Defending Our Future. Protecting Our Past.
Defending Our Future. Protecting Our Past.
With over 30 years experience, AGPI Provides Interviews on a wide range of topics including on Antisemitism, Holocaust Studies, Security and the Middle East.
Contact Us by email at media@agpi.ca or office@agpi.ca
24 September 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is shocked and disturbed about a breaking report published today in the Forward. The report suggests that Canada recognized a former Nazi in Parliament while Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zalenskyy was there.
According to the Forward, the Speaker of the House recognized a “veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and continues to support the troops today even at his age of 98.”
The "veteran" is described by the Forward as having served in the "14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, the military wing of the Nazi Party; the unit was also called SS Galichina".
"If this is true, we strongly and unequivocally condemn this undue recognition by Canada's House of Commons. We call on our government to immediately apologize and advise Canadians how it is possible that an alleged former Nazi was invited in the first place" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Earlier today, AGPI issued a press release about attending a private reception in Toronto at the invitation of the Prime Minister. It was a different event than the one which took place in Ottawa earlier in the day.
If evidence is found that this "veteran" served as a Nazi, AGPI is calling on Canada to immediately invoke its denaturalization proceedings by stripping him of his citizenship, as is required by law.
"Sadly, as we know from the case of Ukrainian ex-Nazi interpreter Helmut Oberlander, many in the Canadian Ukrainian community have yet to come to terms with Ukraine's complicity in the Holocaust. As the Jewish community and Israel is standing with Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, this episode once again proves that its high time Canada's Ukrainian community confronts this terrible past" added Benlolo.
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24 September 2023: At the invitation of Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's (AGPI) Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo attended a special meet and greet reception with Ukraine's President, Voldomeer Zelenskyy.
Statement by Avi Abraham Benlolo: "In our fight for freedom and democracy, AGPI was proud to stand with President Zelenskyy on behalf of our community. Despite the horrific pain of our community's past in Ukraine, during the Holocaust, we are setting an example. We refuse to be silent. Twice our organization has assisted Ukrainian refugees overseas on the front lines providing aid and support".
Zelenskyy, who himself hails from Jewish heritage, thanked Canada and Canadians for standing with his country and his people in the war against Russia.
"As a proud global Canadian-based NGO which promotes freedom and democracy and defends human rights, we act against the silence and complicity of the global community that took place during the Holocaust. For this reason, we take a stand, advocate and speak out for these fundamental values", Benlolo added.
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NETANYAHU PAINTS OPTIMISTIC PICTURE FOR MIDDLE EAST:
This morning, AGPI congratulated Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an optimistic address to the UN General Assembly about the future of the Middle East. He said, "I believe we are on the cusp of an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia. It will enhance peace with the Palestinians...it will enhance reconciliation between Jerusalem and Mecca. All these are tremendous blessings".
TORONTO AND NEW YORK PRESENTED WITH RARE OPPORTUNITY:
The founder of the first Holocaust museum in the Gulf, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori is slated to speak with AGPI in Toronto at Holy Blossom on October 2nd at Holy Blossom Temple and on October 3rd in New York at the Lincoln Square Synagogue. To learn more about this incredible event and register, click HERE.
MBS: NORMALIZATION GETS CLOSER EACH DAY:
In a Fox News interview with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the Kingdom said normalized relations between both countries "get closer" every day. Normalization with Israel is part of an overall agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States, but the Saudis demand progress toward the creation of a Palestinian State. Read AGPI's front-page analysis on the peace deal.
ANTISEMITIC PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT SHAMELESSLY HAS HARSH WORDS FOR ISRAEL:
Palestinian Authority President Abbas shamefully told the world gathering at the UN that no peace is possible without human rights. This is coming from a man who just last week gave an Antisemitic and Holocaust denying speech to his central ruling council. AGPI exposed his hateful incitement in a front-page article, which can be found HERE. In a follow up statement, Israel's Ambassador Gilad Erdan said: “Let me be clear – terror is terror… President Abbas proved today that he is no partner for peace and that he is totally detached from reality and irrelevant”.
ERDOGAN FOCUSES ON IMPROVING RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL AND THE U.S.
Turkey-Israeli relations severed following the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010 where Turkey allowed a boatload of terrorists to try and break Israel's military blockade with Gaza. It also came to light that Erdogan harbours and supports Hamas. But on the sidelines of the UN this week, both nations took an important step in an attempt to thaw relations.
ZELENSKYY-NETANYAHU MEETING CORDIAL:
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Israel is helping Ukraine with humanitarian needs, although its relationship with Russia remains critically important.
NETANYAHU TELLS UN CHIEF TO CHANGE ATTITUDE OF UN:
In a brief meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Netanyahu followed up on the UN's continued bias and bashing of Israel by telling him to “change the attitude of the organization’s institutions toward the State of Israel".
AGPI GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATES:
AGPI CALLS FOR END OF SUPPORT FOR TERRORISM:
To bring awareness to the issue of Palestinian terrorism, AGPI drew on the lessons of 9/11 in a newly released report calling on Canada, the United States and Europe to address the ongoing problem of foreign aid financing Palestinian terrorism. Writing in today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo and Henry Kopel drew on AGPI’s report to bring attention to the fact that the international community (including our own country) signed international protocols against financing terrorism. On Sept. 28, 2001, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1373, requiring all UN member states to: “Prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts; Criminalize the wilful provision or collection, by any means, directly or indirectly, of funds …” Read article HERE.
AGPI EXPRESSED SHOCK, DISMAY OVER BANNING OF ANNE FRANK'S DIARY:
The banning of books reminds one of the Nazis' burning of Jewish books, the precursor of the burning of bodies, and the erasing of a people and their ideas. This week, in Ontario, we learned that among the books removed from library shelves at the Peel District School Board was Anne Frank's Diary. Since its publication, the diary has been translated into every language and used for generations of students to educate about the Holocaust and Antisemitism. It is one of the most highly regarded works in school curriculum. The province's Minister of Education has since instructed the board to reverse its decision.
AGPI EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON EARTHQUAKE IN MOROCCO:
Immediately following the horrendous earthquake in Morocco last weekend, AGPI sent the following note to Morocco's Ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani: "We are saddened by the devastating earthquake in Morocco. We are sending our deepest condolences to the People of Morocco who lost their loved ones and we are wishing a fast recovery to the injured. AGPI stands in solidarity and support".
AGPI GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATES:
U.S. HANDS IRAN $6 BILLION IN EXCHANGE FOR HOSTAGES:
Despite the fact Iran is a designated state sponsor of terrorism and is on the cusp of a nuclear breakout, the Biden administration is handing over $6 billion in exchange for the release of 5 U.S. citizens. This week, the Department of State said the money would be used for "Humanitarian purposes" only. However, Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi declared Iran would use the funds as it sees fit (like building a runway in Lebanon next to Israel's border).
AGPI RELEASES TEASER OF ITS UPCOMING FILM:
From Alfred Dreyfus and Theodore Herzl to the Vichy Regime's deportation of France's Jewish community to the gas chambers during the Holocaust, to violent Antisemitism and terrorism, AGPI's new documentary now under production covers the checkered story of the Jewish community in France. Stay tuned for the most incredible new documentary by AGPI coming this spring. WATCH
PALESTINIAN ACADEMICS DENOUNCE PA PRESIDENT'S ANTISEMITIC REMARKS:
Last week in the media, AGPI exposed the Antisemitic and Holocaust denying remarks recently made by PA President Mahmoud Abbas. This week, Palestinian academics and politicians also denounced his remarks saying, "we adamantly reject any attempt to diminish, misrepresent, or justify antisemitism, Nazi crimes against humanity or historical revisionism vis-a-vis the Holocaust".
PRESS RELEASE
ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY, AGPI SAYS TERRORISM
A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER,
CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF FOREIGN AID TO PALESTINIANS
11 September 2023: On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is releasing a comprehensive report warning about foreign aid financing of Palestinian terrorism.
Days following the 9/11 attacks, along with the international community, Canada and the U.S. signed international protocols against terror financing. AGPI says domestic laws and international agreements have not been adhered to, in regard to Palestinian terrorism.
In light of rising Palestinian terrorism and Antisemitism, AGPI is calling on Canada and America to immediately suspend funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) through the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA).
The report’s contributors include UCLA Chancellor Professor Judea Pearl, President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation and Stuart Force, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot who campaigned for the passage of the Taylor Force Act. Both men lost their sons to terrorism.
The report was prepared by AGPI Advisory Board Member, Henry Kopel, a retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor and the author of War on Hate: How to Stop Genocide, Fight Terrorism, and Defend Freedom.
Statement by AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo: “The release of our report on 9/11 means that terrorism is still a clear and present danger. It also points to western aid supporting Palestinian terror, calling for Canada, America and European nations to stop funding murder”.
In great detail, the Report documents the following several sets of facts:
1. Palestinian terror attacks across Israel are surging this year, already totalling over 3,600 attacks through June 2023, including 29 Israelis killed by terrorists.
2. Both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) operate donor-supported school systems and summer camps that relentlessly indoctrinate Palestinian children in hatred of Israelis and Jews. The schools falsely teach that Israelis are the equivalent of Nazis perpetrating a Holocaust of Palestinians, and they glorify suicide bombers as the topmost heroes of Palestinian society. The PA’s state-run newspapers and television stations convey the same messages across Palestinian society.
3. After each successful terrorist murder of one or more Israelis, Palestinian communities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip erupt in public celebrations, to include dancing in the streets, lighting fireworks, firing weapons, and handing out candy to children. These murder celebrations have been recorded on several occasions, including after this year’s several terror-murders.
4. The PA also maintains an extensive government-run system of life pensions paid both to terrorists who successfully murder Israelis, and to the families of terrorists who died while successfully murdering Israelis. The pensions increase for each additional Israeli murdered, and often greatly exceed the salary received by many Palestinian civilian employees such as teachers. In recent years the annual total of these terrorist pension payments has exceeded $300 million dollars.
5. American taxpayer-financed aid to the PA and UNRWA reaches or somewhat exceeds half a billion dollars per year. Hence the above-noted PA terrorist pension payments are the equivalent of close to half of all U.S. annual aid to the PA and UNRWA.
6. Canadian taxpayer-financed aid to UNRWA has recently been renewed at $103 million over three years. Canada’s funnelling of aid to the Palestinians through UNRWA appears to circumvent the Anti-terrorism ACT (ATA) created following the September 11th The ACT was meant to strengthen “Canada’s ability to meet its international obligations” to address terrorism.
7. Canada and America’s response to 9/11 followed the September 28th, 2001 UN Security Council Resolution 1373, requiring UN member states to “prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts; criminalize the willful provision or collection of funds to be used to finance terrorist acts; suppress the recruitment of terrorist groups…”.
8. As long as the PA and UNRWA maintain their extensive infrastructure of terrorism incitement and promotion, and the PA maintains their bureaucracy of terror reward payments, American and Canadian aid to the PA and UNRWA is in direct violation of UN Resolution 1373, the Canadian Ati-Terrorism ACT and the Taylor Force Act. The aid also violates several international agreements entered into by the PA to end their incitement of terrorism and hostile anti-Israel propaganda, including the Cairo Agreement of May 1994 and the Oslo II agreement of September 1995.
For all of these reasons, and with the public endorsements of both Judea Pearl, President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation, Stuart Force, father of Taylor Force, and former Canadian Senator, the Hon. Jerry Grafstein Q.C., AGPI is calling on Canada and America to forthwith STOP the aid flow to the PA and UNRWA, unless and until the Palestinian Authority conclusively ends its incitement of, glorification of, and financial rewards for acts of terror.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism, combat Holocaust denial, advance the Abraham Accords, defend Israel, Canada and its allies and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
Media Contact: media@agpi.ca or 416-646-2196
The full report is available online
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI ON FRONT PAGE: 'WHY DO WE FUND ANTISEMITISM?"
In Canada, we proudly espouse values of pluralism, co-existence and anti-discrimination. Why, then, does our government continue to funnel money to a serial racist’s dictatorship to the tune of $30 million a year? I am, of course, referring to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Recently, Abbas openly and unabashedly said that Adolf Hitler “fought the Jews because they were dealing with usury and money.” For centuries, these words have been spoken by rabid antisemites bent on inciting violence and promoting hate. These lies were delivered in a speech he gave to Fatah’s Revolutionary Council on Aug. 24, according to a translated video published by the Middle East Media Research Institute and exposed on Twitter by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. Read full article HERE.
AGPI GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATES:
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER?
In Germany, a 98-year-old former guard at a Nazi camp has been charged for his role in the Holocaust. He is accused of having “supported the cruel and malicious killing” of more than 3,300 people while working at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp from July 1943 until February 1945. In the last number of years, Germany has charged and convicted many elderly guards and even an accountant who had worked in the camps. But we repeatedly ask Germany, why have you waited this long? Given the accused age, it's unlikely they will serve time in prison. In fact, most have died before their sentence has been carried out. Late convictions of former Nazis is a slap in the face to the memory of the Six Million.
AGPI WELCOMES ISRAEL'S NEW AMBASSADOR TO CANADA:
This week, AGPI welcomed Iddo Moed, Israel's new Ambassador-Designate to Canada. This is Moed's 7th mission abroad. His expertise is in innovation and cyber. We wish him tremendous success in strengthening Israel's partnership with Canada and in advancing mutual values of peace and security.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGPI CALLS FOR BAN OF NAZI MEMORABILIA
Toronto, Ontario – In the wake of reports that a retailer in the St. Jacobs Antiques Market was selling a Nazi tunic, Dr Neil Orlowsky, Director of Education with the Abraham Global Peace Initiative issued a formal letter calling for a Municipal By-Laws Prohibiting Nazi Memorabilia Sales in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, Ontario.
In the letter addressed to the three Mayors and their municipal councils, Dr Orlowsky highlighted the recent international controversy and the hope that, while the sale of Nazi memorabilia is legal in Ontario that these three municipalities stand to be provincial leaders in changing that. Nazi memorabilia continues to surface in our province and Dr Orlowsky expressed the urgent need to address this issue and invited the municipal councils to meet with him to discuss the creation of a by-law that would ban the sale of Nazi-related materials.
According to Dr Orlowsky, “Similar legislation has recently been enacted in Sydney and Victoria, Australia, and it is time that Ontarians take decisive action against the rise of far-right extremism and antisemitism. The proposed by-law would comprehensively prohibit the sale and public display, including online, of Nazi symbols or SS-related items, except when appropriately curated for educational purposes, such as in museum settings.”
Recognizing the importance of religious symbols like the swastika within the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities, Dr Orlowsky assured that “the by-law would not infringe upon these symbols' use.” He highlighted that “the objective is not to be anti-German, given the area's rich German influence, but to stand firmly against Nazi ideology and hate.”
Dr Orlowsky concluded his appeal by emphasizing the need to act promptly, stating, "This may not be the end of what we do to criminalize hate speech and hateful conduct in our country, but as elected officials, we need to make it clear that there's no place in our communities, our provinces, and our country for Nazi symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust, let alone any symbols of hate."
Learn about the advocacy work of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative here: www.agpiworld.com
AGPI WELCOMES FINLAND'S MOVE TO OUTLAW HOLOCAUST DENIAL:
Following a minister's joke about Nazis, the government of Finland has moved on a policy to combat racism and Holocaust denial. This is as a result of several racist and neo-Nazi incidents that reportedly have rocked the administration.
AGPI GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATES:
IRANIAN REGIME DEMONSTRATES UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOUR:
Boycott the boycotters. After Iran banned Mostafa Rajaee, left, from sports for life after the weightlifter greeted his Israeli counterpart Maksim Svirsky, right, on a podium, AGPI is encouraging the World Weightlifting Federation to boycott future Iranian participation.
AGPI CONDEMNS MURDER OF IDF SOLDIER:
Once again, this week we woke up to the news of a soldier killed and six injured in a Palestinian truck-ramming terror attack near Modiin. In another attack, an Israeli was moderately wounded in a Jerusalem stabbing. The Palestinian attacker shot. Meanwhile the West continues to funnel money to the PA to incentivize Palestinians to commit terror attacks. AGPI will be releasing a report on terrorism in the coming days.
AGPI FEATURED IN CPA MAGAZINE:
Canadian Police Association (CPA) President Tom Stamatakis invited AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo to speak about the Holocaust and Antisemitism at the organization's Biennial General Meeting in Fredericton, New Brunswick. AGPI regularly provides educational programs to law enforcement through its Police Academy. The CPA is one of AGPI's partnering organizations.
DEFENDERS OF ISRAEL DINNER:
Dinner Event: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Michelle Glied-Goldstein and Allan Goldstein, Co-Chairs cordially invite you to join us on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 for an exclusive dinner at Donalda Golf and Country Club (Toronto) for our first annual event, "Israel's Defenders Dinner". Our feature speaker is Colonel (ret) Richard Kemp. Colonel Kemp is one of Israel's most ardent supporters and an outspoken defender. He has spent most his life fighting terrorism and insurgency, commanding British troops on the front line of some of the world’s toughest hotspots, including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans and Northern Ireland. He was sent to Kabul in 2003 to take command of British Forces in Afghanistan.
SAVING FREUD EXCLUSIVE: September 22nd at 12 noon - A Lunch and Learn Series on Zoom with the Author - Andrew Nagorski
In March 1938, German soldiers crossed the border into Austria and Hitler absorbed the country into the Third Reich. Anticipating these events, many Jews had fled Austria, but the most famous Austrian Jew remained in Vienna, where he had lived since early childhood. Sigmund Freud was eighty-one years old, ill with cancer, and still unconvinced that his life was in danger.
But several prominent people close to Freud thought otherwise, and they began a coordinated effort to persuade Freud to leave his beloved Vienna and emigrate to England. The group included a Welsh physician, Napoleon’s great-grandniece, an American ambassador, Freud’s devoted youngest daughter Anna, and his personal doctor. REGISTER
AGPI'S DIALOGUE OF CIVILIZATION SET TO PROMOTE PEACE, ABRAHAM ACCORDS IN COMMUNITIES:
Gandhi is often quoted as saying, "be the change you want to see in others". With this in mind, together with the Dubai based Crossroads museum of civilizations, AGPI has already partnered with Holy Blossom Synagogue in Toronto; with the Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City and with the central Jewish organization in Baltimore, among others. Our speaking tour is meant to re-ignite the flame of peace in the Middle East.
AGPI RELEASES PODCAST ON GOLDA MEIR:
No one doubts that Golda Meir was well intentioned and bore the burden between politics, Israel’s dependence on America and the weight of sending Israel’s sons and daughters to the front lines. She said, “A leader who doesn't hesitate before he sends his nation into battle is not fit to be a leader”.
On the matter of blame, Meir quite rightly said: “There can be no doubt that the average man blames much more than he praises. His instinct is to blame. If he is satisfied he says nothing; if he is not, he most illogically kicks up a row”.
In the end, Golda Meir and her government won the Yom Kippur War. Some 2,800 Israelis were killed in action and over 8,000 were wounded. The lessons of that war are still felt in Israel today. The Yom Kippur War was a lesson in humility and in absolute vigilance. The future of Israel depends on it.
ISRAEL WELCOMES NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS:
Mayor Eric Adams was warmly received in Israel this week by President Herzog and leading officials. Adams was in Israel to demonstrate his support and to explore technologies, collaborations and shared ventures between NYC and Israel.
ANTISEMITIC GROUP HARASSES JEWISH COMMUNITIES:
Its a "lone-wolf" strategy affecting many Jewish communities in North America. The so-called "Goyim Defense League" inspires Antisemites to reprint its materials and target Jews by distributing it. This time, a Fairfax County, VA teenager has been arrested after plastering local neighborhoods with this antisemitic flyer. Recently, similar flyers appeared in Ontario as well, as AGPI views this trend as signalling a growing movement that is motivating hate.
FRENCH RAPPER WITHDRAWN FROM NURMUR FESTIVAL OVER ANTISEMITIC TWEET:
Although he apologized for alleged Antisemitic comments, the Les Solidarites festival in Namur pulled a popular French rapper who goes by the name of Medine. His ouster is part of a larger French controversy over alleged remarks he made about a Jewish celebrity. As it happens, AGPI is shooting its next documentary about Antisemitism in France.
AGPI GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE HEADLINES:
August 18, 2023
90th ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIE PITS RIOT SHOWS WE CAN STAND UP TO EVIL:
In today's National Post, we write about how Jewish and Italian communities acted before Nazis were able to take hold of Toronto.
There were very few acts of defiance against the rising tide of Nazism early on, as Hitler rose to power. The ideology itself was not confined to Germany, it began spreading around the world like a virus. Hitler harnessed pre-existing, often religious based, antisemitism to spread his ideology of white power. Toronto was not impervious to the Nazi ideology. Antisemitism was already a common thread in the fabric of the white-anglo-saxon-protestant society at the time. Most social clubs barred Jews from membership. Certain neighbourhoods and even areas in cottage country barred Jews from buying property and restrictive quotas against them existed in academia and the professions. Read Article.
SAUDIS APPOINT FIRST ENVOY TO PALESTINIANS:
In the midst of negotiations with the U.S. over possible normalization with Israel, this week the Saudis announced the appointment of an envoy to the Palestinian Authority. But normalization with Israel is part of a bigger chess game involving U.S. concern about Chinese and Russian encroachment. Read our analysis HERE.
Two California synagogues were recently evacuated due to bomb threats, while at least 26 synagogues in 12 states have received similar threats. This follows the conviction of the white supremacist who murdered 11 Jewish worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
WHEN TERRORISM PAYS:
Whatever happened to the adage, "we don't negotiate with terrorists"? The U.S. is handing Iran $6 billion in exchange for five hostages. In the New York Times, Bret Stephen writes, "Iran's leaders have learned that an excellent way to erode American sanctions is to take more American hostages". Is also an excellent way for Iran to continue funding its international terrorist activities, particularly its support for Palestinian terror groups like Hezbollah, Hamas.
PARAGUAY'S NEW PRESIDENT MOVING EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM:
Momentum is building as more countries begin announcing their intent to move their embassies to Jerusalem, from Tel Aviv. This week, on his inauguration, Paraguay's new president, Santiago Pena said he is moving Paraguay's embassy back to Jerusalem. In response, Israel announced it will re-open its embassy in Paraguay.
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August 11, 2023
AGPI ON TODAY'S FRONT PAGE: WHY SAUDI-ISRAEL DEAL IS REALLY ABOUT CHINA
It’s now obvious that America’s negotiations with Saudi Arabia have nothing to do with Israel and the Palestinians, and everything to do with U.S. national security. The White House is rightfully concerned about China’s encroachment in the region, which includes a plan to build a military base in the United Arab Emirates, and is looking to shore up a longstanding ally that is increasingly making inroads with Beijing. The Saudis, for their part, are smartly leveraging the United States to further their own national interests, demanding security guarantees and assistance developing a nuclear power program.
Read the full article HERE.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHEN AMIR'S MURDER?
Who is responsible for the murder of 42 year old Chen Amir? He was a husband and a father to three young girls. He was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist, incentivized by the Palestinian Authority's "pay for slay" program. Canada recently renewed its allocation with a $103 million grant to UNRWA, while the U.S. grants nearly $300 million. Given the corruption in the PA and Gaza, these funds are flowing into the hands of terrorists who are murdering Jews. The West has blood on its hands...but keeps supporting terrorism by proxy. Read our reports and research on this issue at AGPI University.
GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE HIGHLIGHTS BY AGPI UNIVERSITY:
GET INFORMED @ AGPI UNIVERSITY: HERE.
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PRESS RELEASE JULY 30, 2023
Community leaders say they feel that government and public sentiment is now on their side
The murders of Jews at a school in Toulouse in 2012, at the Hypercacher market in 2015 and, most recently, of Sarah Halimi and Mireille Knoll, motivated many Jews to leave. But in the last number of years, community leaders say they feel that government and public sentiment is on their side. After the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan terror attacks, public sympathy for the Jewish community has grown, according to people AGPI spoke with.
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PRESS RELEASE JULY 28, 2023
France is unique. For all intents and purposes, it is the birthplace of Zionism and these echoes remain. Theodore Herzl's dream of a Jewish homeland was driven by his front row seat at the infamous Dreyfus Affair.
Alfred Dreyfus was a captain in the French military and having been falsely accused of treason, in 1895 he was humiliated and degraded in public to chants of "Death to the Jews".
Through incredibly insightful interviews with prosecutors, community leaders and investigators, our upcoming documentary will open a window into contemporary Jewish life in France. "Ground Zero" will shatter western myths about France.
It will bring to the fore contemporary issues concerning Antisemitism and Holocaust denial. It will help build resilience and empower communities to take action.
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PRESS RELEASE JULY 23, 2023
Following The Abraham Global Peace Initiatives (AGPI) meetings in Israel, the organization is expressing extreme concern over mass rallies underway and the government's reluctance to pause the judicial reforms.
The organization issued a statement today supporting Ex-Mossad Chief, Yossi Cohen, in his belief that even if the judicial reform was “right and justified,” it is being done in a way that “endangers the national security resilience of the State of Israel in the immediate timeframe.”
On Friday, AGPI issued a statement imploring Prime Minister Netanyahu to "gear-down the judicial reforms".
"We support the State of Israel unconditionally" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. "However, we are extremely concerned for its safety and security, given the public turmoil and this government's disregard of the protests now underway".
Without question, Israel's democracy including freedom to protest is underway. It is a beacon of freedom in the Middle East. AGPI will continue to support these values which must be safeguarded.
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PRESS RELEASE
07/19/23 – The Abraham Global Peace
Initiative lauded Israel’s President Herzog
For his speech to Congress today.
Responding to criticism, Herzog said: “Criticism of Israel must not cross the line of Israel’s right to exist…it is Antisemitism”.
Herzog spoke passionately about Israel’s democratic founding principles based in equality, freedom, human rights and an independent judiciary.
Herzog reminded Congress that the world cannot remain indifferent about Iran.
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PRESS RELEASE
Tel Aviv: 07/18/23 – The Abraham
Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is in
Israel today, monitoring protests over the government’s Judicial reforms.
The protests were mainly peaceful, reflecting the democratic nature of
the Jewish state.
In a front-page article in the National Post (July 14, 2023), AGPI reflected on the mostly respectful nature of the protests.
To learn more about the democratic nature of the protests, please visit our website at www.agpiworld.com
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PRESS RELEASE
July 10, 2023: Israel is simply in a heated debate about its future. It's perfectly normal in any democracy
In today's National Post, we wrote: "If you think this week’s mass rallies in Tel Aviv against the government’s judicial reform is the end of the Jewish state, you have clearly forgotten the dire straits Israel was in during the Yom Kippur War...
Certainly, this doesn’t even resemble the end of time felt on the eve of the Yom Kippur war. No one is digging graves. No one is going to war. No one is dying in the mass protests...
Optimism breeds optimism and the reverse is true for pessimism. It’s our duty to tell the remarkable and epic story about the State of Israel, especially to our youth..."
Read the full article HERE.
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PRESS RELEASE
TEL AVIV - July 10, 2023: As Israel braces for more demonstrations, The Abraham Global Peace (AGPI) Initiative brought renewed hope and optimism to the country at an exclusive screening of its documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders.
The screening was hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv today by H.E. Ms. Lisa Stadelbauer, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Israel. Attending was the British Commonwealth Association, who were feted with an official reception, the screening and a Q&A with the documentary's producer and AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
During the Q&A session, it was clear that the film struck a particular cord with the audience. Many were burdened by the current political climate in Israel. The film, they said, gave them hope and optimism for a better tomorrow and a renewed inclination to fight for the very survival of the state.
"We created this film to counter Israel's detractors and to provide Jewish youth especially with the tools to dismantle antisemitic canards. We only have one Israel and one refuge for the Jewish people. Despite the political challenges we are now seeing, we must continue to have hope and optimism to come out stronger than ever. If not us then who?" Benlolo said during his remarks.
AGPI is providing the film free of charge to communities around the world. The organization produces films, publishes articles and reports and develops social media content to combat and counter Antisemitism, Anti-Israel bias and Holocaust denial.
The film is available for free on its website at https://agpiworld.com/film
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Press Release
Toronto - 30 June 2023:
Canada announced this week that it would be funnelling $100 million to the Palestinians through UNRWA. By doing this, Canada is enabling the Palestinian Authority to continue its pay-for-slay program by subsidizing other costs involving social assistance.
"We are the only Made-in-Canada human rights organization which is boldly and unequivocally holding our nation to account on this important matter. The Jewish community is furious" said Avi Abraham Benlolo, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO.
Just last week, 4 Jewish men were murdered by a Palestinian terrorist at a gas station in the West Bank. In April, a mother and her two daughters (the Dee family) were murdered in a hail of bullets.
As a reward, our government has increased aid to the Palestinians from $90 million to $100 million and added another $3 million in immediate emergency relief. Its hard to imagine any other situation where as tax-payers, we are funding a proxy war against the Jewish State.
Our community's voice will fall on deaf ears in Ottawa. But we will not stop informing Canadians because we believe terrorism is wrong. We believe peace between Palestinians and Israel will be achieved with accountability. And we believe that human rights should also include the right of Jewish people to live securely in their homeland.
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Press Release
Toronto - 29 June 2023:
We are proud to inform you about a new innovative mobile exhibit we are launching this September at Queens Park (Ontario's Parliament): "Not in My Name" is an innovative exhibit that links the Antisemitism of the past with the rising tide of Antisemitism of today.
We are writing to ask for your support in helping us tour the exhibit in schools, police headquarters, and community centers - as we fight back against Antisemitism.
The exhibit tells the tragic story of the MS St. Louis - the ship that was turned away by Canada, America and Cuba because it was carrying Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.
Inspired by the ground-breaking work of Professors Irving Abella and Harold Troper who wrote the book, "None is Too Many", the tragic story of the MS St. Louis is an ideal educational platform will lead to increased sensitivity about Antisemitism.
The exhibit addresses historic Antisemitism and its contemporary resurgence; it informs and educates about the Holocaust through the lens of the Jewish refugees; it addresses Canada's historic apology and it brings to the fore a shameful moment that captures issues of complicity, silence and hatred concerning Canada's immigration policies of the time.
For the first time, we are thrilled to share with you the new web page we launched this week that highlights the seven panels exhibited. You can find it HERE.
We hope you can see the importance and the value of this groundbreaking opportunity to educate thousands of students and adults about Antisemitism in an innovative way. We need your support to reach as many people as possible with this important message.
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Press Release
Toronto - 27 June 2023: Despite the fact that numerous Israeli citizens have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists in cold-blood over the last number of months, the Canadian Government has announced a renewed allocation of $100 million over four years to the Palestinians through the problematic United National Relief Works Agency (UNRWA).
Given the volume of terror incidents against innocent Israelis, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) had called for a moratorium over any further funnelling of funds to the Palestinian Authority and Gaza through UNRWA, until such time as the infamous pay-for-slay program run by the Palestinian Authority is cancelled. The program incentivizes Palestinians to carry out terror attacks against Israelis.
In its press release, the Government of Canada said: "The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced Canada’s continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)...This assistance includes up to $100 million over 4 years" and an additional $3 million to the "emergency Appeal for the West Bank and Gaza."
On February 3rd, following the murder of 7 Israelis at a Jerusalem Synagogue by a Palestinian terrorist, we published a front-page article questioning if Canada has blood on its hands for funnelling money to the Palestinians through UNRWA.
Following the murder of the Yaniv brothers (ages 21 and 19) and then of Elan Ganeles (27) in March we published another article expressing our disappointment at the West for subsidizing terrorism. In our view, by funding social welfare areas, the West is freeing up the Palestinian Authority's and Hamas' resources to finance terrorism.
In that article, we asked: "Where does the Palestinian Authority (PA) get the money to finance its pay-for-slay program? Think about it. With a per capita GDP of roughly US$3,500 and an average unemployment rate of 25 per cent, the PA simply could not afford to pay for the salaries of terrorists without international assistance. The funds the PA is receiving from the West alleviate stress on the PA to pay for schools, hospitals and social programs, so it can instead support the “resistance.”
Our articles coincide with an extensive and thorough report we published on March 2nd, 2023 calling Western donors including Canada and the U.S. to stop funding Palestinian mass murder by funnelling money to UNRWA and associated organizations. The report was authored by Henry Kopel, a former U.S. Federal Prosecutor whose expertise is in terrorism. Our full report can be found HERE.
Over the years (and in its press release) Canada has said it: "will remain closely engaged with UNRWA and continue to exercises enhanced due diligence for all humanitarian and development assistance funding for Palestinians. This work includes ongoing oversight, regular site visits, a systematic screening process and strong anti-terrorism provisions in funding agreements".
Unfortunately, this hasn't worked. This sentiment has not stopped Palestinian terrorism, nor can it bring back Lucy, Maya and Rina Dee who were murdered in cold-blood in April by Palestinian terrorists.
As a staunch ally and supporter of Israel, Canada is unfortunately undermining its peace and security by continuing to fund the Palestinians while terrorism is being incentivized by the Palestinian Authority and rockets continue being produced by terrorists in Gaza. AGPI continues to call on the Canadian Government to pause funding until such time as the pay-for-slay program is terminated.
AGPI is calling on its Canadian network to contact their members of parliament and express their disappointment in this allocation. AGPI has provided dozens of articles and reports on its website to inform the public about concerns and security issues affecting Israel and western democracies. They are available for free on our website at www.agpiworld.com including our latest feature documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders.
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Toronto - June 23, 2023:
UN SECURITY COUNCIL PASSES ANTISEMITISM RESOLUTION:
It doesn't happen often, but this week, we welcomed a UN Security Council resolution that recognized Antisemitism and its link between human rights abuses and Antisemitism which can lead to genocide. This is a small step forward. Next we want to see the UN adopt the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism.
AGPI WELCOMES MORE CANADIAN SANCTIONS ON IRAN :
This week, Canada imposed further sanctions on 7 Iranian judges for their role in gross and systematic human rights violations in Iran’s criminal justice system, notably Iran’s Revolutionary Courts. As an institution closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Courts are notorious for issuing death sentences and harsh prison terms following sham trials and based on evidence gathered under torture.
AGPI WELCOMES BRITISH BILL AGAINST BDS:
A real breakthrough in the UK against Antisemitism. The Conservative led government introduced a bill in Parliament intended to crack down on local government bodies attempting to join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Introduced by UK's Secretary of State, Michael Gove, the bill would prevent local councils, universities and other public institutions from making procurement and investment decisions that are “influenced by political or moral disapproval of foreign state conduct,” including disapproval of Israel.
CASE STUDY: FBI ARRESTS NEO NAZI TICKING BOMB:
This is how good police work should work. The FBI this week prevented a major attack against Shaarey Zedek Congregation in East Lansing, Michigan. A 19 year-old Neo-Nazi who wanted to imitate the Christchurch attack was found to have weapons, tactical gear, a Nazi flag, and a detailed plan of an attack on Shaarey Zedek. He had broadcasted his intention on social media. Lesson learned for law enforcement is to act on all social media posts that project violence or harm.
Toronto - June 23, 2023: In today's National Post, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative presented a rebuttal to Amnesty's scathing attack on Israel - saying it practices apartheid and is committing crimes against humanity.
Amnesty's false accusation came on the same day 4 Israelis were murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
"Amnesty’s sour objection to the existence of the State of Israel appears to say that a flourishing democracy is a crime against humanity if it’s a majority Jewish state. Everywhere else in the world, there is no objection to ethnic and religious nationalities comprising a majority in a nation state. It’s only Israel that seems to be a problem for Amnesty.
This obvious double standard is nothing less than antisemitism, if the IHRA working definition is applied. One of the examples of antisemitism given by the IHRA is the application of “double standards by requiring of it (Israel) a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” More significantly, the IHRA definition makes it explicitly clear that “by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour” that this is a denial of the Jewish people’s “right to self-determination.”
by disparaging Israel and saying it is committing a “crime against humanity,” why is Amnesty inviting this level of hatred against the Jewish State? The truth of the matter is that Apartheid is being practiced by both the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and by Hamas in Gaza. While over 2 million Arabs live anywhere they want in Israel, Jews are absolutely restricted and not permitted to reside in Palestinian cities and towns. Not to mention the repression that takes place against women, the LGBTQ community and Christians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Read the full article HERE
Toronto - June 22, 2023: The Times of Israel published a major front-page article about The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's counter exhibit to the Pink Floyd exhibit in Toronto:
"While organizers of “The Pink Floyd Exhibition” refused to scrap it, the CNE agreed to AGPI’s request to display its “Power of One” presentation as a counter-voice on its site.
Featured at the United Nations and Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum of Human Rights, “Power of One” aims to educate and empower participants to make a positive mark on the world by highlighting inspiring heroes including Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, Anne Frank and cancer research activist Terry Fox, among others, who modeled kindness, inclusion and compassion that impacted generations.
“These are people who rather than sow hate against another group, had worked and dreamed about an inclusive society, utilizing their strength and influence in a positive way,” said Benlolo. “The exhibit reflects visitors and their values, and features people from all walks of life. The idea is for people to find their role model.”
Each week, hundreds of schools and police departments across Canada view the exhibit and take part in AGPI’s “tolerance training” workshops that encourage participants to speak out against injustice.
Police cadets in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pose in front of the ‘Power of One’ exhibit in an undated photo.
“Our educational program is unique in that it focuses on the idea of speaking out and not being a bystander,” said Benlolo. “We learned from the Holocaust that simply being silent was not enough… many people were complicit in the Nazis’ crimes in so many ways. We talk about this quite extensively at our organization to bring awareness about the complicity of those who are silent today, even while antisemitism and anti-Israel defamation has increased spectacularly.” said AGPI’s director of education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, leads the workshops.
Read the article HERE
Toronto - June 20, 2023: In what many are pegging as the most innovative new Canadian based global organization, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's leadership met yesterday at Donalda Golf and Country Club to approve its 2023-24 budget and to celebrate its accomplishments at its spring social and leadership retreat.
In a statement, the organization's President, Mark Teitelbaum said: "I am extraordinarily proud of our board of directors and its subcommittees for achieving an unparalleled level of professional excellence and due diligence, as we continue to expand the vision of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI)".
The organization's leadership heard about the successes of the organization in recent months including its meeting with Pope Francis; its education program to Auschwitz and Israel with top police leaders; its documentary film which has been featured widely around the world and most recently, the incredible success of its annual fundraising dinner, The Crystal Ball Benefit.
"Given the rising tide of Antisemitism and Anti-Israel rhetoric particularly online, our leaders heard about our incredible social media advocacy that is having a massive impact. For example, our response to Ryan Air resulted in over 3 million impressions on Twitter and an apology from its CEO" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
The board learned that on many occasions, the organization garners a new subscriber on its website (www.agpiworld.com) every five minutes - especially during heated global and local issues, like its response to the Pink Floyd exhibit in Toronto. The organization is running a counter exhibit right across the street from the Pink Floyd exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition.
The uniqueness of AGPI, unlike any other organization, is its diverse and inclusive board membership, many of whom are significant professional leaders and influencers. At the retreat, the organization was proud to have an update on hate crime from Halton's Chief of Police Steven Tanner, who is also a founding director of the organization.
Similarly, one of the nation's most important Muslim leaders, Raheel Raza gave remarks about the importance of confronting Antisemitism and bigotry. Mrs. Raza also serves on AGPI's Canadian Board of Advisors and has been a strong ally of the organization since its inception.
June 12, 2023: Following public outrage about the "Pink Floyd" exhibition in Toronto set to open later this week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) set up a counter exhibition across the street to educate the public about the Holocaust and to provide a counter narrative of peaceful non-conflictual methods to promote social change.
AGPI is inviting the public to its Power of One exhibit held on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) at Withrow Common - directly across from the Pink Floyd exhibition.
Following Roger Waters' appalling performance in Berlin where he was criticized for wearing a Nazi-like costume while flying a balloon in the shape of a pig overhead emblazoned with the Star of David (an affront especially to religious Jewish people), AGPI commenced an intensive campaign demanding organizers withdraw an exhibit about Pink Floyd because it also featured Roger Waters.
"After launching an international petition and issuing an open letter, we spoke directly to the organizers at the highest levels, saying that while we understand that Pink Floyd (the band) is no longer associated with Roger Waters, the exhibit unfortunately would give him further credence" said, Avi Abraham Benlolo, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO.
When the organizers refused to withdraw the exhibit, the CNE agreed to set up AGPI's Power of One exhibit directly across the street as a counter-voice to the hostile and conflictual narrative espoused by Roger Waters.
The Power of One has been hosted at the United Nations, at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and hundreds of schools and police departments across the country in an effort to empower, inspire and educate people to make the world a better place.
The Power of One profiles people like Anne Frank, Max Eisen (Holocaust Survivor), Irena Sendler (a Polish non-Jewish woman who helped children in the Warsaw Ghetto), Chiune Sugihara (a Japanese diplomat who issued Visas to Jews fleeing the Holocaust and many others (Martin Luther King Jr., Malala, Gandhi, etc).
"These are people who rather than sow hate against another group, had worked and dreamt about an inclusive society, utilizing their strength and influence in a positive way," Benlolo added.
AGPI's Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky who has been conducting tolerance training workshops alongside the Power of One exhibit said the following: "We are honoured to be hosting The Power of One across the street (from the Pink Floyd exhibit) to bring attention to the fact that humanitarianism is inclusive. That safe and inclusive spaces should be meant for everyone and that we can use music to heal and not divide."
To read our article about Roger Waters that was published in the National Post, please click HERE. To add your name to our global petition, please click HERE.
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June 9, 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) issued a letter commending Australia for moving to ban Nazi symbols.. The letter reads in part:
On behalf of our national and global constituency, we applaud your government for announcing it plans to introduce laws to parliament next week on the banning of public displays and sales of Nazi hate symbols.
Australia has been at the forefront in the fight against Antisemitism. Sadly, Australia has not been immune from the rising tide of Nazi ideology. Implementation of this law will help curb the rise in far-right activities.
In March, a group of Neo-Nazis shocked the world when they were seen raising their arms in the Nazi salute near your parliament building.
Among activities that The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is mostly concerned about is the growing online sale of Nazi items. This must be addressed internally by governments and online, particularly by penalizing sellers.
We agree with the statement made by your Federal Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus: “We’ve seen, very sadly, a rise in people displaying these vile symbols, which are symbols that have no place in Australia. They should be repugnant”.
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June 5, 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly welcomes His Excellency, Ahmed Obaid Almansoori to its International Board of Advisors. He joins many of the organization's illustrious leaders from around the world who are leading the way.
Mr. Almansoori was recently an honorary guest of AGPI's fundraising gala, the Crystal Ball Benefit. He was recognized for his exceptional work in furthering Holocaust awareness, combating Antisemitism and promoting the Abraham Accords in the MENA region and Internationally.
"I am honoured to be part of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative. It is a noble organization that holds noble goals, dedicated for the best of humanity through combating Antisemitism, racism and xenophobia" Mr. Almansoori said in a statement.
"Mr. Almansoori's achievements mirror the values espoused by AGPI - particularly in the arena of promoting peace, coexistence and tolerance throughout the Middle East and the world. Together we stand for the foundational principles of the Abrahamic tradition" stated AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
He is the Founder, Crossroads of Civilizations Museum; Founder, First Holocaust Memorial Gallery in the Arabic & Islamic World; Board Member & Head of Museums Committee; International Council of Museums UAE (ICOM); Former Member of the UAE Federal National Council.
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Press Release
June 1, 2023: The Abraham Global Peace (AGPI0 Initiative issued a letter to the executive group leading a new Pink Floyd exhibition in Toronto asking them to either cancel the project or add AGPI’s Power of One exhibit to the program.
The letter reads in part, “following his concerts this past weekend, Berlin’s police advised “an investigation has been opened over the costume displayed at the concerts on 17 and 18 May…In democracies, where we respect diversity and combat racism and Antisemitism, this behaviour should be held to account, not rewarded”.
AGPI expressed that while it understands “that your exhibit will not draw on any such imagery, we are concerned that given the rising tide of Antisemitism, your exhibit will not hold Mr. Waters to account. Instead, it will do just the opposite”.
The letter concludes by asking for permission to display AGPI’s Power of One exhibit alongside the Pink Floyd exhibit. AGPI’s exhibit promotes inclusivity, kindness and compassion by also exhibiting people like Anne Frank, Holocaust Survivor Max Eisen and heroic diplomats like Chiune Sugihara.
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An online petition has been created to give voice to the campaign. To sign the petition and read
the full letter, please visit: https://agpiworld.com/pink-floyd-petition#bdf1c4fd-3ed0-46a7-8855-8e1489e93df6
30 May 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly welcomes Ambassador David M. Friedman to its International Board of Advisors. He joins many of the organization's illustrious leaders from around the world who are leading the way.
As the United States Ambassador to Israel from March 2017 until January 2021, Ambassador David Friedman successfully guided unprecedented diplomatic advancements in the US – Israel relationship, including moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
"By moving America's embassy to Jerusalem and having been instrumental in the Abraham Accords, Ambassador Friedman's achievements in these areas mirror the the values espoused by our organization. For that reason, it is especially an honour and a pleasure to have Ambassador Friedman join our illustrious international advisory board as we continue to promote peace in the Middle East and around the world" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Ambassador Friedman was recently the key-note speaker at AGPI's Crystal Ball Benefit held at Casa Loma. He is also featured in AGPI's documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. The film can be viewed HERE.
More About Ambassador Friedman:
Ambassador Friedman is among a small group of American officials responsible for the “Abraham Accords” — peace and normalization agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco — for which he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.
He was recognized in each of the past five years by the Jerusalem Post as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world – he came in 2nd in 2019 and tied for first in 2020. He also was named one of the 20 Most Impactful Persons of the Past Decade by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Ambassador Friedman was honored by President Trump with the National Security Medal in September 2020 – less than 100 Americans have received that award in its history — and by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff with the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal in April 2019. He has received numerous other honors, recognitions and awards including honorary doctorates from Yeshiva University in New York and Ariel University in the Shomron.
He is the Founder of The Friedman Center for Peace through Strength which works to build upon the Ambassador’s achievements in strengthening the US-Israel relationship. On February 8, 2022, HarperCollins published Ambassador Friedman’s best-selling memoir, Sledgehammer: How Breaking with the Past Brought Peace to the Middle East.
Washington - 25 May 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) commends the Biden Administration on the first-ever release of a U.S. national strategy to counter Antisemitism. The strategy includes over 100 "new actions and over 100 calls to action to combat Antisemitism".
Antisemitism in the U.S. has been on a sharp increase for nearly a decade. Recently, an FBI report stated the Jewish community is the victim of 63% of all reported religiously motivated hate crimes, despite the fact the community comprise 2.4% of the population.
"Having reviewed the administrations' action plan to combat antisemitism, we believe that as long as the plan is implemented, it presents a unique opportunity to turn the tide of rising Antisemitism in the opposite direction" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
The new U.S. strategy includes some of the following areas:
1. An increase in awareness about Antisemitism and a broadening appreciation of American Jewish heritage.
2. Improvement to the safety and security of Jewish communities.
3. Reverse the normalization of Antisemitism and counter Antisemitic discrimination.
4. Build cross-community solidarity and collective action to counter hate.
AGPI will continue monitoring the progress of the strategy rollout over the coming months. To read the full strategy click HERE.
Toronto - 25 May 2023: At Toronto's premiere annual social scene, guests gathered last night to celebrate global peace at The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's (AGPI) annual gala, The Crystal Ball Benefit. The high-brow social gathering was held in the gardens of the prestigious Toronto castle, Casa Loma. The powerful evening exceeded all campaign expectations in support the work of AGPI and its impact. (L-R) Dr. Dan Hagi, Candice and Dr. Phil Solomon, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Ambassador David Freedman, Dr. Mark Korman, Avi Benlolo, Genevieve Korman, Elina Malkin.
Founding board members of AGPI and the evening's Co-Chairs, The Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua and AGPI's Honourary Chairman, Mr. Paul Godfrey kicked off the evening by raising awareness about human rights.
Canadian media icon, Moses Znaimer, a member of AGPI's Advisory Board and a prominent supporter of its work, was in attendance with Leanne Wright, Omri Tintpulver and Libby Znaimer. To celebrate Israel's 75th Anniversary, Mr. Znaimer broadcast AGPI's new feature documentary on VisionTV, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. The documentary is now fully available to the global community on the AGPI website.
The evening's special guest of honour, His Excellency, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, the founder of the Crossroads Museum of Civilizations in the United Arab Emirates spoke about the importance of the Abraham Accords, of building peace and of educating the people of the Middle East about the Holocaust. He presented AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo with an historical artifact that reflects the harmony between the three monotheist religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
AGPI's President, Mark Teitelbaum (far right) was elated about the success of the evening. The intimacy of the evening models AGPI's founding principles of shining a light on the Power of One. How each of us can make a difference. (L-R) Pablo and Alana Reich, Max Teitelbaum and Dr. Susan Shinoff.
In the evening's keynote address, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman said he believes the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem might be more significant than the Abraham Accords. Not only did it set a precedent for other nations to follow, not cause the predicted violence, but it reinforced the fact that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people.
Ontario's Solicitor General, The Hon. Michael Kerzner, pledged to fight Antisemitism, racism and all forms of discrimination. His office is working closely with AGPI and police to promote human rights and advocate for a just society in the province. Recently, Kerzner announced further government funding in the fight against hate and intolerance.
At the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, we are gathering together leaders of all faiths and backgrounds, who truly want to make the world a better place. We are proud of the people who are standing with us every single day as we face many often daunting challenges head on. We cannot do this work on alone and invite the world community to join us in this important effort. One person can change the world. Imagine what the strength of many can achieve.
Halton Region's Police Chief, Steven Tanner, a founding board member of AGPI discussed his recent trip with the organization to visit Auschwitz and Israel and said we must do everything to combat Antisemitism and racism.
Toronto - 27 May 2023: In the National Post, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo says that a confrontation with Iran is only a matter of time:
"Threats are flying back and forth. Tension is building while the world is fast asleep or focused elsewhere. At the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, we have recommended stiffer sanctions. We have advised our own government here in Canada to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and add it to Canada’s terror watch list. More pressure from Europe must also be brought to bear on Tehran.
The clock is ticking but it’s not too late. The time to stop Iran is now".
"A confrontation with Iran is coming to a head, but the United States under President Joe Biden may not have the stomach to drop bombs on Iran’s nuclear sites, according to former U.S. ambassador David Friedman, speaking at the May 24 fundraising gala for the Abraham Global Peace Initiative. He believes that a confrontation between Iran and Israel is inevitable, given the precarious situation brewing in the Middle East".
"This week, Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile named Kheibar — a reference to a Jewish fortress that was conquered by Muslims in 628 — that has a 2,000-kilometre range and can easily reach Tel Aviv. In our recent film, “The Future of Israel and its Defenders,” we reveal that Iran already has the capacity to build at least three or four nuclear weapons".
The article is available HERE
Toronto – May 19, 2023:
REPORT ON ANTISEMITISM THIS WEEK:
CELEBRATING JERUSALEM DAY:
This week, AGPI hit social media with a campaign to celebrate the unification of Jerusalem, Israel's eternal capital. The organization reached its thousands of social media subscribers by reinforcing the Jewish historic connection to Jerusalem. This is particularly important given this week's attempt at the United Nations by Palestinian Authority President, Abbas to undermine the Jewish connection to Jerusalem.
BIDEN CONDEMNS ANTISEMITISM - 'A STAIN':
U.S. President Joe Biden said, "It's unconscionable. It's despicable. These attacks are a threat to other minority communities as well, but more importantly, it's literally a stain on the soul of America. Let's be clear...silence is complicity".
AGPI JOINS 160 JEWISH COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATION IN URGING THE UN TO ADOPT THE IHRA DEFINITION
Invited by the European Jewish Congress, AGPI joined the international campaign to tell the United Nations to implement the working definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). Given the backlash against IHRA mainly from anti-Israel organizations, the letter "demonstrates that the vast majority of those engaged in combating antisemitism...find the IHRA definition not only helps fight antisemitism...but can be used entirely and consistently with fundamental human rights standards" said an EJC press release.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
Toronto – May 18, 2023: Prominent Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) issued the following statement in reaction to the release today of the Toronto Police 2022 Hate Crime Statistical Report:
"Although the report found there to be a 6% decline in hate crimes, its disconcerting to note hate crime is 74% higher than pre-pandemic levels and 40% higher than the 10 year average" noted the organization.
The Toronto Police Services said that "the Jewish community and the Black community were the most frequently victimized groups".
"We continue to be concerned about the rising tide of hate and intolerance. We are extremely concerned about the revelation that the number of hate crimes at schools is increasing" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo..
Through its Police Academy, AGPI works closely with police service agencies across the country to enhance greater awareness about combating hate. Most recently, the organization sponsored a police education seminar to Auschwitz for police leaders to learn about the consequence of hate.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
Toronto – May 17, 2023: Prominent Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) lodged an official complaint about the “Calgary Peace Prize” at Mount Royal University.
In a letter to the university, AGPI said, "we wish to officially register our shock and dismay about your awarding of the prize to Mohammed El-Kurd".
"While everyone has a right to protest, Mr. El-Kurd has been accused of promoting violence against Israel and antisemitism against Jewish people. Additionally, false assertions that Israel practices “apartheid” and that Jews are “colonizers” diminish the academic credibility and the university itself".
The organization added, the "Calgary Peace Prize has been awarded to high level Canadians like former Justice Rosalie Abella and Lieutenant General (ret) Romeo Dallaire. Your 2023 choice greatly diminishes the convictions held by these and previous award winners".
"There should be little room in Canada and particularly in academia for the promotion of hate, racism and antisemitism. We encourage you and your colleagues to reconsider your choice particularly based on the discontent of your fellow Canadians".
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
Toronto – May 16, 2023: Prominent Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is joining the international community in expressing its outrage over scandalous remarks made by Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas yesterday at the United Nations.
Abbas dared to compare Israel to Nazi Germany telling the General Assembly, "they cannot avoid lying, but what can they do? They lie and lie, like Goebbels [said]: 'Lie and lie, until people believe it".
Abbas has already been criticized many times for antisemitic remarks and for attempting to compare Israel to Nazi Germany. In 2022, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Abbas after he accused Israel of committing “50 Holocausts” at a joint press conference in Berlin.
In New York, Abbas went even further demanding Israel be suspended from the UN if it does not grant Palestinians a state. He is said to have gone as far as denying Jewish ties to the Temple Mount, during his extended speech at UN Headquarters. By also demanding the right of return of all Palestinian descendants, he is essentially calling for the destruction of the Jewish State of Israel.
“Instead of using the opportunity at the United Nations to extend his hand in peace and try to reactivate the Oslo Accords, Abbas once again used the forum to sow hatred and antisemitism” said AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
“Sadly, instead of embracing peace through the Abraham Accords, he continues to mislead his own people not only through Holocaust denial, but through distortion of truth. The Palestinians rejected the 1947 partition plan and later every peace offer given to them” Benlolo added.
AGPI Commends the more than 32 countries including the United States, Canada, Ukraine and 10 from the European Union who did not attend the Abbas speech. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan urged member states to avoid attending anti-Israel 'Nakba Day' events.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
May 11, 2023
Whenever Israel is under attack, we answer the call by advocating for its safety and security and defending it against media bias and misinformation campaigns.
For this reason, we have created a quick and simple informational that has already been posted on our social media feeds to educate the public about the terror organizations that are now firing rockets against civilian population communities in Israel.
To understand ongoing terror attacks against Israel, we have prepared a number of reports and articles that provide a strong case against ongoing Palestinian terrorism. Here are some useful links to help you articulate the case for Israel:
1. Report on motivating factors for Palestinian Terrorism (Pay for Slay): HERE
2. Report on Western nations' complicity in motivating Palestinian Terrorism: HERE
3. Dashed Hope for Peace - A report on rising Palestinian attacks: HERE
4. How the UN is Keeping the Palestinians trapped: HERE
Recently, AGPI also published an exclusive report calling on Western donors to stop funding Palestinian terrorism. Please find the report HERE.
Finally, to counter Israel's detractors, we are providing our new film documentary for free. If any of your friends want to truly see Israel for the peace-loving nation that it is and to understand its security concerns, please direct them to watch, The Future of Israel and its Defenders HERE.
In all this, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is working overtime to counter defamatory campaigns against Israel during times of conflict like this and always.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
May 1, 2023: Today, with the start of Jewish Heritage Month in Canada and America, we are proud of the incredible legacy and contribution Jewish communities have made to further the betterment of society. While facing down daunting obstacles of Antisemitism in our universities and in our communities, Jewish people have made incredible contributions to Canada and America’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.
To mark the start of Jewish Heritage Month, AGPI’s educators began their day at D.A. Morrison Middle School in Toronto with our exceptional Power of One exhibit that showcases the very best of Canada and America. The exhibit highlights how exceptional people like Terry Fox, Max Eisen, Tom Longboat, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others have risen above the fray to make the world a better place.
As a proud Canada-based international human rights NGO steeped in Judaic values, AGPI is proudly representing the Jewish community and its friends globally. Whether at the United Nations or in the Abraham Accord countries and in Europe, AGPI has proudly carried forward Canada’s flag. Together with our friends and allies, we are promoting freedom and democracy around the world.
This month, we will be celebrating Jewish Heritage at our Crystal Ball Benefit, by honouring Israel and the Abraham Accords. In so doing, we will be welcoming U.S. former Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman – one of the architects of the Accords and the relocation of America’s embassy to Israel’s undivided capital, Jerusalem. In our effort to reinforce peace in the Middle East, we will be honouring His Excellency, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, the founder of Crossroads of Civilization Museum in the United Arab Emirates.
Jewish Heritage Month is a way of highlighting our historic contributions. Sadly however, we have yet to overcome Antisemitism. A few days ago, we concluded an executive leadership program in Poland and Israel for American and Canadian police chiefs and deputies. They commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day at Auschwitz; stood with Israeli soldiers to remember the fallen service women and men and celebrated freedom and democracy as Israel turned 75.
To mark the start of Jewish Heritage Month, tonight we will be joining the Jewish Federation of Hamilton to screen our new documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. We believe that communities are better served when they have strong and vibrant Jewish communities that contribute to the universal welfare of societies in which they reside in celebration of freedom, democracy and pluralism for all.
Happy Jewish Heritage Month!
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
GOLAN HEIGHTS - April 25, 2023: Israel has paid a heavy price in order to protect its freedom and democracy since statehood in 1948. As part of AGPI's education program that teaches about Antisemitism, hate and intolerance, Canadian and American Police leaders stood in silence to remember Israel's fallen heroes.
Since statehood, 24,213 men and women have been killed in service to the nation. Additionally, 4,255 children, women and men have been murdered in terror attacks.
At precisely 11.00 am, Israel stopped to remember them, holding memorials throughout the country.
Through its donor-supported police-academy, AGPI is concluding its educational mission to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Remembrance Day and Independence Day.
Joining the program is the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police Association, the Ontario Police Association and a number of police organizations spread across both countries.
"As we conclude AGPI's program tonight, we want to thank the incredible police leaders who have joined us on this meaningful journey. We also want to extend our sincerest appreciation to our donors who supported this important initiative", said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: AGPI's Police Academy's objective is to sensitize police leaders about Antisemitism and issues in the Middle East which affect their communities. Since police are the first and only responders to hate crime and security issues affecting communities, we believe they are better equipped to respond when put into context.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
AUSCHWITZ, POLAND - April 20, 2023: Today, Canadian and American Chiefs of Police and law-enforcement joined The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) by visiting the Auschwitz death camp in tribute of the 1.2 million Jews and others murdered there.
The group is participating in an intensive Holocaust education program by learning about the destruction of Jewish communities by Nazis and the horrific genocide that took place across Europe.
"Today's visit to Auschwitz was especially meaningful and impactful given this week's memorial of Yom Hashoah and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Next, the AGPI group will travel to Israel to participate in the organization's global peace conference, among other programs.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
KRAKOW, POLAND - April 19, 2023:
Today, AGPI's delegation of top police chiefs and law enforcement leaders gave back by volunteering at the Ukrainian refugee centre located in the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow.
The group is in Poland under the auspices of AGPI to learn about the Holocaust and to mark the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Tomorrow the delegation will visit Auschwitz where it will pay its respects to the 1.2 million Jewish victims and others murdered there.
By donating supplies to the effort and spending the afternoon filling food bags for Ukrainian refugees, the delegation was living up to the words "Never Again" by showing how we can come together to help those affected by war and despair.
With special thanks to the Krakow JCC for hosting our delegation.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
KRAKOW, POLAND - April 18, 2023: Today, Canadian and American Chiefs of Police and law-enforcement leaders layed flowers at the Plaszow concentration camp site to mark Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in a solemn ceremony.
In an inspiring tribute to the Six Million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, police chiefs and officials read Holocaust Survivor testimonies at the site where thousands of Jews were murdered and enslaved. The group also heard prayers and contemplations as part of the memorial.
AGPI Founding Chair and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo said, "today we came here to remember the victims of the Holocaust. We remember the six million Jewish people who were gassed, killed, drowned, burned alive and tortured, while the world looked on in silence. Today we are silent in contemplation. But for the rest of the year, we will fight back".
Over the coming days, the police delegation will be learning about the Holocaust and visiting Auschwitz. The delegation will then travel to Israel for AGPI's Global Peace Conference and Israel's Independence Day, among security related programs.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's Police Academy is a series of special programs for law enforcement in the areas of hate crime and antisemitism. The organization's annual education program to the death camps is meant to provide in depth study of Antisemitism, hate and intolerance.
A Nation Pays its Respect to the Six Million:
Krakow - April 18, 2023 - Today, on Yom Hashoah, Israelis stood at attention as sirens blared to remember the Six Million.
We shall never forget the atrocity committed against the Jewish people. We shall stand on remembrance day in their honour. But we shall fight back on all other days. Never Again.
AGPI is leading a delegation of Police Chiefs and law enforcement officials to Auschwitz.
Find out more at www.agpiworld.com
Photo Credit: Times of Israel
Note Published by AGPI Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo:
I just landed in Krakow, Poland where tonight we will begin commemorating Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day.
But there is a hole in my heart. For the first time this year, I will be here without my friend and mentor and Holocaust Survivor, Max Eisen. Over the last two decades, we travelled to Europe's numerous former death camps educating hundreds of law-enforcement and education officials.
We were relentless. We knew time was running out. Antisemitism was on the rise.
Sadly, like many survivors, Max is no longer with us to provide an eye-witness account, especially at Auschwitz. But his words and lessons live within us today as we carry his torch this Yom Hashoah.
In his memory, under the auspices of AGPI, top Canadian and American Chiefs of Police and law-enforcement leaders are gathering as we speak right here in Krakow to pay tribute to the Six Million - on the hallowed ground of Auschwitz.
Action speaks louder than words. If not us, then who? If not now, when?
Last year, before his passing, together we created The Max Eisen Holocaust Education Fund to ensure a living legacy for this important work. To help us carry this flame, we are asking you to make a 100% tax-receipted donation today to support our Holocaust programming.
We rely on the generosity of supporters like yourself to keep the torch of memory burning.
Sincerely,
Avi
p.s. in the coming days, we will be sending you updates from Poland and Israel.
14 - April - 2023:
L-R: Avi Abraham Benlolo with Solicitor General, the Hon. Michael S. Kerzner
and AGPI Board of Governors member, Andrew Weisberg.
There are always glimmers of hope despite the negativity. Writing in the Wall Street Journal this week, Lebanese columnist Nadim Koteich said, "Israel isn't perfect, but its an example for the Middle East".
But while some of us are talking about peace, and bringing diverse groups together and trying to bridge the gaps, today AGPI is providing absolute proof how the Iranian regime is promoting terrorism, inciting violence and attempting to destabilize the entire region.
In the Tehran Times, the Iranian regime published a full front page article to promote in its own words, "mass anti-Israel protests (take place) around the world". While Ramadan is a time for peace and reflection, the Iranian regime has co-opted the holiday to incite violence.
Again in Tehran's own words confirming the roots of Al Quds Day: "The founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, initiated the day of solidarity with Palestine on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan".
The Iranians are motivating more than protests against Israel. Speaking about "newly formed armed resistance factions" the Tehran Times touts "they are conducting retaliatory operations against the regime's occupation..." thus motivating Palestinian youth to rise up and take up arms.
11 - April - 2023:
Canadian international human rights organization, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is renewing its call to Western nations to pause funding the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. The West is filtering tax-payer money through the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) and affiliated organizations.
AGPI's demand comes on the heels of yet another murderous Palestinian shooting attack on a mother and her two daughters while driving on Friday: Reena (20) and Maia (15) Dee were shot and killed instantly. Their mother, Lucy (48) was seriously injured and died this morning. All were also British nationals. Three days ago, an Italian national was killed by a Palestinian in Tel Aviv.
On March 2nd, 2023, AGPI released a major report calling on Western nations to "stop funding Palestinian terror and mass murder. The report's author, former U.S. Federal Prosecutor, Henry Kopel said that the "Palestinian Authority invests a substantial share of its financial budget and hence foreign aid on inciting terrorism, on glorifying terrorism and on financially rewarding terrorism".
Read AGPI's full report against funding of terrorism HERE.
At the end of February, Elan Ganeles (27) was also murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. Two days earlier, brothers Hallel Yaniv, (21), and Yagel Yaniv, (19), were murdered as they drove through the West Bank Palestinian town of Huwara. Two weeks before the Ganeles and Yaniv murders, a terrorist rammed his car into a crowd of civilians standing at a Jerusalem bus stop killing another two brothers — Yaakov, (6), and Asher, (8), Pally. Alter Shlomo Liderman, (20), was the third victim who was also murdered in that incident.
In the National Post, AGPI's Founder and Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo said: "Foreign nations that are funnelling money to the PA through UN agencies and other entities have Jewish blood on their hands. Despite the fact that the PA rewards terrorists for murders through the so-called pay-for-slay program, western entities have increased their allocations".
"Aside from breaking every moral and ethical code established by democracies when it comes to human rights, apparently it's perfectly okay to compensate terrorism despite “blatant violation of several PA commitments to foreign aid donors, and in clear violation of US and EU conditions on such foreign aid” says our report" added Benlolo.
Read AGPI's Article calling for an end to funding Palestinian terrorism HERE.
On February 2nd, 2023, AGPI also published a major expose of Canada's funding of Palestinian terrorism, following the murder of 7 Israelis outside a Jerusalem synagogue:
"Canada funds the Palestinians with an average of around US$23 million (C$31 million) a year through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). On top of that, in 2021, Canada also gave the Palestinians an extra $25 million, ostensibly for emergency relief due to “urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, as well as those affected by violence in the West Bank.” That year, Canada’s aid to the Palestinians was over US$48 million, making us about the sixth-largest donor".
Read AGPI's Full expose of the Pay-for-Slay program HERE.
Additionally, the U.S. increased its annual $250 million allocation by another $50 million. AGPI continues to advocate for western nations to pause its funding to the Palestinians so long as incitement of and funding of terrorism against Israel persists.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
April 8, 2023 National Post
In 1944, on Passover eve, unexpectedly perhaps, Nazis banged on his family’s house door. The Eisen family was seated around the table deep into prayer and just about to partake in what would be their last meal together — and family gathering. The Nazi soldiers gave them five minutes to gather their belongings, leave their generational family home and gather at the local transit camp. From there they would eventually be jam packed like sardines onto a train headed to Auschwitz.
Now, we are witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism. “In every generation they rise up to destroy us” warns the Haggadah. A Jewish student’s article was rejected by the McGill Tribune because it reflected “Zionism.” A synagogue in Montreal was spray painted with Swastikas. Over 50 NGOS this week told the United Nations to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of Antisemitism.
The list of Hammans acting against the Jewish world is endless and repeats in every generation as the Haggadah foretells.
To them, a Jew is a Jew. Pharaoh did not care which tribe the Jews he enslaved belonged to. Hitler did not care if a Jew was religious or secular. He put them in gas chambers all together. Today, as Iran threatens to annihilate Israel with nuclear weapons, it cannot care less about an Israeli’s political affiliation or religious orientation. All Jew haters have one thing on their mind, that’s to murder Jews — any Jew.
Later on the night he was taken, when Max asked a fellow inmate where his mother and siblings were, the inmate laughed and pointed to the chimney. Today, one thing has changed from our tragic past, we have a State of Israel. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of the message of Passover and find unity and compassion around our seder tables. We only have one Israel and this one chance. There is no Plan B.
2 April 2023 - The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) leads the way in fighting Antisemitism and educating about the Holocaust through high-level professional development programs with top Canadian and American police agencies.
"Law enforcement professionals are on the front lines in the fight against Antisemitism, racism and discrimination. Over the last year, we have given workshops at every major police association including governance bodies. Now AGPI has also invited top police forces to participate in its Yom Hashoah delegation to commemorate the Holocaust at Auschwitz", said Paul Godfrey, AGPI's Honorary Chairman.
Halton's Police Chief, Steve Tanner said: "As a founding board member of AGPI, I believe it is even more important in today's environment that we learn from the horrors of the past in order to help create a brighter future for all. One free of hate and discrimination of any kind".
The organization has partnered with The International Association of Chiefs of Police, the top American based police association with more than 32,000 members in over 170 countries. Its Director of Global Policing and the former Commissioner for the Ontario Provincial Police, Vince Hawkes said, "the IACP is proud to participate in this important international program".
Also participating in partnership and endorsing the program are the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs and The International Council of Police Representative Associations.
"I am very pleased to see a wide range of police chiefs and senior law enforcement professionals who are making an exceptional effort to stand up to Antisemitism and learn about the Holocaust" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Learn more about AGPI's Police Academy and see our work HERE.
BERLIN - 28 March 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) concluded successful meetings and two presentations of its film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders at the Summit of European Jewish Leaders held in Berlin.
The European Council of Jewish Communities invited AGPI to present its film and speak about Israel and Jewish affairs. Some 400 European Jewish leaders attended the summit from across Europe.
"Given yesterday's developments in Israel, our timing could not have been any better and provided the exact themes summit attendees wanted to discuss" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
In a statement released by the organization yesterday on its website, AGPI welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu's agreement to pause the judicial overhaul and to open channels of communication and negotiation with the opposition.
As a follow up to the summit and by popular demand, The Future of Israel and its Defenders will be distributed widely for the attendees to share with their communities. Funded by numerous AGPI supporters, the film is being shown widely by Jewish Federations, Synagogues and communities around the world.
A television contract for the film was also recently signed for it to be aired on Israel's Independence Day.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
27 March 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has expressed its deep concern over the judicial reforms underway in Israel and the resulting demonstrations.
Tonight, AGPI welcomes Prime Minister Netanyahu's agreement to pause the process and to further dialogue among parties.
The organization has previously reinforced President Isaac Herzog's suggestion that the process be paused and a compromise be sought.
As tensions continue to escalate, AGPI is echoing the sentiment of Israel's civil society.
Israel's vivid democracy is on full display, AGPI stands with Israel unconditionally. At the same time, the organization has expressed its concern for the safety and security of the Jewish State. "We are pleased that Netanyahu is starting to listen to the people.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
PRESS RELEASE
On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
AGPI Calls for Global Fight Against Antisemitism;
Upholding Universal Declaration for Human Rights
21 March 2023: On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is calling on the international community to adopt the fight against Antisemitism and uphold the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.
"Sadly, the world community has turned a blind eye to the scourge of Antisemitism that is infecting many communities across North America and Europe. Police hate crime reports in nearly every jurisdiction indicate a profound increase of direct-targeting of Jewish people and institutions, yet outside of the Jewish community, most so-called human rights groups are either silent or are indirectly or directly perpetuating this pernicious hatred" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Last week, AGPI exposed recent remarks made by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in which he referred to age-old Antisemitic stereotypes including false notions of "Jewish power", money and control of the media. To AGPI's disappointment, the media and human rights advocate organization gave little if any attention to this hateful rhetoric.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination provides an opportunity not only to condemn Antisemitism, racism and discrimination, but also to shine a light on the silence and complicity of those who perpetuate it. For example, the mislabeling of Israel as an apartheid state by some has weaponized Antisemitism especially on university campuses and international forums.
To combat Antisemitism and promote inclusivity and pluralism for all, AGPI recently launched its Power of One educational program at the United Nations. The organization is also working with law enforcement at home and around the world in professional development capacities to bring awareness to Antisemitism, racism and discrimination.
To further interfaith dialogue, the organization recently met with Pope Francis at the Vatican where it conveyed its rising concern about Antisemitism. Last November, to reaffirm its commitment to peace and the Abraham Accords, the organization held an event in Dubai at the Museum of Civilization.
Recently, it launched its Police Academy in order to fulfill this mandate. In April, the organization will be hosting its Global Symposium on Peace and the Abraham Accords in Jerusalem.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
16 March 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is expressing shock and dismay over a speech given by Louis Farrakhan at his organization’s event, dubbed “Saviours Day” and held in Chicago on February 26th, 2023.
Among numerous remarks made in direct and indirect reference to Jewish people, Farrakhan referred to age-old antisemitic stereotypes including the notions of “Jewish power” the "Rothschild" family and control of the media. In one segment, Farrakhan said, “years ago, you could not find Jews in the media because they did not want us to know the tremendous control they had…”. The full video is still posted on the Nation of Islam’s website at https://noi.org/sd2023/
“As an organization that advocates religious freedom and strives to build on the Abrahamic tradition of unity, respect and tolerance, we are completely shocked by the antisemitic references made on Saviours Day. Given the rising tide of Antisemitism as described in our latest global report, we are calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to condemn Farrakhan’s remarks” said AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
In an expose about Saviours Day on Fox News, Mark Levin expressed his disappointment in the media for not exposing this level of racism and Antisemitism: “His target is always Jewish people. Don’t you find this weird that this gets no coverage in the media? Virtually no coverage at all? Did you even know this was taking place if I hadn’t mentioned it?”
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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VATICAN CITY - 8 MARCH 2023 - The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) was welcomed to the Vatican today by the head of the Catholic Church, His Excellency, Pope Francis.
AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo presented Pope Francis with a Menorah, an important religious symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. "For us, the Menorah symbolizes light over darkness, triumph over despair" Benlolo said.
"We expressed our desire for a strengthening of our interfaith relations as part of our shared Abrahamic traditions. We also expressed our concern about the rising tide of Antisemitism and the need for all faiths to come together to combat it alongside all forms of hate" added Benlolo.
Statement by AGPI's President, Mark Teitelbaum: "In just a short time, AGPI has given an international voice to our collective movement. Our organization's meeting with the Pope today is part of our incredibly successful global diplomacy and advocacy that is building our proverbial 'Abrahamic tent' comprised of political and religious leaders who are coming together to make the world a better place. Today's meeting is further proof of our impact and influence".
As part of its global advocacy mandate, AGPI is building capacities and relationships across the world in an effort to fight global Antisemitism, promote Holocaust remembrance, defend Israel and preserve freedom and democracy. Find out about our impact HERE.
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AGPI PRESENTS SENIOR ITALIAN MINISTER AND SENATORS WITH MENORAH FOR FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM AND STANDING UP FOR ISRAEL
ROME - 7 MARCH 2023 - As part of its global advocacy to advance human rights, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) today presented the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Giorgio Silli (Left) and Senator Lucio Malan with a Menorah in recognition of their fight against Antisemitism and as defenders of the State of Israel.
"The Menorah symbolizes bravery against all odds. It also illuminates the world against the forces of darkness. Together, these political leaders are standing up against Antisemitism and are working to promote human rights and democracy. We are here to reinforce and applaud their efforts" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
AGPI is in Italy for exclusive meetings. Along with Minister Silli and Senator Malan who is also the President of the Italy-Israel Friendship Group, AGPI also met with Senator Giovanni Berrino. Discussions involved rising concerns about Iran; support for the State of Israel and the fight against Antisemitism; the war in Ukraine and threats to freedom and democracy.
As part of its global advocacy mandate,
AGPI is building capacities and relationships across the world in an effort to fight global Antisemitism, promote Holocaust remembrance, defend Israel and preserve freedom and democracy. Find out about our impact HERE.
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March 3, 2023: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is shocked and heartbroken over the murder this week of two brothers and an American by Palestinian terrorists.
A new report prepared by Henry Kopel, a retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor and the author of War on Hate: How to Stop Genocide, Fight Terrorism and Defend Freedom, our report states that the spike in terrorism happens “in part because of, over $6 billion in U.S., Canada, and European Union aid given to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) since 2008. The PA invests a substantial share of its budget, and hence of this foreign aid, on inciting terrorism, on glorifying terrorism and on financially rewarding terrorism”.
Brothers Hillel and Yagel Yaniv were murdered earlier this week. Yesterday, Elan Ganeles, a U.S. citizen was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist.
"Their only crime was being Jewish. We strongly condemn this heinous attack" said AGPI's Founding Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
AGPI is advocating for a stoppage in funding to UN agencies like UNRWA until Palestinian incitement ends and the Pay-for-Slay program is terminated.
In meetings in Jerusalem last week, AGPI held discussions with top officials about the international agencies that are destabilizing the region.
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February 24, 2023: JERUSALEM — According to media reports, the sky is falling in Israel. Yet WE assure you that in Jerusalem, life is continuing as normal. The streets are quiet with people bustling about, sitting in cafes and strolling through shops. There were protests earlier in the week over the government’s proposed judicial reforms, but they were mostly peaceful.
This week, we spent three days in Israel’s parliament (the Knesset), in meetings with parliamentarians on a fact-finding mission. While thousands of demonstrators were outside pleading with the government not to proceed with its first reading of the bill that will shift the power from Israel’s Supreme Court to the Knesset, the Knesset, we were attempting to communicate my concerns about the changes. I reasoned that it’s better to be on the inside communicating, than on the outside looking in.
In Israeli society, particularly in secular Tel Aviv, fear permeates about the possible regression of fundamental freedoms.
JERUSALEM - 02-20-23: On a fact-finding mission, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) met Israel's Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana and held a one-on-one discussion on a variety of issues with Israel's new Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli.
The Minister, who is also responsible for combating antisemitism, was fully engaged in a sweeping conversation with AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Minister Chikli took copious notes about the diaspora's concerns emanating from the legislative changes underway. As mass demonstrations are underway in Israel over judicial reforms, Benlolo expressed his concern about these changes and said they may also fuel antisemitism further on campuses and the media.
"Given the rising tide of Palestinian terrorism in recent months, Minister Chikli asked for the organization's involvement in exploring new strategies vis-a-vis UN/UNRWA funding vehicles that are fuelling incitement and allowing the Palestinian Authority to carry forward its pay-for-slay program" Benlolo said.
In the last number of weeks, AGPI published two substantive articles in the National Post arguing against continued western support of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, should terrorism and incitement persist. Here are the articles:
Seven Israeli civilians are dead and Canada has blood on its hands
By maintaining Palestinians' permanent refugee status, the UN has perpetuated violence
AGPI is on a fact-finding tour of Jerusalem this week, speaking with political and community leaders about the events currently taking place and offering a global perspective about their impact.
February 17, 2023
ISRAEL DEFENDER NIKKI HALEY ENTERS PRESIDENTIAL RACE: It was disheartening to see CNN immediately come out against Nikki Haley this week. In his show, Don Lemon said that Haley should not be running because as a woman, she is "not in her prime"! As ridiculous and shameful as that sounds, unfortunately, the left-wing media is refusing to see Haley as an independent person on her own merit. As someone of Indian descent, she has faced her own challenges of racism and discrimination. While serving as US Ambassador to the United Nations, Haley demonstrated her unique understanding of foreign policy and America's place in the world. She relentlessly stood up for Israel in the Security Council, calling for an end to the singling out of the only Jewish State.
AGPI CONGRATULATES OPENING OF ABRAHAMIC FAMILY HOUSE IN ABU DHABI: UK's Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis attaches the Mezuza to the building at the grand opening this week. In November, Mirvis was also keynote speaker of AGPI's joint event in Dubai with the Museum of Civilizations.
WHITE SUPREMACIST SHOOTER GETS LIFE: A white supremacist who killed 10 black people was sentenced to life without parole for his hate-motivated crime. He was fuelled by online conspiracy theories. He said he "believed what I read on line and acted out of hate."
2 JEWISH MEN SHOT OUTSIDE SYNAGOGUES IN LA: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: "I want to be very clear: Antisemitism and hate crimes have no place in our city or our country. Those who engage in either will be caught and held fully accountable." The drive-by shooter has been apprehended.
ISRAEL'S FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS UKRAINE: Israel's relationship with Russia just got a little more complicated. But Russia's alignment with Iran, Israel's sworn enemy, also complicates. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky told Foreign Minister Eli Cohen during their meeting in Kyiv on Thursday that Iran is a “common enemy”.
PALESTINIAN CHILDREN SIMULATE "MARTYRDOM": This past week, the world marked the International Day Against Child Soldiers. But you would not know it in the Palestinian territories. This screen capture from a video is from Tofula Kindergarten in Beit Awwa in the West Bank showing children simulating a 'martyr' funeral in a pretend clash with the IDF, February 14, 2023.
BREAKING NEWS FROM EUROPE: The Finnish parliament voted 10-5 to protect Jewish religious slaughter, citing religious freedom. Dutch police are opening a probe into Antisemitic texts projected onto the Anne Frank Museum. In Greece, the former neo-Nazi leader of Golden Dawn has been banned from running in an election. In Poland, a priest was sentence to community service for spreading antisemitic hate speech.
AGPI EDUCATES STUDENTS: This week, Dr Neil Orlowsky, AGPI’s Director of Education had the opportunity to work with the iDARE (Inclusivity, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity) student representatives from the Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School in the HCDSB. Bringing together a group of thirty student leaders from grades 4 – 8, our Inclusivity, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity workshop had students consider what they would do if a given situation, but then dove deeper asking whether they can recognize an injustice given various situations. How might they, as student leaders, foster the upstander mindset in their community? What will that look like? What actions could/should/would they take? Using the “It’s easy to say we will stand up, it is harder to find the courage to” idea, students discussed a Tikkun Olam approach to the bystander–up-stander disconnect and why the “stand up, speak out, and take action” approach is a process, not a slogan. If you are interested in booking our Power of One exhibit; having one of our AGPI educational team members come to your school and workwith your class(es), or would like help in co-creating a student-centric program that fosters an upstander mindset, please contact Dr Orlowsky at norlowsky@agpi.ca
AGPI Finds 50 Faculty Associations Refuse Antisemitism Definition: A new report produced by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) concluded that nearly 50 Canadian faculty associations refuse to adopt the internationally accepted working definition of Antisemitism. The organization’s second annual University Campus report released this week found a number of disconcerting trends in its nation-wide study.While overall reports of on-campus Antisemitism declined, there was an increase in students feeling bullied into veiling their Jewish identity in classes and on campus. Promises of tougher implementation of procedures against Antisemitism were met with lax reaction from university administrations. Nearly 50 Canadian faculty associations declined to adopt the international working definition of Antisemitism (IHRA).
Concern is increasing over revisionist narratives and historical distortions. Read Report Here
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Toronto – February 16, 2023 – A new report produced by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) concluded that nearly 50 Canadian faculty associations refuse to adopt the internationally accepted working definition of Antisemitism.
The organization’s second annual University Campus report released this week found a number of disconcerting trends in its nation-wide study.
Recently, AGPI hosted Toronto academic and physician, Dr. Ayelet Kuper on her shocking revelation in the Canadian Journal of Medicine about Antisemitism at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. While her revelation triggered university and community response, there is little indication of implementation of substantive change.
AGPI was pleased that following its extensive research, including directly following up on reports presented in our 2022 investigation, incidents were isolated to specific events, programs or individuals.
AGPI has been happy with the support we have been receiving from universities and colleges but, at the same time, we remind them that reporting incidents and investigating them are only half of our concerns.
AGPI looks forward to better understanding what programs are in place that create safe and inclusive spaces for their students and how human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected when it comes to Antisemitism, anti-Jewish hate, and anti-Zionism.
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ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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TORONTO - February 7, 2023: Canadian television trailblazer, Moses Znaimer is joining The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's (AGPI) National Board of Advisors. The board is comprised of top Canadian leaders who provide guidance to the recently founded organization.
Statement by Moses Znaimer: "I have been impressed with the work of AGPI over the last two years. This is an organization that is criss-crossing the world on our behalf to promote strong Canadian values. Avi is fighting Antisemitism and defending Israel and standing up for universal human rights. For this reason, I am proud to be associated with his new and innovative organization".
Statement by AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo: "Its an honour and a privilege to welcome Moses to AGPI. At a time when the world needs as many influential people as possible to counter Antisemitism, hate and intolerance, having Moses on the AGPI team is critically important".
Statement by Simcha Jacobovici, Emmy Award-winning director, producer, investigative journalist, TV host and New York Times best-selling author: "I travel the world watching television and selling programs to the most important broadcasters on the planet (BBC, Discovery, National Geographic) and I must say, Moses has built VisionTV into the world's most prolific broadcasters of programs, exposing mass atrocities, religious persecution and intolerance around the world".
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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February 3, 2023: This week, in our front-page article in the National Post, we exposed our government's complicity in aiding and abetting Palestinian terrorism. This follows the murder of sevenIsraelis in Jerusalem exactly one week ago. Among them was a 14-year-old boy and a newly-married couple -- one of whom was murdered while attempting to resuscitate her spouse.
In 2021, Canada gave the Palestinians US$48 million and on average gives them around US$23million -- all funnelled through the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA). Worse, this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken rewarded last week's terrorist attack by announcing an additional $50 million -- on top of the $890 million already given to the Palestinians in the last two years.
Here is the truth: every dollar allocated by Western nations is blood-money. It has been well documented that the Palestinian Authority rewards terrorists by giving monthly allowances to their families, should they die while carrying out an operation against the Israelis, or find themselves in prison if they survive. It sounds completely insane, but the Palestinian Authority has actually institutionalized what is now called “pay for slay.” In other words, you get paid to murder Israelis — especially Jews.
Where does the Palestinian Authority (PA) get the money to finance its pay-for-slay program? Think about it. With a per capita GDP of roughly US$3,500 and an average unemployment rate of 25 per cent, the PA simply could not afford to pay for the salaries of terrorists without international assistance.
It is time for the West to demand the Palestinian Authority stop its incitement of terrorism and disarm Hamas in return for the free money it is receiving from the international community.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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February 2, 2023: Of Israel's estimated 165,000 Holocaust Survivors, roughly one in three lives alone and in poverty. For much of their daily social interaction, they rely on Israel's social clubs and nursing homes to supplement their health and welfare.
In recent months, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) quietly answered the call of many Holocaust survivor agencies by sponsoring social and educational programs that enhance the lives of survivors.
"After the atrocities they endured, many Holocaust survivors in Israel are living alone and in poverty. As an organization that also promotes Holocaust studies and remembrance, we feel that it's our responsibility to help take care of them" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
AGPI piloted a new innovative interactive music therapy program as part of its new initiative. In so doing, the organization is engaging with survivors, recording their stories and strengthening Holocaust remembrance.
"We have received many letters of appreciation and given these successful results, we are appealing to our global network to help with its expansion through directed donations" Benlolo added.
Any directed donation amount will help us advance this program. A sponsorship of as little as $500 allows us to run one full day of programming. To help with this initiative, please donate HERE and in the "comments area" add in "Israel Holocaust Program".
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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TORONTO - January 30, 2023: Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman is slated to headline the Crystal Ball Benefit in Toronto. Ambassador Friedman was one of the architects of The Abraham Accords, and was a major engineer of the relocation of America's embassy to Jerusalem,
Held annually at Casa Loma, the Crystal Ball, Toronto's trendiest social event, is in support of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a prominent Canadian NGO that counters Antisemitism, defends Israel, and promotes peace.
The magical swanky dinner evening in the castle will take place on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 and is co-chaired by prominent Canadian political and business leader, Mr. Paul Godfrey, and The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua.
In his remarks in AGPI's feature documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, Ambassador Friedman reflected on the success of The Abraham Accords saying, "All the work that we did to realign America with its most important ally in the Middle East -- Israel -- people said that's going to bring a wave of violence, and just the opposite happened: it brought a wave of peace."
Pre-sponsorships of the Crystal Ball Benefit have already sold out half of the available seats at the major gifts dinner. To apply to register and sponsor the event, and for the sponsorship deck, please send an email to office@agpi.ca or visit the website, www.crystalballbenefit.com
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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In the face of hate and intolerance of this kind, we are even further motivated to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Toronto today, the room at City Hall was filled to capacity with numerous influential leaders, including Mayor John Tory, Chief of Police Myron Demkiw, and dozens of Consuls-General, City Councillors, educators, and police leaders.
AGPI marked the occasion by presenting Mayor Tory and the City of Toronto with a menorah. Our message was that every one of us is a single light, but together we can illuminate the darkness.
In my own remarks, I reminded the Mayor and the Councillors that it was at that very podium that we had together passed the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism - setting in motion other cities and municipalities joining us in this important initiative. Sadly, I said, despite human advancement, Antisemitism is increasing showing that we must continue to push back relentlessly.
"It is the responsibility that all of us have to carry the story forward," said Mayor Tory. He added, "Increasingly the problem is not that we would fail to remember, or that we would forget . . . you can't remember things that you never knew . . . the responsibility rests with all of us to take the story of the survivors forward and to ensure that we learn the lessons of the Holocaust."
Event Co-Sponsor and City Councillor, James Pasternak said, "Let us look at this place and time that we did our part to ensure that 'never again' really does mean never again." Israel's Consul-General Idit Shamir spoke emotionally saying, "Today marks 70 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp where over 1 million people perished during the Holocaust, including many of my own family."
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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01-27-23: AGPI CONDEMNS HORRIFIC TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISRAEL: Its hard to imagine that while International Holocaust Remembrance Day events are taking place, an alleged Palestinian gunman, stormed into a synagogue in Jerusalem killing at least 7 worshippers and wounding many more.
While details are still unfolding at the time of this writing, we are shocked and dismayed by this horrific terror incident. We blame the Palestinian Authority and Hamas for their continued incitement against Israel and the Jewish people.
We call on the world community not only to condemn, but to pause funding to the Palestinian Authority until it stops the "pay for slay" program - rewarding terrorists and their families for attacking Israelis. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Jewish families who have been affected and impacted by this horrible tragedy.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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01-24-23: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is applauding a court ruling in Quebec that found that to advocate for Nazism is the same as to advocate for the persecution of Jewish people. The Canadian Press is reporting that Judge Manilo Del Negro said that not only did a 36 year old defendant “foment hate, he encouraged his readers to act”.
The defendant is said to have called for “non-stop Nazism everywhere until the streets are flooded with the tears of our enemies”. Judge Del Negro said, “seventy-seven years after the end of World War II, to persist in trivializing the role that Nazism played in regards to the Jews during the Holocaust and to continue to target them is deeply shocking”.
AGPI’s Vice President and prominent criminal defense lawyer, Leora Shemesh said, “according to reports, the defence lawyer declared that the Holocaust was merely an “economical solution.” She declared that the “the Nazis didn’t originally intend to kill millions of Jews in concentration camps” and that it was merely a solution that someone close to Hitler came up with in order to save money because it was cheaper to gas these people than to deport them.
This hateful rhetoric apparently filled the courtroom as the parties disagreed on the term Nazism and argued about whether the court could accept without any expert evidence that six million Jews were murdered. But these are facts that can and should be accepted by our courts without the need to call any evidence”.
AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, a leading authority on Antisemitism and the Holocaust in Canada, agreed with the ruling: “Judge Del Negro was absolutely correct in that it’s impossible to contest the linkage between Nazi ideology and the murder of Six Million Jewish people during the Holocaust. Sadly, Holocaust distortion is quite real and as eye-witness survivors pass away, we can expect an acceleration of Holocaust denial. This is why our educational work is important now more than ever”.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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New York - January 22, 2023: To counter the surge of antisemitic incidents in New York City, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) held an exclusive premiere of its new documentary film hosted by the prestigious Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan.
In New York, police data shows there is an antisemitic incident in the city every 33 hours on average. Incidents have doubled in the last two years to at least 263 attacks, despite the fact New York has the largest concentration of Jewish people outside of Israel.
"One of the major issues that arose at last night's premiere was the situation on university campuses across America. One parent recounted how after shopping for an antisemitism-free university for her child, she realized there weren't any", recounted AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Benlolo. The film provides valuable insight about the situation on campuses. It further undermines the myths and slander campaigns against the Jewish State by arming the audience with the truth about Israel.
The Future of Israel and its Defenders shatters antisemitic tropes and shows a new emerging face of Israel; one that is proud and feeling normalized amongst its Middle East neighbours and in the world community. Israelis are no longer feeling on an island onto themselves. Despite the defamation campaigns and rising global antisemitism, Israelis are feeling stronger than ever, particularly following the signing of The Abraham Accords.
Recently, AGPI launched the film as part of its platform to counter antisemitism on social media. "If there is one takeaway from the Kanye West (YE) episode, it's that we must double down our impact on social media. For this reason, AGPI is producing films and clips on social media as a counter measure, and to educate and advocate" Benlolo added.
Additional screenings celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary are being planned throughout North America and Europe, including a major screening on the Jerusalem Post website (date coming soon). For information about the film and to book your own community screening please visit www.celebrateisrael.org
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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17 January 2023: In tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is launching the Max Eisen Holocaust and Humanitarianism Award.
A Swedish diplomat during the Holocaust, Mr. Wallenberg risked his life by rescuing approximately 100,000 thousand Jewish people, giving them diplomatic immunity and saving them from deportation to death camps.
Recognizing this act of bravery and heroism, Canadians mark every January 17th as Raoul Wallenberg Day. "Our hope is to inspire and empower others to take action to make the world a better place" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
To mark this occasion, AGPI is encouraging students all over the world to take action against Antisemitism by competing in a new annual essay writing contest, named after Canadian Holocaust survivor, Max Eisen, who passed away in 2022.
An education fund was established in his honour after his passing to carry forward his life's work to advance Holocaust education.
Statement By AGPI's Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky: "As we amplify the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, AGPI continues to collaborate with educators in finding meaningful ways to incorporate his story and actions into curriculum.
Through our new Humanitarian Award in addition to the Power of One Human Rights Exhibit, we take up the challenges that Wallenberg himself set out to combat: the need to foster a great sense of understanding as to the role of individuals in making a difference in the face of injustice".
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
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January 13, 2022
AGPI ADVOCATES FOR GREATER SECURITY TO PROTECT DEMOCRACIES: In today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo is encouraging Canada not to "pull a Canada". What does that mean? Unfortunately, Canada has a history of buying second- and third-tier military equipment. Finally, our government has decided to go with the F-35. That's a good start. The world is a dangerous place. If we have learned anything from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it is that our freedom and democracy must involve cutting-edge defence.
Without modern weaponry, Canada cannot defend itself. It became hard to believe that for a time, after pulling a Canada and nixing the F-35 program, we even considered buying used Australian fighter jets. Why are we in the relic business? Do our museums need filling?
The ultimate responsibility of any government is to ensure the security of its citizens. In the modern age, this means modern fifth- and sixth-generation weaponry. If we want to preserve our freedom and democracy, we need to start by putting on our own oxygen mask first.
January 13, 2022
AGPI CONDEMNS TLAIB FOR INFLAMMATORY RHETORIC: This week, in the U.S. House, Rep. Rashida Tlaib inflamed Antisemitism and hate against the Jewish state by falsely claiming that Israel practices "apartheid". She failed to condemn the Palestinian Authority for incitement, and Hamas for its rocket attacks on the Jewish state.
ROUNDUP: AGPI TEAM TAKES ACTION AGAINST ONLINE ANTISEMITISM: This week, AGPI's team uncovered, and had removed, an advertisement for a vacuum cleaner that listed "Jewish" as "all kinds of garbage is easily vacuumed". In other news, in Dusseldorf, eleven streets were renamed because they honored Antisemitic people. Also in Germany, The Hugo Ball Prize was suspended due to concerns about the namesake's Antisemitism. Antisemitism in Thessaloniki continues to be a problem as a Holocaust mural was defaced with Nazi symbols. In Ottawa, police laid charges against two youth involved in Antisemitism. However, AGPI is advocating the youth enter into an education program rather than face charges. A new report on Antisemitism in NYC says it increased 41% in 2022 targeting especially the religious community.
INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY: This week, AGPI met with Poland's Consul-General, Magdalena Pszczolkowska. Discussions were held about shared interests. Last spring, AGPI supported Ukrainian refugees in Poland and on an annual basis, takes delegations to visit Auschwitz and Holocaust memorials in Poland. Given the war, Poland has been in a precarious security situation, relying on its allies to ensure its safety. Despite tensions between Israel and Poland in recent years, the two countries continue to work on cementing ties and overcoming differences. In keeping with AGPI's mandate, the organization is focused on dialogue and building bridges, finding ways of working together to build a better world.
CAMPUS HATE WORLDWIDE: This week, AGPI condemned pro-Palestinian students at the University of Chicago for launching a campaign to boycott an Israeli/Jewish professor. What is the difference, we asked, from what the Nazis did by banning Jewish academics from universities? In England, an organization called The Voice of Jewish Students (UJS) released a damning report against the National Union of Students, accusing the organization of ignoring harassment and discrimination against Jewish students.
NEW YORK, LINCOLN SQUARE SYNAGOGUE TO HOST PREMIERE OF THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL AND ITS DEFENDERS:
Our screening calendar is quickly filling for 2023. This latest booking is in addition to our New York Premiere of The Future of Israel and its Defenders: The screening is being hosted by Lincoln Square Synagogue on Motzei Shabbat, January 21, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
SYNOPSIS: The documentary encapsulates contemporary perspectives of critical issues affecting Israel today through the lens of experts, military strategists, "start-up-nation" leaders, journalists, and current and former political leaders. A behind-the-scenes look at peacemaking from the architects of the Abraham Accords.
SHOCKING BANNER ON HIGHWAY: In Louisiana this week, it was reported that yet another Antisemitic banner was hung from a highway overpass attesting that "Jews own and control banks, slavery, politics, trade, wars" etc. The usual historic slander and defamation against the Jewish people is quickly taking hold. AGPI is accelerating its advocacy and education campaigns.
BBC REPORTS ANDREW BRIDGEN SUSPENDED: Covid vaccine comparisons were supposed to be behind us by now but that is wishful thinking. Apparently a Conservative British MP was suspended for comparing the vaccines to the Holocaust. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the remarks, calling the comparison "utterly unacceptable".
01-13-23: The Friday Report
An explosion of new subscribers to AGPI continued this week, coupled with a growth of Antisemitic incidents around the world. Fortunately, to help advance the fight against Antisemitism, defend Israel, and promote human rights, a new subscriber joins the AGPI network every 4 minutes. If you are one of them, welcome!
Our social media advocacy is impacting. In fact, our social media feeds have been busting out with traffic. One twitter feed received 183,000 impressions; 826 retweets; 2,451 likes and 157 comments.
In this week's breaking news alerts, we report on uncovering an Antisemitic online advertisement for a vacuum cleaner, Germany's removal of eleven street names associated with Antisemites and a reported 41% increase in Antisemitism in New York City. In Ottawa, two youths were charged with Antisemitic-motivated hate crimes for a school incident, while in Louisiana a vile Antisemitic banner was hung over a highway overpass.
In this, a shocking video of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib was circulated with her comments to the House. In those comments, she falsely accuses Israel of Apartheid, rhetoric that is inflammatory. Instead of blaming the Palestinian Authority for incitement which is leading to unspeakable levels of terrorism against Israel and, for that matter, Hamas - she lobbed horrible accusations against the Jewish State.
01-07-23: AGPI: Israel is the Answer to Antisemitism
In a Front Page Spread in the National Post, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO explains why Israel is the answer to Antisemitism:
"An increasing tide of antisemitism around the world is proving that Israel is needed now more than ever. Theodor Herzl, the founding visionary of the modern Jewish state, was right about re-establishing the Jewish homeland as the answer to antisemitism. The only way for Jewish people to truly escape this infectious disease of hatred is by seeking refuge in Israel.
Israel might not be able to eradicate antisemitism, but after 2,000 years of persecution, finally there is shelter. The recent surge in violent antisemitism in France for instance and even in Russia and Ukraine has brought a torrent of Jewish immigration to the Holy Land. Instability in Chile, Venezuela and Argentina is also leading more Jews to the safety and security of Israel. Even in Canada and America, the continued rise of antisemitism is making many Jews contemplate their future".
01-06-23: Read This Week's The Friday Report:
"It's been a disappointing couple of weeks at the United Nations - again. Earlier in the week, we condemned the UN General Assembly's latest assault on Israel. By empowering the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it has become a weapon of the Palestinian Authority to continue undermining the Jewish State. Israel has every right to protect its civilian population from Hamas rocket attacks and singling it out for legitimate defence is a stain on world justice.
Yesterday, the Palestinians weaponized the UN again through its Security Council went over the top disproportionally by condemning Israel for its so-called infringement on the Temple Mount when one of its ministers toured the holy site. It should not be a cause of an international inquisition. Religious freedom is sacrosanct in western tradition. We believe Jerusalem is the place for all faiths to come together to worship freely and respectfully.
Israel's Western Wall, (the Kotel) is not barred to any faith group. I have taken many Christians and Muslims there to learn about the Jewish faith. Sadly, with the help of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas are attempting to claim the site as their own - when in reality, it is also sacred to the Jewish people and should be accessible to people of all faiths who wish to worship. That is the very spirit of Yerushalayim - the city of peace".
AGPI Founding Board Member Calls for more Interfaith unity in fight against Antisemitism
December 28, 2022: A Founding Board Member of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) today issued a letter encouraging the non-Jewish community to stand up to Antisemitism.
Bruce Etherington who is also a committed Christian faith leader said, "We have to stand up to Antisemitism together – no matter our faith, but especially because of our faith".
In an end of the year appeal to support AGPI, Mr. Etherington wrote, "I am heartbroken to hear about Antisemitism on our university campuses, particularly reports about the University of Toronto which we have protested against. How could it be that at the University of California, Berkeley, nine student groups in the law school amended their bylaws to ensure that no pro-Israel speakers would be allowed to address their groups?"
Antisemitism isn’t a problem for only Jewish people to solve. We who aren’t Jewish must help. This “all for one and one for all” sentiment has brought together leaders of all faiths to form The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). We are an organization comprised of leaders from multiple faiths who are standing up to Antisemitism; defending Israel and Holocaust remembrance and promoting values of freedom and human rights" Mr. Etherington added.
Alongside the organization, Mr. Etherington encouraged everyone to sign The Pledge Against Antisemitism.
About: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel, Canada and their allies; and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights. AGPI is a registered charitable organization and provides tax-receipts for donations.
PRESS RELEASE: AGPI Statement on Formation of New Government in Israel
Toronto – December 22, 2022:
Prominent international Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) congratulates incoming Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu on forming a new government. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and these recent results demonstrate its vibrancy. The election results point to a growing concern about internal security.
Quote from AGPI’s Founder and Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo: “Having spent the summer in Israel speaking to political leaders, media influencers, academics and security experts while filming, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, I am optimistic about Israel now more than ever. It’s important to understand that Israel is greater than the sum of its parts, made up of dynamic individuals in the public and private spheres who strengthen its vibrancy and democracy”.
AGPI is proud of its relationship with Israel and will continue strengthening and defending the country and its people against delegitimization and defamation campaigns. The organization will continue working and partnering with Israeli government leaders to help reinforce the country’s founding principles which are grounded in freedom, equality, pluralism and democracy. At the same time, AGPI recognizes and condemns rising Palestinian terrorism and incitement, which is leading to a shift in public opinion about the peace process.
In a call to President Isaac Herzog, Designate-Prime Minister Netanyahu said he was happy to announce that he is forming a government that “will be responsible for all of Israel’s citizens” (translated from Hebrew). AGPI applauds this sentiment and will work to ensure Israel’s rights and freedoms are preserved.
Media Contact: media@agpi.ca
Visit AGPI’s Newsroom: https://agpiworld.com/news
About: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel, Canada and their allies; and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights. AGPI is a registered charitable organization and provides tax-receipts for donations.
Toronto - 12/19/22: In honour of Hanukkah and in reaction to the increasing tide of Antisemitism, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) launched a Global Pledge Against Antisemitism and for Holocaust Remembrance.
Given the apparent normalization of Antisemitism, the prominent Canadian NGO is asking people to take a stand over the Hanukkah and Christmas holiday season.
"We are asking all people to sign this very simple personal pledge and to stand with us during this time. We know from history, not enough people spoke out. Now everyone has the opportunity" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
The pledge reads:
"I will not be silenced. I unequivocally condemn the disturbing rise of antisemitism at home and abroad. I am committed to reinforcing efforts to advance Holocaust awareness, remembrance, and research, and to combat antisemitism as key elements of the promotion and protection of human rights globally. I believe antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community to solve alone, it is a challenge for all of us to take on. In so doing, I join 36 nations and numerous communities in support of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, an important tool in recognizing and combating this pernicious hatred".
AGPI is asking the media and the community at large to help combat antisemitism by circulating this pledge over the holiday season. The pledge is open to people of all faiths.
Toronto - 12/16/22: In today's National Post, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) calls the University of Toronto to take immediate action to investigate allegations of Antisemitism. The article is in reaction to Dr. Ayelet Kuper's expose of Antisemitism at the Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Kuper writes: “I personally experienced many instances of antisemitism, including being told that all Jews are liars; that Jews lie to control the university or the faculty or the world, to oppress or hurt others, and/or for other forms of gain; and that antisemitism can’t exist because everything Jews say are lies, including any claims to have experienced discrimination.” For the first time, in a long time, we now have a credible academic paper with damning evidence of antisemitism presented from within a university-faculty setting. The report’s revelations should result in a system-wide actionable plan to investigate and address the problem, but the response has been muted.
The university’s central administration has, so far, been silent. The Faculty of Medicine did issue a condemnation of antisemitism, expressing that “it takes courage to step forward and shine a light on hate. We hear you. We see you and we are with you.” But are these words enough? A better statement would have announced the launching of an internal investigation conducted by an external professional, like a respected retired judge.
Toronto - 12/14/22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) welcomes Dr. Susan Glick to its Board of Directors. AGPI's Directors are a part of the governing board of the organization. The board is comprised of influential leaders who come from the legal, financial, business, media, medical, policing, political, and philanthropic communities - representing a cross-section of Canadian expertise.
The organization has four high profile boards including a Board of Governors, a Canadian Advisory Board and an International Advisory Board. It also has a Women's Campaign group and a Lawyers Campaign. Our board members are hand picked based on their ability, expertise and good character.
More about our Board of Directors Here.
Quote from Dr. Susan Glick:
"I am a University of Toronto trained family physician with a special interest in psychotherapy, practicing in Thornhill and North Toronto since 1983. My husband Eddie and I have supported and volunteered in many capacities in the Jewish community, including Holocaust education week, UJA, B'nai Brith, JNF, FSWC, Associated Hebrew School and CHAT. We are proud that we provided our four children with a Jewish education and strong Jewish values. As the child of a Polish born father and daughter-in-law of Holocaust survivors, I am committed to the fight against anti-semitism and to raising awareness of the current challenges facing our community. I am proud to be involved in AGPI and excited to see all that the organization has accomplished in the past year and all that is planned for the future".
Learn more about AGPI's incredible impact by clicking Here
AGPI proudly welcomes Dr. Glick to our leadership team as we continue to expand our work at home and around the world.
Paul Godfrey Mark Teitelbaum Avi Abraham Benlolo
Hon. Chairman President Founding Chairman & CEO
Toronto-December 2, 2022: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) had the honour and the pleasure of being invited to be a part of the “official party” and head-table alongside The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; Vancouver’s Police Chief, Adam Palmer; and Deputy Chief, Steve Rai, among police service board members.
The occasion was to honour police with exemplary service medals.
While in British Columbia, we had a chance to catch up with some of our distinguished members, to plan future partnerships and cooperative initiatives with the Jewish Federation and local synagogues, and equally importantly, to recognize Vancouver’s City Counsellor Sarah Kirby-Yung for her excellent work advocating for the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, having it finally approved by city council.
Toronto-December 1, 2022: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is condemning an event that took place in Canada's parliament this week in which an alleged Holocaust denier and antisemite was invited to participate at a 'Friends of Palestine' event among leading ministers.
One of the invited guests was the publisher of al-Meshwar, a newspaper which allegedly claimed the Holocaust was a Jewish plot and has referred to it as a "holohoax". Some of the high profile MPS in attendance included Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May.
As disturbingly, while Canadian leaders gathered alongside an invited antisemite, the intent of this gathering also undermined celebrations of UN Resolution 181 which paved the way for the establishment of the modern State of Israel. This gathering took place on November 29th - the same day as the UN resolution was passed in 1947.
"To be honest, I am disturbed by the site of Canadian parliamentarians wearing a "Palestinian" scarf particularly after the horrendous murder of a 16 year-old Canadian-Israeli last week most likely at the hands of a Palestinian terror cell" said AGPI's Founder and Chairman, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
AGPI commended Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman for challenging Minister Alghabra in parliament today. While condemning antisemitism, Alghabra refused to apologize to Canadians for participating in the event.
AGPI has reached out to parliamentarians demanding an apology from Minister Alghabra and the Chair of the group, Liberal MP Salma Zahid.
Toronto-November 29, 2022: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) welcomed Conservative Party head, Pierre Poilievre's statement on Jerusalem.
Vowing to move Canada's embassy to Jerusalem, Poilievre said, "I repeat clearly and unambiguously: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel".
Poilievre added, "when I am elected prime minister of Canada, I will ensure that our embassy is relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem".
As part of its mandate and in keeping with the Abraham Accords, AGPI promotes universal support of Jerusalem as Israel's capital - and encourages governments to relocate their embassies to the city.
"Canada can play a vital role in the Middle East by moving its embassy to Jerusalem. It's the right thing to do" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Toronto-November 26, 2022: In a column in the National Post, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo wrote:
"Here is the inconvenient truth: the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) “working definition” of antisemitism is not polarizing to anyone other than Israel’s detractors and antisemites. This is what I told the Toronto Star’s editors in response to a controversial article they published last week with the headline: “Why the definition of antisemitism has become such a polarizing issue.”
Benlolo was responding to Star columnist Shree Paradkar, who said that the IHRA definition itself is “not controversial”. It states that “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish institutions and religious facilities.”
"It’s the 11 examples of antisemitism listed in the definition that Paradkar seems to take an issue with. She specifically brings attention to the one example that says, “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.” Israel is not a racist endeavour. So why is Paradkar taking any issue and focusing on this singular example?"
Read the full article below
WORLD PREMIERE A MAJOR SUCCESS: The Future of Israel and its Defenders was launched this week in Hollywood North (AKA Toronto) to a select VIP audience of 300 people. Reaction to the film was overwhelmingly positive with many of the attendees commenting on its positive message. The film is now on its way to being premiered worldwide over the next 12 months as AGPI works to push it out to campuses and communities, festivals and private viewing. For information, please visit www.celebrateisrael75.org
AGPI EXTENDS HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO FAMILY OF CANADIAN MURDERED IN PALESTINIAN TERROR ATTACK: Earlier this week, AGPI condemned the Palestinian terror attacks in Jerusalem and just yesterday a car-ramming attack in Beersheba. In the Jerusalem attack, 16 year-old Canadian Aryeh Schechopek was murdered while another 20 civilians were injured. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Schenchopek family and call on the Canadian government to re-evaluate its (indirect) funding of Palestinian Authority.
MPP JOEL HARDEN APOLOGIZES following a letter sent to him by AGPI. The organization wrote, "firstly, Israel is not a colonial state that needs to be “dismantled” as you seem to purport, equating it with the Canadian condition. Second, you mention that Israel is a “deeply racist project”. Nothing could be further from the truth". To Read our full letter please click Here.
AGPI EDUCATES AT BIALIK HEBREW SCHOOL: A key component of AGPI is education in schools. This week, our Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky said he was "honoured to speak at both Bialik campuses as part of their family learning sessions, bringing to light modern trends concerning Jewish identity and Israel.
U.A.E. to Include Holocaust Education in Curriculum: During our visit to Dubai just two weeks ago, AGPI inquired about Holocaust education in the U.A.E.'s curriculum. This week, it was announced that "the Holocaust is now set to be fully included in the curriculum, as the Gulf country moves to position itself as a regional peacemaker. Stay tuned for more exciting news about this collaboration from AGPI in the coming days!
ANTISEMITISM RISING IN THE OFFICE: A new study by ResumeBuilder.com found that 26% of hiring managers say they are less likely to more forward with Jewish applicants. When asked why, 38% said that "Jews have too much power and control". Apparently the influx of such myths over social media have had a dramatic effect on the social sphere's perpetuation of Antisemitism.
November 24, 2022: For the first time, Canada's pro-Israel voice is being projected globally on film by the prominent "made in Canada" NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).
The organization premiered its first-ever documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, to a select VIP group of 300 supporters and dignitaries. Reaction to the film was overwhelmingly positive, garnering laughter and applause throughout.
Reflecting on the film, the event's Co-Chairs, Drs. Susan and Eddie Glick said, "The way most people felt leaving the theatre was empowered. Everyone who will see it will be better advocates for Judaism and Israel. For the first time in a long time they felt optimistic".
"The film itself is certainly an emotional tribute of hope. At the same time, its objective is to change the negative narrative about Israel here in the diaspora by highlighting the success of The Abraham Accords and strengthening resiliency to stand up for Israel", said the movie's producer and writer, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Now that the film has premiered and is well received, the organization will start pushing it out into the public sphere with screenings in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and London already being planned. "This film is our gift to the world. It was underwritten by our supporters and we are giving it free of charge to as many groups and organizations as possible" said the organization's President, Mark Teitelbaum.
AGPI's supporters heard remarks from Israel's Consul General, Idit Shamir who brought further hope and warmth to the evening. Former IDF Colonel, Kobi Marom provided a high-level assessment of the strategic situation on the ground. We were honoured that Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti was able to join us.
AGPI provided special thanks to Adam Farberman of Dreamvision and to Cineplex Theatres and Ellis Jacob, its CEO for sponsoring the theatre. To learn more about the film and to book it for your community organization, please visit www.celebrateisrael75.org
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ABOUT: AGPI's media division is comprised of a documentary platform and social media platform to combat and counter Antisemitism and the defamation of Israel. You can learn more about our media platform Here.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
November 23, 2022: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is condemning a violent morning in Jerusalem in which two-terror attacks were perpetuated, targeting civilians. One 16 year-old student was killed and 20 people injured.
A 16-year-old Canadian citizen was reportedly killed in the attack. According to reports, two bombs were remotely detonated in the proximity of bus stations willed with students and others during their commute in the morning. The bombs were laden with nails to maximize their effect.
Over the last number of months, Israel has been at the cross-hair of Palestinian terrorism and incitement, a with rising number of lone-wolf attacks on soldiers and civilians. Hamas has praised this morning's attack.
Last week, 16 Jewish children were left without one parent when a Palestinian terrorist attacked three Jewish-Israeli fathers. Two victims had five children and one had six. The killing spree was in the industrial area of Ariel as the Palestinian went on a stabbing and car ramming spree, further injuring three others.
Quote by Avi Abraham Benlolo, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO: "Enough is enough. Palestinian terrorism is being fuelled by the international community's reluctance to curtail the Palestinian Authority's incitement, particularly its pay-for-slay program, which rewards terrorists. Now that a Canadian has been killed, our government must re-evaluate its long-standing financial aid to Ramallah and Gaza, until such time as these policies have ended".
Today's attack has been widely condemned by Israel's political leaders and the international community including the Canadian and the British embassies. "Condemnations however are not enough, more pressure needs to be brought upon the Palestinian Authority to become a partner for peace with Israel and join the Abraham Accords".
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
(photo Credit: Times of Israel)
Joel Harden, MPP
Dear Mr. Harden;
I am shocked and saddened concerning your remarks about Israel in an interview with Peter Larson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnlDVeOmMhQ
Firstly, Israel is not a colonial state that needs to be “dismantled” as you seem to purport, equating it with the Canadian condition. Very few people can deny the fact that Judaism is indigenous to the land of Israel and that Jewish people are as much native to the land as are the First Nations peoples of this country.
Second, you mention that Israel is a “deeply racist project”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having just spent weeks in Israel meeting with Israeli-Arabs, I can tell you that the majority feel accepted and integrated into the nation. As you are aware, the 20% Arab residents in Israel have the same rights and freedoms that Jews and Christians do.
Unlike Jews living in Arab countries, they hold public office, serve in law enforcement and the military and participate in all professions. Your assertion is blatantly false.
Third, your language against Israel is based on generalizations. Over the last three decades, Israelis have championed a two-state solution with the Palestinians. On six-occasions the Palestinians rejected Israeli offers for an independent state.
Instead, the Palestinians have turned time and again to terrorism, suicide bombing and rocket fire from Gaza. In fairness, and as Canadians, it is incumbent on all of us to provide a true account of the situation on the ground and the real security threat against all Israelis, including Arabs.
Fourth, your comment about “getting Canadian complicity out of the occupation” is disconcerting. If anything, Canada is complicit in helping preserve Israel’s freedom and democracy. Where else in the Middle East would you see an annual Pride Day celebrated? Where else in the region do women have full rights and liberty? Where else in the area is there a free press? One wonders if you speak with the same vigour about the gassing of children in Syria; the treatment of women in Iran or the repression of Christian communities in Lebanon.
While we appreciate your stand against Antisemitism, I believe you have been ill informed about Israel. If you have some time, perhaps we can set up a meeting to discuss your views further. Most importantly, by equating Jews as colonizers or asserting that Israel is a racist enterprise, please understand that this viewpoint falls into the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. This is because, like anyone else, Jewish people deserve to have a state, especially given their indigenous connection to the land. I truly hope you can understand this critical point.
Again, while my time is fairly constrained, I would be happy to find time to meet with you on a collegial basis to educate you about your assertions.
Excerpt from The Friday Report:
November 11, 2022: Today, we had the pleasure of meeting with Canada's Consul General, Jean-Philippe Linteau who provided an exceptional briefing about Canada's role in the region. We also met with Israel's Deputy Consul General Dana Filber to discuss strategic points of interest.
This week, our organization had the honour and pleasure of jointly hosting a major community event at the Crossroads Museum of Civilizations, the only Holocaust museum in the Arab world. The museum itself reflects the best of each civilization, its diversity, culture, beliefs and religions.
Our presence in the only Holocaust museum in the region was apropos given our global release of a 2022 report on Antisemitism in commemoration of Kristallnacht earlier in the week.
Our event brought together local and international community leaders, honouring Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Rabbi Mirvis spoke eloquently, observing that in most other places Jewish communities are diminishing, while here we are witnessing the birth of a new Jewish community.
Capping off the week, we look forward to joining the community for Shabbat this evening; as well, I have been invited to speak about our organization at the Shabbat luncheon.
Earlier this week, an AGPI delegation travelled to the UN in New York City to jointly launch our Power of One exhibit with Canada's Permanent Mission. We thank His Excellency Ambassador Bob Rae for warmly welcoming us. Our exhibit, which promotes human rights, now sits at United Nations Headquarters. What an honour!
In the midst of this work, and given the resurgence of Antisemitism globally, we released a 97-page report on Antisemitism which provides a sweeping view of the global challenges at hand. The report is available here. Here.
DUBAI -November 10, 2022: Prominent Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) joined The Crossroads of Civilization Museum in Dubai today for a special ceremony celebrating two years of the Abraham Accords and marking 84 years since Kristallnacht.
Jointly co-sponsored by AGPI alongside the museum, the prestigious evening was held in honour of Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mervis, who provided the keynote address. The occasion was organized by AGPI board member and Vice President of the British Board of Deputies, Edwin Shuker and graciously hosted by museum founder, Sheikh Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori.
In his remarks, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo spoke about the significance of the moment and the place in which the community's leaders were gathered - the Museum of Civilization which celebrates tolerance, diversity and co-existence: "Today, it's important that each of us answer the call and say, "Heneini". And so, we travel these distances to help build peace, to be present, and to say, "Here I Am".
Given the fact that earlier this week, AGPI launched its Power of One exhibit at the UN in New York and launched its Global Report on Antisemitism, Benlolo observed there was no better place for us to fight Antisemitism and to celebrate peace and humanity than at the Crossroads Museum of Civilizations, Dubai.
In a private tour of the museum with Rabbi Mirvis and Benlolo, Al Mansoori proudly expressed that his museum is the only Holocaust museum in the Arab world", showcasing his passion to educate and build tolerance in the region. "In our effort to fight Antisemitism, I strongly believe that the Abraham Accords undermines this pernicious form of hatred" Benlolo said in his remarks.
New York-November 9, 2022: To mark the 84th commemoration of Kristallnacht, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) hand-delivered its first-annual 97-page report on the State of Global Antisemitism to the Office of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres.
"The United Nations was founded because of and on the very ashes of the Holocaust. We are demanding that the General Assembly take action against the rising tide of Antisemitism and that the UN stop prejudice-grounded attacks against the Jewish State which foments Antisemitism" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
AGPI's release of its 2022 report on the State of Global Antisemitism was timed to mark the 84th commemoration of Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. To mark the occasion, this week, AGPI sent a delegation to launch its Power of One exhibit at the United Nations.
On this day, in 1938, the Nazis unleashed an unprecedented attack on Jewish communities mainly in Germany and Austria killing some 90 people, “arresting” 30,000 others and burning down 267 synagogues throughout the republic.
Books were burned; businesses ransacked, and Jewish people pulled from their beds and murdered and beaten on the streets.
Kristallnacht was the night that would open the gates of hell across Europe, leading to the Shoah – the Holocaust.
The seeds for Kristallnacht and the Holocaust were planted centuries before but realized when Hitler came to power in 1933.
This report demonstrates that the resurgence of Antisemitism shows humanity adrift. We are entering dark days. Not since the Holocaust have Jewish communities especially in liberal democracies expressed serious concern for their safety.
At the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) we monitor and respond to as many antisemitic incidents as possible. We educate and advocate to ensure that the words “never again” are put into action. We invite you to review this incredible report and learn more about our organization by visiting our website at www.agpiworld.com. We applaud Dr. Neil Orlowsky and our education team for putting the report together.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights. AGPI is a registered charitable organization and provides tax-receipts for donations.
November 8, 2022 – New York – Prominent Canadian NGO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) launched its human rights exhibit called The Power of One at United Nations Headquarters. The event was hosted by Canada’s mission and its Permanent Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae. Alongside dignitaries and leaders, the launch was hosted by AGPI’s President, Mark Teitelbaum and by the organization’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
In a letter to AGPI’s constituents, Mr. Teitelbaum said “I am proud of the work we are doing at home and around the world and the achievements we have already made. For the first time, our community has a "Made in Canada" global voice that we can all take pride in. Our Impact pageonline succinctly shows the areas we are changing every single day”.
In welcoming AGPI’s delegation to the UN, Ambassador Rae took a moment to recognize many of the individuals exemplified in the Power of One exhibit – particularly Holocaust Survivor, Max Eisen and Chiune Sugihara. They are two of thirteen positive change-makers featured in our exhibit. Recognizing Canada’s contribution to the advancement of humanity, AGPI’s exhibit now also profiles John Humphrey, the architect of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.
“Given the level of turmoil in the world today, rising antisemitism and racism at large, we are proud to bring some light into the United Nations to remind delegates about their responsibility to uphold the values of equality, tolerance and fairness. All too often the reverse has been true” said Mr. Benlolo. “As an organization, we try and be the moral compass of the world by exemplifying the very best humanity can be” Benlolo added.
Learn more about The Power of One here: https://agpiworld.com/power-of-one
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights. AGPI is a registered charitable organization and provides tax-receipts for donations.
11-04-22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) Congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on winning the election. The organization wishes him every success in forming Israel's next government.
Statement by AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo: "We stand with and respect the democratic will of Israeli citizens. They are the ones who are on the front-lines every single day. Not those of us in the diaspora. As my front page article in today's National Post explains, Israelis have every right to be genuinely concerned about their own safety and security".
Key Areas AGPI Believes have led to these election results:
First and foremost, the Biden administration has been unable to solve the Iranian nuclear problem. America’s blind insistence to renegotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was against the wishes of Israeli military leaders and public sentiment. Now it’s clear that negotiations with Iran have failed and the ayatollahs were biding their time in order to continue the development of nuclear weapons.
Second, the Israeli public is well aware that Netanyahu has unfettered access to world leaders. He might be the only Israeli leader with a direct line to Vladimir Putin and he would be in a unique position to address the rising tension between Israel and Russia over Ukraine.
Third, Israel’s war with Hamas in 2021 heightened public awareness of Arab discontent in such central Israeli cities as Lod and Ramla. Israeli-Arab citizens sided with Hamas by marching through neighbourhoods, burning cars and worse, torching synagogues. For the first time, Jewish-Israelis felt threatened in their neighbourhoods and were reminded of the European and Middle East pogroms of days-thought-long-gone.
Fourth, the Palestinians killed the peace camp and gave rise to more vocal right-wing politicians. This September, at the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Israeli settlers “terrorists” while making ludicrous accusations against them and the Israeli military. Instead of extending a hand in peace, his language was sharp, aggressive and non-collaborative. At the same time, and following his remarks, Palestinian terrorism against Israelis increased, becoming more violent and deadly with each passing day. This is causing fear and anger in Israeli society.
Finally, and just as disconcerting, Israelis are responding to the incessant biased attacks by such human-rights organizations as the UN Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. Israelis feel unfairly targeted, and they are, considering they are vigorously working to defend the only democracy in the Middle East.
"Women, Life, Freedom"
10/30/22: You can watch history unfold from the sidelines or choose to act to build bridges and bring light into darkness. We prefer the latter. Yesterday, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) joined thousands of Iranian-Canadians who are speaking out against the repression of women in Iran.
"Following the Abrahamic tradition, we are speaking out for universal human rights and bringing together people from all walks of life under one tent - the Abrahamic Tent" said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Speaking at a major rally in Toronto, Mr. Benlolo was thanked by its organizers and members of the audience for expressing the Jewish community's unity and support against the repression of women in Iran.
Benlolo said, "I represent the Jewish community and I want to tell you that we are horrified by the repression that is happening in Iran. We support the rights of women who are repressed in Iran....and we want to see freedom brought to the people...As Canadians we can come together to promote human rights and freedom and this is what I believe brings us together as communities".
Yesterday's demonstration was part of a national and global effort to show solidarity with the anti-government protests in Iran in memory of Mahsa Amini. Thousands of demonstrators lined the streets of Canadians cities from St. Johns to Vancouver as part of a worldwide "human chain". Joining these demonstrations was Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau who said, "enough is enough".
In recent months, AGPI joined Canada's Iranian community in advocating that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) be added to Canada's terrorism and security list. Prominent Canadian and international leaders had also signed AGPI's letter to President Biden to discourage America's delisting of the IRGC (it did not) and to cease all nuclear talks associated with the JCPOA.
AGPI has published extensively about Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, including its ties to the bombings in Argentina of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA community centre. Most recently, the organization has written about Iran's murder of 176 people, including 55 Canadian citizens by shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.
AGPI is not good at being silent. Learn more about AGPI's global impact and its advocacy and educational activities by checking out "Our Impact" page Here.
AGPI EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN ADIDAS: How much is money is condemning Antisemitism worth?
In today's National Post, Avi Abraham Benlolo said: "I am disappointed that Adidas had the audacity to say in its very next breath that its decision was measured in dollars and cents: “This is expected to have a short-term negative impact of up to €250 million on the company’s net income in 2022 given the high seasonality of the fourth quarter.” This line should bring shame on the German company whose founders had ties to the Nazi party".
In a letter to AGPI, Adidas said: "adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness".
WE REMEMBER TREE OF LIFE VICTIMS: On Shabbat morning of October 27, 2018, 11 Jewish worshippers were brutally murdered by a Nazi White Supremacist who entered their synagogue and began shooting. May their memory be a blessing.
AGPI REBUTS SLANDEROUS UNHRC REPORT ON ISRAEL: In response to the UNHRC report which was presented to the UN General Assembly yesterday, the report's author, Henry Kopel, who serves on AGPI's Global Board and is a retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor, stated that "having the world’s worst violators of human rights stand at the apex of the world community’s enforcement of human rights jurisprudence is a form of dysfunction and mission corruption that cries out – in fact, screams – for wholesale reform." Read our full report Here
HERZOG AT THE WHITE HOUSE: Israel's President, Isaac Herzog met with President Biden at the White House this week. In a Tweet, Biden wrote, "I underscored the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security".
MONITORING EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENTS: In Latvia, the Head of the Chancery of the President said: "I am satisfied that antisemitism and the Holocaust are on the agenda of both politicians and schools". In Valencia, a monolith honouring victims of the Holocaust was unveiled and in Sweden the Jewish community demand the SD party distance itself from a party official who mocked Anne Frank.
THIS WEEK AGPI PROVIDED INTENSIVE HOLOCAUST EDUCATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: The Holocaust is the biggest hate crime in human history. This is the message police officers heard from two intensive sessions given by AGPI educators this week. The officers were given a comprehensive historical overview about the Holocaust in an effort to teach about the consequence of Antisemitism and hate. As part of this educational program, officers were exposed to contemporary forms of Antisemitism including intensive forms emanating from university campuses and state sponsored terrorism from countries like Iran. Recently, AGPI launched a "Police Academy" - you can learn about it Here.
"Kill THE JEWS": This week, Queens University students contacted AGPI to discuss the surge of Antisemitism on that campus. The organization is working with students to combat antisemitism on campus, as a number of graffiti and swastika occurrences have taken place on that campus. AGPI has offered to speak on campus, sponsor events and also host a screening of its upcoming documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders.
10/27/22: A commission of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is slated to present today a deeply prejudiced and troubling report that will demonize Israel at the UN's General Assembly.
We will not be silent. In response, a comprehensive rebuttal has been prepared by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) with the following findings:
1. The report is factually false;
2. The report is legally flawed;
3. The commission is fatally tainted by extreme bias;
4. The commission is corrupted by the illegitimate bases of HRC Membership.
AGPI's full 8-page rebuttal is being made available to the UN General Assembly, to the media and to the public at large Here.
The report's author, Henry Kopel, who serves on AGPI's Global Board and is a retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor, stated that "having the world’s worst violators of human rights stand at the apex of the world community’s enforcement of human rights jurisprudence is a form of dysfunction and mission corruption that cries out – in fact, screams – for wholesale reform."
"By producing and releasing this false, flawed, biased, and illegitimate report, the United Nations has brought disgrace upon itself," added Kopel at the conclusion of the report.
ABOUT: As part of its mission and mandate, AGPI produces comprehensive reports that counter Antisemitism and the defamation of the State of Israel. AGPI is continuously producing content such as documentaries, video interviews, articles, reports, exhibits, and workshops to counter these hostile narratives.
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Media Contact: media@agpi.ca
10/25/22: Following The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's (AGPI) urgent letter sent to Adidas' CEO, Kasper Rorsted and a torrent of international outrage, the company announced early this morning that it was finally cutting ties with YE (Kanye West).
In a press release early this morning, Adidas said,
"Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.
After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. adidas will stop the adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect". Here is the adidas press release.
"In a letter sent to Adidas to encourage this action, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO said: "For our part, we are particularly shocked that a prominent German company such as your own is sitting on the fence given the troubling past in your country".
"There is more to this than business. It’s about speaking out and setting an example especially to young people who purchase your products. You can make a difference by standing up to hate and discrimination". Here is AGPI's letter.
Still, in its press release, Adidas focused on the financial impact of its decision, something we find ill-fitting considering the seriousness of the matter: "This is expected to have a short-term negative impact of up to €250 million on the company’s net income in 2022 given the high seasonality of the fourth quarter".
AGPI has been front and centre on this issue. Recently, AGPI published a column in the National Post about the dangerous Antisemitism espoused by Kanye West (YE). You can find the article Here.
To understand Antisemitism and its impact, please visit AGPI's think-tank centre that contains dozens of articles and analysis about this pernicious hatred. You can find them on our website at www.agpiworld.com.
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Media Contact: media@agpi.ca
Kasper Rorsted, CEO
c/o Jan Rudau, Chief Corporate Communications Officer
Adidas
World of Sports
Adi-Dassler-Straße 1
91074 Herzogenaurach
Germany
October 24, 2022
Dear Mr. Rorsted;
My organization represents thousands of Canadians and people around the world who are advocates of human rights and the fight against Antisemitism, racism, and intolerance.
By now, undoubtedly, you are fully apprised and aware of the myriad of antisemitic statements made by YE (Kanye West) and his direct referral to adidas. To date and to our knowledge, Adidas has not commented on the matter one way or another. This concerns us greatly, particularly in an era of corporate social responsibility.
In recent hours and days, headlines in major media outlets including CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times and NBC are wondering if you will be cutting ties with YE. For our part, we are particularly shocked that a prominent German company such as your own is sitting on the fence given the troubling past in your country.
There is more to this than business. It’s about speaking out and setting an example especially to young people who purchase your products. You can make a difference by standing up to hate and discrimination and even creating an educational program against Antisemitism.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founding Chairman & CEO
Press Release:
Shameful: Notorious Anti-Israel UNHRC Commission Releases Biased Report
10/21/22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is denouncing a report issued by a UN Commission of inquiry that falsely alleges ‘Israeli occupation is unlawful under international law’. As a prominent Canadian NGO led by leading current and former members of parliament; political leaders, former senators, mayors and law enforcement officials, AGPI represents a cross-section of Canadian society that is condemning a grossly skewed report that is clearly biased and not representative of the truth and reality on the ground.
“In the interest of not propagating the false accusations against Israel compiled by the so-called UN Commissioners, we will not be reiterating any of the already well established antisemitic stereotypes levaled at Israel in the report”, said AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
“The commission itself lost credibility several months ago when one of its three commissioners, Miloon Kothari made remarks referring to a “Jewish lobby” and questioning Israel’s inclusion in the UN. This sparked accusations of antisemitism and calls for his resignation. Although he apologized since, his views about Jewish people and Israel made it apparent that the commission itself and its reporting would fail the test of impartiality and gain very little credibility or legitimacy” Benlolo added.
At the time, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae had condemned Kothari saying, a “commission of Inquiry is different from a never ending Inquisition. Blatantly biased, anti-semitic comments are completely unworthy of the UN, the UN Human Rights Commission, and are a disgrace to institutions supposedly dedicated to the rule of law”.
In response to the report, Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid reportedly said, “this report is biased, false, inciting and blatantly unbalanced. Not all criticism of Israel is antisemitism, but this report was written by antisemites…and is a distinctly antisemitic report”.
The commission’s umbrella organization, The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is notoriously anti-Israel with the majority of its resolutions denouncing the only Jewish state. Beyond that, Israel is the only country permanently listed on its agenda for discriminatory resolutions – while atrocities in Iran, Syria, China, Ukraine are mostly ignored.
“Most significantly, what this report does is ignore the incredible achievements in the region since the Abraham Accords and the increasing diversity, pluralism and tolerance that is expanding daily. Our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders will highlight how Arabs, Druze and Jews are working together and are optimistic about Israel’s future. Instead, the UNHRC continues to undermine these efforts with negative slanderous accusations” said Benlolo.
In response, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said “Israel is consistently unfairly targeted in the UN system, including in the course of this commission of inquiry,” he told reporters. “No country, the record of no country, should be immune from scrutiny, but no country should also be targeted unfairly. And that’s the principle that we seek to uphold.”
Following Kothari’s comments this past summer, AGPI called on the United Nations to immediately disband the commission for its lack of legitimacy. “We continue to call on the United Nations to cancel this report and commence a process of fairness and integrity at the UNHRC and all UN agencies. AGPI will be conducting an analysis in the next number of days and before the report’s official release to the UN General Assembly on October 27th.
PRESS RELEASE
AGPI Set to Launch Major Exposition at the United Nations
10/20/22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is set to take centre stage at the United Nations to champion Canadian values of peace, democracy, and human rights.
As part of its mission to promote human rights and the advancement of freedom and democracy, on November 7th, AGPI will be launching its Power of One exhibit at UN Headquarters in New York.
Alongside Canada's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Bob Rae, AGPI is inviting Ambassadors and UN delegates to the launch of this exposition and to celebrate the 74th Anniversary of Canadian John Humphrey's contribution to the Declaration for Human Rights.
AGPI's UN Exposition of The Power of One will feature twelve unique stories including four about the Holocaust. A fifth panel has been added to the exhibit profiling Humphrey, who also served as the first Human Rights Director at the UN.
"The UN is not always a friendly place. But our exhibit serves as an important reminder about how one person can make the world a better place, something that is increasingly important given wars, conflicts, and rising Antisemitism. As it happens, the occasion provides a platform to mark the 84th anniversary since Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass," said AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo.
Joining the event will be a delegation of Canadian leaders who are helping advance AGPI's mission and mandate and speak out against hate and intolerance.
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Media Contact: media@agpi.ca
Toronto – 10-17-22: Speaking live on the Alex Pierson Show on 640 News Radio, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s (AGPI) Avi Abraham Benlolo said Kanye West’s comments are disappointing because the Jewish community has always stood with the Black community.
“You know what is the most hurtful? It’s that the Jewish community has always stood by the Black community. We stood by them in the civil rights movement. We were there. We spoke out. So to see Antisemitism come out from a member of that community, and it’s not the first time, is really upsetting,” said Benlolo who is AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO.
He added: “It’s not understanding history the relationship of these two oppressed people who have worked historically together to gain civil rights. Now we are at odds with one another. And for what reason? I actually don’t get it."
In discussion with Pierson, Benlolo raised the alarm over double-standards when it comes to hatred against the Jewish community: “Had this been an incident against any other community, whether Black, gay or women, there would be outrage . . . we should all be speaking out against it. Every single one of us. And there should not be silence."
As part of AGPI's mandate to build bridges, in a recent article published in the National Post, Benlolo extended an invitation to Kanye West to participate on a visit to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust.
Listen to the interview now: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/745E89/traffic.megaphone.fm/CORU7052928251.mp3?updated=1666024567
13 October 2022: In a letter to Professor Sheila Ager Dean of Arts, at University of Waterloo, AGPI's Founding Chairman and CEO calls on the Dean to investigate allegations about a professor before having him speak. Here is a copy of the letter:
Dear Professor Ager;
I trust this finds you well. I am following up on concerns brought to us by students on your campus in addition to a letter sent to you by representatives of Hillel Waterloo on the matter of Professor Rashid Khalidi. I understand he has been invited by the Faculty of Arts to lecture on his book, “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine”.
Most disconcerting about this event is that his lecture is apparently in honour of Feridun Hamdullahpur, President Emeritus of the University of Waterloo. It signifies the importance of this occasion and perhaps a tacit acceptance of positions held by Professor Khalidi.
In its letter to you (which I believe is still deserving of a reply), Hillel said, “in 2017, Professor Khalidi, referring to the Jewish people, stated that “these people are going to infest our government”. I would implore you as a reputable university to investigate this assertion. If it’s true, please decide if this is someone who reflects the values of diversity, equity and human rights that you want to have speak at your university.
As you are aware, antisemitism is at an all-time high as indicated by the hate-crime reports provided by Statistics Canada. Much of the antisemitism occurs on university campuses. This has created a difficult climate for Jewish university students, one which university administrators should factor into account in an effort to promote an inclusive environment.
We are not making assertions about Professor Khalidi and respect that he may well be entitled to his views. We are proponents of free speech as long they do not cross Canadian hate-speech laws or place another group in distress. As a prominent Canadian organization with a sophisticated leadership, we are simply and respectfully asking you to investigate the assertions and to reach your own conclusions. Once you have done that, we hope you can communicate effectively with your students and the Jewish community at large about the matter.
9 October 2022
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Ottawa, Canada
Cc: Federal Cabinet / Ministers
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:
On behalf of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s (AGPI) Canadian and international leadership, we are writing to express our disappointment over profound revelations this week in your government’s handling of Heritage Canada’s hiring of an anti-racism consultant.
While the facts have been well established in the media and beyond, this weekend we learned from the testimony of Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen (who was called before the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage) that the matter came to his attention a full month before he cut funding and renounced support for the consultant.
It was not until the matter came to the fore in the media, including my own appearance on a prominent talk show that morning, that the Minister took immediate steps to cut funding and publicly condemn the consultant for flagrant Antisemitism and more. Given your government’s stand against Antisemitism, the Jewish community respectfully feels it deserves answers to the following questions:
Excerpt: In recent days however, it has drawn reaction even from Hollywood celebs. In response to a scathing article published in the Jewish Journal last week alleging that the University of California at Berkeley’s School of Law is developing “Jewish-free zones,” Barbra Streisand rhetorically asked on Twitter, “When does anti-Zionism bleed into broad antisemitism?” In truth, we all know that anti-Zionism is the new antisemitism. It doesn’t quite make sense because Zionism is simply the liberation movement of the Jewish people manifested by their desire to return to their indigenous homeland, the land of Israel.
TORONTO 10-03-22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) today welcomed the Government of Canada's announcement that it is imposing "sanctions on Iran for Systematic human rights violations".
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said, "These sanctions are in response to gross human rights violations that have been committed in Iran, including its systematic persecution of women and in particular, the egregious actions committed by Iran’s so-called ‘Morality Police,’ which led to the death of Mahsa Amini while under their custody".
"We applaud this positive step undertaken by our government to promote human rights" said AGPPI's Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo. "At the same time, we continue to call upon our government to to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the list of terrorist entities" Benlolo added.
In a release, the Government of Canada says its is also sanctioning 25 individuals and 9 entities. "Among the individuals and entities listed are senior Iranian officials and prominent entities that directly implement repressive measures, violate human rights and spread the Iranian regime’s propaganda and misinformation".
According to the press statement, This list includes, but is not limited to:
"Mohammed-Hossein Bagheri, Major General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces; Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Esmail Qaani, Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Seyyed Mohammed Saleh Hashemi Golpayegani, Secretary of Iran’s Headquarters for the Office of Enjoining Right and Forbidding Evil; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Cyber Defense Command; Evin Prison, which houses political prisoners; Iran’s Morality Police, and Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi, Head of the Morality Police; Esmail Khatib, Minister of Intelligence and Security and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS)".
AGPI continues to monitor the situation on the ground in Iran and is in touch with Iranian communities in the diaspora. The organization has written extensively about Iran's promotion of terrorism, its human rights abuse, its development of nuclear weapons and its Holocaust denial and antisemitism. Many of these articles have been published in our Think Tank section at www.agpiworld.com
September 25, 2022
From sand dunes to sand castles.
This Rosh Hashanah, let's take a moment to stand back and take pride in the miracle of Israel. We have fulfilled our Tikvah: a "hope of two thousand years to be a free nation in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem."
With your partnership, we are proud to be a part of this epoch story. Over the last year (5782), we have promoted peace in the Middle East by meeting leaders in Morocco and Israel; we met with the President and stood against terrorism with Argentina's Jewish community to mark the 25th anniversary of the Israeli embassy bombing;
We met with the Chancellor and European Jewish leaders and helped open the Shoah Wall of Names in Vienna, remembering over 65,000 Jewish victims in Austria; we educated hundreds of police commanders in Bogota, Colombia, after an international Antisemitic scandal;
Most rewardingly, we raised thousands of dollars and carried with us 200 pounds of aid to volunteer in a Ukrainian refugee center that provides food, clothing, and toiletries (mostly for women and children). The work was heartbreaking, but fulfills our belief in universal human rights.
We have become a strong voice on behalf of our community at the United Nations. We met with, and directly critiqued, the leading officials of UNRWA, calling them to account. To mark Kristallnacht, ths November, we are launching our Power of One exhibit inside the United Nations this November, and releasing our international report on Antisemitism.
I am going to be honest. We don't believe in merely complaining about outrageous remarks by people such as Jagmeet Singh or Rashida Tlaib; rather, we go on the offensive by investing our time and resources to produce serious intelligent content to combat and counter terrible assertions about Israel that ultimately result in Antisemitism. We have 30+ years of experience.
We publish hundreds of national and international articles, provide deep content on our website and social media channels (read by hundreds of thousands), and produce and disseminate National Strategy reports that are written by Ph.D.s and experts in the area.
Last week, we presented a keynote address in New York at the Jerusalem Post Conference (also streamed live), arguing for a shift in narrative, and a strengthening in Jewish pride.
To reach millions of people, we are now producing a new film that will counter vile narratives on campuses and communities. The film will be an excellent tool for all defenders of Israel, and will deflate the false narratives being put out by detractors.
One of the incredible things we have been able to achieve is to build an organization with four boards with high-level people under an "Abrahamic tent". People of diverse backgrounds who share in our mission. We thank them all for their unprecedented level of support.
With Rosh Hashanah just hours away, we are calling on you to strengthen us in 5783 by making a charitable donation to AGPI. Help us continue defending Israel, fight Antisemitism, counter Holocaust denial, and promote peace and universal human rights. Please make your Rosh Hashanah gift now in any amount Here.
On behalf of all of us at The Abraham Global Peace Initiative, we wish you and your family a Shanah Tovah ou'Metukah!
From Strength to Strength,
Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founding Chairman and CEO
Israel's Population Reaches 9,593,000: As we mark Rosh Hashanah, we can celebrate a major milestone as Israel's population nears 10 million. 7,069,000 residents are Jewish (74%) and 2,026,000 are Arabs (21%). 91.5% of Jewish Israelis reported being satisfied with their lives, as did 70.7% of Israeli Arabs.
Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid's Passionate Plea at the United Nations General Assembly: Lapid said: "There are however two major threats hanging over the head of our wonderful country. They also hang over your heads, even though you may try to deny them. The first is the nuclear threat. The fear that terrorist states and terrorist organizations will get their hands on nuclear weapons. The second threat is the demise of truth.Our democracies are slowly being poisoned by lies and fake news. Reckless politicians, totalitarian states and radical organizations are undermining our perception of reality".
Sorry King Abdullah, Christians are Safest in Israel: There’s no doubt that Jerusalem’s Old City has been a source of friction between the world’s three major religions. Yet King Abdullah’s comments suggest that Israel (and therefore the Jewish nation) is assaulting the Christian community. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our relationship and friendship with our Christian brothers and sisters is stronger than ever, particularly following the Nostra aetate declaration of the Second Vatican Council, which was designed to improve relations between Christians and Jews.
Read full article HERE
Breaking News: Liz Truss says she may move Britain's embassy to Jerusalem. Moving the embassy to Israel's capital, Jerusalem, would be a welcomed policy shift. Britain is strengthening its ties to Israel, particularly following the Abraham Accords. Given Britain's consideration, isn't it time for Canada to make the move as well?
Coming to America: No its no joke. Iranian Preisdent Raisi came to America this week to speak at the United Nations. He should have never been granted a visa to attend. The difference between the west and Iran is that Iranian leaders feel safe travelling to the UN in NYC. But would western leaders feel safe to step foot in Tehran?
AGPI Stands With the People of Iran in Massive Toronto Rally: In response to the murder of 22 year-old Mahsa Amini - killed - after being taken by the disgusting "morality police" for not dressing modestly, AGPI marched with thousands of Iranian protestors on the streets of Toronto. The protestors were echoing the sentiment in Iran this week where crowds of people protested the Iranian regime's tyrannical behaviour and calling for freedom. As an organization, AGPI is not only concerned about the threat of a Nuclear Iran, but also its own internal human rights abuse of its own citizens. The global community must do everything possible to bring about freedom and democracy to the Iranian people.
Incredible Developments in Education - see Report - AGPI Launches at Catholic School: Following last week’s motion to indefinitely suspend discussions and a vote by the York Region District Board Trustees to ratify a vote to adopt IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism, Aurora High School became YRDSB’s first school this year to report an incident of antisemitic graffiti in a classroom. While the school went through all the appropriate measures to address this incident, Aurora High School has a long and troubled history of antisemitism in their school. Read Dr. Orlowsky's Full Education Report HERE.
You Can't Be Progressive and Support Israel? Seriously? It's this exact sentiment that motivated AGPI to produce our documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. This week, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib reportedly suggested that support for Israel be a litmus test for anyone who fights social justice and calls themselves progressive. This could not be farther from the truth. The actual fact is that if you are progressive you SHOULD BE supporting the only democracy in the Middle East.
09/20/2022 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is expressing strong disappointment in remarks made by Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the United Nastions General Assembly (UNGA) today.
Claiming that Christianity is under “fire”, Abdullah shockingly said that Israel’s “undermining Jerusalem’s legal and historical status quo triggers global tensions and deepens religious divides”.
According to AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, “there is absolutely no justification for Abdullah to have made this claim other than to sow division between the Christian and Jewish world. It must be upsetting to him that the affinity between Christians and Jews is only growing by the day”.
Abdullah claimed that he is “committing to defending the rights, precious heritage and historic identity of the Christian people of our region”. Despite this sentiment, reports indicate Jordan’s Christian population has been declining.
One Christian persecution watchlist says that in Jordan, “if their faith becomes known, Christian men from Muslim background can be denied security clearances and jobs, or face extortion through fines”.
Christianity is not under attack in Israel as Abdullah claimed and the rights of churches are not threatened. If anything, Christianity in Israel is thriving and hundreds of thousands of Christians are welcomed in Israel each year. “Christian communities have been decimated in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Jordan while in Israel, the community is safe, secure and thriving” Benlolo added.
Source: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/jordan/
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; advance The Abraham Accords, defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights. AGPI is a registered charitable organization and provides tax-receipts for donations.
PRESS RELEASE
AGPI LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL STRATEGY IN NEW YORK
NEW YORK: 09/13/22 - The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) joined top Jewish leaders and organizations on the world stage to launch its new strategy that promotes the Abraham Accords and defends Israel.
AGPI took top position in today's Jerusalem Post printed edition (see below) to argue that our narrative must change to make it clear to Israel's detractors that they lost the fight to dismantle Israel.
The old playbook is laid bare. AGPI has introduced a new playbook and these are the "Five facts that Israel's detractors need to know":
In a moving speech that was live-streamed around the world, the organization's Founding Chairman and CEO said "AGPI's upcoming documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders will undermine the defamatory rhetoric of Israel's detractors.
AGPI's delegation to New York consisted of a number of high-profile board members of the organization. Prior to the conference, its leaders marked 9/11 by paying their respect at the memorial.
September 13, 2022
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is greatly disappointed that the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Trustees failed to ratify their vote (via a motion to suspend the motion indefinitely) to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and update their previous 2017, outdated version of antisemitism to align with Ontario Bill 168 and Bill 202, and following Canada’s National Summit on Antisemitism and the Malmo Conference, the adoption of IHRA’s Working Definition of Antisemitism at a National level.
Given tonight’s failure, Dr. Orlowsky said, "I feel the YRDSB Trustees Council is unfortunately allowing anti-Jewish hate to prevail. So too, tonight’s failure sends the message that while repeating “any form of hate is not acceptable”, hate against Jews will be tolerated".
Over the last week, as AGPIs Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky spoke with several board trustees to provide a stronger sense of how ratifying IHRA's working definition of antisemitism not only protects Jewish students but as an equity tool, can be used to create an environment that is both safe and inclusive for all students. I was shocked to hear some trustees found the definition, controversial, problematic, sensitive, and believed that it silenced criticism of Israel and their (Israel’s) actions in Palestine. While I have been welcomed into many elementary and secondary schools across the YRDSB to provide EDI training and workshops on the rising toll of and tools to dismantle antisemitism, I will now be extending invitations to all board trustees as well.
Given tonight’s vote, AGPI looks forward to continuing our advocacy for safe and inclusive spaces for Jewish students and will further monitor incidents in YRDSB elementary and secondary schools.
09/11/22 - IN THE JERUSALEM POST: 'Advancing global peace by studying and reviewing national and international frameworks CEO of The Abraham Accords Global Peace Initiative address the Jerusalem Post Conference'
By: Lior Novik
Avi Benlolo, Founding Chairman and CEO of The Abraham Accords Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) will be among the distinguished speakers at the Jerusalem Post Conference in New York, on September 12.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; defend Israel and Canada, promote peace and the Abraham Accords, and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
Benlolo will be one of the main speakers at the conference and will address key issues regarding the Middle East and its effects on the world.
“We advance global peace, by studying and reviewing national and international frameworks and proposing remedies”, says Benlolo, “Through research and reporting on issues we provide lectures and briefs on critical issues that can advance a greater understanding toward peace”.
Benlolo is the Founder and Chairman of AGPI. He is widely recognized for developing the nation's top education programs - which have already impacted millions of students. He is now focused on sharing his educational work globally.
09/06/22 - AGPIworld.com is expressing outrage over two courses offered at the University of Toronto that omit the word "Israel" from their course name, instead referring to the land as "Palestine".
Palestine is not a recognized nation state.
The course descriptions could easily have been lifted from any of the Anti-Israel campus events, like "Israeli Apartheid Week". One course on "colonialism" refers to ...a "century of oppression, violence, resistance and solidarity within, across and beyond Palestine".
"We are very concerned that this course will inspire further radicalism and Antisemitism on campus and because of its obvious biased content, may discourage Jewish students from participating.
We are calling on UofT President Meric Gertler to immediately take action and either correct the misleading language or remove these courses from the program entirely".
AGPI has sent a letter to President Gertler calling for immediate action.
09/05/22 - We have all been disappointed by the level of vitriol that seems to be coming out of Ottawa in recent weeks. Learning about horrible Antisemitic tweets by a government consultant, and then a reportedly new, one-sided, NDP letter calling on Canada to accept reports that falsely accuse Israel of "apartheid" and refer a recent incident to the International Criminal Court. It is nothing less than shameful.
No other country or people is demeaned in this way. It is always interesting to me that critics of Israel are usually silent on the vile actions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad and the allegiance of those entities to Iran. Nevertheless, seldom are the terrorist organizations in Gaza and the West Bank addressed by these same critics.
To combat demonization of Israel, our organization is launching a series of presentations this coming autumn by key leaders, to strengthen our own community and provide the counter-narrative in an increasingly hostile environment.
Over the next number of weeks and months, we will be featuring interviews with prominent speakers such as
We are giving the world the truth. Our target audience for these briefings are journalists, politicians, diplomats, and people of influence. These briefings will also prove useful to university students battling campus Antisemitism, as well as to members of our own community who are seeking the tools to counter and combat this pernicious hatred, and defend Israel.
Additionally, we have launched the following initiatives:
University students and unaffiliated friends of Israel need our help, too. That is why we are producing a new documentary which will give them the language and tools they need to challenge the ridiculous "apartheid" and "colonizer" stereotypes. You can learn more about The Future of Israel and its Defenders by clicking here.
You can take action by sharing this content with friends and family. I invite you to arm yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to stand up to Antisemitism and demeaning information about Israel by joining us for our upcoming online executive briefings by registering here.
Sincerely,
Leora Shemesh, L.L.B.
Vice President, AGPI
09/01/22 – The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly announces that its Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, is slated to speak at the prestigious annual New York Jerusalem Post Conference.
The annual conference is taking place on September 12th at Gotham Hall, marking nine decades of sharing Israel with the world. The conference will be streamed live on the Jerusalem Post, Walla.com and Maariv websites, each capturing millions of viewers.
Mr. Benlolo will provide a keynote address about the “shifting sands in the Middle East”, and Canada’s contribution to The Abraham Accords and beyond. Additional guests of this panel will include Bahraini Ambassador to Washington, Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Morocco’s Ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, and Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan.
Opening remarks to the conference will be provided by Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, Moshe Lion, Mayor of Jerusalem, Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, and Thomas Nides, U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Statement By the Editor-in-Chief of the Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Katz:“We are delighted to have Avi Abraham Benlolo, founding chairman & CEO of, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative, participate in the Jerusalem Post’s 90th anniversary conference in New York City, to share with us his insight on the historic developments in the region."
Statement By AGPI’s Honourary Chairman, Paul Godfrey: “We are proud to be a strong global voice for Canada and all defenders of Israel on the world stage. Our commitment to standing up for Israel’s peace and security through The Abraham Accords is ironclad. In just over a year, we have been proactive in Morocco, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Israel, and Europe as we carry forward our mission to protect our past and defend our future."
Statement By AGPI’s President Mark Teitelbaum: “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we congratulate the Jerusalem Post on its 90th anniversary, and thank the newspaper for its recognition of our organization on the world stage. We are proud of our mission to stand resolutely for the cause of peace and the betterment of humanity, and we call on all people of good-will to join our effort."
Note: If you are a major gifts supporter of AGPI and wish to attend, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
For more information about the conference and its schedule please visit https://congress.jpost.com/the-jerusalem-post-new-york-conference-2022/
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
Toronto - 08-22-22: Following The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s (AGPI) call this morning for accountability from Canada’s federal government regarding reported Antisemitic tweets made by one of its anti-racism consultants hired by Heritage Canada, the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Ahmed Hussen, announced "funding has been cut".
Early this morning, AGPI released a statement saying “it was concerned about Canada’s federal government possibly having been infected by Antisemitism over disturbing Antisemitic tweets posted by a consultant associated with the Department of Heritage." This was followed by a live interview on 640AM News on the Alex Pierson show (one of Toronto’s prime radio shows) in which AGPI’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo, demanded Minister Hussen take immediate action, based on the reported allegations.
In a statement early this afternoon, Minister Hussen said: “The Antisemitic comments…are reprehensible and vile…we have provided notice to the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) that their funding has been cut and their project has been suspended. We call on CMAC, an organization claiming to fight racism and hate in Canada, to answer how they…plan on rectifying the situation given the nature of Antisemitic and xenophobic statements”.
“While we accept the government’s action, we call for further investigation into Heritage Canada’s vetting process and how this had come to happen in the first place,” Benlolo said. “Moreover, I am still awaiting for a reply from Prime Minister Trudeau about one of his own members of Parliament who posed near a poster that equated the Holocaust to the situation in Gaza. I am genuinely concerned about what we are seeing taking place and demand answers on behalf of all Canadians."
AGPI's Petition and Letter to the Prime Minister demanding an apology and clarification can be found here: https://agpiworld.com/action-campaigns
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
08-22-22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is condemning a neo-Nazi group for hanging a racist banner over Macleod Trail in Calgary, Alberta. The banner has now been taken down, but read, “We must secure the existence of our race and a future for white children." Racist rallying cries of this nature are used for recruitment propaganda both online and through public display.
Those infamous words are purported to have originally been said by a white national and convicted felon who was part of a terrorist group, The Order, responsible for the 1984 assassination of Jewish radio host, Alan Berg. The so called, 14 words has become a mantra of the white nationalist movement and in recent years have been bolstered in rallies including in Charlottesville where neo-Nazis yelled “Jews will not replace us."
Mark Teitelbaum, AGPI's President made the following statement:
“I am proud of the work we have been doing -- in particular, over the last number of months -- educating law enforcement about the danger of the rising tide of Nazi ideology. We have given workshops in Colombia to the commanders of the National Police Force; to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police; the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and this week, we will be presenting to the 60,000-strong Canadian Association of Police".
Statement by AGPI's Vice Chairs, Leora Shemesh and Justin Linden:
"Throughout the year, we have also worked with the Vancouver, Edmonton, Halton, Toronto, York Region Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to educate against hate and intolerance".
Coincidentally, AGPI was featured on a prominent Calgary radio station last week to discuss the importance of regulating hate speech and hate crime, after its major feature on the subject appeared in the National Post recently. AGPI has called on legislators to strengthen hate crime laws. That article can be read here: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/avi-benlolo-why-legislation-to-stop-harmful-and-vile-hate-spreading-online-is-needed
Through its far-reaching relationships across Canada, America, and increasingly, around the world, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is educating, advocating, and encouraging action against the increasing growth of Antisemitism coming from white supremacist and extremist groups.
In its Friday Report,the organization said it was concerned about Canada’s federal government possibly having been infected by Antisemitism. Disturbing Antisemitic tweets have been reported by a consultant associated with the Department of Heritage, while a Liberal Member of Parliament was photographed standing next to a poster with problematic Antisemitic language. AGPI is awaiting the Prime Minister’s reply on these and other issues.
ABOUT: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is a prominent international Canadian NGO that educates, advocates and publishes articles, reports and produces exhibits, symposiums and media content to counter Antisemitism; combat Holocaust denial; defend Israel and Canada and advance freedom, democracy and universal human rights.
AGPI Statement on Israel-Turkey Reconciliation
08-18-22: The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) issued the following statement following a major breakthrough between Israel and Turkey:
“We welcome the announcement by Israel and Turkey confirming the re-opening of their mutual embassies in an effort to renew their relationship. President Tayyip Erdogan’s announcement and statement that he “expressed his pleasure over the advancement of the relations” is a positive step forward after years of strained relations”.
The Abraham Accords have brought together nations in the region who are working to advance peace and dialogue. While disagreements may persist, its incumbent upon regional powers to work toward regional sustainability that can benefit all people in the region. The Turkish-Jewish relationship spans many centuries of mutual respect and advancement and should be a celebration between both peoples.
08-17-22: This National Strategy Against Antisemitism brings forward a solution-based approach that can assist school boards, and educators prepare for the 2022-2023 school year. A national strategy requires more education, training, and research; it demands a safe environment and more security and protection for Jewish employees and students; it calls for effective enforcement of the law when necessary to confront hate crime and hate speech; it calls for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of Antisemitism, and it speaks to a need for engagement in combating hate on social media.