state while legitimizing terrorism," said AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. "It reflects a troubling alignment with extremist agendas, demonstrating an alarming bias that erodes the ICC’s credibility and historic relevance."
AGPI fully endorses the United States' sharp critique of the ICC's conduct and supports measures to hold the organization accountable, including sanctions and travel restrictions on its leadership. We now call on Canada to take a principled stance by strongly condemning the ICC's decision and declaring its non-compliance with these unjust rulings.
AGPI further calls on the international community to demand accountability from the ICC, the United Nations, and their affiliates. While conflicts rage across the globe, their selective focus on Israel distracts from the atrocities committed by terror groups that openly violate international law. This bias emboldens groups that exploit civilian populations as human shields, exacerbating humanitarian crises while targeting Israel.
"Justice must apply universally, not selectively," said Benlolo. "Israel is struggling to defend itself against a coalition of terror organizations, and these unjust rulings only fuel further destabilization."
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative stands resolutely in defence of truth, justice, and the principles of democracy. We will continue to advocate for fair and impartial international justice, opposing all attempts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpi.ca
WOW - WHAT A NIGHT! DEFENDERS OF ISRAEL
Despite attempts by pro-Hamas demonstrators to block the streets and disrupt the event, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly hosted a sold-out gathering to confer its highest honour, the Defender of Israel Award, upon former Canadian Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. This milestone evening brought together a distinguished audience of business leaders, philanthropists, interfaith leaders, diplomats, law enforcement leaders, politicians, and educators, all united to uphold freedom, democracy, and Canadian values. To view video Click HERE
HARPER RESOLUTE ON ISRAEL AND FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
AGPI invites you to read its editorial about Avi Abraham Benlolo's sweeping interview with former prime minister Stephen Harper. The editorial with ground-breaking content is published online today in the National Post and tomorrow in print in the Saturday edition.
AGPI PARTICIPATES IN REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
AGPI proudly remembers the sacrifices of our veterans. On November 11th, the organization marched in a parade with Melissa Lantsman (Deputy Leader, CPC), Vaughan Mayor Steven DelDuca and Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson and hundreds more at this morning's Remembrance Day ceremony.
MAYOR ALLEGEDLY LIKENS SINWAR TO MANDELA:
AGPI is denouncing Mississauga Mayor Parish and demanding her resignation for apparently likening Hamas terror leader to Mandela: "Your terrorist and somebody else’s terrorist may be two different things". Political leaders must stop endorsing terrorists. A pro-Hamas community in Mississauga is planning a memorial dubbed "Lest We Forget" for Yhya Sinwar, the Hamas terrorist who planned the October 7th atrocity against Israeli civilians, murdering over 1,200 in a single day.
AGPI THANKS VPD FOR KEEPING CANADA SAFE:
The home of a pro-Hamas activist was raided in Vancouver by police. The activist recently visited Iran and was allegedly involved in burning the Canadian flag and whose group (Samoudin) was recently listed as a terrorist organization. AGPI thanked the Vancouver police for keeping Canadians safe against potential terrorist threats.
HERZOG TO BIDEN: 'IT ALL STARTS IN TEHRAN'
This week, Israel's President Herzog visited the White House to thank outgoing President Biden for supporting Israel. In a refreshingly frank conversation, Herzog told Biden: "And it all starts in Tehran. It all starts in the empire of evil, where in Tehran, with its proxies, they are doing whatever they can to re- — derail stability and security and peace, calling for the annihilation of the State of Israel and seeking nuclear weapons".
President Herzog thanks Biden: "You have been an incredible friend of Israel and the Jewish people for decades, and we will never forget, ever in history, how you stood up with us in our darkest hour, which became our finest hour — how you came to Israel a few days after the barbaric attack of October 7th, how you helped us and supported us with words and deeds. And I want to express my — our heartfelt thanks to you, Mr. President, which is a great legacy that you stood up with the Jewish people and the State of Israel, as al- — you always did".
AGPI CONDEMNS DIVISIVE PRACTICES IN CANADIAN SCHOOLS:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) expresses serious concern over recent actions in Canadian schools that undermine inclusivity and historical integrity. At Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa, a Remembrance Day ceremony intended to honor Canadian soldiers instead included an Arabic song referencing Gaza, causing distress among students. While the school’s principal has issued an apology, AGPI’s Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, commented, “Remembrance Day should focus on honouring those who fought for our freedoms. Injecting divisive political messages at such a solemn occasion only serves to alienate communities.” AGPI awaits the results of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s investigation.
HEARTBREAKING WEEK DEFENDING ISRAEL:
This week, at least six soldiers were killed in action in Lebanon defending Israel against Hezbollah. Since October 7th, 794 soldiers and 68 police officers have been killed in action defending Israel's freedom and democracy. May their memory be a blessing.
CANADA VOTES AGAINST UN RESOLUTION:
AGPI is commending the Canadian government for voting against a UN resolution that called for "permanent sovereignty" of the Palestinian people. Canada was one of 7 countries that voted against the motion. AGPI maintains that such motions are counterproductive, undermine the safety and security of Israel and should be left to final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
406 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, over 97 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
PRESS RELEASE
November 13, 2024 Toronto, ON – Despite attempts by pro-Hamas demonstrators to block the streets and disrupt the event, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly hosted a sold-out gathering to confer its highest honour, the Defender of Israel Award, upon former Canadian Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. A warm welcome highlighting Mr. Harper's accomplishments was given by AGPI's Honourary Chair, Mr. Paul Godfrey.
This milestone evening brought together a distinguished audience of business leaders, philanthropists, interfaith leaders, diplomats, law enforcement leaders, politicians, and educators, all united to uphold freedom, democracy, and Canadian unity in the face of rising antisemitism, hate, and intolerance. We thank them all for attending.
AGPI also conferred its inaugural Defender of Israel Media Award on Rob Roberts, Editor-in-Chief of the National Post, for his courageous and objective journalism. Master Sergeant Remo El-Hozayel received the Lion of Judah Award for his extraordinary bravery in rescuing over 200 people from the Nova Party event on October 7, 2023, earning a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of his heroism.
In a powerful fireside chat with AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo, Mr. Harper addressed many critical geopolitical issues, discussing the resurgence of antisemitism and the necessity of defending Israel. He left the audience with a message of optimism, noting that initiatives like the Abraham Accords are reducing animosity toward Israel in several countries he has visited.
The evening also featured AGPI’s international connections, with French political activist Shannon Sebban joining as a special guest to provide AGPI leaders with critical updates on the state of antisemitism in France, reinforcing AGPI’s commitment to addressing this issue worldwide. Co-chairs Jerry Werger and Frank Wilson warmly welcomed the audience and praised AGPI’s efforts in combating hate and building unity.
Television personality Jamie Gutfreund served as the evening’s emcee, adding a dynamic presence to the program and engaging attendees with his enthusiasm for AGPI’s mission. Ottawa leader, Floralove Katz sang the anthems beautifully while noted Israeli singer, Shlomy Assaf paid tribute to the heroes of Israel.
The Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, a founding director of AGPI, former Mayor of Vaughan, and Member of Parliament, delivered closing remarks, underscoring AGPI’s mission and its vital work in building alliances across faith communities. Under the “Abrahamic tent” of unity, AGPI remains steadfast in countering hatred and intolerance to foster a future grounded in peace and shared values.
AGPI extends its heartfelt gratitude to its interfaith allies, sponsors and supporters for helping the organization work toward a better world. The organization also thanks the Toronto Police Service for providing security amidst threats and intimidation, ensuring the safety of all in attendance. Special thanks are given to Magen Herut Canada for its invaluable assistance in securing the evening, helping make this memorable event possible.
Note: in the coming days, AGPI will be releasing additional information about the event. Check out our social media for more pictures or connect with our WhatsApp group under the heading of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative.
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As part of its efforts, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strives to reinforce The Abraham Accords and peace and security for Israel and its allies.
For interviews, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
Friday November 8, 2024
A Global Call to Action: Standing Against Antisemitism, Repression, and Remembering the Quest for Peace
In recent days, we’ve witnessed a series of deeply troubling events that call for a unified response from all people of conscience. From the streets of Amsterdam to the halls of the United Nations, atrocities and injustices are playing out with disturbing frequency and intensity. The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is compelled to speak out on several urgent matters to raise awareness, call for justice, and remember the courage of those who have strived for peace.
Antisemitic Attacks in Amsterdam: A Disturbing Resurgence of Hate
In Amsterdam, Israeli soccer fans were subjected to shocking violence, hate speech, and harassment. This antisemitic attack, targeting individuals simply for their Jewish identity, is a grim reminder of the rising tide of hate facing Jewish communities worldwide. AGPI has issued a formal letter of condemnation, calling on governments and international organizations to act decisively to curb this alarming resurgence of antisemitism. Hate must be confronted swiftly and unequivocally—our humanity depends on it.
Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” Doctrine: A Shift in Approach to Middle Eastern Stability
Today’s National Post features AGPI’s Avi Benlolo, who discusses the significance of a “peace through strength” approach. This doctrine, emphasized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, proposes that true peace in the Middle East may require a firm display of power and resilience against hostile forces. Rather than yielding to those who seek to destabilize the region, this perspective suggests a more assertive posture to maintain peace, emphasizing that strength can be a deterrent to those who would otherwise perpetuate conflict.
Standing in Solidarity with Iranian Women: Arezoo Khavari’s Tragic Story
AGPI is deeply troubled by the tragic story of Arezoo Khavari, a 16-year-old student in Iran who took her own life after facing harassment over dress code violations. Arezoo’s story reflects the severe repression faced by women and young girls under Iran’s strict regime, where even minor deviations from dress codes can result in harassment, punishment, and unbearable psychological distress. AGPI condemns this violation of fundamental human rights and stands with those who call for an end to the cruel policies inflicted on women in Iran. Justice and reform are long overdue, and the international community must respond to protect the rights and dignity of women everywhere.
Remembering Yitzhak Rabin: A Legacy of Courage in the Pursuit of Peace
This week, we mark the 28th anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. His untimely death was a profound loss to the world, as he symbolized a courageous, unwavering pursuit of peace. Rabin’s commitment to peace was a beacon of hope, one that today’s violent escalations seem to dim. Rabin’s life serves as a reminder that peace is both possible and worth the struggle, even in the face of formidable challenges. As we honor his memory, we must also ask ourselves: Is his vision for peace still attainable?
The Rise of Antisemitism on Canadian Campuses: Dr. Neil Orlowsky’s Lecture at the University of Guelph
AGPI’s Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, recently delivered a lecture at the University of Guelph addressing the resurgence of antisemitism in Canada. Speaking to students in a course on anti-discrimination and anti-oppression, Dr. Orlowsky detailed the disturbing increase in antisemitic rhetoric and pro-Hamas sentiments seen on Canadian campuses. His lecture included hundreds of articles, images, and videos showing the hate-fueled aggression toward Jewish communities, urging students to consider the broader implications of this prejudice. As we remember Kristallnacht, the historical parallel is impossible to ignore: when hate goes unchecked, entire communities suffer.
Dr. Orlowsky’s words highlighted the importance of AGPI’s mission to educate and empower younger generations to combat hate and foster inclusivity. By bringing these painful truths to light, he underscored that antisemitism is not merely a Jewish issue but a societal one, serving as a barometer for broader social challenges around equity, inclusion, and justice.
The Urgent Plea for Hostage Release: Mia Schem’s Testimony
Mia Schem, a former hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, recently shared her story with the United Nations Security Council, describing the unimaginable horrors she endured and pleading for the release of 101 remaining hostages. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the daily terror that hostages face, and it calls on the world to act. Each day of captivity is another day of suffering, a fact that we must not ignore.
Her words are a plea for humanity, for urgent intervention, and for justice. AGPI stands in solidarity with Schem and all those who continue to advocate for these hostages’ freedom. Inaction cannot be an option.
A United Stand for Justice and Peace
From Amsterdam to Iran, from university campuses to international forums, the issues we face may seem vast and diverse, yet they are bound by a common thread: the struggle for dignity, freedom, and peace. Each of these stories underscores a harsh reality but also represents a call to action.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative remains dedicated to standing up against hate and injustice wherever it appears. Now more than ever, we must unite against forces that seek to divide and destroy. We remember those who have striven for peace, and we continue their legacy by championing a future that protects and respects the rights of all people.
Let this be a call for allies around the world to join us in fighting for a future rooted in justice, compassion, and lasting peace.
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As part of its efforts, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strives to reinforce The Abraham Accords and peace and security for Israel and its allies.
For interviews, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2024
Toronto, Canada – In an open letter to Prime Minister Hendrikus Wilhelmus Maria Schoof, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a Canadian human rights organization, has expressed profound outrage following a brutal attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. The fans were reportedly beaten, harassed, and chased by aggressors specifically targeting them for their Jewish and Israeli identity, while Dutch authorities failed to intervene. AGPI contends that this incident reflects an environment of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam.
AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo stated, “The Netherlands' failure to protect Jewish visitors in Amsterdam is an unacceptable abdication of responsibility, particularly in a nation with such a tragic Holocaust history. Today, we are witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism that must be confronted head-on.” Reports indicate that antisemitic sentiment has been steadily rising, with 83% of Dutch Jews noting increased concerns since 2018.
AGPI is demanding a strong response from the Dutch government, including public condemnation of the attack, an apology to the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and swift accountability for those responsible. “This is not a mere expectation but a demand for justice, protection, and a clear stance against hatred,” said Benlolo. “Jewish residents and visitors must know that the Dutch government stands firmly against hate and intolerance.”
AGPI urges Prime Minister Schoof and his government to take immediate, concrete action to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens and visitors, and to combat antisemitism at every level of society.
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As part of its efforts, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strives to reinforce The Abraham Accords and peace and security for Israel and its allies.
For interviews, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) congratulates President Donald J. Trump on his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Under his previous administration, significant progress was made in the Middle East, including the landmark Abraham Accords and unwavering support for Israel, setting the stage for a renewed focus on regional stability and peace.
As the Trump administration resumes, AGPI urges a continued emphasis on combating antisemitism, particularly on university campuses, where rising extremism threatens democratic values. AGPI is also hopeful that the new administration will prioritize Israel’s security and further peace initiatives, leveraging cooperation with key partners such as Saudi Arabia and other Abraham Accords signatories. These efforts may pave the way for additional breakthroughs, including further peace agreements in the region.
In light of the tragic events of October 7, AGPI believes that security-first solutions are essential. The administration’s leadership in securing Israel’s safety and curbing aggression from hostile actors is critical to fostering peace. Additionally, AGPI supports the continuation of policies that effectively deter Iran, particularly through sanctions that limit its ability to fund terrorism in the region.
The opportunity for collaborative diplomacy under President Trump’s leadership holds great promise for a more stable Middle East. AGPI anticipates that his administration will work closely with regional allies to implement policies that counter Iranian-backed terrorism and enhance security, fostering a climate conducive to peace and cooperation.
AGPI looks forward to renewing ties with the new administration in an effort to strengthen Middle East peace, combat antisemitism, and advance the shared goals of security and stability across the region.
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As part of its efforts, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strives to reinforce The Abraham Accords and peace and security for Israel and its allies.
For interviews, please contact us at media@agpi.ca
Hon. Jagmeet Singh
Leader of the New Democratic Party
House of Commons
Ottawa, Canada
November 4, 2024
Dear Mr. Singh,
On behalf of thousands of Jewish Canadians and our allies, we categorically reject the recent statement by NDP Diversity and Inclusion Critic, Blake Desjarlais, regarding the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. This position does not reflect solidarity with our community; rather, it isolates the NDP from Jewish Canadians and disregards internationally accepted norms.
The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism is globally recognized and adopted by governments, institutions, and human rights organizations around the world, including Canada’s federal government. It is the most effective tool available to identify and confront antisemitism. Every major Jewish organization in Canada has endorsed this definition, affirming that only those affected by antisemitism can truly define and articulate its impact. It is not the role of the NDP, nor any political entity, to redefine our community’s experiences or minimize the threats we face.
Attempts to dilute the IHRA definition, under the pretense of preserving “freedom of expression,” undermine genuine efforts to combat antisemitism. The IHRA definition clearly states that “criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.” This provision already allows for robust, fair discussion while protecting against rhetoric that crosses into antisemitic prejudice. Suggesting “alternative” definitions diminishes this clarity and endangers our community.
The NDP’s position disregards the very community you claim to support in the fight against antisemitism. This stance sends a troubling message: that the Jewish community’s perspective on its own discrimination is secondary to political agendas. By rejecting the IHRA definition, the NDP is not championing free expression; it is distancing itself from Jewish Canadians and from the consensus reached by leading voices worldwide.
We urge the NDP to reconsider its approach. Stand with Jewish Canadians, adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, and uphold the international standard that safeguards our rights and our community’s future.
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
AGPI'S DEFENDER OF ISRAEL SOLD OUT:
We thank all our supporters for selling out our biggest event yet, The Defenders of Israel. This year's honouree is The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. AGPI continues to exceed and excel in all its activities and is proud to stand up for Israel, for freedom and for democracy. Our next major event is our gala dinner on May 27, 2025. Look for our major announcement coming soon.
ISRAEL'S UNRWA BAN SHOULD BE EMULATED
In today's National Post, AGPI wrote that Israel’s recent decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders marks a significant shift, heightening calls for international donors to reconsider their support of the agency in light of ongoing concerns about its impact on Israeli security and regional stability. Read about it in AGPI's Eye on the UN
ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL, CLINTON CRITICIZES PALESTINIANS:
AGPI applauds Bill Clinton for speaking the truth about Hamas and the Palestinian Authority on the campaign trail. "What would you do if they butchered your family?" he asks. AGPI added his video to our learning center. Watch Here.
AGPI MEETS WITH LEADERS
These past few weeks have been hectic. Among many meetings, we were pleased to update the President of the Jewish School in Istanbul, Metin Bonfil; spend an evening with AGPI Hon. Chair, Paul Godfrey and Andy Donato; meet with Vice President of Liuna, Joseph Mancinelli; and catch up with Toronto and Vancouver police leaders, Chiefs Myron Demkiw and Adam Palmer and former OPP commissioner, Vince Hawkes of the IACP.
VIOLENT ANTISEMITISM INCREASING:
While all eyes are on Israel and the Middle East, last week an Orthodox Jewish man was shot while walking to synagogue in Chicago. Meanwhile, a visibly Jewish man was slashed in the face as he was walking through Brooklyn this past Tuesday. In Philadelphia, a 280 year old synagogue, Mikveh Israel, was vandalized. Meanwhile, around the world, Vienna's Jewish community reports a dramatic increase from 300 to over 800 Antisemitic incidents since October 7th. In Paris, Swastikas and threats were painted on apartment where Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll was killed and in London, the Jewish community a group of anti-Israel demonstrators gathered outside West Hampstead's JW3 community centre intimidating and harassing the attendees of an event.
AGPI CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST FRANCESCA ALBANESE:
AGPI is joining the World Jewish Congress (WJC) in rejecting UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese report presented to the UN this week, accusing Israel of Genocide and encouraging the UN to suspend Israel's credentials. The report falsely accuses Israel of committing genocide, a false narrative that is being promoted by Pro-Palestinian activists. The report's claim that Israel's actions are intentional and state-organized are blatantly false. Assertions of ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, humanitarian crisis and legal violations are false and meant to disallow Israel an opportunity to defend itself against Hamas. In reaction this week, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield said: As UN Special Rapporteur Albanese visits New York, "I want to reiterate the U.S. belief she is unfit for her role. The United Nations should not tolerate antisemitism from a UN-affiliated official hired to promote human rights". Following calls that Ms. Albanese' reporting invites antisemitism, denial and distortion, this week, AGPI encouraged Meric Gertler, the President of the University of Toronto to disallow her on campus property. We are alarmed to note that President Gertler has rejected this plea and call on our government to consider issuing a Security Certificate barring her from entering this country. Albanese was prevented from holding a briefing at the US Congress this week.
392 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, over 101 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, November 1, 2024 – Following Israel's recent legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, Avi Benlolo, Founder and CEO of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), urges international donors to critically reassess their support for the agency. Israel’s decision to end UNRWA’s operations underscores the importance of evaluating its impact on peace, security, and stability in the region. AGPI's views on this issue were published in today’s National Post.
"Israel's recent ban on UNRWA should serve as a model rather than a point of contention," said Benlolo. "UNRWA’s operations have long been criticized for perpetuating tensions, especially given its documented neutrality violations. The time has come for donor countries, including Canada, to re-evaluate their contributions in light of these ongoing concerns."
Concerns surrounding UNRWA are not new. In recent reports, the United Nations itself identified "neutrality issues" within UNRWA, including educational materials in its schools that contain anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric. This ongoing issue contradicts the UN's commitment to peace and security and raises significant concerns for regional stability.
In April 2024, AGPI released an extensive report calling for UNRWA’s replacement with a neutral organization that promotes Palestinian self-sufficiency and fosters regional stability. "UNRWA has consistently failed to address radicalized content and the misuse of UN facilities," added Benlolo. "Instead of perpetuating dependency, a new organization would enable Palestinian communities to move toward independence and prosperity."
During recent meetings with UN officials, Benlolo raised these concerns, including a report that Hamas has used UNRWA facilities for weapons storage. AGPI’s advocacy on this issue continues to highlight the urgent need for reform.
AGPI's vision aligns with the call from Arab-Israeli diplomat George Deek, who stated, “Ending UNRWA is not a dismissal of history; it’s an invitation to a future.” AGPI proposes a new, internationally funded initiative that supports Palestinian refugees in achieving self-reliance and stability, promoting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
As Canada and other nations consider their roles, AGPI calls on donor countries to prioritize initiatives fostering genuine peace, security, and cooperation. By redirecting funds to self-sufficiency and positive development, the international community can ensure a more stable and prosperous Middle East.
For further information, contact:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
media@agpi.ca
About the Abraham Global Peace Initiative
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is dedicated to advocating for peace, security, and human rights globally. Through education, research, and policy engagement, AGPI works to build bridges of understanding and ensure a safer world for all.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI Commends Israel’s Decision to Ban UNRWA, Calls for Global Reassessment of Funding Amid Security Concerns
Toronto, October 29, 2024 — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) welcomes Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders. This move comes after the Knesset passed two bills on Monday, one prohibiting UNRWA activities within Israel and another banning Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency.
The organization has long enjoyed the freedom to operate within Israel while its agents worked to undermine Israel’s national security.
AGPI applauds Israel’s stance, underscoring UNRWA’s long-documented challenges with neutrality and complicity in terrorism. A recent UN report brought to light “issues of neutrality” within UNRWA’s practices, with concerns over biased educational content, including inflammatory, antisemitic material in UNRWA schools that denies Israel’s existence. The agency’s failure to maintain impartiality has, over time, undermined the UN Charter, regional stability and counteracted peace efforts.
In April 2024, AGPI published a report advocating for the dismantling of UNRWA and proposing the creation of a temporary, neutral agency to promote Palestinian stability and encourage their economic independence. Prior to the tragic events of October 7, AGPI engaged UNRWA officials in Jerusalem and New York, addressing critical concerns about antisemitism in educational materials and reports of terrorists using UNRWA’s infrastructure. Despite AGPI’s direct requests, UNRWA’s leadership declined to take immediate corrective action.
Since October 7, UNRWA has, in AGPI’s view, squandered opportunities to institute meaningful reform. Rather than addressing Israeli security concerns, the agency has appeared to minimize its staff’s alleged involvement in terrorism and shown greater empathy toward Palestinian narratives. AGPI observes that UNRWA’s reaction reflects a troubling imbalance, marked by a lack of sensitivity to the devastating impact on Israelis.
AGPI remains deeply disturbed by the tragic story of individuals like Jonathan Samerano, a young man murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, whose body was kidnapped to Gaza with the help of an UNRWA employee. For AGPI, cases like Jonathan’s underline UNRWA’s failure to uphold peace and neutrality, posing a direct threat to Israel’s safety.
Rather than supporting Israel’s sovereign right to counter terrorism, UNRWA and other UN-affiliated agencies, including UNIFIL, have displayed patterns of tacit support for organizations intent on destabilizing Israel. AGPI therefore calls for a total reassessment of the UN’s role in the region. AGPI strongly disagrees with UN Secretary-General António Guterres' assertion that "There is no alternative to UNRWA," contending that UNRWA has instead fueled hate and violence rather than fostering peace.
As an alternative, AGPI proposes a new internationally funded initiative to help Palestinian refugees integrate into their current communities and build stability. This shift would encourage cooperation and end the cycle of resentment and dependency.
AGPI expresses its disappointment in Canada’s Foreign Minister for joining other foreign ministers in a statement attempting to interfere with Israel’s legislation. AGPI has long maintained that Canada’s funding of UNRWA should cease, given its above noted problematic nature.
AGPI calls on Canada and other Western nations to halt funding to UNRWA until these issues are addressed. Donor countries must hold UNRWA accountable, recognizing its adverse role in the ongoing Middle East crisis and its contribution to suffering on all sides.
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About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI):
AGPI advocates for human rights, peace, and global democratic security, combating extremism and promoting international cooperation to uphold justice and understanding.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpic.a
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2024 – Toronto, Canada – In a call to action, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) demands that Western leaders fully support Israel’s fight for survival and cease actions that weaken its efforts against terrorism. AGPI’s plea follows a trend of policy decisions that, rather than supporting Israel, have undermined its sovereignty and emboldened those who threaten democratic values globally.
On the front-page of Today's National Post, AGPI’s Founder Avi Abraham Benlolo remarked, “The reluctance to back Israel against terrorism emboldens regimes like Iran and groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This undermines not only Israel’s security but democratic principles worldwide.”
AGPI condemns the political pressures faced by Israel to restrain its defensive actions, asserting that these calls for restraint from leaders — including those in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — are short-sighted and could extend the conflict. “Playing politics with Israel’s security is a dangerous strategy,” Benlolo continued. “When Israel stands firm, it defends democracy itself.”
The organization emphasizes that Israel’s actions to secure its borders and dismantle terrorist threats are not only vital for its people but are essential in combating a tide of extremism affecting democracies around the world. AGPI calls on Western leaders to align policy firmly with the principles of strength and sovereignty, recognizing Israel’s critical role in preserving stability in the Middle East.
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI):
AGPI advocates for human rights, peace, and global democratic security, combating extremism and promoting international cooperation to uphold justice and understanding.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpic.a
Press Release: AGPI Demands University of Toronto Disallow Francesca Albanese from Speaking on University Property
Toronto, ON – October [23], 2024 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is calling on the University of Toronto to prohibit Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinians, from speaking on university property amid allegations of antisemitism.
Scheduled for November 7, 2024, the event has sparked serious concerns due to Ms. Albanese’s controversial remarks and stances that have drawn international condemnation.
In recent years, Ms. Albanese has been accused of making statements that many consider antisemitic, including comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, endorsing inflammatory social media posts, and downplaying Israel’s security concerns. As a result, in February 2023, 18 U.S. Congress members called on UN leadership to remove her from her position, citing her refusal to condemn terrorism and her inflammatory rhetoric. Despite this outcry, Ms. Albanese continues to hold her UN post, raising alarm in both political and academic circles.
"Granting a platform to someone with such a record, especially on university property, risks normalizing antisemitism and creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty," stated AGPI's spokesperson. "We urge the University of Toronto to disallow Ms. Albanese from using its property to spread her divisive and troubling views."
AGPI also emphasized that a recent court ruling regarding encampments affirms the university's ability to control its property. While the university may not have directly invited Ms. Albanese, AGPI is asking the administration to act responsibly by preventing her from using their platform to promote views that could incite hatred or violence.
In past interactions with Ms. Albanese, AGPI expressed grave concerns. A Canadian delegation led by AGPI met with Ms. Albanese at the United Nations, where she reportedly dismissed allegations of Hamas storing rockets under UNRWA schools—further exemplifying her dismissive attitude toward critical security concerns.
Ms. Albanese has also criticized Brussels for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s definition of antisemitism, a globally accepted framework. She reportedly suggested that scrutinizing Israel should be free of such guidance, further highlighting her problematic stance.
AGPI strongly believes that the university must uphold its commitment to academic integrity, inclusivity, and ensuring a safe environment for all students. "Free speech is a fundamental right, but it must be balanced with responsibility and truth. We call on President Meric Gertler and the University of Toronto to take swift action," the statement concludes.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media@agpi.ca
Friday October 18, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) welcomed the news and thanked Toronto police for arresting two individuals responsible for the shooting of a Jewish school in Toronto on Yom Kippur.
In a message to Chief Myron Demkiew and Deputy Chief Rob Johnson, AGPI thanked the Toronto Police for finding the perpetrators and arresting them.
In a statement, Deputy Johnson said: "I’m pleased to announce the arrest of two individuals in connection with the incident that took place at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School on Saturday, October 12," said Deputy Chief Johnson. "Both males face multiple charges, including unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm—a Glock handgun modified to be fully automatic. While I can't share details on the motivation behind this incident due to the ongoing investigation, we are thoroughly exploring why these two individuals committed these crimes and any connections to the previous shooting incident at this school on May 25, 2024."
AGPI continues to stand with the police service as it investigates hate crime and violence affecting our community.
Friday October 18, 2024: In a major report published in the National Post, AGPI contends that "UNIFIL has allowed Hezbollah to grow into a formidable military force, ready to launch a devastating attack on Israel".
AGPI implores the international community to act now. UNIFIL has proven ineffective, and its presence in southern Lebanon has only emboldened Hezbollah. If the UN does not take decisive action to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and remove UNIFIL from the danger zone, the consequences will be disastrous — not only for Israel — but for the entire region. There can be no more looking the other way.
Israel’s arch-enemy and the head of Hamas, Yhaya Sinwar, is now dead, but UN agencies tasked with protecting the peace still haven’t been held to account. Since 1978, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been tasked with maintaining peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. However, UNIFIL’s mandate to monitor and prevent hostilities has been systematically undermined by its own inability — or unwillingness — to act against Hezbollah’s growing military presence. Over the years, Hezbollah has entrenched itself in southern Lebanon, right under UNIFIL’s watch, preparing for an assault on Israel that could have had devastating consequences.
Despite clear violations of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, which call for the disarmament of Hezbollah and forbid any armed presence south of the Litani River, UNIFIL has failed to enforce these mandates.
To read the full article, please click HERE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elimination of Yahya Sinwar a Game Changer; Step Toward a Safer and More Stable Middle East
[Toronto, October 17, 2024] The Abraham Global Peace Initiative says elimination of Yahya Sinwar a game changer that can lead to a safer Middle East and release of hostages.
Sinwar was the leader of Hamas appointed after the removal of Ismail Haniyeh. Sinwar is responsible for orchestrating the October 7th attacks that resulted in the murder of 1,200 Israelis, the kidnapping of 254 individuals, and the deaths of over 700 IDF soldiers forced to defend Israel. He oversaw thousands of rockets that have rained down on Israel over the last year and ignited Hezbollah's and Iran's attacks against the nation, further destabilizing the region.
"Having spent two weeks in Israel, Sinwar's elimination will have a regional impact on the future of Hamas, the ability of Hezbollah to continue waging war against Israel and on the will and influence of Iran to continue using its proxies against Israel" said AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
His elimination marks a significant step toward enhancing security and restoring stability. Sinwar’s leadership was synonymous with violence and terror, contributing not only to the suffering of Israelis but also to the ongoing hardships of the Palestinian people. With his removal, the possibility for a renewed focus on peace and constructive dialogue emerges in a region long overshadowed by extremism.
For Palestinians this is an opportunity to steer away from the path of fundamentalism, extremism, and terrorism. The reduction of Hamas' influence paves the way for Palestinians to advocate for a future built on cooperation, economic development, and peace.
AGPI emphasizes that the remaining 101 hostages must be released immediately. Their freedom is paramount for healing and moving forward.
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For media interviews or speaking events, contact us at media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.caThis press release is also available on our website at www.agpiworld.com
October 15, 2024 – In a major victory for The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), Canada, in coordination with the United States, has officially designated the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun as a terrorist entity. This designation follows AGPI's relentless efforts to hold extremists accountable and comes in response to the group's links with the terror-listed Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
AGPI's recent "Canada is Burning" campaign, launched after the shocking desecration of the Canadian flag during an extremist rally in British Columbia where chants of "Death to Canada" echoed, intensified the demand for swift government action. The campaign, supported by a powerful petition, made it clear: "Terror-linked organizations like Samidoun must be added to Canada's terror watchlist."
In a forceful op-ed in the National Post on Friday, AGPI's Founding Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo, warned: “No group should be allowed to hide in plain sight while recruiting impressionable youth to support terrorists, inciting hate and violence against Canadians, particularly the Jewish community, and furthering the dangerous goals of organizations like Samidoun.”
AGPI’s campaign is rooted in a firm commitment to safeguard Canada and democracy. Our demands are clear: we must reclaim Canada from those who seek to terrorize it, strengthen hate crime and hate speech laws, eliminate campus extremism, and cut off any funding to terror-linked entities, such as the UNRWA staff implicated in the atrocities of October 7th. Canada's security is non-negotiable. The time for action is now.
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For media interviews or speaking events, contact us at media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.caThis press release is also available on our website at www.agpiworld.com
Toronto, [October 11, 2024] – In today's National Post, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is issuing an urgent call to action. The desecration of Canada’s national symbols and violent pro-Palestinian rallies, some openly associating with Hamas and Hezbollah, have left Canadians questioning the safety and security of their communities.
The terrorist-supporting mob on our streets must be stopped immediately. If history has taught us anything from the Holocaust, it is that what begins with words always ends in violence. For over a year, Canadians looked away while the Jewish community was targeted. Now, our flag is being burned. From the Nazi book burnings of Torah scrolls and the works of Jewish academics, we know that those who burn books — or flags — will ultimately burn bodies.
It is time to reclaim Canada from those who seek to terrorize it. First, we must strengthen our hate crime and hate speech laws by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Law enforcement must be empowered to act swiftly, making arrests and prosecuting hate offenders as decisively as they terrorize our communities. Second, we must acknowledge that terrorist groups are constantly forming. A dedicated task force should be established to identify and list such groups on our terror watchlist, freeze their bank accounts and place their leaders on no-fly lists. Third, we must be prepared to deploy our armed forces to counter increasingly violent rallies that threaten our nation.
Lastly, and most urgently, Canada must immediately stop funding terrorism by suspending funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, some of whose staff participated in the October 7 atrocities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2024 – Toronto, Canada – A key panel discussion, marking the one-year commemoration of the October 7th attacks, was recently held to examine the global response to Israel’s fight against terrorism. The panel featured Avi Abraham Benlolo, Chairman and CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), interviewed by Neil Orlowsky, AGPI’s Director of Education. The discussion focused on media influence and the ongoing hostage crisis, exploring how public opinion has been shaped since the attacks.
A central theme addressed the historical distortion that Jews are colonizers of Israel. Benlolo emphasized the importance of challenging these false narratives, particularly in the wake of the attacks, which have fueled misinformation and hostility toward Israel.
The surge in antisemitism on university campuses following the October 7th attacks was another focal point. The discussion highlighted the need for university leaders to implement stronger policies and educational initiatives to protect Jewish students and combat rising antisemitic rhetoric.
The bravery of families advocating for the release of Israeli hostages was also recognized, with panelists underscoring how their courage continues to inspire global efforts against injustice.
Participants refuted accusations of genocide in Gaza, emphasizing the defensive nature of Israel’s actions and the urgency of addressing the ongoing hostage crisis.
The role of corporate and spiritual leaders was discussed, with calls for them to support the families of hostages and soldiers, recognizing their influence in mobilizing public support for Israel.
Finally, the panel drew on lessons from historical figures like Winston Churchill, highlighting the resilience and courage of Israeli soldiers and hostage families during these challenging times.
October 7, 2024 -
"I am not Jewish; I am Catholic. However, my friends and neighbours in rural Ontario and I stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and fellow Canadians." - A reaction to AGPI article - copy provided below.
On this day, one year ago, thousands of Hamas terrorists, alongside Palestinians from Gaza, breached Israel’s border and unleashed a wave of barbarism that claimed the lives of 1,200 innocent civilians—both Jewish and non-Jewish. It was the single worst atrocity committed against Jews since the Holocaust.
This was not just an assault on Israel, but a heinous crime against us all. Families were slaughtered in cold blood, young children were beheaded, people were burned alive, and countless women and girls were raped, maimed, and murdered. In the face of these unspeakable horrors, AGPI stood firm, quickly producing a powerful documentary to combat the lies and distortions surrounding these atrocities (click to view documentary) or our collection of testimony.
Yet, disturbingly, even now, many on the radical left have embraced the Hamas and Hezbollah narrative, openly supporting these barbarities on our streets, within universities, unions, and even across media outlets. Shame on them.
But let there be no doubt—those of us defending Israel - democracy, justice, and Western values will prevail. History will condemn those who chose to side with terror. The terrorists of past generations are gone, but we are still here, standing strong and proud.
So how do we win? We stand strong, proud, emboldened, energized and prepared to defend the democratic freedom we have worked hard to build at home and around the world.
In our front-page article (provided below) we warned our detractors: "For 5,785 years, we’ve persevered. Our history gives us a unique vantage point. And if you’re still one of those hoping for our demise, take a hard look at the annals of time. Decide which side of history you want to stand on. Because, since October 7, if you haven’t noticed, we are emboldened, energized and prepared to take you on".
AGPI continues to forge strong alliances with non-Jewish communities who share our values of freedom, democracy, and unwavering support for Israel. In the next few weeks, we will be honouring top defenders of Israel, leaders like Stephen Harper.
To help us pay tribute to the memory of the lives lost on October 7th, 2023 and the IDF soldiers and victims of terror since, we encourage you to share this message and article (below) widely and show the world what it means to be a Lion of Judah!
Am Israel Chai!
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
Read full article HERE
October 4, 2024 - Front Page of National Post:
Here we stand, 5,785 years later, at yet another pivotal moment in Jewish history. As we approach the first anniversary of the most heinous crime against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, all the forces of hatred have converged upon us once more. But there is a difference this time. While past atrocities were confined to certain geographies, today’s modern technology allows hate to travel at unprecedented speed. The violence and vitriol targeting Jews have gone global — whether online, in the media or on the streets of major cities.
But here’s the thing: we are no longer the same Jews of centuries past. We are no longer passive, no longer willing to simply endure. We have evolved, and today we confront and push back against these forces of evil. Hamas, once thought to be untouchable, has fallen like a house of cards. Hezbollah’s terror chief, Hassan Nasrallah, is decimated while its leadership is on the run. Even Iran, with its ballistic missiles and menacing threats, has twice proven no match for the might of Israel.
The Lions of Judah have awoken, and we have taken the gloves off. We are destroying the web of hatred and violence spun by the Iranian regime. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, once brazen and boastful, now hides in basements, realizing there’s no safe haven. By ridding the Palestinians of Hamas, the Lebanese of Hezbollah, and, one day, the Iranian people of Khamenei’s tyranny, Israel is freeing the world from the shackles of terrorism — just as Jews have done throughout history.
Read full article HERE
October 2, 2024: On behalf of AGPI's Boards of Directors, Governors, and National and International Advisory Councils, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year to our esteemed members of the Jewish community.
These are challenging times, yet with the steadfast support of our friends and allies, we continue to confront the threats facing the State of Israel and the alarming rise of antisemitism in our communities. The road ahead may be long, and difficult days surely lie before us, but together—with your unwavering dedication—we will overcome and prevail.
In recent weeks, AGPI has been at the forefront in Israel, tirelessly documenting the realities on the ground and producing powerful content to combat denial and distortion both at home and around the globe. Every day, our social media platforms shine a light of truth and fact, ensuring the world hears the voices of justice.
During our time in Israel, we visited several of our key programs—supporting wounded soldiers, advocating for hostage families and displaced evacuees, building bridges with the Bedouin, Druze and Muslim communities and standing with Holocaust survivors—all of whom have expressed their deep gratitude for the enduring support of our community.
For 5785 years, the Jewish people have triumphed over greater challenges. As we enter the New Year, our resolve remains unshakable, and we continue this critical mission with tireless determination. We extend our deepest gratitude to you and all our supporters for your commitment to this cause.
Wishing you a Shanah Tovah U'Metukah.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
Toronto – October 1, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is deeply concerned by the Toronto District School Board's (TDSB) failure to acknowledge key Jewish High Holidays—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah—in its TDSB Connects bulletin. This omission adds to the troubling pattern of Jewish erasure in educational spaces. While we recognize TDSB's efforts to celebrate Islamic Heritage Month, Latin-American History Month, and Somali Heritage Month, the exclusion of Jewish cultural and religious observances sends a clear message of disparity.
This pattern extends beyond the TDSB. On October 2, the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) instructed its staff to avoid discussing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including the Hamas atrocities of October 7 and the hostages still held. This directive, suggesting the exclusion of significant Jewish events from classroom discourse, raises serious concerns about the future acknowledgment of key moments in Jewish history, such as the Holocaust.
Despite these challenges, AGPI remains steadfast in promoting education as a tool for inclusion. We are proud to acknowledge O'Connor Public School for hosting our "Power of One" Human Rights Exhibit, fostering meaningful dialogue around Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
For more information or to book our exhibits, please contact Dr. Neil Orlowsky at norlowsky@agpi.ca.
Toronto – October 1, 2024: Canada's endorsement of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly amounts to rewarding terrorism, says The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a leading Canadian NGO championing freedom and democracy.
In her address to the Assembly, Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly declared, "Canada supports the creation of a Palestinian state...we will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the right time, when it contributes to lasting peace, not necessarily as the final step of a negotiated process."
AGPI contends that Minister Joly is paving the way for a Liberal-NDP committee in Ottawa to push forward a motion recognizing a Palestinian state—an action AGPI warned last week would embolden terrorism and further alienate Canada from its key allies, the United States and Israel.
In a tweet yesterday, alongside a photo with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Joly reaffirmed Canada's "deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza" and renewed support for the controversial UN agency, UNRWA.
AGPI expressed alarm, pointing out that on the very day Joly endorsed UNRWA, the agency admitted that a top Hamas commander recently killed by the IDF had been employed as one of its teachers. Despite evidence linking UNRWA employees to the October 7th Hamas massacre, in which families were brutally murdered, women raped, and babies beheaded, Canada continues to fund the organization.
"On the eve of the October 7th Hamas assault on innocent Israelis, Minister Joly could have chosen to stand with Israel," said Avi Abraham Benlolo, AGPI's Founder and CEO. "Instead, she chose to send a message that Canada will reward a Palestinian state even as it continues incentivizing terrorism and fuelling violent antisemitism on our own campuses, like the BDS movement."
A recent AGPI study revealed that 77% of Ontarians are deeply concerned about rising antisemitism against Jewish Canadians. This underscores the disconnect between Canadian leaders’ policies abroad and the sentiment of their own citizens at home.
AGPI calls on the Canadian government to stand firmly by Israel—its friend and ally for over 75 years—by halting its calls for a Palestinian state in the midst of war and ceasing funding to UNRWA, which jeopardizes the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
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The Abraham Global Peace Initiative has just returned from Israel where it focused on the above noted issues. For media interviews, please contact us at media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca or contact our office at 416-646-2196. Read this press release on our website HERE.
COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE IMMÉDIAT
AGPI : "Le Canada récompense le terrorisme en soutenant la création d'un État palestinien à l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies"
Toronto – 1er octobre 2024 : Le soutien du Canada à la création d'un État palestinien à l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies équivaut à récompenser le terrorisme, déclare l'Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), une importante ONG canadienne défendant la liberté et la démocratie.
Dans son discours à l'Assemblée, la ministre canadienne des Affaires étrangères, Mélanie Joly, a déclaré : "Le Canada soutient la création d'un État palestinien... nous reconnaîtrons officiellement l'État de Palestine au moment opportun, lorsque cela contribuera à une paix durable, et pas nécessairement comme la dernière étape d'un processus négocié."
L'AGPI soutient que la ministre Joly prépare le terrain pour qu'un comité libéral-NPD à Ottawa fasse avancer une motion visant à reconnaître un État palestinien—une action que l'AGPI a averti la semaine dernière, renforcerait le terrorisme et isolerait davantage le Canada de ses alliés clés, les États-Unis et Israël.
Dans un tweet hier, accompagné d'une photo avec le Premier ministre de l'Autorité palestinienne Mohammad Shtayyeh, Joly a réaffirmé "la profonde préoccupation du Canada concernant la crise humanitaire à Gaza" et a renouvelé son soutien à l'agence controversée des Nations Unies, l'UNRWA.
L'AGPI a exprimé son inquiétude, soulignant que le jour même où Joly soutenait l'UNRWA, l'agence a admis qu'un haut commandant du Hamas récemment tué par les FDI avait été employé en tant qu'enseignant. Malgré des preuves liant des employés de l'UNRWA au massacre du 7 octobre perpétré par le Hamas, où des familles ont été brutalement assassinées, des femmes violées et des bébés décapités, le Canada continue de financer cette organisation.
"À la veille de l'attaque du Hamas du 7 octobre contre des Israéliens innocents, la ministre Joly aurait pu choisir de soutenir Israël," a déclaré Avi Abraham Benlolo, fondateur et PDG de l'AGPI. "Au lieu de cela, elle a choisi d'envoyer le message que le Canada récompensera un État palestinien alors que celui-ci continue d'encourager le terrorisme et d'alimenter l'antisémitisme violent sur nos propres campus, comme le mouvement BDS."
Une étude récente menée par l'AGPI a révélé que 77 % des Ontariens sont profondément préoccupés par la montée de l'antisémitisme contre les Canadiens juifs. Cela souligne le fossé entre les politiques de nos dirigeants à l'étranger et les sentiments de leurs propres citoyens ici au Canada.
L'AGPI appelle le gouvernement canadien à soutenir fermement Israël—son ami et allié depuis plus de 75 ans—en cessant de promouvoir la création d'un État palestinien en pleine guerre et en mettant fin au financement de l'UNRWA, une organisation qui compromet les perspectives d'une paix durable dans la région.
L'Abraham Global Peace Initiative revient tout juste d'Israël, où elle s'est concentrée sur les questions susmentionnées.
Pour des entrevues avec les médias, veuillez nous contacter à media@agpi.ca ou office@agpi.ca, ou appeler notre bureau au 416-646-2196.
Article/Report
September 27, 2024
Early Wednesday morning, the eerie wail of sirens shattered the calm over Tel Aviv, a city of life and culture now haunted by the ever-present threat of terrorism. Above my hotel, the Iron Dome soared into action, intercepting a missile fired by Hezbollah — an attack aimed not at military installations, but at civilians. This was no accident. It was a deliberate attempt to inflict death and destruction upon Israel’s most densely populated city. And yet, the world remains largely silent, offering only the faintest of condemnations. Israel, as always, is expected to endure.
Why this silence? It isn’t because Israel strikes back, pounding Hezbollah’s positions in Lebanon, a country from which thousands of rockets have rained down since Oct. 7. No, the muted response is because Israel is once again defending itself — a right that seems to be questioned only when it’s Israel exercising it.
Here in Tel Aviv, I am surrounded by families torn from their homes in the north, where Hezbollah’s relentless barrage has made daily life impossible. My hotel is packed with evacuees — families forced into displacement by the terror that stalks Israel’s borders. There are 60,000 like them, uprooted from their homes, living in a state of limbo. One high school teacher, staying with his students, told me this week about the emotional devastation. “Their children are deeply depressed,” he confides, looking away as if the admission pains him. “We all thought this displacement would last a few months, but now it’s nearing a year. They’ve had enough.”
This unbearable strain on the lives of Israel’s children should resonate with anyone who values human dignity. Educators, parents and students alike around the world should be outraged. But in Toronto last week, outrage was reserved for something else entirely. Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teachers deceived their students into attending a pro-Palestinian rally cloaked as an environmental demonstration. Over 15 schools participated in this event, the so-called Grassy Narrows River Run, ostensibly to raise awareness about environmental contamination. The truth was far darker. Teachers used this opportunity to fuel anti-Israel sentiment among the young and impressionable.
Press Release
September 27, 2024
Following the barbaric atrocities committed against Israel by Hamas, a recognized Palestinian terrorist organization, and the Palestinian Authority's failure to condemn the murder of 1,200 Israelis on October 7th, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is deeply dismayed by the notion that Liberal and NDP Members of Parliament are considering a motion to recognize a Palestinian state.
The MPs advancing this proposal have formed a committee to study the issue of unilateral recognition. However, AGPI firmly believes that any such move would reward the October 7th terrorist attacks and endorse the Palestinian Authority’s continued incitement of violence, particularly through its "Pay for Slay" program, which incentivizes terrorism against innocent civilians.
Canada risks jeopardizing its longstanding relationship with Israel and its closest ally, the United States. This would mark the first time a G7 nation contemplates such a drastic action, which would undermine the original path to peace—a negotiated solution.
AGPI recently released a study showing that a significant majority of Ontarians, and Canadians more broadly, stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. The organization strongly urges Canada to exercise restraint against extremist voices and reject the recognition of a Palestinian state that continues to foster terrorism.
Toronto, September 25, 2024 — While AGPI acknowledges the Toronto District School Board's (TDSB) recent statement and its cooperation with the Ministry of Education’s investigation into last week’s field trip incident, we are compelled to point out that this marks yet another instance of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate, which the public has witnessed from the TDSB for over two years.
The incident in question, where students attending what was described as an educational trip on Indigenous issues were instead exposed to anti-Israel slogans during a protest, is part of a troubling pattern at the TDSB. The Board’s actions—especially its decision to investigate itself—have continually marginalized Jewish students, parents, allies and educators. In this latest episode, middle school students were allegedly instructed to wear blue shirts to identify them as “Zionists,” “Jews,” and “colonizers,” further demonstrating the systemic antisemitism present in the school system.
AGPI is in direct contact with parents of students who attended the event and has heard deeply troubling reports of Jewish children being singled out. This has not only added to the harm and outrage experienced by Jewish families within TDSB schools but has also further fostered division and perpetrated a hostile environment for Jewish students and teachers.
In addition to the Ministry of Education’s investigation, AGPI calls on the Ontario College of Teachers and the Ontario Principals' Council to conduct independent investigations to hold educators accountable. Furthermore, request that the Ministry of Labour investigate the role of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF), whose members have actively participated in these protests, often during union time. The misuse of union resources to advance political agendas and involve students in hate-fuelled events is a serious concern.
This is not an isolated incident. Without decisive and transparent action, we fear that Jewish students will continue to feel unsafe in their schools. We cannot accept more hollow apologies or inadequate responses. It is time for meaningful accountability.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI Study: 78% of Ontarians Concerned About Attacks on Synagogues, Jewish Schools, and Businesses
September 23, 2024: A comprehensive study on antisemitism across Ontario, facilitated by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), reveals overwhelming public support for the Jewish community and the fight against antisemitism.
Key findings include:
"These results show that anti-Jewish hatred, especially from pro-Palestinian movements on campuses, in schools, unions, and on the streets, is being rejected by most Ontarians. Law enforcement and government leaders now have a clear mandate to act decisively against these structures of hate," said AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo.
One unexpected finding from the study revealed that 65% of Ontarians of Indigenous or First Nations descent are concerned about attacks on Jewish institutions. "This shows that the Indigenous community is not as aligned with the Palestinian cause as many might have assumed," Benlolo added.
As part of its ongoing mission, AGPI conducts such studies on behalf of its donors and supporters. This study, conducted by Research Co., surveyed 800 Ontarians of various faiths and backgrounds on their concerns regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict and its impact on Canada.
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AGPI is a prominent Canadian organization that promotes freedom and democracy, fights Antisemitism and defends Israel. For further information about AGPI’s mission or to schedule media interviews, visit www.agpiworld.com or contact us at media@agpi.ca.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI Demands Immediate Return of 101 Hostages as Israel Faces Relentless Attacks
Tel Aviv, [September 22, 2024] – Amid the thunderous sound of Hezbollah rockets raining down in Israel’s north and fighter jets streaking the skies, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) stood shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of rallying Israelis in Tel Aviv, demanding the immediate return of 101 hostages still held by Hamas terrorists.
AGPI engaged directly with the courageous families of the hostages, including the mother of 19-year-old Liri Albag, Shira, who shared her anguish: “Liri is the youngest girl in captivity. She was serving as an observer with the IDF when she was taken. The conditions are unbearable. I can’t stop crying—thinking about her and praying for her safety.”
Another mother, Orli, voiced her desperation over the fate of her daughter, Daniela Gilboa (20), who was abducted from an IDF base. “Hamas used her for propaganda in January, but since then, nothing. No sign of life. We don’t know if she’s even alive,” she said.
“In Jewish tradition, we believe in collective responsibility—Kol Yisrael arevim zeh lazeh—and the release of these hostages is not just a humanitarian crisis; it’s a moral imperative,” said AGPI’s Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. “AGPI has been unwavering in its support for these families, mobilizing global pressure to secure their freedom.”
AGPI also blasted the recent disgraceful anti-Israel resolution at the UN, which outrageously ignored the plight of Israeli hostages. “Shamefully, even Canada abstained. The UN has once again failed to demand the release of Israeli hostages, while outrageously calling on Israel to make concessions,”AGPI stated in a scathing front-page article this week.
AGPI is on the ground in Israel, determined to expose the lies, denials, and distortions peddled by biased media, academia, and governments. Our mission is clear: to amplify the truth and break the chains of Hamas’ propaganda.
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AGPI is a prominent Canadian organization that promotes freedom and democracy, fights Antisemitism and defends Israel. For further information about AGPI’s mission or to schedule media interviews, visit www.agpiworld.com or contact us at media@agpi.ca.
ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK AS HEZBOLLAH FIRES 150 ROCKETS:
As the sun begins setting tonight here in Israel, the nation is on edge as more than 150 Hezbollah rockets slam into the Northern part of the country. AGPI is on the ground here to stand with the people of Israel and to fight the denials and distortions. We will continue keeping our constituents advised as the situation develops.
STEPHEN HARPER: AGPI'S 2024 DEFENDER OF ISRAEL
Stephen Harper: "This is, in short, a time to support Israel with clarity, consistency, and strength, not only because it is right, but because it is in the best interests of global peace and security". Find out More
FRONT PAGE: CANADA'S IMMORAL ABSTENTION IN THE UNITED NATIONS:
On the front page of this week's National Post, we said: In one of the most outrageous resolutions, this week, 124 countries voted in favour, 14 against and 43 abstained. In 2023 alone, the United Nations General Assembly passed 14 resolutions condemning Israel — double the total number of condemnations of all other countries combined, all while overlooking major global human rights violators, such as Iran, Venezuela, China and Saudi Arabia. Countries like North Korea and Syria faced just one resolution each. This is part of a broader trend where Israel has been systematically singled out. Read AGPI's full UN Report Here.
AGPI EXPRESSED SHOCK OVER TDSB PARTICIPATION IN RALLY WHERE PRO-HAMAS SLOGANS COULD BE HEARD:
AGPI is pleased to note TDSB has since apologized for sending its students to a rally where anti-Israel / pro-Hamas sentiments were heard. AGPI is calling on TDSB to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure its participation in pro-Palestinian/Hamas rallies is reviewed and disallowed in the future. Canadian schools and their students should not be attending or supporting designated terror organizations.
CANADA IMPOSES HAMAS SANCTIONS:
In the follow up to at least terrorism connections since October 7th, the Canadian government says its imposing "additional sanctions in response to Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel...effectively freezing any assets they may have in Canada". Canada is going after the fundraising activities of 13 entities who are funnelling money to Hamas. AGPI commends the move and encourages the government to continue probing pro-Palestinian organizations.
AGPI GATHERS FORMER HOSTAGE TESTIMONY:
In the heart of the desert, we met with Farhan al-Qadi, a 52-year-old Bedouin father of 11, who was rescued by the IDF after enduring ten months trapped in Hamas’s tunnels. His story is nothing short of harrowing. Despite being a Muslim, Hamas showed him no mercy. He was shot, starved, held in the dark and abused. His dramatic rescue shows that Israel leaves no citizen behind, no matter their faith, colour or creed.
350 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME.
This Shabbat, over 101 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
AGPI HONOURARY GUEST AT NEW MUSEUM IN RAHAT
This week, AGPI was honoured to be a guest of the Muslim-Bedouin town of Rahat and its Mayor, Talal Al Krenawi, at the inauguration of the town’s new Bedouin Heritage Museum. In the midst of the war against Hamas, AGPI is fostering relationships with this vibrant and growing community, a place from which heroes of October 7th emerged, even as many fell victim or were taken hostage by Hamas.
About AGPI:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading voice in the fight for human rights, democracy, and peace worldwide. Through education, advocacy, and action, AGPI works to combat antisemitism, extremism, and all forms of hatred while promoting the values of freedom, justice, and peace through The Abraham Accords. For media interviews, contact us at media@agpi.ca
To learn more about the war against Israel, please visit AGPI University. For exclusive Arabic language speakers, please visit AGPI Arabic.
September 18, 2024 — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a leading Canadian organization, was honoured to be a guest of the Muslim-Bedouin town of Rahat and its Mayor, Talal Al Krenawi, at the inauguration of the town’s new Bedouin Heritage Museum.
"In the midst of the war against Hamas, we are fostering relationships with this vibrant and growing community, a place from which heroes of October 7th emerged, even as many fell victim or were taken hostage by Hamas. We took pride in being the only foreign NGO at the grand opening standing in solidarity with Rahat’s 100,000 residents, building bridges of peace and hope between our faiths—following the path laid by the Abraham Accords," said AGPI’s Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Rahat’s residents, many of whom serve in the IDF and play key roles in Israeli society as professionals and leaders, have deep-rooted ties to the State of Israel. The new museum celebrates Rahat’s cultural heritage and its place in the region. As part of AGPI’s ongoing commitment, the Defenders of Israel event on November 12th will feature a Rahat resident and Israeli police officer who, on October 7th, courageously saved over 200 young people from the Nova Party.
About AGPI:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading voice in the fight for human rights, democracy, and peace worldwide. Through education, advocacy, and action, AGPI works to combat antisemitism, extremism, and all forms of hatred while promoting the values of freedom, justice, and peace through The Abraham Accords. For media interviews, contact us at media@agpi.ca
To learn more about the war against Israel, please visit AGPI University. For exclusive Arabic language speakers, please visit AGPI Arabic.
AGPI Board Retreat Highlights
This week, AGPI held its most significant and well-attended board retreat, tripling attendance from the previous year. This growth reflects a powerful momentum behind our cause, deeply rooted in defending truth, justice, and the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.
Silence is Complicity in Antisemitism
Our column in today’s National Post emphasizes the importance of non-Jews standing with Jewish people against antisemitism and in support of Israel. Drawing on the story of August Landmesser, we highlight that silence in the face of antisemitism is complicity, a lesson painfully learned from the Holocaust.
Interfaith Outreach and Momentum
AGPI has been actively reaching out to faith communities, encouraging them to speak out against hatred and intolerance. This effort is gaining traction, as leaders from various backgrounds join the critical movement to reclaim public spaces from the rising tide of antisemitism.
Defenders of Israel Evening with Stephen Harper
Our upcoming Defenders of Israel evening with Stephen Harper is set to bring together a diverse and vibrant crowd, including multifaith communities. This event is a significant step in standing against antisemitism and hatred, reflecting the power of unity and the recognition of this cause’s importance.
Addressing Jewish Diversity
AGPI addressed the Canadian Jewish Lawyers Association in Toronto on the theme of "Jewish diversity," highlighting the unity of the Jewish world following October 7th. We emphasized that Hamas did not discriminate among Jews based on their background or identity; it only cared that they were Jewish.
Government Actions and Concerns
Hostage Crisis
The revelation of the underground Hamas tunnel where Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Ori, Alex, and Almog were held and murdered underscores Hamas’s brutality. AGPI calls for the immediate release of the 101 remaining hostages and demands that Hamas lay down its weapons and surrender.
International Concerns
AGPI is alarmed by the rise of a new party in Lithuania whose leader is on trial for antisemitic statements. With Lithuania heading into parliamentary elections next month, the rise of antisemitism in a country with a painful Jewish history is concerning.
Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit
A positive development occurred this week with the first Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit in Addis Ababa, where 25 African countries showed solidarity with Israel. AGPI congratulates these nations for their commitment to peace and collaboration, building on the Abraham Accords.
Looking Ahead
At AGPI, we continue to build bridges between communities and extend our efforts beyond the Jewish community into broader society. We look forward to welcoming supporters on November 12th for what promises to be a significant and inspiring evening.
For more information about AGPI and its mission, please visit www.agpiworld.com For media interviews, please email us at media@agpi.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, [September 10, 2024] – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) held its second annual board retreat this past week, marking a significant milestone in the organization's growth and reach. Attendance at this year’s retreat tripled compared to last year, with participation spanning all three levels of AGPI's board membership.
Under the theme "Standing Together with Friends and Allies," the retreat underscored AGPI's commitment to reinforcing the core Canadian values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. A diverse array of speakers—many of whom were prominent non-Jewish leaders—joined AGPI in its mission to take a strong stand against antisemitism and to advocate in support of Israel. Their presence and support were a reflection of Israel's alignment with the values that form the bedrock of Canadian society.
"We are proud to share that the messages delivered at this retreat were not only supportive but deeply resonant with AGPI’s values and mission," said Mark Teitelbaum, AGPI's President. "Our allies understand that the fight against antisemitism is a shared responsibility, and supporting Israel is about defending the fundamental principles that all Canadians cherish."
Opening the evening with poignant remarks, one of AGPI's founding directors, Bruce Etherington recalled how disappointed his father would have been today, having served in the Royal Canadian Artillery against the Nazis in World War II. "He would be horrified today to see the antisemitism that is rampant across our country".
Some more poignant thoughts from the speakers included:
Karen Stintz, CPC Candidate for Eglinton-Lawrence: "What we are seeing now on the streets is twenty years in the making. For me it was my awakening...When I hear what starts with the Jews doesn't end with the Jews, it absolutely does not. It ends with our humanity. And who we are as a people".
Don Stewart, MP St. Paul's: "The relationship between Canada and Israel is not just a diplomatic formality. Its a bond shared in democratic principles...mutual respect and a long standing commitment to peace and security in the region".
Idit Shamir, Israel's Consul General: "A strong Israel needs a strong diaspora and a strong diaspora, needs a strong Israel".
Raheel Raza, President, Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow: "Ironically, there are hardly any demonstrations in Muslim majority countries...because supporting Hamas would lead to supporting Jihadi violence in their own countries".
Kevin Vuong, MP Spadina-Fort York: "When we stand up for Israel, we are also standing up for Canada...the more Canadians hear about what is happening...the more they will continue to stand up and speak out".
Capping the evening, The Hon. Stockwell Day discussed his disbelief at the silence of the media following the brutal killing of the six Israeli hostages last week: "I thought this would take the lid off. Now you are going to hear in the media a real rising up and it was muted at best". It's this silence that prompted Mr. Day to produce a documentary about October 7th.
AGPI remains steadfast in its efforts to unite people from all backgrounds to defend democratic values and fight against hate in all its forms. The annual board retreat continues to serve as a crucial platform for fostering solidarity and shared purpose among allies and supporters.
In closing, Co-Chairs Frank Wilson and Jerry Werger encouraged the boards to continue this important dialogue by participating in the upcoming Defenders of Israel program on November 12th featuring Stephen Harper.
For more information about AGPI and its mission, please visit www.agpiworld.com For media interviews, please email us at media@agpi.ca
For Official Release September 6, 2024
Hostage Crisis Update
This week, we reflect on the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza. Current reports indicate that 64 captives remain in Hamas's control, including 57 Israelis. This includes civilians and military personnel, with 35 hostages having tragically lost their lives in Gaza. AGPI continues to demand their return.
Condemnation of Hostage Murders
AGPI condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas. The recovered bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino underscore the brutal nature of Hamas’s actions.
Mourning Fallen Israeli Officers
We mourn the loss of three courageous Israeli police officers—Chief Inspector Arik Ben Eliyahu, Command Sgt. Maj. Hadas Branch, and First Sgt. Roni Shakuri—who were killed in an attack at the Tarqumiyah Junction. Their deaths highlight the ongoing threats faced by those protecting Israel and its citizens.
Denunciation of Unwarranted Blame
AGPI supports Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s assertion that Hamas is responsible for the hostage crisis and the execution of six hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Dermer has emphasized that Hamas’s actions are to blame for the current situation.
AGPI denounces the ongoing blame and pressure placed on Israel for the hostage situation. Oct. 7 survivor Sabine Taasa, who lost her husband and 17-year-old son during the Hamas attack on Netiv Haasara, addressed the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. She urged, "I need you to stop blaming us," condemning the inhumane act of filming her son's murder and questioning, "Is that normal? Shooting a child of 17 six times in the head?"
Campus Chaos A Threat to the West
Our front-page column in today’s National Post highlights alarming trends on university campuses. Universities, meant to prepare the next generation for a better future, are instead witnessing Islamist groups empowering youth with falsehoods, undermining democratic principles. A Canary Mission report revealed that dozens of U of T faculty supported last spring’s anti-Israel encampment—a troubling development for those who value our country’s future and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
To critics who argue that rules against antisemitism and violence suppress free speech, consider this: In which corporate boardroom would such behavior be tolerated? The answer is none. Universities should adhere to the same norms of civility and respect as other sectors. Campus chaos, spilling into our streets with hate speech and public disturbances, is an abuse of free speech. Is “free speech for me, but not for thee” truly what is meant when defending these actions?
In our national column today, we implored educational institutions and corporations not to adopt the term “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR). At Toronto Metropolitan University, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas students used APR as a shield to deflect criticism and silence opposition to their falsehoods. This term undermines our foundational values of free expression.
Global Antisemitism Trends
Jews now have separate buses in London? In a true testament to the rising tide of antisemitism globally, London transportation authorities introduced a new public bus service linking two areas with large Jewish populations as antisemitic incidents hit record levels. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the fear felt by Jews, who have experienced abuse when changing buses, struck him deeply.
Closer to home, at the University of British Columbia, students displayed a banner reading “pigs off campus,” featuring a severed pig’s head—a symbol with deep-rooted antisemitic connotations. This extremism reflects the normalization of hatred in academic settings.
Call for Transparency on Nazi War Criminals
AGPI is calling on the Canadian government to release the names of 900 alleged Nazi war criminals who fled to Canada, many of whom were from the Ukrainian Waffen SS division. It is time for Canada to stop hiding the truth to protect the Ukrainian community.
Disappointment with Meta/Facebook
This week, AGPI expressed disappointment with Meta/Facebook for endorsing the genocidal rallying cry of the pro-Hamas movement, “from the river to the sea.” We call on the company to immediately reverse this hateful and antisemitic slogan.
UN Human Rights Office Statement
In an upside world, the UN human rights office condemned antisemitism and expressed "horror" over the summary executions of Israeli hostages by Hamas. This doublespeak is noted as its sister agency, UNRWA, has employed staff aiding and abetting the October 7th massacre. AGPI continues to bring attention to this hypocrisy through symposiums and reports.
For Defenders of Israel
In the face of these challenges, standing up against bullies means doubling down on celebrating Israel and uniting with our allies. We invite you to join us on November 12th as we honour Stephen Harper with the Defender of Israel Award, reinforcing our collective commitment to the safety and security of Israel.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI Condemns this morning's horrific murder of 3 Israeli police officers and yesterday's finding of the bodies of 6 Israeli Hostages
[September 1, 2024] — The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) vehemently condemns the brutal terror attack that claimed the lives of three courageous Israeli police officers this morning at the Tarqumiyah Junction. Chief Inspector Arik Ben Eliyahu, Command Sgt. Maj. Hadas Branch, and First Sgt. Roni Shakuri lost their lives in an act of barbarism that underscores the ongoing threat faced by those who stand on the front lines to protect Israel and its citizens.
This tragedy is particularly heartbreaking as it marks the second devastating loss for the Shakuri family. First Sgt. Roni Shakuri was the father of First Sgt. Mor Shakuri, who heroically fell defending the Sderot police station during the heinous attacks on October 7th. Today, we stand in deep sorrow as this brave family is struck by grief once again.
Recently, AGPI visited Sderot and met with police leaders who defended the police station on October 7th. The organization continues to stand alongside them in support.
In addition to this senseless attack, AGPI also condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric murder of six Israeli hostages by the Hamas terrorist organization. The bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino were recovered yesterday.
These innocent individuals were taken hostage on October 7th and were murdered while in captivity in Gaza—a heinous crime that further exposes the true nature of Hamas.
This morning, AGPI was in touch with global leaders in law enforcement to share with them the tragic news about the murder of the three Israeli police officers. The organization accentuated that we are on the same team fighting against terrorism and working for the preservation of freedom and democracy.
In response to the murder of Israeli and an American hostage (Hersh Goldberg-Polin), U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement from the White House, condemning the actions of Hamas. “It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages,” said President Biden. AGPI fully supports President Biden's commitment to holding Hamas accountable and securing the release of all hostages.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of these victims. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) have pledged to bring all remaining hostages home as swiftly as possible, using every means at their disposal.
AGPI works closely with police and law enforcement agencies through our specialized Police Academy, which educates officers about the Holocaust, racism, and intolerance. This partnership aims to strengthen the moral fabric of law enforcement and equip officers with the knowledge and tools to combat hatred in all its forms.
As part of our ongoing commitment to honour those who bravely stand against terror, AGPI will be paying tribute to a Muslim Bedouin Israeli police officer on November 12th for his heroic actions during the October 7th attacks. This courageous officer rescued nearly 300 young people from the Nova Party, exemplifying the unity and strength that transcend cultural and religious boundaries in the fight against extremism. Click HERE for information.
“The loss of these three heroic officers and the six innocent hostages is a tragic reminder of the relentless dangers faced by Israelis every day,” said Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and Chairman of AGPI. “We must honour their memory by continuing to support the brave men and women who defend our freedom and security, and by standing firm against the evil of terrorism.”
AGPI calls on the international community to unequivocally condemn these acts of terror and to take meaningful action against the perpetrators and their sponsors. As we mourn the loss of these valiant souls, we must also renew our dedication to the fight against terrorism and the pursuit of peace.
About AGPI:
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a leading voice in the fight for human rights, democracy, and peace worldwide. Through education, advocacy, and action, AGPI works to combat antisemitism, extremism, and all forms of hatred while promoting the values of freedom, justice, and peace through The Abraham Accords.
For media interviews, contact us at media@agpi.ca
To learn more about the war against Israel, please visit AGPI University. For exclusive Arabic language speakers, please visit AGPI Arabic.
08/30/24: As we approach the final weekend of summer and celebrate Labour Day, we are pleased to present this condensed edition of The Friday Report, offering you essential updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our many supporters who have joined us in registering for the Defender of Israel event on November 12th, featuring Stephen Harper. In just a few days, the event is already 50% sold out.
For this evening, we are inviting allies from various faith communities to join us on November 12th to engage in critical discussions about the future of Canada and the threats to freedom and democracy. If you are a faith leader, we invite you to contact us to receive your invitation. Send us a message to office@agpi.ca
We remain vigilant in countering those who deny and defame Israel. In today’s National Post (see full article below), we condemned the United Nations for excluding the October 7th Hamas atrocities from an exhibit on terrorism:
“The UN’s erasure of Jewish life and its denial of the Jewish right to the land of Israel have permeated our universities and educational systems. It is a chilling reminder of how quickly an educated society can be turned into agents of hate, as happened under Hitler’s regime. Today, we see unions caught promoting antisemitism, and universities siding with Hamas against freedom and democracy.”
“Even pride parades have aligned with Hamas — the very group that would violently suppress them — leaving their Jewish allies questioning where their support has gone. Meanwhile, the media and political leaders turn a blind eye as Jewish communities, which have been historically generous and philanthropic, face blatant discrimination.”
Israel needs our unwavering support as it continues to defend itself. Just a few days ago, a significant strike against Hezbollah averted what could have been another catastrophe. Hezbollah was poised to launch hundreds of missiles against the Jewish State, but Israel's preemptive action prevented the attack.
AGPI stands firmly behind Israel’s right to self-defence against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime. While you may receive our Friday Report on a weekly basis, please know that we are active daily in the media and in person, advocating for our future and safeguarding our history.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!
08/28/24: The world stood still when news broke of Farhan al-Qadi's miraculous rescue—a Muslim-Bedouin from Rahat, abducted by Hamas nearly 11 months ago on that horrific day. Farhan endured the unimaginable, held captive in the dark, starved in oppressive tunnels beneath Gaza, where 108 Israelis still suffer in the grip of that ruthless terrorist organization.
Farhan's rescue shows that Israel leaves no citizen behind.
In the aftermath of the October 7th massacre, AGPI was on the ground in Rahat, meticulously documenting the profound impact on the Bedouin community. In our documentary, The End of the Innocence, we bring to light many Bedouin stories of unimaginable loss and heartbreak. Among them, a Bedouin father cradling his baby after witnessing Hamas terrorists brutally murder his wife before his eyes.
Yet, amid the horror, there were beacons of hope—heroes who rose above fear to defend their fellow citizens. One such hero is Remo, a Bedouin-Israeli policeman who, with extraordinary courage, rescued nearly 300 young Israelis from the Nova Party. His actions embody the essence of righteousness and the unwavering spirit of unity, proving that on that fateful day, Israelis of all faiths stood together to defend the State of Israel. Israel, though a Jewish State, is a nation where minority groups are equal citizens, proudly bearing the Israeli identity.
On November 12th, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to thank Remo in person at AGPI’s Defenders of Israel evening in Toronto. I am equally proud to announce that my dear friend, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, will deliver the keynote address as we bestow upon him AGPI’s Defender of Israel award—a recognition of his steadfast support for Israel in its most trying times.
If you stand with Israel and have yet to register, I urge you to join us for this momentous evening before it sells out. Let us come together to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and enduring spirit of Israel—a nation that deserves our unwavering defence. I look forward to seeing you on November 12th in Toronto!
The Jewish Nation Lives!
Sincerely yours,
Paul V. Godfrey, C.M. OOnt
Honouary Chair, AGPI
August 23, 2024
Last week, a pro-Hamas group attempted to silence our pro-Israel voice by launching a campaign using a fabricated concept called "Anti-Palestinian Racism" (APR). Their goal was to have our article removed, despite it being balanced, fact-based, and entirely accurate.
In response, we have doubled down on our commitment to speak the truth. Today, we published another article in the National Post, exposing the APR strategy being deployed to stop free expression and suppress democracy.
We are pleased to share the full article with you (below) and encourage you to stand against those who wish to silence the truth about Israel by forwarding this email to as many family members and friends as possible.
In defiance, we have also translated the article to Arabic and posted it on our Arabic webpage found HERE.
No amount of intimidation—whether through media censorship, campus takeovers, or bomb threats against Jewish community institutions—will alter the undeniable truth of history: that Jews have every right to live in our homeland and that Jerusalem is our eternal capital.
Silence is not golden. Please share this message with your family and friends, and invite them to join the AGPI movement. Together, we stand united in defending our future and protecting our past.
Finally, standing up against bullies means doubling down on celebrating Israel and bringing together our allies.
We invite you to join us on November 12th as we confer the Defender of Israel Award on Stephen Harper.
August 21, 2024
H.E. Mr. António Guterres,
Secretary-General of the United Nations
CC: Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism,
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
CC: Ms. Ana Izar,
Head of the Victims of Terrorism Unit (UNCCT/UNOCT)
By Email: gerardl@un.org, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
Dear Mr. Guterres,
I am writing to you on behalf of the thousands of members of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a prominent Canadian human rights organization.
Following the massacre of 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, the United Nations remained relatively silent about the atrocities committed that day. In fact, after much denial and distortion, it took six months for your organization to finally acknowledge that the rape of Jewish girls and women had indeed occurred.
Today, on this solemn day marking the “International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism,” we were shocked and disgusted to learn that an exhibit in the lobby of the UN headquarters does not contain a single panel about the atrocities committed on October 7th by Hamas, a designated Palestinian terrorist group.
In an online video, Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, pointed out that not a single panel of the exhibit refers to Palestinian terrorism against Israelis. “We are about to mark one year since the massacre and the largest terrorist attack against Jews and Israelis since the Holocaust. Yet the UN does not think it needs to be displayed on its walls.”
Moreover, a video titled “Memories,” featured on your website in honor of today’s observance, along with a press release and additional resources, makes no mention of the Israeli victims of terror on 10/7. Equally disturbing is that the online published agenda for today’s memorial does not mention the terrorism inflicted on Jewish innocents on that horrific day.
All this, Mr. Guterres, is nothing short of denial and distortion of the 10/7 terror attack, not dissimilar to those who have denied the Holocaust. Those behind the creation of this exhibit are themselves exhibiting the highest form of antisemitism and Jewish hatred possible.
We call on you to immediately update your exhibit or have it entirely removed from the lobby of the UN headquarters. Additionally, we expect you to issue a formal apology to the Jewish and Israeli victims of terror, and to those still being terrorized at this moment while held in captivity in Gaza by Hamas.
In the poignant words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” If peace is to advance, we ask you to treat Israel and the Jewish people equally and respectfully among all nations.
Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founding Chairman and CEO,
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
Aug 16, 2024 The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fraught with myths, one of the most persistent being the existence of a Palestinian state before Israel’s establishment in 1948. This narrative is historically inaccurate and serves to delegitimize Israel.
Understanding the true history is crucial, as the Palestinian narrative continues to be used as propaganda.
Before Israel declared independence in 1948, the region now known as Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was part of the British Mandate for Palestine, which was established by the League of Nations after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War.
Under Ottoman rule, the area was divided into various administrative districts, with no distinct political entity known as “Palestine.” The concept of a Palestinian national identity emerged in the 20th century, largely in response to the Zionist movement and increased Jewish immigration in the area.
However, there was never a Palestinian state, flag or anthem. The notion of a pre-existing Palestinian state is a modern fabrication that ignores the region’s actual history.
The modern State of Israel’s legitimacy is rooted in international law and global recognition. On Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 181, known as the “Partition Plan,” proposing two states — one Jewish and one Arab.
The Jewish community accepted the plan, demonstrating a willingness to compromise for peace. However, the Arab states rejected it, refusing to recognize any Jewish state, and instead launched a military assault on Israel following its declaration of independence on May 14, 1948.
Another pervasive myth is the “Nakba” or “catastrophe,” narrative, which claims that Palestinians were forcibly expelled by Israel in 1948. This version omits the critical context that it was the Arab nations that invaded Israel, causing many Arabs to be expelled or flee their homes.
Rather than absorbing the displaced population, the surrounding Arab countries kept them in refugee camps, using them as pawns to pressure Israel. Organizations like UNRWA perpetuated this situation, keeping Palestinians in limbo rather than encouraging their integration into their host countries. This contrasts sharply with how other refugee populations have been handled, where integration and resettlement are the norm.
The land referred to as “Palestine” has always been inherently Jewish. The Jewish people have maintained a continuous presence there for thousands of years, long before Islam or the Arab conquests.
Archeological artifacts — such as the ancient fortress of Masada, the Dead Sea Scrolls and ancient synagogues — provide irrefutable proof of this enduring presence. The historical Jewish connection to the land is undeniable and should not be overshadowed by modern political narratives. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was built atop the Jewish Temple hundreds of years after Jews established Jerusalem.
Another myth is that the West Bank and Gaza have always been Palestinian territories, with Israel acting as an occupier. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Transjordan annexed the West Bank and Egypt took control of Gaza.
During this period, there was no significant Palestinian independence movement or international push for an independent Palestinian state. The concept of a Palestinian state only gained traction after Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel took control of these areas from Jordan and Egypt.
Israel’s capture of the West Bank in 1967 was a strategic necessity, not an act of expansionism. Surrounded by hostile neighbours, Israel sought to create a buffer zone to protect itself from future attacks. However, this victory also led to Israel gaining control over a large Palestinian population, which had previously been under Jordanian rule.
Breaking the myths that are deeply woven into the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial. Recognizing the Jewish people’s right to live in Israel does not mean that the land cannot be shared. Indeed, Jews have a long history of seeking peace and coexistence. However, the Palestinian leadership has consistently rejected peace overtures, clinging to a false narrative aimed at Israel’s destruction.
The narrative that Israel is an occupier of lands rightfully belonging to a pre-existing Palestinian state is unsupported by historical facts. Before 1948, there was no Palestinian state. The Land of Israel has always been the ancestral home of the Jewish people, a fact supported by thousands of years of history. Attempts to erase this connection are not only disingenuous, they’re dangerous.
Israel’s existence is legitimate, its borders are recognized by international law and its actions in 1967 were driven by security needs, not territorial conquest. That’s why, in 2005, Israel handed over the Gaza Strip. Yet, rather than building a peaceful state, the Palestinians built a terrorist front to attack Israel.
As we confront today’s challenges, it is vital to shatter the myths distorting the region’s history and to stand firm in defending the truth.
National Post
Avi Benlolo is the founding chairman of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative.
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/busting-the-myths-surrounding-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict
Friday August 9, 2024: In today's National Post, we published a comprehensive essay (top read today) discussing the deepening crisis of leadership both at home and globally. We are in desperate need of leaders with the vision and resolve of Winston Churchill to guide us through these tumultuous times. A new axis of evil threatens the free world—who will stand against it?
This past week has been a stark reminder of the challenges we face. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has shown troubling support for pro-Hamas rhetoric; in the UK, a civil uprising is brewing, fueled by growing extremism; in Canada, our streets have been ignited by pro-Hamas riots, with politicians conspicuously absent; in Japan, the Mayor of Nagasaki refused to invite the Israeli Ambassador, effectively blaming a fellow democracy for the Hamas attacks; and UNRWA has terminated only 9 staff involved in the October 7th atrocities, despite evidence implicating hundreds. AGPI has been at the forefront, protesting these injustices both at home and abroad.
Leadership is often associated solely with political figures, but in truth, it encompasses corporate leaders, spiritual guides, and those in law enforcement and education. These individuals frequently wield more influence than even a prime minister in ensuring their communities uphold a strong moral compass.
This week, we had the privilege of meeting two individuals who embody this broader concept of leadership. One is a Catholic corporate leader who has independently sought to learn and understand the truth about Israel. The other is a provincial lawmaker who, despite the risks, courageously speaks out against extremism in our streets. Through their actions and convictions, these leaders contribute to the moral fortitude of our society, often in ways that extend far beyond the political sphere.
Fortunately, there are many upstanders among us. This fall, the Abraham Global Peace Initiative will honour former Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his steadfast support of Israel, as well as an Israeli-Muslim-Bedouin policeman who heroically saved 300 children during the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. If these principles resonate with you, we invite you to join us. Click HERE to learn more.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview with AGPI representatives or book AGPI for a speaking engagement, contact us at media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI)
AGPI is a leading organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and human rights globally. Through advocacy, education, and public policy initiatives, AGPI strives to create a safer and more just world.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, [August 5, 2024] – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) stands resolutely with Israel as it faces imminent threats from Iran and Hezbollah. In this time of heightened tension, AGPI reaffirms its unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
As Israel braces for potential aggression, the city of Toronto grapples with escalating protests that echo a Jihadi-level intensity. Over the weekend, AGPI engaged with law enforcement and senior political leaders to address the chaos in Toronto's downtown core, emphasizing the need for peace and security within our own city.
AGPI further witnessed a pro-Hamas convoy on a local highway in which the drivers wore headscarves resembling ISIS.
AGPI expresses deep concern about a particular incident in which Toronto's Mayor Olivia Chow was reportedly attending Caribana, a festival celebrating the Caribbean community, as pro-Hamas rioters violently blocked a street in front of City Hall (see video). AGPI urges local leadership to prioritize the safety and security of all residents and to take a firm stand against any form of extremism and violence.
In another incident, pro-Hamas demonstrators were captured on video filming the faces of Toronto Police Officers, holding the camera about 20 inches away. In a note to police, AGPI expressed its solidarity with law enforcement and its concern for the undermining and erosion of our laws and police authority.
"We are very pleased by the responsiveness of both York Region Police and Toronto Police every time critical issues arise concerning the Jewish community" AGPI's Founder and Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo, stated.
In a front-page article in the National Post about the crimes of Ismail Haniyah and his influence on the diaspora Palestinian community, AGPI wrote: "Haniyah also worked closely with Iran's Ayatollah to unleash a wave of terror against Jewish communities worldwide. This week in Toronto, we experienced multiple incidents of hate graffiti, the torching of a bus, and a Jewish day school".
"Police report no evidence of a hate crime committed. But these incidents have elevated the community's anxiety. Additionally, the RCMP arrested two men imminently about to carry out a terror attack in Toronto. Such acts of terror, fueled by Haniyah and his Iranian allies, create an environment of fear and insecurity that extends far beyond the Middle East."
Benlolo stated, "Israel is under significant threat from hostile forces, and it is our duty to stand in solidarity with our Israeli brothers and sisters. We call on the international community to condemn these threats and support Israel in its rightful defence."
AGPI is committed to educating and informing the public about the complexities of the Middle East conflict, promoting peace, and countering misinformation. The organization continues to work tirelessly to advocate for Israel's security and to combat antisemitism globally.
The recent protests in Toronto are a stark reminder of the challenges we face in promoting peace and understanding. AGPI urges all communities to come together in a spirit of unity and reject any form of hate speech or violence.
To educate the public about these issues, AGPI produces articles, reports and videos. We invite you to visit AGPIUniversity to read/view our extensive content. Given extensive media bias, we invite you to share our press releases to help inform the public.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview with AGPI representatives or book AGPI for a speaking engagement, contact us at media@agpi.ca
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI)
AGPI is a leading organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and human rights globally. Through advocacy, education, and public policy initiatives, AGPI strives to create a safer and more just world.
Haniyah Brutalized Israelis and Betrayed the Palestinian People
by Avi Abraham Benlolo - August 2, 2024
As I pen this article, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with Iran and Hezbollah threatening retaliation. By this time tomorrow, a major war may have erupted. Yet, the need to remove Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah to safeguard Israel and promote global peace has never been clearer.
Ismail Haniyah, the political leader of Hamas, embodied a relentless force of terror and extremism. Under his leadership, Hamas not only waged a brutal campaign against Israeli civilians but also betrayed the Palestinian people, using them as pawns in a broader ideological battle. Haniyah's rhetoric and actions consistently advocate for the destruction of Israel, fostering a culture of hatred and intolerance that fuels ongoing conflict.
On October 7th, Hamas launched a savage attack on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 innocent lives. Ismail Haniyah celebrated this heinous act, underscoring his commitment to violence and terror. Such inhumanity further cements the necessity of his removal. A leader who glorifies such atrocities poses an undeniable threat not only to Israel but to the entire region and global peace.
Haniyah's influence extended far beyond the borders of Qatar, where he resides. His alliances with other extremist groups and rogue states create a network of terrorism that destabilizes the entire region. By providing ideological and logistical support to terrorist operations, Haniyah contributed to a climate of fear and violence that threatens international security and undermines global efforts to combat terrorism.
Haniyah also worked closely with Iran's Ayatollah to unleash a wave of terror against Jewish communities worldwide. This week in Toronto, we experienced multiple incidents of hate graffiti, the torching of a bus, and a Jewish day school. Police report no evidence of a hate crime committed. But these incidents have elevated the community's anxiety. Additionally, the RCMP arrested two men imminently about to carry out a terror attack in Toronto. Such acts of terror, fueled by Haniyah and his Iranian allies, create an environment of fear and insecurity that extends far beyond the Middle East.
Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, has shown an unwavering commitment to violent tactics and rejection of peaceful resolutions. The organization's governance in Gaza has been marked by corruption, repression, and the prioritization of militant activities over the welfare of its people. Haniyah's leadership epitomizes these destructive tendencies, making his removal a strategic necessity.
Ismail Haniyah reportedly embezzled some $5 billion from the very people he claimed to represent. These funds, which could have been used to improve Palestinian society by building schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure, instead funded his lavish lifestyle in Qatar. This gross misallocation of resources highlights the hypocrisy and corruption at the heart of Hamas's leadership. Haniyah's exploitation of his people's suffering for personal gain is a travesty that further justifies the necessity of his removal.
Continue reading this article HERE.
This article was published in the National Post on Friday August 2, 2024
July 31, 2024
H.E. Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi
255 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
ON K1N 9E6
Canada
Your Excellency,
I write to you this morning on behalf of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a prominent Canadian human rights organization with a global reach.
We are writing to express our profound disappointment regarding the decision by Mayor Suzuki Shiro of Nagasaki to not invite Israel’s Ambassador, Gilad Cohen, to the annual ceremony commemorating the US atomic bombing of the city.
Ambassador Yamanouchi, as you are undoubtedly aware, Article 51 of the UN Charter enshrines the inherent right of states to self-defence. This provision is the cornerstone of Israel's actions in response to the terrorist attack on October 7th. The exclusion of Israel’s representative from this solemn event sends an unfortunate message to the international community and undermines the longstanding friendly relations between Japan and Israel.
We also recall with deep respect the courageous actions of Chiune Sugihara, whose humanitarian efforts saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. His legacy of compassion and justice should inspire us all to uphold the values of peace and mutual respect.
To bring attention to this matter, please note we will be posting this letter on our website at www.agpiworld.comAs an organization dedicated to the defense of peace and democracy, we earnestly urge your government to reconsider this regrettable decision. We look forward to your response and hope for a resolution that reaffirms our shared commitment to these ideals.
Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO, AGPI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2024
AGPI Denounces Recent Antisemitic Incidents in the Greater Toronto Area
"Two days of hell" is how The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is describing the past 48 hours in the Greater Toronto Area.
AGPI has been actively engaging with police leaders, city councillors, and the community regarding a series of alarming incidents: pro-Hamas graffiti in Thornhill, the torching of a children's school bus belonging to the Orthodox Bobov community, and the overnight fire at the exterior storage of the Leo Baeck Jewish Day School.
Although Toronto Police have stated that there is no evidence of a hate crime regarding the storage fire, indicating it was used by an individual, AGPI recognizes the community's heightened concern and anxiety over these violent antisemitic incidents.
From the front lines, AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, has called on Mayor Olivia Chow to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and urged all Torontonians to unite against hate.
"We ask everyone to speak out, condemn, and join the Jewish community in solidarity against these hateful acts," said Benlolo.
Echoing this call to action, Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak stated, "An attack on one faith community is an attack on all faith communities. We must have a unified voice in condemning hate in all its forms."
Given the heightened security concerns, we urge the community to remain vigilant, particularly around community institutions. AGPI continues to maintain close communication with police locally and across the country.
For alerts and breaking news, please sign up at www.agpiworld.com or follow our social media channels.
July 28, 2024: We are heartbroken by yesterday's heinous Iranian-backed Hezbollah rocket strike on Majdal Shams, an Israeli-Druze village in the north. As the peaceful residents of the village lay to rest the twelve innocent children who lost their lives, we mourn this devastating tragedy alongside them.
We unequivocally condemn this act of terror and stand in solidarity with Majdal Shams during this time of immense grief.
Prior to October 7th, we produced a feature documentary, "The Future of Israel and its Defenders,"showcasing Israel's remarkable progress toward coexistence with its Druze, Bedouin, and Arab populations. It is with deep respect that we share an extraordinary interview with Sheikh Tahir Abu Salah, the spiritual leader of Majdal Shams, highlighting these achievements.
In the interview, Sheikh Abu Salah reflects on the fifty-year harmonious relationship between Israel and Majdal Shams, emphasizing the familial bond they share. "We are for peace and against chaos on the border," he states. "A few years ago, we resisted Hezbollah on the other side of the fence because we wanted peace."
Our conversation also touched on reinforcing the Abraham Accords and fostering peace between Israel and its neighbours. Sheikh Abu Salah expressed his optimism, saying, "Now there is peace with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and the Gulf States. We are very happy and want to see peace with Syria, Lebanon, and the rest of the nations in this area so that the area will be happy."
Tragically, despite the peaceful intentions of Majdal Shams and Israel, Hezbollah has struck at the heart of this community, demonstrating that all Israelis, regardless of their religious and ethnic backgrounds, are victims of terrorism perpetrated by Iranian proxies, including Hamas.
If you have not yet seen AGPI's film, "The Future of Israel and its Defenders," I encourage you to watch it and remember the Israel that existed before October 7th—an Israel filled with hope and optimism. The film showcases aspects of Israel often overlooked by the media, international courts, and our critics—portraying it as a true beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East.
In the meantime, we are proud to share an excerpt from our interview with Sheikh Abu Salah, highlighting the exceptional relationship with Israel. Since the media often neglects to show Israel's positive side, we urge you to share this message widely with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Netanyahu gives necessary history lesson for Congress
by Avi Abraham Benlolo
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress this week was met with 26 standing ovations, showcasing his unparalleled ability to eloquently advocate for Israel and reinforce its indomitable bond with America. Despite his controversies, Netanyahu's capacity to inspire and mobilize support remains unmatched.
Approximately 40 members of Congress chose to boycott Netanyahu's address. Their absence spoke volumes about their alignment in the conflict with the Iranian-axis, rather than about Netanyahu or Israel. America's unwavering alliance with Israel, both staunch defenders of freedom and democracy, has endured for over 76 years.
Those who stood in support did so out of firm conviction and integrity, while those who remained silent or complicit in support of Hamas will be judged by history. The absent Congress members missed a critical opportunity to confront their biases, clouded by Palestinian-Hamas falsehoods or, worse, antisemitism. Netanyahu decisively confronted the denials, distortions, and complicity witnessed since the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel.
"Defeating our brutal enemies requires both courage and clarity. Clarity begins by knowing the difference between good and evil. Yet incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas, rapists, and murderers. They stand with those who attacked kibbutzim and murdered entire families."
Netanyahu highlighted a stark truth we've been asserting for months: "When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots." The propaganda is so deeply ingrained that even Iranian supporters of Israel cannot sway the "useful idiots."
Netanyahu's history lesson addressed the "malicious lies levelled for centuries at the Jewish people." These slanders, portraying Israel as racist and genocidal, aim to delegitimize the Jewish State and Jews worldwide, fueling the rise of antisemitism.
The truths that absent Congress members avoided are crucial. To them, antisemitism is "context dependent," and the declarations of biased international bodies supercede those of an ally combating terrorism. They buy into Hamas propaganda, ignoring Hamas's own admissions of using its population as human shields.
Netanyahu envisions a future where a new generation of Palestinians is taught to coexist peacefully with Israel. However, with Palestinian radicals emboldened by certain Congress members and university administrators, is peace truly attainable? Can Palestinians regain the trust of Israelis and the global Jewish community that once supported their independence efforts?
Healing this divide may take generations. The Abraham Accords brought new hope to the Middle East and should be reinvigorated. Netanyahu's proposal for an Abraham Alliance to bolster regional security against Iran could be transformative, providing a pathway for Palestinians to realize that their true enemy is radical Islam that seeks death and destruction rather than peace and prosperity alongside the Jewish State.
This article was published in the National Post on Friday July 26, 2024
Following a relentless nine-month barrage of missile and drone attacks, culminating in a direct hit on Tel Aviv this past Friday morning, where an Israeli civilian tragically lost their life and many others were injured, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) resolutely supports Israel’s right to defend itself against the Houthi-Iranian terror group based in Yemen.
Article 51 of the UN Charter explicitly provides for the right of countries to defend themselves if an armed attack occurs against them.
The Houthis, acting as an Iranian proxy, are a terrorist organization rooted in Yemen. Their explicit mission, prominently displayed on their own flag, is the annihilation of America, Israel, and the Jewish people. This declaration of intent underscores the existential threat they pose not only to Israel but to global peace and security.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is an esteemed international organization committed to the promotion of freedom, peace, and democracy. We advocate for a robust stance on security and strength to ensure the protection and prosperity of all people. Our unwavering support for Israel’s defensive measures is aligned with our mission to counter terrorism and uphold the principles of justice and human dignity.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact us at media@agpi.ca We encourage followers to sign up for updates at www.agpiworld.com
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI)
Promoting freedom, peace, and democracy through strength and security.
July 19, 2024 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a leading international human rights organization, vehemently condemns the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declaring Israel’s presence in East Jerusalem and the West Bank illegal and demanding its termination.
In recent months, both the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have increasingly become instruments of political warfare against Israel. These courts, instead of acknowledging Israel’s critical security needs in these territories following the heinous attacks of October 7th, are actively working to embolden terror groups and their proxies that seek the destruction of the Jewish State.
The Jewish people are indigenous to these lands. They are not occupiers, as the court erroneously asserts. Jerusalem is the undivided and eternal capital of the Jewish people, and this status shall remain unchanged. The ICJ’s ruling, while non-binding, does not alter Israel’s steadfast position regarding its security interests and its legitimate rights.
AGPI calls upon the international community to recognize the inherent bias and politicization within these judicial bodies and to support Israel in its ongoing fight for security and justice. This ruling not only undermines Israel’s sovereignty but also jeopardizes peace efforts by validating the narratives of those who aim to destabilize the region.
AGPI remains committed to advocating for Israel’s right to self-defense and the protection of its people. We urge all peace-loving nations to stand with Israel against these unjust and politically motivated actions.
287 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE.
This Shabbat, over 120 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
AGPI: ANTI-ISRAEL LEFT NEEDS A DOSE OF TRUTH:
In today's National Post, AGPI said: "The Jewish community does not require a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) to confirm the horrors of the October 7 massacre of 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians. HRW has been accused of levying unfounded accusations against Israel, such as the 2021 claims of “apartheid and persecution.” We all know that Israel does not practice apartheid and that the two million Muslims living in Israel are very much part of its society enjoying every right and freedom equally. Defending the truth is paramount in the battle to protect Israel and democracy. We must fight for it with vigour and relentlessness..."
AGPI TELLS ADIDAS 'NO EXCUSE':
In an appalling new advertising campaign, Adidas features Palestinian-American Bella Hadid modelling a sneaker first introduced at the 1972 Munich Olympics - where 11 Israelis were murdered by a Palestinian terror group. Hadid has been accused of Antisemitism and of calling for violence against Israelis and Jews. Adidas has since apologized and said it would revamp the campaign. But after its debacle with YE (Kanye West), we believe no excuse is good enough.
ARGENTINA REMEMBERS:
Two years ago, AGPI stood in Buenos Aires, alongside the Jewish community, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy which killed 29 people and injured 242 civilians. This week, we stand with the Argentinian Jewish community in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Iran-backed Hezbollah bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) in Buenos Aires. We honor the memory of the 85 Argentines – Jews and non-Jews – killed in the attack and recall the scores who were injured.
AN EXPLOSION OF ANTISEMITISM:
AGPI is speaking out against the wave of Antisemitism around the world which must be fought against vigorously. One study in France found that some 200,000 Jews living there or 38% of the Jewish population is considering emigration. 68% feel unsafe. In another study, The European Union's Agency for Fundamental Rights found that 90% of European Jews face Antisemitism. In Canada, 79% of British Colombians are concerned about attacks, gunfire and firebombs on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses.
WHEN WILL THE SHAME AT THE UN EVER KICK IN?
Apparently, it makes little difference to the UN that its staff committed war crimes by participating in the October 7th massacre. The UN also neglects to acknowledge that its staff looked the other way as its UNRWA buildings were used as headquarters by Hamas. But this week, Secretary General Guterres denounced Israel and is calling on nations to refinance UNRWA - the same organization that has been complicit in these crimes. To this, AGPI continues to say, "Not on our watch. We will continue to fight and defend Israel against the UN's outrageous campaign to undermine Israel".
AGPI WELCOMES NEW MEMBER TO BOARD OF GOVERNORS:
Lewis Rose is Strategic Advisor, Board Director and former CEO having led the growth of both established and entrepreneurial businesses internationally and in multiple industries, including food, technology, and media. Recognized in 2020 as a Fellow by the Chartered Professional Accountants Council, Lewis is a past Member of the Academic Board of the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, past Mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab of the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, and is a Board Member of Maccabi Canada. Lewis actively promotes democracy, opposes antisemitism and advances human rights - in alignment with the core values of the AGPI commitment.
AGPI FRONT PAGE OF NATIONAL POST:
The U of T ruling is a slap in the face to the Jewish community. In a bold article in today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo and Jerry Grafstein write: Despite being among its biggest supporters, the Jewish community often finds itself on the losing side when it comes to the University of Toronto. For two decades, we have fought against the university allowing Israeli Apartheid Week events to be held on campus, which has fostered generations of antisemites and normalized anti-Israel sentiment on campus, even among some faculty and administrators. The final straw, however, came this week, when Judge Markus Koehnen of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed the Jewish community’s concerns over antisemitism. Many interlocutors quickly applauded the injunction to dismantle the encampment, failing to understand the damage.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent organization that promotes peace and democracy by vigorously defending Israel and democracies, countering antisemitism and terrorism, and inviting the global community to join The Abraham Accords to achieve these objectives.
July 17, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) acknowledges today’s report issued by Human Rights Watch (HRW) charging Hamas with crimes against humanity and war crimes over its October 7th, 2023 assault on Israel.
HRW's findings confirm early reports and video testimonies issued by AGPI immediately following the Hamas attack. HRW states, “Palestinian fighters committed killings, hostage-taking, and other war crimes, and the crimes against humanity of murder and wrongful imprisonment,” and calls for the immediate release of hostages.
“Human Rights Watch research found that the Hamas-led assault on October 7 was designed to kill civilians and take as many people as possible hostage,” said one of its lead researchers.
“Despite the fact AGPI rejects HRW’s defamatory accusations against Israel, especially those preceding October 7th (including those reiterated in this report), we believe HRW’s report is useful not for what it proves to us and the Jewish world, but for undermining the left-leaning lies and propaganda on university campuses, unions, the media, the United Nations, and beyond,” said AGPI’s Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
“HRW’s report cannot whitewash its false claims about Israel, which we will fight vigorously. However, we note that HRW’s findings about Hamas and Palestinian terror organizations have already been reported by Al Jazeera, the BBC, and Le Monde, and this is a positive step in combating the denials and distortions propagated including that these atrocities had not occurred” said Benlolo. “This is the reason we launched an Arab language content page on our website several months ago.”
“Across many attack sites, Palestinian fighters fired directly at civilians, often at close range, as they tried to flee, and at people driving through the area. The attackers hurled grenades, shot into shelters, and fired rocket-propelled grenades at homes. They set houses on fire, burning and choking people, and forcing out others whom they shot or captured. They took dozens hostage and summarily killed others,” said the HRW press release.
Over the past nine months, AGPI has stood with hostage families in Israel; it published a book (Never Surrender) about these denials and distortions; produced a video documentary with eye-witness testimonies (The End of the Innocence); launched a dedicated website (JForce.org) with supporting testimonies, videos, articles, and myths and facts; and launched AGPI University publishing dozens of articles about October 7th. We invite the media and the public to learn more by visiting these useful tools.
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For media interviews contact us at media@agpi.ca or at office@agpi.ca
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent organization that promotes peace and democracy by vigorously defending Israel and democracies, countering antisemitism and terrorism, and inviting the global community to join The Abraham Accords to achieve these objectives.
280 DAYS. NON NEGOTIABLE. BRING THEM HOME:
This Shabbat, over 120 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
'U-WINDSOR CAVES TO THE ANTISEMITES':
In today's National Post, AGPI writes: "It’s all quite surreal, perhaps even dystopian. This week’s deal between the University of Windsor and the enigmatic Windsor Liberation Zone Team reads like the manifesto of an imagined society embroiled in a grand struggle against some great injustice. The university, apparently so cowed by the encampment, somehow capitulated to the demands of a small, rag-tag group of students whose sole purpose seems to be to demonize, defame and destabilize a follow democracy — the State of Israel. The university could have employed a multitude of measures to clear the encampment without succumbing to the terms set by radical students. It could have immediately dismantled the encampment, as York University did. In New York this week, a top law firm (Sullivan & Cromwell) announced it’s hiring policy will exclude anyone involved in anti-Israel campus protests. I would encourage all companies to adopt similar policies, lest they too fall victim to an encampment in their boardrooms. Preference should be given to hiring pro-Israel university students. They are courageous defenders of democracy and need our support and encouragement.
AGPI ON FRONT PAGE OF NATIONAL POST:
The U of T ruling is a slap in the face to the Jewish community. In a bold article in today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo and Jerry Grafstein write: Despite being among its biggest supporters, the Jewish community often finds itself on the losing side when it comes to the University of Toronto. For two decades, we have fought against the university allowing Israeli Apartheid Week events to be held on campus, which has fostered generations of antisemites and normalized anti-Israel sentiment on campus, even among some faculty and administrators. The final straw, however, came this week, when Judge Markus Koehnen of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed the Jewish community’s concerns over antisemitism. Many interlocutors quickly applauded the injunction to dismantle the encampment, failing to understand the damage.
FIRST EDITION NEARLY SOLD OUT:
Already into its second print-run, "Never Surrender" has become a widely read staple in pro-Israel households, being passed from parents to children as a central tool in the fight to defend Israel and combat Antisemitism. Order your autographed copy from our Second Edition, before they run out with proceeds going to support the exceptional work of AGPI. To order, please click HERE.
AGPI IS HIRING:
Are you passionate about peace education and making a difference? Join the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) team! We're looking for dedicated Researchers and Teacher Educators to help advance our mission. For information, contact Neil and norlowsky@agpi.ca
July 11, 2024
Dr. Robert Gordon
President and Vice Chancellor
University of Windsor
president@uwindsor.ca
CC: The Hon Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities
Jill.dunlop@pc.ola.org
Dear Dr. Gordon,
On behalf of the thousands of members of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a prominent Canadian NGO that promotes human rights, I write to express our profound shock and dismay regarding the University of Windsor’s agreement with the Windsor Liberation Zone Team.
The university had numerous alternative measures at its disposal to clear the encampment without capitulating to the demands of radical students. For instance, York University promptly dismantled a similar encampment. The University of Toronto secured a court injunction without agreeing to any terms, while the University of Waterloo launched a $1.5 million lawsuit against the organizers, resulting in the immediate removal of the encampment. Similarly, McGill University successfully convinced law enforcement to clear out the encampment.
Given Canada’s endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, it is particularly alarming that the University of Windsor has agreed to boycott institutional partnerships with Israeli universities and has succumbed to the divestment campaign against Israel. The international community has likened such boycotts to those imposed on Jews in Nazi Germany.
While your agreement robustly advocates for Palestinian rights, it glaringly omits any support for Jewish students or measures to combat antisemitism. As you are aware, hate crime reports consistently identify the Jewish community as the most targeted group, especially in the wake of the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel.
This reckless behavior places many university students, particularly Jewish ones, in a perilous situation. They already feel threatened and victimized on campus. Moreover, news reports indicate that pro-encampment students are facing employment sanctions and cannot be protected by the university, in as much as you might promise such protections.
The University of Windsor must act responsibly and reconsider its agreement with the Liberation Zone group. Encampments across the country are being dismantled without university administrations compromising their moral and ethical principles. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
For media interviews, please contact media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca.
About AGPI: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a prominent Jewish human rights organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy, defending Israel, combating antisemitism, and protecting human rights.
NON NEGOTIABLE:
This Shabbat, over 120 hostages remain in Gaza. They were stolen by Hamas from their families on October 7th. We want them all back now. Its not up for debate or negotiation. They must not be held as pawns in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. BRING THEM HOME NOW.
AGPI ON TODAY'S FRONT PAGE OF NATIONAL POST:
The U of T ruling is a slap in the face to the Jewish community. In a bold article in today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo and Jerry Grafstein write: Despite being among its biggest supporters, the Jewish community often finds itself on the losing side when it comes to the University of Toronto. For two decades, we have fought against the university allowing Israeli Apartheid Week events to be held on campus, which has fostered generations of antisemites and normalized anti-Israel sentiment on campus, even among some faculty and administrators. The final straw, however, came this week, when Judge Markus Koehnen of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed the Jewish community’s concerns over antisemitism. Many interlocutors quickly applauded the injunction to dismantle the encampment, failing to understand the damage.
ISRAEL IS WINNING BUT THE NORTH IS BURNING:
Even as this week, Israel has made tremendous gains in Gaza, dismantling much of Hamas, over 60,000 Israeli civilians who live in the northern part of the country cannot return to their homes. Hezbollah continues to pound the region with as many as 200 rockets a day, while the world is silent. AGPI continues to draw attention to this incredible human catastrophe that has gone relatively unreported in western media.
"ITS CLEAR TODAY THAT THERE IS NO FUTURE FOR JEWS IN FRANCE":
Last July, while filming in France, AGPI asked Paris' Grand Synagogue Rabbi Sebbag and other leaders if Jews had a future in France. At the time, Antisemitism and violence had quieted down. My how things have changed. This week, Rabbi Sebbag said it's very alarming what is happening in France given the current election. In an interview this week, he said, "its clear today that there is no future for Jews in France". All eyes are on the outcome on France's election. For the Jewish community, the left is far worse than the right, traditionally antisemitic now becoming more aligned with the Jewish community.
HOW DO WE FIGHT THE DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST ISRAEL?
Israel is fighting a multi-pronged war. Not only must it defend itself against terrorists, it must also combat a disinformation campaign internationally. Listen or watch the meeting held this week by the Abraham Global Peace Initiative that addresses this issue and more.
AGPI CONGRATULATES KEIR STARMER ON VICTORY:
Keir Starmer will be the next Prime Minister of the UK - winning over Rishi Sunak. Sunak has been a staunch supporter of Israel since October 7th. Upon becoming leader, Starmer prioritized fighting Antisemitism and has repeatedly condemned it within his party. Israel's President Herzog was among the first leaders to congratulate Starmer on his win. Starmer took over from Jeremy Corbyn, who has been anti-Israel and accused of Antisemitism. Starmer's wife, Victoria is Jewish.
"DISGUSTING" ANTISEMITISM - NEARLY 200 HEADSTONES TOPPLED:
In Cincinnati this week, in a cowardly act that preys on those without a voice, nearly 200 headstones were toppled and broken at a Jewish cemetery. A new wave of Antisemitism has been unleashed on Jewish people around the world. Read our recent report attributing these heinous attacks as being rooted in anti-Israel indoctrination and spurned on by the Hamas assault of October 7th. Meanwhile, in Toronto this week, The Pride of Israel and Kehillat Shaarei Torah synagogues were vandalized while in Vancouver a children's softball tournament was attacked by pro-Hamas protestors with vile language aimed at 7 year old children. In Canberra, pro-Hamas demonstrators unfurled banners over its parliament. These are just a few of the many instances of Antisemitism this week.
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About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI): The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is dedicated to promoting peace, security, and human rights worldwide. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, AGPI aims to foster a more just and peaceful world.
For media interviews, please contact media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca.
About AGPI: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a prominent Jewish human rights organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy, defending Israel, combating antisemitism, and protecting human rights.
AGPI Welcomes Court Injunction, But Raises Deep Concern Over Dismissiveness of Antisemitism and Hateful Language
Toronto, July 2, 2024: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is deeply troubled by today’s court decision that may set a dangerous legal precedent regarding antisemitism and hate speech. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ruled that the pro-Hamas encampment at the University of Toronto must be dismantled by tomorrow, July 3rd, at 6 p.m. However, the court's treatment of antisemitic rhetoric as presented by the Jewish community within this context has raised significant alarm.
AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, remarked:
“We implore everyone to read the “reasons for the judgement” before patting each other on the back (Section C). Today’s judgment appears to establish a dangerous legal precedent that may give free reign to hate language and antisemitism on university campuses and beyond. Given the fact that hate against Jews is statistically highest on record and of any group, we are concerned by the dismissive nature of today’s judgment on the matter of antisemitism.”
While the injunction is a victory for the University's property rights, the document citing the “reasons for the judgement” by The Hon. Judge Markus Koehnen appears to disregard serious allegations of antisemitism made by the Jewish community. In his ruling, Judge Koehnen stated:
"For purposes of this motion, I do not have to determine how these phrases and symbols are being used. I review this history and analysis merely to point out that the automatic conclusion that those phrases are antisemitic is not justified; especially not on an interlocutory injunction”.
The judge appeared to dismiss key antisemitic indicators, including a photograph depicting the "blood libel," the "inverted triangle" associated with Hamas, the phrases "Intifada" and "Free Palestine by any means necessary," and the globally recognized slogan "from the river to the sea," often used by pro-Palestinian activists (which has been condemned globally as a call for genocide of the Jewish people).
By challenging the widely accepted definition of antisemitism as established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Judge Koehnen's decision appears to introduce uncertainty. He asserts that "part of the controversy arises out of the absence of an agreed definition of antisemitism" and notes discord within Jewish communities over the IHRA definition. In fact, the dissenting opinions are by a radical anti-Zionist fringe not associated with the established Jewish community consensus.
AGPI calls for a thorough reassessment of the dismissive tone of the Jewish community’s claim of antisemitism and urges the community to remain vigilant against the proliferation of hate speech and antisemitism. The organization will continue its steadfast advocacy for justice and the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.
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About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI): The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is dedicated to promoting peace, security, and human rights worldwide. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, AGPI aims to foster a more just and peaceful world.
For media interviews, please contact media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca.
About AGPI: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a prominent Jewish human rights organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy, defending Israel, combating antisemitism, and protecting human rights.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI Outraged as Another Synagogue in Toronto Falls Victim to Vandalism
Toronto, June 30, 2024 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a leading Canadian human rights organization, is expressing profound outrage following the desecration of one of Toronto's iconic synagogues, The Pride of Israel. This appalling act of hate marks another dark day for the Jewish community in Toronto.
In an urgent call for action, AGPI has contacted senior officials at the Toronto Police Department and Ontario's Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner (Mr. Kerzner denounced this heinous crime at the scene). Authorities believe the same perpetrator is also responsible for the recent vandalism of Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue, highlighting a disturbing pattern of targeted antisemitic attacks.
"Just this past Friday, we published a report revealing a staggering 55% surge in hate crimes in Toronto, with antisemitism accounting for 45% of all reported incidents – the highest of any category," said AGPI's Founder and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. "This alarming rise in antisemitic violence cannot be ignored or tolerated."
AGPI's report underscores the global surge in antisemitism, attributing it in part to the so-called “al Aqsa flood” – the brutal assault on October 7th that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 254 taken hostage. This atrocity has emboldened Hamas’ followers to unleash widespread antisemitic campaigns aimed at undermining the Jewish state and intimidating Jewish communities.
AGPI is actively engaging with law enforcement and political leaders, urging them to move beyond mere denunciations and take immediate, concrete social action. This includes strengthening hate crime laws and their enforcement, eradicating antisemitism from university campuses and boards of education, and ensuring that media outlets do not perpetuate distorted facts.
For media interviews, please contact media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca.
About AGPI: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a prominent Jewish human rights organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy, defending Israel, combating antisemitism, and protecting human rights.
TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN FOR HAMAS WAR ON ISRAEL:
Sharp exchanges took place between Presidents Biden and Trump at last night's debate. Among them, Trump placed the October 7th Hamas attack squarely on Biden and blamed him for holding Israel back from defending itself against Hamas. Most notably, Trump put the blame for Hamas and Hezbollah squarely on Iran, which recovered from sanctions under the Trump administration.
FRIENDS OF HAMAS UNLEASHING ANTISEMITISM:
In today's National Post, AGPI writes that "the problem in the West is that we operate from a position of naivety. Our western vantage point, rooted in ideals of truth and justice, struggles to rationalize this phenomenon. We cite facts, such as Hamas terrorists being steeped in hate, committing heinous acts of rape and mutilation, and espousing anti-gay and anti-rights ideologies. While all these are true, none of these arguments seem to sway the minds of antisemites. Hamas and its supporters have been preparing for this day for two decades. Four generations of university students and faculty have been misled to believe that Israel is an apartheid state, ignoring the gender and religious apartheid prevalent in every country surrounding Israel. They have been falsely told that Jews are colonizers of their own land, overlooking the historic success story of a religious group reclaiming its homeland".
AGPI RAISES ALARM OVER SKYROCKETING ANTISEMITISM:
AGPI is calling for immediate global action against Antisemitism. In Toronto, hate crime is up 55 per cent - 221 hate crimes so far in 2024, 45 per cent were antisemitic. In Germany, there has been an 80% increase in antisemitic incidents; In the U.S. the ADL reports a 140% increase while France reports a 300% rise in antisemitism over the previous year. The UK reported a 45% increase in antisemitism, but those numbers are expected to increase in 2024.
ISRAEL ON PATH TO WAR AGAINST HEZBOLLAH:
AGPI is calling on the international community to immediately find a diplomatic solution to Hezbollah's incessant rocket attacks on Israel since October 7th. This week, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets at Israel's north, making the entire region uninhabitable. We continue to express serious concern about these rising tensions.
WILL WAR WITH HEZBOLLAH BREAK OUT? - LIVE BROADCAST THIS WEEK:
Attention AGPI Supporters: A situational briefing (by zoom) is scheduled for Thursday, July 4th at 12 noon EST with IDF spokesperson, David Ross and Ronen Gilor, Ambassador and Special Advisor for Canada. Both will be speaking from Israel.
UK CHALLENGES ICC JURISDICTION:
This week, AGPI commended the UK for challenging ICC jurisdiction over Israel, therefore delaying arrest warrant decision over Netanyahu and Gallant. The ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel or its nationals and should not be operating independently over the Rome Statute.
SPOTLIGHT: GERMANY REQUIRES CITIZENS ACCEPT ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO EXIST:
AGPI Applauded Germany this week for requiring its citizens accept Israel’s right to exist in order to receive a new passport. It's part of a new values test for all new immigrants. Given the rising rate of Antisemitism, it makes perfect sense. The new citizenship reform excludes anyone found to have committed antisemitic, racist or other inhumane acts. Those who reject equal rights for men and women or live in polygamous marriages are also not eligible for a German passport. Newly naturalized Germans are also required to commit to protecting Jewish life in the country. The list of questions in the naturalization test is expected to be adapted accordingly.
AGPI continues to encourage all western nations to adopt a values test that includes respect for women's rights and democracy.
AGPI BOARD MEMBER DENOUNCES "ANTI-PALESTINIAN RACISM":
In today's National Post, AGPI National Board member, Raheel Raza asks: "Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada. Hamas is also Palestinian. So if a concerned Canadian says that Palestinians who belong to Hamas are a threat, will she be accused of being racist, according to APR?...APR is also highly likely to be misused, in order to enable antisemitic rhetoric and narratives. It could provide cover for spreading anti-Jewish prejudices by framing them as opposition to alleged “racism” against Palestinians."
FIRST EDITION NEARLY SOLD OUT:
Already into its second print-run, "Never Surrender" has become a widely read staple in pro-Israel households, being passed from parents to children as a central tool in the fight to defend Israel and combat Antisemitism. Order your autographed copy from our Second Edition, before they run out with proceeds going to support the exceptional work of AGPI. To order, please click HERE.
AGPI DENOUNCES MONTREAL SHOOTING:
Are you passionate about peace education and making a difference? Join the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) team! We're looking for dedicated Researchers and Teacher Educators to help advance our mission. For information, contact Neil and norlowsky@agpi.ca
Press Release
Abraham Global Peace Initiative Confronts Key Issues This Week
Toronto, ON June 25, 2024 – This week, the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has actively engaged with a number of various government officials and institutional leaders to confront critical issues concerning antisemitism, human rights, and institutional neutrality. AGPI remains steadfast in our commitment to counter growing threats to the Jewish community as we confront critical issues through direct action.
The Hon. MP Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
AGPI has expressed grave concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Birju Dattani as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). In our letter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, AGPI highlighted disturbing allegations that Mr. Dattani’s social media posts equate Israelis with Nazis and Palestinians with Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto. Such comparisons severely undermine the principles of human rights and the fight against antisemitism. We have called for a thorough review of Mr. Dattani’s appointment and appropriate action if these allegations are substantiated.
The Hon. MPP Todd Smith’s Office
Following AGPI’s meeting with Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford, AGPI reached out to MPP Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Education, to express concerns regarding the TDSB Combating Hate and Racism strategy. We noted significant deficiencies in addressing the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, the introduction of the concept of anti-Palestinian racism without sufficient supporting data, and the failure to recognize anti-Israeli racism. This omission suggests a discriminatory double standard against Jewish and Israeli students and staff. We urged the Minister of Education to intervene, as the TDSB’s actions appear to contradict the IHRA definition of antisemitism and raise serious questions about their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, potentially violating the Human Rights Code.
Queen’s University President Patrick Deane
Dr. Orlowsky, AGPI’s Director of Education, wrote to Queen’s University President Dr. Patrick Deane to express displeasure over faculty members wearing keffiyehs during last week’s convocation ceremony. Such actions caused discomfort and concern among students, families, and the broader community, undermining the inclusive and respectful environment expected at formal university events. We have requested a public apology from Queen’s University to those affected and a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure the university maintains a neutral and respectful educational environment during formal events.
OPSEU Local 532 President Julius Arscott
AGPI raised concerns about OPSEU Local 532’s alleged allocation of $500 to the Labour4Palestine movement. In our letter to President Arscott, we questioned the appropriateness and transparency of using union dues for political donations unrelated to the direct interests and well-being of its members. We urge OPSEU Local 532 to reconsider this decision, prioritize issues directly impacting their members, and ensure transparency and accountability in future activities.
Administration at Central Toronto Academy
The AGPI Education Team is investigating allegations of antisemitism at Central Toronto Academy and continues to work with students, staff, and the community to better understand the allegations and the board’s response.
About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI): The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is dedicated to promoting peace, security, and human rights worldwide. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, AGPI aims to foster a more just and peaceful world.
A SHABBAT SHALOM AMONG FRIENDS:
This afternoon, AGPI held a lunch round-table discussion with Dr. Reverend David Wells, General Superintendent of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Joining the conversation (L-R) were Aaron Waxman, Avi Abraham Benlolo, Jeff Moness and Dr. Ari Eisen.
PMO SPOKESPERSON BRIEFING ON SITUATION IN ISRAEL: