The Friday Report

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs.  Breaking news can be found below this report or always on our website at www.agpiworld.com.

During the week, you can also visit our social media channels (links found below) to follow our daily reports on emerging issues and breaking news. 

This week, we were proud to break our previous fundraising record for our upcoming Crystal Ball Benefit at Casa Loma.  Our theme this year is The Abraham Accords as we look forward to hosting Ambassador David Friedman and His Excellency, Ahmed Obaid AlMansoori as our feature speakers. 

Next week, we have been invited to speak and present our documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, at the prestigious European Jewish Council leadership conference in Berlin. We are looking forward to continuing our engagement with European Jewish communities as we continue to build bridges across the pond, representing our constituency globally. 

Additionally, this week our film will be premiered in Halifax by the Atlantic Jewish Council at the famous Pier 21 - known for having accepted numerous Jewish refugees following the Second World War (but barring them during the Holocaust).  

In breaking news, moments ago, we reacted positively today to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) incredible announcement that it has issued "arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin" and one of his associates. They are being charged with war crimes over the deportation of Ukrainian children. 

They are responsible, says the ICC, for "the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) ... from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Some of you might recall that AGPI issued a letter to the ICC months ago encouraging the organization to issue an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes by Russia in Ukraine. 

In other news, we issued our support this week for Israel's President Isaac Herzog's proposal to find a compromise between the government and the opposition over the so-called judicial reforms proposed. 

Herzog expressed severe concern about the stability of the nation, AGPI's belief is that President Herzog's proposal offers a reasonable starting point for a compromise. We continue to call upon Prime Minister Netanyahu to pause the current process toward reforms, and begin discussions with the opposition to find reasonable solutions. We further call on Itamar Ben-Gvir to stop calling for dismissals of the Attorney General and Tel Aviv's Police Chief. 

As we continue monitoring the situation in Israel, we are pushing Antisemitism back into the ground where it belongs.  This week, we released a video excerpt of yet another Antisemitic rant by Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan. Some say we should ignore him. Ignorance in this case is not bliss. Many Jews tried that prior to the Holocaust. 

Whether in education or advocacy, our duty is to defend our future and protect our past. We cannot be silent again when it comes to confronting Antisemitism. For this reason, we publish articles widely, produce film and videos, and engage world political and religious leaders widely.

There is no stopping us in fighting for justice and against Antisemitism, hate, and discrimination for all peoples. 

These are not easy days. Your support matters. To help Defend our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman & CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs.  Breaking news can be found below this report or always on our website at www.agpiworld.com.

Ahead of my meeting with Pope Francis this week at the Vatican, my Rabbi reminded me about the importance of interfaith dialogue in the Jewish faith. Every day, Jews around the world turn to Jerusalem and recite the “Oseh Shalom,” the prayer for making peace.

The word, 'Oseh' is not passive.  It means to do, or to work at.  We are directed to self-actualize peace — for Israel, for the Jewish people and for the world.  This is what we are proudly doing every day at The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). 

Thus, after a long journey of bridge-building and interfaith dialogue, I arrived at the Vatican, at their invitation, to attend an audience with Pope Francis, along with board members.  We were treated with honour and respect by being placed immediately adjacent to the Pope himself, a sign of the weight the Vatican places on Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Later in the day at Rome's Grande Synagogue, I expressed to the city's Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, that our foundation is based on building a network of people with shared values.  We need as many allies as possible to fight Antisemitism, stand up for Israel, and advance human rights.

Here is what I said in the National Post today: "The more unified we are against Antisemitism, hate,and intolerance, the stronger our combined impact". 

Even while we are motivating peace and unity around the world, our concern regarding the state of affairs in Israel continues to grow daily. Our organization has been in close contact with Israeli leaders, urging them to accept President Isaac Herzog's call to step back from the brink of disaster. 

Continued internal strife endangers the safety and security of Israel. Following last week's shocking terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians came a terror attack in the heart of Tel Aviv yesterday,wounding three people. Meanwhile, Palestinian terror cells in Jenin and Jericho are increasing capacity as some speculate a third Intifada could break out at any moment.

While Israel is distracted, the IAEA has warned that Iran is about to cross the nuclear threshhold.  With a weakened United States that has failed to curtail Iran in the long-forgotten JCPOA negotiations, Iran is acting with impunity.  It is also supplying Russia with weapons against Ukraine, sending weapons to Syria and Lebanon to be used against Israel, and repressing its own people. 

This week, we condemned the South African government for its announcement this week that it is downgrading its diplomatic relations with Israel. Since the infamous Durban Antisemitic conference, South Africa has become a hot-bed of Anti-Israel rhetoric. It tries to wash away its own human rights abuses by focusing attention on Israel. 

But Freedom House reports that the ruling ANC "has been accused of undermining state institutions to protect corrupt officials, while gender-based violence is a severe challenge". 

But the biggest threat to Israel at the moment comes from its detractors.  In this week's New York Times, Thomas Friedman shamefully told Jews they have to choose sides: "American Jews, you have to choose sides on Israel" blared his headline. No, we do not, Mr. Friedman. We may choose sides about the government and its policies, but never about Israel. Our support is unconditional. 

These are not easy days. Your support matters. To help Defend our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman & CEO

Shabbat Shalom from Israel and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs.

To say this was a harrowing week in Israel is an understatement. Following our fact-finding mission to the Knesset last week and this week's increasingly violent protests, we concur with Israel's President Isaac Herzog.  He is pleading with both sides to come together to settle their differences amicably and through dialogue. 

This is an Altalena-like moment for Israel. The Altalena was a ship carrying arms and fighters that nearly lead to a civil war in 1948, between the newly established Israeli government under David Ben-Gurion and the Irgun led by Menachem Begin. To avoid a war among brothers, Begin instructed his fighters to stand down.

The birth of a unified Israel under one central government and military was born out of the Altalena affair. For 75 years, Israel's political environment has been chaotic and fraught with dissent and discord.  Still, as we show in our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, Israel has been a modern miracle.

It is this incredible energy and vibrancy that has made Israel one of the most successful countries on the planet.  After all, democracy is far messier than tyranny.  Still, we support President Herzog's call to slow down the process of judicial reforms for the sake of national unity and stability.

We deplore the rare rampage that took place in Huwara over the murder of Hallel and Yagel Yaniv. But while Israel is internally focused, we are concerned about external threats posed to its well-being.  Palestinian terrorism is increasing.  Today, we published an editorial in the National Post and released a new report documenting the violent terror attacks against Israelis in recent weeks. 

Our report, written by retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor, Henry Kopel, put the blame squarely on Western nations such as Canada and the U.S. for funnelling money to the Palestinian Authority through the United Nations.  Given the murders of 29 Israelis thus far this year, including this week's horrific murder of Elan Ganeles and brothers Hallel and Yagel Yaniv, we are calling on our governments to immediately pause funding to the Palestinian Authority. 

Israel’s lurch to the right and the resulting social turmoil we are witnessing right now in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is a direct consequence of aid to the Palestinians. The very reason this government was elected with a substantial majority was because of increasing Palestinian terrorism. Israelis did not necessarily vote for judicial reforms. They voted for security against the forces that are attempting to destabilize the country through Palestinian terrorism and incitement.

While all this is happening and Israel is focused on internal strife and Palestinian terrorism, a confidential IAEA report released this Tuesday found that Iran has enriched uranium up to 83.7%.  This is nearly weapons-grade and allows Iran breakout in a matter of weeks, as it continues to develop ballistic capabilities, striking Israeli vessels and smuggling weapons. 

As the week comes to a close, tensions in Israel and the region run high. We are all concerned about the safety and security of Israel. Yet we believe in its ultimate resilience to weather all storms. There have been worse through its turbulent history. 

This is a time for unity among Jewish people and their friends and supporters around the world (and there are many!). It is time to circle our wagons around the fight against Antisemitism, the battle against terrorism and its funders, and the incredible -- if not existential -- threat posed by Iran and terror organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. 

For our part, we continue to educate, advocate, and empower people daily with informed knowledge about these important issues. We are publishing media content, videos, reports, and social media content to defend Israel and promote the truth. At the same time, we are in local schools, police agencies, and international organizations -- educating and partnering. 

These are not easy days. Your support matters. To help Defen

d our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman & CEO

Shabbat Shalom from Israel and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs.

You can also view this report and our latest news briefs anytime right HERE or link up with us on any one of our social-media channels for daily reports. We welcome the hundreds of new subscribers who joined our organization this week. 

An important reminder, our new film documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders will be live-streamed on the Jerusalem Post website this Sunday February 26th at 10.00 am EST or 15.00 GMT or 17:00 Israel time. 

We spent much of this week inside Israel's Knesset (parliament) meeting with key leaders to primarily to discuss our concerns over the judicial reforms underway.  Further discussions included the Iranian security threat and increasing terrorism and instability emanating from the Palestinians. 

Our meetings with key members of major parties, included Benny Gantz - a critical opponent of the pace of the reforms (but not necessarily of the reforms themselves); Amichai Cohen, the first openly gay speaker of Israel's parliament and Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli.  We also met with a member of the Islamist party, Ra'am and with the labour party. 

In today's National Post, we share our reflections about the "upheaval" now underway in Israel.  Everyone agrees that reforms are necessary. But they are shocked about their pace without a national debate and the absence of sufficient oversight.

While the media has been quick to portray Israel as if the sky was falling, the concern on the street is palatable, despite the normalcy of life. The fallout will become clearer in the months and years ahead. 

Elsewhere, we had a chance to meet Holocaust survivors in nursing homes through our Holocaust project here in Israel.  Numerous survivors live under the poverty line and we are pleased to support them through our donors generosity. They gave us so much. Its the least we can do for them. 

Sadly, as Holocaust survivors pass away along with their eye-witness accounts, antisemitism continues to penetrate even America today. This week, we condemned a video that surfaced of a group of young Nazis yelling horrific Antisemitic epithets outside a Jewish centre in Florida, while doing the Nazi salute. 

We also spoke out against the neo-Nazis in New York City who protested outside of the Broadway show, Parade, this week.  The play itself tells about one of the most horrendous antisemitic incidents in American history - of the false conviction and lynching of Leo Frank for a murder he did not commit. 

In the shadow of these horrific incidents is an emergency advisory issued by the New York Police Department stating that White Supremacist groups are organizing a "National Day of Hate" for tomorrow (Saturday February 25th). The groups are calling for increased antisemitic flier distributions, graffiti and protests.

AGPI is calling on Jewish communities to remain vigilant especially this Shabbat around Jewish institutions and to immediately contact authorities should an incident arise. 

But while haters hate in America and elsewhere, in Israel, Jewish people are thriving. It was heartwarming to witness thousands of people run the Tel Aviv Marathon this morning - partaking in what anyone who lives in a free and safe society can do. Freedom of self-expression, even in sport and especially in our homeland, pushes those who hate back into the the holes they crawled out of as they see their efforts are in vain. 

Even with political turmoil in Israel, Jewish communities around the world are standing with Israel, unconditionally. More communities are booking our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders than ever before.  Truthfully, we can hardly keep up with booking requests! We are thrilled to see Christian groups now booking the film for their communities. 

On this positive note, we also wish to commend one of AGPI's board members, Raheel Raza because as a proud Muslim woman, she is unafraid to speak the truth.  In an article published this week celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary, Raza explained why she loves Israel. You can read her article in full HERE. 

Join our Campaign Against Antisemitism by supporting our exceptional work at home and around the world. This is the time for everyone to stand up and be counted.  To help Defend our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founding Chairman and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs.

You can also view this report and our latest news briefs anytime right HERE or link up with us on any one of our social-media channels for daily reports. 

We are all aware of the changes underway in Israel. Our organization will be meeting with Knesset members (members of Israel's Parliament) next week as a fact-finding mission and to discuss our concerns. Please follow us on social media and look out for our reports. 

This week, our education team was in Milton, Ontario working with students there on AGPI's Power of One program and exhibit. On Monday night, our film premiered in Vancouver with support from Beth Israel Synagogue and the Jewish Federation. We thank them for helping defend Israel. 

We were also pleased to see our analysis republished in the global Jewish community's leadership newsletter, The Daily Report. Our piece published originally in The National Post drew wide applause for bringing to light the UN's complicity in Palestinian violence. The article is available to read HERE. 

A new study on Antisemitism conducted by the AJC found that 89% of American Jewish people view Antisemitism as a problem in the U.S. today. This study comes on the heels of the desecration of the Holocaust memorial in Boston, as well as yet another violent attack in Los Angeles where two Jewish women were shot (separately) while exiting their synagogues (see below). 

The rising tide of Antisemitism is consistent with AGPI's 2023 release of the Canadian Universities Antisemitism Report. Among our report's findings is the shocking revelation that nearly 50 Canadian faculty associations have rejected adopting the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism -- a valuable tool in regulating anti-Jewish hate on campuses. REPORT

Campus Antisemitism is transnational and sees no borders and must be addressed globally. This week, the University of Denver's Chancellor issued a letter saying, "There have been three deeply disturbing Antisemitic  incidents on campus. I am profoundly troubled by this behaviour."  We need deeds. Not words. 

But while hate festers on campuses in the West, the Abraham Accords bore more fruit this week.  The Abraham House was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi as part of the United Arab Emirates' quest to promote acceptance and religious diversity. The U.K.'s Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, affixed a Mezuzah on the doorpost of the House. 

Our frustration with Jordan, however, grows as it continues to move in the opposite direction of peace.  The Kingdom's monarchy has been critical of Israel over these past number of years.  It is no wonder that a Qatar-based research centre said this week that 94% of Jordanians refuse Amman's recognition of Israel. 

Palestinian incitement and hostility continues unabated. This week, while the world marked International Day Against Child Soldiers, MEMRI-TV showed kindergarten children simulating the killing of Israeli soldiers, becoming 'martyrs.' This abusive behaviour of children by the Palestinian Authority must come to an end -- especially if we are going to bring about peace to the region. 

Given increasing terrorism against Israelis in recent months and the PA's insistence to compensate terrorists through the 'pay-for-slay' program, Israel's Knesset voted 94-10 this week to approve a law to strip terrorists of their citizenship if they receive funding from the PA or an associated organization. This is in line with other Western democracies who have refused entry to their own citizens after they joined ISIS.

Peace can be achieved in the region through human-rights diplomacy. This week, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel thanked Israel's rescue teams when they landed at Ben-Gurion airport. The team was able to save 19 people and established a field hospital to help the wounded. Due to security threats, the team was forced to return home earlier. 

In closing, we continue to be heartbroken over the murder last year of 10 black Americans who were targeted by a white supremacist in Buffalo at the Tops market. The shooter was convicted this week, sentenced to life without parole. His admission to being influenced and motivated online is critical in understanding the importance of regulating online hate speech. We will continue pressing for this important legislative change. 

Join our Campaign Against Antisemitism by supporting our exceptional work at home and around the world. This is the time for everyone to stand up and be counted.  To help Defend our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founding Chairman and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative.

P. S. We cannot do this work alone. If you appreciate our efforts to educate and advocate, help amplify our voice by supporting our work by making a donation in any amount.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues in Jewish and global affairs. You can also view this report and our latest news briefs anytime right HERE.

We welcome hundreds of new international subscribers to the AGPI global family. Thank you for standing with us and helping defend our future and protect our past.

It has been a busy week. On Saturday and Wednesday nights we proudly screened The Future of Israel and its Defenders in New York and in Toronto. Our next screening is in Vancouver this coming Monday! 

Today, we condemned yet another vicious Palestinian terror attack in Jerusalem in which a six-year-old child and a 20-year-old man were murdered in a car-ramming attack.  Eerily, this was not unlike the horrific bus-ramming attack that happened in Quebec this week, in which two children were murdered. 

In the next few weeks, I am scheduled to meet with members of the Knesset (Israel's parliament) to discuss with them this ongoing violence and carry forward our own concerns about judicial reforms and the importance of the Abraham Accords. I also hope to meet with UN officials to discuss our increasing concern about UNRWA.

In today's National Post, I wrote about the human rights failure of the United Nations and specifically, UNRWA, for misleading the Palestinian people.  The organization has unfairly kept them in a holding pattern against Israel, against the illusion that Jews will somehow be driven into the sea. My article can be viewed below and HERE. 

The problem is exacerbated when UN officials display anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General Guterres and High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Turk, we joined 11 Congress Members and numerous officials in calling for the removal of  Ms. Francesca Albanese continuing in her role as UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories.

We expressed shock about reports that Albanese had made outrageous Antisemitic statements.  In their letter, the Congress Members said she made Antisemitic remarks when soliciting funds for UNRWA during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas. One such remark referred to a "Jewish Lobby" that controls America and Europe. 

Surely, this kind of world-view and rhetoric cannot bring about peace in the Middle East. Sadly, it helps the extremists, entrenching their positions. To educate the world about terrorism, Antisemitism, the Holocaust and Israel, we have published dozens of our articles to our website's think-tank centre.  You can find them HERE. 

Our disappointment this week stretched to Barcelona where the city's mayor announced a total ban on having a relationship with Israel. This was met with shock and dismay by the local community and a harsh response from Israel.

But while Barcelona is reinforcing the position of extremists, the State of Ohio purchased $20 million in Israel Bonds this week, in addition to $4 million purchased by the Franklin County. And even while Israel continues to fight its detractors, it is extending its hand in peace by aiding Turkey in earthquake relief.

Despite its current challenges, we stand in awe at how a people have risen from the depths of the Holocaust when no one came to their assistance, to becoming a proud nation that is coming to the aid of others. 

Join our Campaign Against Antisemitism by supporting our exceptional work at home and around the world. This is the time for everyone to stand up and be counted.  To help Defend our Future and Protect our Past, please visit us HERE. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founding Chairman and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative.

Dear Friend:

I hope you had a good week. Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the top issues from this week.

This week, we remember Daniel Pearl, an American journalist who was murdered by Antisemitic Islamic terrorists on February 1st, 2002.  Before being beheaded, his final words will resonate for all time: “My father's Jewish, my mother's Jewish, I'm Jewish.” 

Our fight against Antisemitism on campus started with a fireside chat earlier this week with Dr. Ayelet Kuper, an academic and physician who exposed Antisemitism at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine.  We also educated some 900 students this week in Georgetown, and our film documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, is slated to be screened in New York tomorrow night at Young Israel Lawrence Cedarhurst. 

In our effort to reinforce peace in the Middle East by focusing in on the positive message of the Abraham Accords, we invited one of its former architects to headline our Crystal Ball dinner gala. Ambassador David Friedman was instrumental in the accords and in the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, a milestone event. We look forward to seeing you there!

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. 

In other breaking news this week, we welcomed the ouster of Rep. Ilhan Omar from the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee. Given her substantive criticism of Israel, which is America's closest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region, coupled with Antisemitic statements she has made in the past, Omar's colleagues removed her from the committee. 

In Europe this week, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced a total of 80 new measures to combat Antisemitism, racism, and discrimination. In Italy, the Jewish community welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of a National Coordinator for the fight against Antisemitism.  This comes as 24 people were reportedly charged for harassing an Italian Holocaust survivor. 

This week, the Spanish government presented a plan to fight Antisemitism.  But in Sweden, the Raoul Wallenberg memorial was vandalized while graffiti was found on the Jewish cemetery of Belgrade.

Join our Campaign Against Antisemitism by supporting our exceptional work at home and around the world. This is the time for everyone to stand up and be counted.  Help Defend our Future and Protect our Past.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,
Founding Chairman and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P. S. We cannot do this work alone. If you appreciate our efforts to educate and advocate, help amplify our voice by supporting our work by making a donation in any amount.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this special edition of The Friday Report, marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Leaders all over the world came together to mark this solemn occasion. 

Today, AGPI proudly held a joint ceremony in partnership with the City of Toronto to commemorate this important date. The Auschwitz death camp was liberated on this day, on January 27th, 1945 - a date that marks the beginning of the end of the Holocaust. 

As we marked this occasion to pronounce a better world, a Palestinian gunman stormed a Jerusalem synagogue and murdered at least 7 Israelis and wounded many more in an horrific terrorist attack. We strongly condemn the Palestinian Authority and Hamas for their continued incitement against the State of Israel, which incitement is leading to terrorist attacks. 

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."

As with everything we do at AGPI, our objective was to educate and motivate individuals into action.  In so doing, our Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, gave an impactful speech about our exhibit, The Power of One, which now stands in the Rotunda of City Hall. His words were echoed by AGPI's student ambassadors.  The ceremony ended with a moving Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer given by Cantor Simon Spiro of the Song Shul. 

Having witnessed the coming together of leaders from all races and religions under the banner of "Never Again," the promise of a more secure future stands strong. We have to eradicate Antisemitism, but we are better equipped now more than ever with more friends and allies standing together and with us. 

As AGPI prepares to lead a major delegation of police chiefs to learn about the Holocaust by visiting Auschwitz and then onto Israel, we are building a big "Abrahamic" tent of leaders who have joined the fight to defend our future and protect our past.  This is a fight of unity against the forces of hate and intolerance. 

The fight against Antisemitism is not a Jewish fight alone. Its an everyone fight.

We have little choice but to push back in word and in deed. The world around us teeters on the brink of chaos and despair. In my media comments today, I expressed that the Holocaust is our compass on morality and ethics. We must continue to give thought to the biggest atrocity ever known to humanity as a way to prevent another Holocaust. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates.   It has been another eventful week on the frontlines.  See below this report breaking news from this week. 

We proudly welcome Mr. Ari Powell to our Board of Governors (please see below for more).  As we continue to grow, we will feature additional incoming leaders on a weekly basis. 

For our friends in New York, tomorrow night at the prominent Lincoln Square Synagogue, you can catch AGPI's feature documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders.  Then, at the end of the week, on Friday, January 27th, we are hosting a major gathering at Toronto's City Hall to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  The event will be zoomed live. 

We are equally thrilled to be showing a second screening of our film at an event chaired by our good friends, Drs. Rick and Janice Zarnett. This will be followed by a major screening in Vancouver and stay tuned for a major screening debut of the film on The Jerusalem Post. 

We are doubly excited about our upcoming Global Peace Conference in partnership with the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem on April 23rd and of course, our upcoming Crystal Ball Benefit at the prestigious Casa Loma on May 24th in support of AGPI.  Already, 30% of all tickets have been sold. 

Events bind us in unity and advocacy and move us forward at an urgent time when there is a need to stand up and be counted. It is hard to imagine a group of students at an American university marching on campus calling for "one solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The language and imagery is reminiscent of the Nazi call for a "Final Solution."

Yet, this hatred has become so normalized, it has seeped into the very language universities  use what seems to have become every single day.  This week, I was sent a copy of a fundraising letter from the Dean of the University of Waterloo who encouraged donors to support a so-called study tour of "Palestine-Israel."  What?  While we all want peace, I was not aware a "Palestine" has been established. 

I wrote to the Dean: "As you must be aware, there is no “Palestine,” given the fact no such state has been recognized or declared by the international community....Such declarations by your university undermine the possibility of peace and in fact, have proven to motivate terrorism and violence against Israeli civilians."  

More significantly, society puts its faith and trust in our universities. They are supposed to be bastions of academic rigour and truth. Instead, what has happened over the last two decades is that many have become propaganda vehicles sadly spreading mistruths and, by extension, Antisemitism. This must stop.

For this reason, we are continuing to expand our work and focus by publishing more content than ever before, including on social media. Over the next number of weeks, we will be making some major announcements about new international programs underway that will help defend our future and protect our past. 

If you appreciate our effort to educate and advocate, help amplify our voice by forwarding this report to your family and friends. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founding Chairman and CEO.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates.   If you appreciate our effort to educate and advocate, help amplify our voice by forwarding this report to your family and friends. 

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. 

In other breaking news this week, Conservative member of the British Parliament, Andrew Bridgen, was suspended over an Antisemitic tweet.  He referred to Covid-19 vaccines as "the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust". He was rightfully condemned widely including by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. 

All this points to a global phenomenon that must be addressed on a world scale. For this reason, we met this morning with educational leaders at UNESCO to jointly work with and partner on educational programs. Our own team of educators are developing curriculum and educational modules and platforms that can be implemented with our partner organizations. 

This week, we also published two major pieces in the National Post that advocate our globalized viewpoints.  In a special feature celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary, we asked if Theodore Herzl was right: is Israel the ultimate solution to Antisemitism?

In a second piece published today, which diverges from our usual theme, we advocated for a strengthening of Canada's military to ensure our nation can defend its freedom and democracy, in a world that is becoming ever more dangerous. Links to both articles are available below. 

Poland and Israel have not seen eye-to-eye over the last number of years. While there is friction, diplomacy and shared interests must continue.  This week, we had the honour of meeting with the Polish Consul-General for discussion, and to find ways of collaborating on projects that can advance our relations.  

As we near International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, AGPI is proud to partner with the City of Toronto in organizing a memorial.  In the next few days, we will be announcing registration for online streaming for the memorial. Stay tuned and be sure to watch what will undoubtedly be a moving ceremony. 

We invite you to help Defend our Future and Protect our Past by spreading this important message to as many people as possible. We can Never Again allow complacency to take root.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates.   If you appreciate our effort to educate and advocate, help amplify our voice by forwarding this report to your family and friends. 

On the heels of my brief trip to Miami to meet with community leaders and have a private tour of a major Synagogue and Holocaust Center alongside our President, Mark Teitelbaum, its also been miraculous to note that over 1,000 new supporters from over 36 countries have joined our international network in the last two weeks alone.  

If you are one of them, we welcome you with open arms and thank you for standing with us in the fight against Antisemitism and in defence of Israel, freedom and democracy. 

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.  The Security Council went over the top by disproportionally 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. 

In reaction, Israel's new Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen said: "It is the Palestinian leadership that should be standing trial, the only place in the world that rewards murderers of Jews solely because they are Jews." In the Jerusalem Post, Arab journalist Khaled Abu Toameh explained  the Palestinian Authority has been acting "behind the scenes to establish a foothold there". 

This week, AGPI also expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic world on the death of Pope Benedict VVI.  Many in the Jewish world have attested that he was deeply committed to advancing relations with the Jewish people. He followed in Pope John Paul II 's footsteps by clearly stating in words and action, "it is my sincere intention to continue on this path". AGPI lauds its continued friendship with the Vatican and looks forward to its future meeting with Pope Francis. 

Also this week, AGPI expressed its support for the UK's intention to designate Iran's IRGC as a terror organization.  The IRGC's tentacles are widely known, having been implicated in the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Argentina and the Jewish Community Centre, among many other terror incidents.  We continue to demand that the Canadian government follow America and the UK's example by adding the IRGC to its identified terror groups. 

Even while the world stops to celebrate the holidays and winter break, sadly, Antisemitic incidents continue to occur relentlessly. In Stoneham Massachusetts, with a population of just 23,000, an 11 year-old Jewish girl walked out to her front yard to find a swastika.  According to reports, someone cut the Nazi symbol out of purple construction paper, adding the words, "Hell Bound. Have Fun!". This was the only Jewish family on the street. 

Meanwhile, in the Stamford Hill neighbourhood in London England, a Jewish man was stabbed while taking a walk with his infant son. The report stated, "a racist male unhappy with the child's speed pushed the 1-yr-old shouting 'Move F--Jew, I will stab and kill you" before cutting the man on his face and hand". 

Sadly, in places like New York where one would expect greater awareness, a report entitled The Hate Crime Accountability Project is advising that Orthodox Jews "were victims 94% of the 194 antisemitic assaults that occurred between 2018 and 2022.  Shockingly, 97% were committed by minority groups and nearly a quarter by teenagers. 

As the week comes to a close, many are remembering that on this day two years ago, the world witnessed a violent assault on the US Capitol mainly by fringe groups, many of them driven by white supremacist racist ideologies. For this reason, we will continue to be obsessively vigilant and to never take a freedom for granted. 

We invite you to help Defend our Future and Protect our Past by spreading this important message to as many people as possible. We can Never Again allow complacency to take root.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates.   It has been a fantastic 2022 for AGPI as we criss-crossed the world, attracted incredible numbers in new members and leadership, and surpassed all campaign expectations.

We accomplished all this by reframing the narrative. We are not here to scare you into supporting our cause by presenting lists of acts and incidents of Antisemitism. You already know of these. We are working on positive solutions and want your help to strengthen our offensive from a position of strength and pride.

Interestingly, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z'l observed the magic of "reframing" in this week's Torah portion (Vayigash).  After being thrown into a well by his brothers and then taken prisoner, Joseph understood this was at G-d's direction and reframed his situation to help save his people from famine and slavery. 

Rabbi Sacks's conclusion about Joseph is invaluable for us to adopt in 2023: "Whatever the situation we are in, by reframing it we can change our entire response, giving us the strength to survive, the courage to persist, and the resilience to emerge, on the far side of darkness, into the light of a new and better day."

It is this shift in attitude and perspective that in 2022 brought our organization to conclude that the "same-old" is simply not working, given the rising spectre of Antisemitism and delegitimization campaigns against Israel. Albert Einstein's famous saying that "insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result" rings truer than ever. 

So we set out to reframe the narrative by undermining Israel's detractors by standing up to them with a positive message about Israel.  We did this by first, speaking to the global Jewish leadership in a keynote address at the Jerusalem Post Conference in New York; then we wrote and published countless editorials expressing this view; finally, and most importantly, we interviewed top influencers for a new documentary that is now being screened around the world. 

Thanks to the support of many donors, we produced The Future of Israel and its Defenders, a film that shows that Israel has won the fight against BDS and the "apartheid" libel. We believe that to win the fight for Israel, and against Antisemitism, our communities and especially our youth need to understand and believe in this basic truth: The Abraham Accords have catapulted Israel to defy the boycotts and normalize relations with many of its Arab neighbours. 

In fact, it is worth noting that Israel's exports to Canada have increased by 95%, proving BDS is a failure even here where Israeli Apartheid Week began. To showcase this new reality, we launched programs to advance peace in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and in Israel. In 2023, these programs will expand throughout the Middle East and Europe, as well as in North and Latin America. 

In fact, as I write this letter, I am concluding at meeting with my good friend and colleague, Imam Mohammend Tawhidi.  Our friendship and partnership on our mutual organizations is a testament to the work we are doing to build peaceful co-existence and through that process, undermine the negative voices. 

In all this, we are launching additional "reframing" campaigns that challenge the status quo and complacency; that undermine the assault against the Jews at the United Nations and its affiliate agencies; to give Jewish students the upper hand on university and college campuses; to continue building our network of leaders and chapters around the world; and to counter the hostile narratives of so-called human rights organizations that have unfairly gone after Israel. 

Even as we surpassed all our program and project expectations in 2022, we plan to further our global and local offensive in 2023. Thousands of people have been subscribing to our website over the last number of weeks from Malta to New Zealand to Turkey. They will be invited to our Global Peace Conference in Jerusalem this April as we continue to reframe a new global strategy that will beat back the darkness.  

We will be obsessive, relentless, and unwavering in our positive offensive to reframe the narrative and undermine our detractors. But we need you to positively energize us in 2023 to carry out this important plan. Make your final year-end 2022 gift to support this effort and join us in Defending our Future and Protecting our Past. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and a happy New Year,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates.   Our organization proudly consists of members of all faiths who share in these values under one Abrahamic Tent. On behalf of our board of directors, we wish all who are celebrating this weekend a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 

While a winter storm rages here in North America, this week, our focus was to celebrate this season of lights by shining a spotlight on Antisemitism.  We launched an eight-day campaign to get people of all faiths to sign The Pledge Against Antisemitism. With two more days to go, the campaign has already garnered over 100,000 impressions all over the world! 

While fighting Antisemitism here at home, we are defending the increasing delegitimization rhetoric against Israel. While some in the media want to use Israel's newly-formed government to defame the country, we issued a statement commending Israel's democracy. That is what should be our message to the world. 

In fact, in our press release, I said: “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 more optimistic about Israel now than ever. It is 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."

Defending Israel especially against accusations by the United Nations Human Rights Office is critical. This week, in a letter to Jeremy Laurence at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, AGPI denounced the office''s condemnation of Israel over the deportation of a Palestinian activist affiliated with the PFLP. In my letter to Laurence, I wrote: "I have to tell you it is entirely inappropriate (to side with the Palestinian activist) and reduces the UN Human Rights Office to protecting an alleged member of the PFLP. In Canada, the PFLP is a designated terror group."

Given the fact that Canada is a respected global human rights proponent, its position vis-a-vis designated terror groups like the PFLP should be impactful on UN designated human rights offices.  Finally, this position is given a voice at the United Nations through AGPI.

This week, Germany announced that a 97-year-old former secretary at a Nazi concentration camp was found guilty of being complicit in the murder of at least 10,500 people. While some dub this as the last Nazi trial, the question we should be asking is what about everyone else? After the Holocaust, most Nazis (who committed even more heinous crimes) simply melted back into their day jobs as judges, doctors, lawyers, and business leaders. Can we ever have closure for those who have literally gotten away with murder?

In other news, while we congratulated Canada's province of Saskatchewan for incorporating the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism, we are extremely concerned about the increasing tide - almost everywhere. On the eve of Hanukkah, the New York Times published a puzzle in the shape of what looked disturbingly like a swastika. In the Greater Toronto Area, a community centre was defaced with Antisemitic epithets. In Melbourne, a swastika with the words, "Kanye was right" was found. In New York, an ice Menorah was smashed while in Beverley Hills, a swastika was etched into a Menorah.  

The worst of it, however, is when students are themselves involved in Antisemitic incidents.  In Ottawa, students drew a swastika in a classroom and did the Nazi salute to a Jewish student. In Raleigh, Jewish students were appalled after hearing the words, "Heil Hitler" over their school intercom. And in the UK, children were photographed performing the Nazi salute during a play, horrifying many parents. 

Is Holocaust education as effective as might think when it comes to combating Antisemitism? As an organization, we have addressed this fundamental question recently given the rising tide of Antisemitism. What we in the Jewish community have done in the past is no longer working in 2022-23. At AGPI we are constantly coming up with and testing new innovative strategies that break the usual mindset. 

The situation is quite serious. One Jewish professional told me this week that he is getting tired of all the Antisemitic negativity all around us. But this is not a time to look away or to be complacent. This is the time to double down and invest all of our energy and resources in this fight. The alternative is not good if we want to protect and defend our children and grandchildren. 

As the year comes to an end, if you have not done so in 2022, please take a moment to support our work and help us maintain this fight on your behalf. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates from the Jewish world.  

I love this holiday season. Chanukah and Christmas gatherings bring us closer together under a shared Abrahamic tent. Both 'festival of lights' illuminate the darkness, showing how each one of us can be a light upon this world and how together in unity we can be stronger in our quest to make this world a better place for everyone. 

One such light is Dr. Susan Glick who proudly joined our board of directors this week. At AGPI, we pride ourselves with carefully building an organization comprised of leaders of good nature and character. Leaders who are caring, compassionate, and passionate about making the world better. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Glick to the board! 

Another light is Dr. Ayelet Kuper, about whom I wrote in my front-page article in today's National Post (see below). Single handed, she exposed the often insatiable Antisemitism within the professional ranks of the University of Toronto's faculty of medicine, and the university at large. 

With all honesty, her academic paper which gives credence to the Antisemitism problem at the university is of little surprise. On a personal note, I have been fighting Antisemitism at U of T for more than two decades. I had vivid email debates with then president David Naylor. At least, he was more responsive than the current administration. This one, to my knowledge, has yet to comment on Dr. Kuper's findings. 

We are calling on the university to launch an immediate investigation into these allegations of antisemitism. Perhaps it can take a page from a new UK parliamentary committee looking into BBC's coverage of Jews and Israel: "Our inquiry will be wholly impartial and will aim to offer expert guidance and recommendations for the corporation to address issues when it comes to antisemitism and Israel...".

Some say the Jewish community has yet to reflect on its own behaviour vis-a-vis the university. In some cases, there is much too much complicity in the name of honour and prestige, despite this ongoing pernicious hatred. 

In most cases, university faculty is detached from the truth and reality about what is happening in the Middle East.  Our new film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, exposes the fact that the only people who 'don't get it' are on university campuses. Juxtapose this with the fact that the Christian community is growing in Israel while it is virtually erased everywhere else in the Middle East (see below for details). 

For Israel's detractors, bad Palestinian behaviour is inconsequential. While the Middle East is pushing toward peace (despite Qatar shamefully abusing the world cup to defame Israel), results from a Palestinian opinion poll paints a picture of increased radicalization, a greater propensity for violence and resistance toward a two-state solution (see below for details).  Not one Western academic would want to live under this repression. But they are quick to overlook it while condemning Israel.

Where is the outrage on university campuses by faculty and students alike about the plight of Iranian women who are being repressed, tortured and murdered because they seek freedom? Just this week, we applauded the UN for booting out Iran from the Women's Commission (see below). 

Across the pond this week, it came to light that the West knew quite well about the Nazi genocide of the Jewish people. This week, UK's Members of Parliament marked the day in 1942 (December 17) when the House of Commons recognized the Shoah. Yet it took another three years, and the murder of some four plus million Jewish people, for the world to stop the Holocaust.  Instead of taking immediate action in 1942, the House rose for a 'moment of silence.'

It is this exact inaction that paved the way to the formation of the State of Israel. There is one major difference between 1942 and 2022: We now have a Jewish homeland that is a refuge to the Jewish people, no matter where they are. What we needed then as we need today is action against Antisemitism -- not moments of silence. 

In all this, we stand proudly every day in our effort to protect our past and defend our future.  In this effort, we are thankful to those of you who are standing with us in this momentous effort. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Chanukah Sameach!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates from the Jewish world.  

First, let me begin with gratitude for the incredible support we have been receiving from donors and community members like you who are recognizing the importance of our work at home and around the world. We feel truly blessed to be surrounded by incredible leaders on our boards and by community members who are strengthening us with generosity and good-will. Thank you to you all. 

This week, we spoke out against the continued gang-up on Israel over the tragic death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.  On Tuesday, Al Jazeera announced it, too, has now requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) open an investigation into her death. Sadly, reporters are tragically killed in war-zones including most recently in Ukraine - none of them, however, are brought to the ICC for investigation. 

A continued double-standard campaign to defame and demonize Israel persists, however, when it comes to utilizing international bodies such as the ICC, the UN, and the UNHRC. In reaction, Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, "I expressed my condolences following the passing of Shireen Abu Akleh.  At the same time, we must remember that this was a combat scenario, which was investigated thoroughly." 

If anything, where is Al Jazeera -- or the United Nations, for that matter -- on investigating Iran for the more than 504 reported executions of dissidents over these past few weeks? What of launching an ICC investigation against Russia's executions of Ukrainians and indiscriminate bombing of residential neighbourhoods and buildings? And finally, as we have written many times over these years, what of bringing Bashar Al Assad to justice over the murder and gassing of well over 350,000 Syrians, including the elderly, women, and children?

It is this constant bashing of Israel that forces one to agree with the Toronto Sun's editorial board who this week wrote:  "Kanye West proclaiming he loves Hitler comes from the same toxic stew of Jew-hatred that demonizes and delegitimizes Israel, the world's only Jewish State." 

This view point is reaffirmed in an explosive piece hitting the news as we speak and described in a new academic paper appearing in the Canadian Medical Education Journal by Ayelet Kuper.  Frankly, it comes as little surprise to those of us who have been in the university trenches since 2000 - when it all began.

Here is the difference.  We now have a truthful account from the inside. Appointed by the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine as a senior advisor on Antisemitism, Kuper published a shocking report that uncovers the reality of Antisemitism in academia. 

Among many examples given, Kuper says that while giving a lecture on religious discrimination, "I was asked by non-Jewish learners why content about Jews was being forced on the students by the Jew who bought the faculty."  Apparently they assumed that a $250 million gift came from a Jewish family. It did not. 

Kuper had an insider's vantage point into the blunt academic Antisemitism now raging on our campuses among faculty. She pinpointed the abusive Antisemitic false tropes about Jewish people having money, power, and and being racist when it comes to their Zionism.

While those in government leadership positions continue to condemn Antisemitism, even going so far as to hold conferences and meetings on the subject, they fail to implement policy that would restrict Antisemitic conduct on our campuses, or penalize administrations who allow their universities to be used as forums for events such as Israeli Apartheid Week and BDS campaigns.

For years, we have been calling out for the banning of these hateful events, but as Kuper's paper reveals, the hate against Israel and the Jewish people has become institutionally ingrained. Part of the problem at the University of Toronto is its resistance to adopting the the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism. Now we know why. 

But here is the truth. For our part, as our new film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders reveals, Israel is stronger than ever. It has beaten the BDS campaign. In the Middle East, it is becoming more accepted and more normal among its Arab neighbours, thanks to the Abraham Accords.

That is the narrative and the story we need to keep telling. Inasmuch as the Antisemites wish to proliferate their toxic stew of hate, AGPI will keep working globally to defend Israel and promote the Abraham Accords through peace and security. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

I have been involved in the Canadian political arena for nearly 30 years. Never before have I heard a Canadian politician in our parliament saying they take their "marching orders" from a foreign entity. 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing to you the latest news and updates from the Jewish world.  Despite the bad and the ugly this week (see below) our report begins on a more positive note.

This week, we 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.

That was the good. Nevertheless, the bad somehow always seems to creep in these days. The disillusionment in the conduct of some of our parliamentarians continued this week as news broke yesterday that the so-called ‘Palestine Friendship Group’ (which is comprised of Cabinet Ministers) held an event on Parliament Hill in which an alleged Holocaust denier and Antisemite was invited to attend. Apparently, he is the publisher of al-Meshwar, a newspaper that allegedly claimed the Holocaust was a Jewish plot, referring to it as a “holohoax."

But this is what we find most disconcerting: some of the high-profile ministers in attendance included Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May. In what appears to be an effort by the group to undermine the UN Partition Plan -- which, in 1947, paved the way to the establishment of the modern State of Israel -- the event was timed to take place on the very same day: November 29th.  

Shockingly, Canadian ministers were photographed wearing the “Palestinian” scarf supposedly in solidarity with the movement (see picture below). Could they have been more sensitive to the murder of a 16-year-old Canadian last week by an alleged Palestinian terror cell? Absolutely. Could they have demanded the Palestinian Authority end the pay-for-slay program in which terrorists are rewarded for murdering and hurting Israelis? Absolutely. 

Could they have wondered why Palestinian dissidents have disappeared; gay Palestinians are beheaded, and why every election has been cancelled by Mahmoud Abbas? Absolutely.

I have been involved in the Canadian political arena for nearly 30 years. Never before have I heard a Canadian politician in our parliament saying they take their "marching orders" from a foreign entity.  Yet this is what Elizabeth May appears to have said in an online video recording at the event.  She said, "I take my marching orders from the Permanent Representative of Palestine to Canada". 

Canadian elected officials of the "Palestine Friendship Group" are willing to compromise Canadian values of freedom and democracy and allow an Antisemitic Holocaust denier into their gathering.  They would never stand with the Taliban. They would never compromise our ideals by supporting Russia, Iran, or China for that matter. Or would they?

This week, the UN itself voted to formally recognize “Nakba Day” – an annual event characterizing the establishment of the Jewish State as a “catastrophe”.  Israel’s UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said, “By passing such an extreme and baseless resolution, the UN is only helping to perpetuate the conflict."  That is indeed the message Ottawa’s ministers must take to heart. By behaving in the way they did this week, they are in fact reinforcing Israel’s security concerns vis-à-vis the Palestinians and the rest of the world.

That was the “bad." The “ugly” this week came again from Kanye West (YE) who praised Hitler (“I like Hitler”) on the Alex Jones show.  During his rambling commentary, YE said, “I see good things about Hitler .  .  . every human being has something of value that they brought to the table, especially Hitler." This morning, Elon Musk suspended YE’s Twitter account, but the damage has already been done. YE’s continued incitement of hate threatens to motivate his followers (as it already has) to commit potentially heinous and violent hate crimes against Jewish communities. 

The media has grabbed hold of the notion that YE’s comments are the result of “mental illness."  Unfortunately, many people on social media have grabbed hold of this assertion themselves.  As others have argued, many people struggle with mental illness, but have not perpetuated hate nor violence. We cannot excuse YE or anyone else for this behaviour.  We have heard similar excuses used for terrorists and other violent and hateful offenders.  We must demand accountability, not excuse bad behaviour.

Our work at AGPI continues unabated and relentlessly.  Earlier in the week, we took on the Toronto Star by exposing its biased article about the IHRA. Sadly, the Star used a few dissenting Jewish voices to propagandize and validate its opinion. While the Star refused to print our letter which exposed its bias, our response was published in the National Post on Saturday, the most-read day. Our reply also received over 20,000 impressions on social media – resulting in far more exposure than would have been received by the Toronto Star (a link to our article is provided below).

Help us continue this important work by supporting our global and local strategy to defend our future and protect our past.  

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

I trust this finds you well.  Shabbat Shalom from Toronto, and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the latest developments in the Jewish world and beyond. 

Please refer also to our Breaking News Alert below. If you like what you see, forward this newsletter to your family and friends. 

What an exciting week! Over 300 VIP's attended AGPI's worldwide premiere of The Future of Israel and its Defenders.  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". 

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. 

With the horrific murder of a young 16 year-old Canadian student by a Palestinian terrorist in Jerusalem, our film's message of a stronger Israel is important now more than ever.  For the past few months, Israel has been suffering from increasing Palestinian terrorism.  Just last week, three Israeli men were murdered by another Palestinian terrorist attack. Many injured people have been left in the wake of these terrible incidents. 

Commenting on this latest attack, U.S. Ambassador Tom Nides said he is "appalled by the cowardly terrorist attacks in Jerusalem today that targeted innocent civilians, including children. My heart breaks for the families of those who were harmed". 

Shockingly, on the view and raising eyebrows, Whoopi Goldberg got herself into hot water again when she said, "depends who you talk to" when another panelist referred to Hamas and the Taliban as terror organizations. 

For this reason, its incumbent upon us to continue educating and advocating. This week, I was further enlightened with one of the staffers at the Toronto Star refused to acknowledge that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of Antisemitism is polarizing mainly to Israel's detractors and antisemites.  Please look for my article on this matter in the National Post tomorrow (Saturday) - its quite shocking! 

It seems that rarely a day goes by when serious and controversial issues arise concerning antisemitism. Today, the Republican Jewish Coalition condemned former President Donald Trump's dinner earlier in the week with Kanye West and "Holocaust denying alt-right figure Nick Fuentes".  We are very disappointed to say the least. 

In the final word before Shabbat, in our effort to promote universal human rights and encourage those who seek freedom, we continue to stand with the women and men of Iran who are rejecting the oppression by the Ayatollah. Tony Blair's institute found that 71% of men and 74% of women disagree with the mandatory imposition of the hijab head covering. 

It's time for the Mullahs to step down and allow freedom and (hopefully) democracy to thrive in Iran, where it can be accepted among the peaceful community of nations. As an organization, we will continue expressing our voice in an effort to defend our future and protect our past. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Since you are here, may we ask you to help us continue this important work by making your 2022 gift to AGPI? Your gift to us, a registered charity, is fully tax-deductible.

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Shabbat Shalom from Israel, and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report.  Following an intensive week at the UN in New York and in Dubai, we are here this week planning out our World Peace Summit in April marking Israel's 75th anniversary. 

There is a lot of ground to cover this week. Please refer also to our Breaking News Alert below. If you like what you see, forward this newsletter to your family and friends. 

Excitement is building for the World Premiere of our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, this coming Wednesday, November 23, 2022.  After selling out of our first theatre, we moved to a much larger one to accommodate many more supporters. 

I am delighted to congratulate my good friend on Vancouver's City Council, Sarah Kirby-Yung who's motion to have the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism passed.  Despite resistance from mainly pro-Palestinian groups (who demand rights for themselves but undermine rights for others), the definition was rightfully adopted.

It has been another tragic week here in Israel as three fathers were murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in the Israeli city of Ariel. An additional three people were injured in the stabbing and car-ramming spree. These latest murders follows a pattern of Palestinian terror attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers in recent months. 

What are the motivating factors? A corrupt Palestinian leadership that has squandered international aid that was supposed to be used to build schools, hospitals, and roads -- and not the funding of the notorious "pay-for-slay" program.

The program rewards families of terrorists with a monthly stipend as compensation for terror attacks against Israelis.  Nowhere in the world is this conduct acceptable or tolerated. Yet, the international community, including Canada and America, continues to fund the Palestinian Authority and provide aid to UNRWA, despite pay-for-slay and continued incitement of the Palestinian population against Israelis. 

Fortunately, realizing the Palestinian Authority and Hamas' evil ways, traditional Arab supporters have distanced themselves, and they are aligning themselves with Israel and a solutions-based approach. In my column in today's National Post, I wrote about my new Emirati friend, Sheikh Ahmed Obaid Almansoori, who is championing Holocaust education.  

Demonstrating the seismic shift underway in the hearts and minds of many Arab leaders in the region, Almansoori says, "We need to stop Antisemitism, anti-Zionism and the delegitimization of Israel.  People should move forward and try to build bridges." 

But as AGPI's new film showcases, in neither Canada nor America would know this change in attitude is actually happening. In Vancouver, we have been in touch with lead Councilwoman Sarah Kirby-Yung who is righteously re-trying to get city council to adopt the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism  --  all the while fending off detractors of her motion. 

In these times where equity, diversity, and inclusivity are at the forefront of every government and corporate agenda, why should there be any resistance to defining Antisemitism?  This week, CBC posted a false headline calling those opposing the Vancouver motion "human rights advocates."  But those who deny rights of some, while demanding rights for others, are not human rights activists.

In the coming week, we plan on visiting Vancouver to push forward this imperative agenda in our effort to combat Antisemitism. The intensity of our work continues unabated as we prepare for next week's world premiere of our new documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. Following the premiere, the film will begin its international tour, bringing attention to the important work we are doing. 

To all of our supporters, we humbly thank you for helping us grow, and accomplish these important initiatives. Most importantly, we thank you for being part of this effort to protect our past and defend our future. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom from Dubai!  Today is Remembrance Day back home and even while we are thousands of miles away, we honour the memory of the women and men who have sacrificed to defend our freedom - Lest we forget!

As the sun begins to set here in the U.A.E. on this Friday afternoon, AGPI is proud to be here to help strengthen peace and understanding through the Abraham Accords. On the heels of our peacemaking effort in Morocco, we are meeting with community leaders in Dubai to reinforce our message of hope for a better tomorrow.

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.

Last night, 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, I 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. 

On Sunday, we will be travelling on an El Al flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, marking the incredible path of peace that has been forged between these two modern nations. While in Israel, we will continue to build our capacity to strengthen our relationship with the Jewish State.

To our generous supporters, we thank you for helping us move the needle and for bringing a global "Made in Canada" voice of dignity and respect to our community. 

We invite you to join us in this fight and help protect our future and defend our past.