The Friday Report

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report.We are bringing to you the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

Breaking news stories are found below this report. 

As we write this report, the IDF is striking targets in the northern Gaza Strip after many days of terrorist threats against the Jewish State. The pre-emptive strike is said to have killed a top Islamic Jihad operative. Unfortunately, Israel must confront existential threats. 

This week, a hollow apology also came from the UNHRC commissioner who had made antisemitic remarks.  The apology was resoundingly rejected by Israel and the world Jewish community.  Sorry, but there is no going back from recalling hurtful Antisemitic tropes such as the "Jewish Lobby" and suggesting Jewish people control social media. 

We wholeheartedly support Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid's letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for the disbandment of this faulty commission into alleged "war crimes" during the Gaza war and the termination of its commissioners. 

While the commission was clearly biased before, it no longer has any credibility to function.  Not only that, it further undermines universal systems of justice and reveals the flagrant Antisemitic bias of the UNHRC.  The institution itself sadly has failed humanity. 

This week, global Jewish communities were shocked to learn about a new Statistics Canada report that identified a 47% increase in Antisemitism in 2021.  The reaction around the world was swift as bewilderment arose in social media - how could this possibly happen in Canada of all places?

Sadly in Canada, our universities have allowed Antisemitism to permeate our campuses for more than two decades; now buses in St. Johns Newfoundland cary ads that falsely call Israel an "apartheid state" and our streets are filled with hatred as pro-Palestinian protestors are allowed to call for genocide against the Jews. So why should anyone be surprised?

Even as we released a statement about the rising tide of Antisemitism, we attended to a graffiti incident across from a local Hebrew School. 

For this reason, the work we do in educating the public about the truth about Israel is incredibly important.  Our column this week in the National Postcompletely undermined the hateful narrative that is being played out on our streets here at home and around the world. 

In our new documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, we will be showing just how far apart Israel's detractors are from the reality on the ground in Israel and in the region. We will be turning their arguments on their head giving our communities further perspective about why they should be proud of the State of Israel. 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report. We are bringing to you the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

We are excited about many AGPI new and innovative developments planned for the coming year including a major opening at the United Nations in New York, An incredible summit of peace in Jerusalem and film premieres across North America and beyond. 

It was a pleasure this week to speak with Noa Tishby, a well-known celebrity and Israel's Special Envoy for combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization. Alongside Tishby, we spoke with Knesset members, military experts, academics, diplomats and young leaders about Israel's future as it welcomes its 75th year in 2023. 

On the tail end of our incredible filming, just as we were interviewing Arab and Druze Israeli leaders about freedom and democracy - shocking antisemitic comments came out of one of the commissioners at the UNHRC who is supposed to be investigating Israel impartially. 

We wrote about them in today's column in the National Post (see below) condemning the assertion that Jewish people and NGO's control social media and even worse, questioning if Israel should belong to the UN at all. 

Our own permanent representative to the UN, Bob Rae aptly condemned this behaviour calling it a "never ending inquisition" and saying the "blatantly biased, anti-semitic comments are completely unworthy of the UN". 

Given this amount of hatred, AGPI reached out to both UN officials to condemn this matter and issued a statement calling for the dismissal of this commission of inquiry.  

This week as well, we reached out to the Mayor of Newfoundland asking for the immediate removal of signs on city buses calling Israel an "apartheid state".  When confronted with this false notion, the Arab leaders we spoke with in Israel could not hold themselves back from laughing over this preposterous notion. 

Many in the west seem have been taken by the anti-Israel propaganda that provides a false narrative. That's why our new documentary will be an incredible educational tool about modern day Israel, the pride and the joy of its citizens, who enjoy this free and democratic state. 

We invite you to add your name to our premiere screenings this fall of The Future of Israel and its Defenders.  You can find the free sign up at https://agpiworld.com/film  

Thank you for helping us protect our future and defend our past.

Shabbat Shalom and happy long weekend! 

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report, coming to you directly from Israel. We are bringing to you the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

Below you will find our breaking news updates from this week. 

There is something truly special about the miracle of Israel.  During our travels this week for the filming of our documentary, it became clear through each conversation that the country has renewed vigour and optimism. 

This is largely due to the Abraham Accords said Knesset Minister Ruth Wasserman Lande who chairs its parliamentary caucus.  The Accords are quickly breaking away isolationism in the region opening up new avenues of partnership in the region. 

As we spoke in front of the Knesset we paused our conversation for a moment to reflect on the very realization of the Zionist dream.  Here we were, back in our promised land, standing on the ground of Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem and its parliament.   Theodore Herzl would be proud. 

We all know, however the fight for Israel's very survival is raging daily.  A Palestinian man stabbed a Jewish male in Jerusalem while we were filming our film documentary there and discussing the possibility of peace with the Palestinians. Thankfully the terrorist was quickly neutralized by a local civilian.

And even while Israelis are busily building and creating the latest technologies such as a new flying vehicle that may put automobiles out of business, around the world we see those who are fomenting divisiveness.  From sowing divisiveness on university campuses (see below) to desecration of a memorial at Buchenwald, the vile hatred contines on its ugly path. 

Just today, the IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi, issued a warning stating that Iran's nuclear program is "galloping ahead".  Surprisingly, many Israelis with whom we have met this week believe Israel is a regional superpower that will overcome the Iranian threat.

To counteract this venom, we reach forward daily as we have this week by aligning with Morocco's Ambassador to Israel and by participating in a meaningful remembrance ceremony for the 85 victims of the AMIA bombing at the Argentinian embassy. 

We do not rest on our laurels. As a result of our protest holding the Chilean government accountable for an Antisemitic advertisement in one of its national papers, its Ambassador to Canada wrote us an apologetic letter and denounced Antisemitism.

We invite you to add your name to our premiere screenings this fall of The Future of Israel and its Defenders.  You can find the free sign up at https://agpiworld.com/film 

Thank you for helping us protect our future and defend our past.

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

p.s. Yes, you may share this newsletter with family and friends!

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report.  We are bringing to you the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs concerning peace and security. Honestly, despite major developments, I was shocked this week by the level of pervasive Antisemitism around the world and even here at home. You can read about it further below.

If you like AGPI’s impactful work and strong voice, we need your help and support.  We are a registered charity and accept donations on our website. There is much ground to cover and given these glorious summer days, we share the most critical news of the week and draw your attention to our social media pages and website where breaking news is provided daily (see links below where you can friend me).

This week, AGPI launched its new film division that will help it inspire, educate, and advocate around the world. Filming for our new documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, began in New York City with the architect of the Abraham Accords and the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem: former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman. Among several more prominent interviewees, we also spent time with the most influential community leader in America, Malcolm Hoenlein, the Vice Chair of the Conference of Jewish Presidents of Major American Organizations. Get on the premiere invite list at https://agpiworld.com/film

Given that Shabbat is a day of reflection, one often wonders what will be said about them after they have departed this life.  What good and impact had they made upon this world? We scramble often in our daily life without giving thought to the “why” and to the meaning of the years we are given in this world. In a final tribute to Max Eisen in today’s National Post, I write about the legacy he has left to us to combat Antisemitism, preserve the memory of the Holocaust, and defend Israel (see below for article).

A debate over President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel has been raging in opinion pieces throughout the week. Is he truly sincere about his affection for Israel and his promise that he would never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons? In my view, we should not be undermining his visit to Israel and, instead, interpret it as a show of solidarity and strength – an alliance that cannot be broken.

The “Jerusalem U.S. – Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration” signed alongside Israel’s new Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, has already been published by the White House – a positive endorsement of Israel that places its enemies, especially Iran, on notice. The statement affirms the “unbreakable bonds” between the two countries; pledges to “never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons”; condemns terrorist attacks by Palestinians and expresses concern over the “global surge of Antisemitism”.  You could not ask for a better declaration affirming critical issues that matter to Israel and the Jewish people. 

A few weeks ago, the world was shocked by Antisemitic artwork that appeared in Germany as part of the Documenta art festival. But this week in Toronto, an Antisemitic mural appeared depicting a stereotypical caricature of a Jewish man sitting on homes/buildings as a black worker sits near-by on a sewing machine. As in the German case, the artist has claimed ignorance to the Antisemitic stereotype. The image is now gone, as AGPI has called for its removal. But the shocking image (see below) has left our community in dismay and looking for answers.

More Antisemitic shock and awe came from our friends in the Jewish community of Chile where an Antisemitic advertisement appeared in a local newspaper.  This prompted us to write to the Chilean Ambassador in Canada looking for answers.  In Turkey headstones were overturned and destroyed at a local Jewish cemetery and again, we called upon the Turkish government to immediately find the culprits. Meanwhile in California, Attorney-General Rob Bonta announced a 32% increase in Antisemitic hate crime from 2020 over 2021 – a shocking figure, but consistent with general international trends.

As we wind down the week in honour of Shabbat, we reflect on the changing landscape of our world. We hold on to the legacy that Max Eisen has imparted upon us: to never be silent and to work relentlessly to make the world a better place. In this, we continue to press on at home and around the world to be a voice of strength and morality to protect our future and defend our past.

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

p.s. Yes, you may share this newsletter with family and friends!

Max Eisen passed away on July 6, 2022.

Here are some reflections:

At an early age, Max witnessed the cruelty that human beings could inflict on one another.

He saw how one group of people could dehumanize another.

He was torn away from his mother’s warm embrace at the train tracks at Auschwitz.  Never to see her or his siblings again. 

Max stared into the madness of antisemitism.

Before being taken, his father made him promise to bare witness to what transpired at Auschwitz.

He regained and rebuilt a free life in Canada with Ivy, Ed and Larry. He was proud of his grandchildren.

His family supported him.

In all those following years, even while building a beautiful new life and family, Max would dedicate himself to the pursuit of justice.

Despite his tragic loss, his nature was one of optimism and love for humanity. In our travels back to the camps, he never showed anger nor despair.

His energy was completely focused on keeping his promise to his father.

Max took this one step further by teaching hundreds if not millions of students, teachers, law enforcement officials and others to never hate.

His message to the world was that all people are deserving of dignity and respect. He was a man on a mission to make the world a better place.

Images of excited students surrounding Max asking for his autograph are seared into my head.  That was his impact.

Once as he gave an eye-witness account in front of Block 21, a ray of light pierced the clouds beaming upon him like the hand of G-d.

He was Hashem’s angel, put on this earth to be our moral compass.

Max saw the world as it is and how it should be all at the same time.

He loved life.

Max’s contribution to this nation will yet be written into its history books.  Schools will one day soon be named after him. 

He has empowered and inspired generations.

Max chose life.  He showed us by example that even after tragedy, there is a life worth living.

I will miss my teacher. My mentor. My Friend.

Shalom Chaver.

Shabbat Shalom and happy Canada Day! As Canadians, we have much for which to be grateful as we celebrate our incredible freedom and democracy. 

   Below this report, you will find the top issues we have been tracking this week. Also, during the week, our newsroom on our website is updated as are our social feeds. Feel free to check things out regularly.    

Freedom is never free. We have to fight for it each and every day.  In essence, our freedom is an act of rebellion to an unfree world. We are standing up to those who wish to undermine those of us in Canada, Israel, America, Britain, France and so many others.   That's why our celebration of Canada is so important and special. That's why we must "stand on guard for thee" and have "true patriot love" for the values we command and espouse.    

Having criss-crossed the world over the last number of months, it is clear that the world needs more Canada. Although imperfect, we are respected for our democracy, human rights and advancement of peace. 

   But our voice has been relatively silent, say most leaders with whom I meet. They absolutely love AGPI's "wake up call" pushing for rights and democracy.    Recognizing that human rights advocacy has been turned on its head by organizations and the international community, they respect the principled counter-voice we are bringing from Canada that defends and protects democracies such as Israel.   For this reason, we stand by Israel and congratulate its new Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, as he steers Israel to elections in November.    This week, Canada's government took the next step to fighting Antisemitism by giving Royal Assent to Bill C-19.  It is there to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to include an offence of wilfully promoting Antisemitism (see below).    

In a major victory, Unilever turned the tables on its subsidiary, Ben & Jerry's, by selling the rights to the ice cream to its Israeli partner. It also harshly denounced Antisemitism and the BDS campaign. Still, revealing its absurd focus on Israel, B&J announced it does not agree with its parent company.    In reaction on Twitter, former Minister Stockwell Day who serves on AGPI's National Board of Advisors said, "whether its Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream or any business or university, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative....is pushing back organizations supporting (the) Antisemitic BDS movement."    

In all of this, as Canadians we are playing a bigger international role in issues that concern you and me. Yesterday, we advertised a financial reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals who distributed Antisemitic flyers to Jewish homes in South Florida.    In this, community leaders from all over the world are reaching back to us from Los Angeles to Florida and New York and Europe and the Middle East, to help build one tent - Abraham's Tent - with Canadian values which are much needed in this world today more than ever.    

Happy Birthday, Canada!    Shabbat Shalom, Avi Abraham Benlolo Founding Chairman and CEO   

Welcome to The Friday Report and Shabbat Shalom. We are delighted to bring you the latest news and information about critical issues affecting Israel and the Jewish community.     How to effectively and pro-actively confront hate crime and Antisemitism is one of the central questions for Jewish communities around the world. 

That is why we have invested time and resources to work with police services here at home and around the world.

    On the heels of our work with police in Bogota, Colombia, followed by our presentation at the Annual Conference of the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs, this week, we were welcomed by the Peel Region Police Service to discuss the importance of standing up for human rights.   

Given our impactful work with police services, we have launched a new web portal called "Police Academy" to invite the public and police to see the work we are doing.  Please take a moment to visit this page at https://agpiworld.com/police-academy.  

 As you will note in our news section below, a number of critical issues have affected and impacted us in the last week: Antisemitic caricatures were covered up at the German art exhibit, Documenta, and a BDS group created a "mapping project" targeting pro-Israel Jewish organizations and their leaders.

     Despite the continued increase of Antisemitic incidents, Israel was unanimously appointed to become the IHRA president in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation from Auschwitz. In Arkansas, a court of Appeal upheld a law against BDS and in Victoria, Australia, the swastika has been banned.    

These important milestones strengthen our resolve, but more comprehensive work is being done. In the last number of days, we met with a human rights delegation that is countering repression in Cuba -- a nation that has repeatedly voted against the State of Israel in international forums.

    We invite you to watch or listen to the eye-opening interview on the matter here: https://agpiworld.com/video-learning-centre.    During Covid, an international group representing Holocaust organizations gathered to create a new program called Holocaust Survivor Day, to celebrate the lives and legacies of our survivors. As a founding member, it is an honour and a pleasure for me to serve on this ever-important advisory committee to ensure the memory of our survivors is never lost.

    We have created a declaration on our website that can be signed in support of this initiative and the survivors.  If you wish to participate, please visit the page here: https://agpiworld.com/holocaust-education - and pass it on to your family and friends!    Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, Avi Abraham Benlolo Founding Chairman and CEO

   Welcome to The Friday Report.  As we head into summer, we are working on a refresh.  You will find below some of the top issues which drew our attention this week.

      Among them is the shocking renewal of some $627 million in unconditional EU funding to the Palestinian Authority - even while its curricula continues to incite Antisemitism and Violence.

       In a powerful column in the National Post today, we also expressed our disappointment in a top German court ruling that allows the Antisemitic "Jewish Pig" carving to remain on a church - despite the 29% increase in Antisemitism in that country.

      Given our continued relationship with Poland in Holocaust education, we expressed our concern over its demand that Israeli students change what they learn about the Holocaust in their curricula. We stand and support Israel in pausing all its current missions to Poland in protest.

      Given the state of Antisemitism and rising tide of hate crime in general, we were delighted to speak to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police this week.  In our remarks, we called Antisemitism an "existential threat" through the lens of the Holocaust. 

    On the heels of the conference, a shocking poll was released in Canada that indicated that some 37% of Canadians or 11 million people believe in replacement theology.  It was this very theory that drove white supremacists in Charlottesville to yell out, "Jews will not replace us".

     In other concerns, we are calling on the Ontario Federation of Labour to reverse its resolution calling "for a ban on settlement goods, divestment from Israeli military companies, and an end to Canadian arms sales to Israel...". 

     As part of our effort to build awareness and motivate the world around us to fight Antisemitism and hate, we released an impactful interview with Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister of Austria - who is the lead advocate against Antisemitism on behalf of her government. We encourage you to watch and listen to it. 

     Even while much sabre rattling between Israel and Iran is taking place, the prospect for regional peace is increasing. Israel and Saudi Arabia are speaking about normalizing ties. Once this happens, most other Arab nations will follow.

      Finally, this week, our board was informed that our 2023 Crystal Ball Benefit is scheduled for Wednesday May 24th at Casa Loma. Please take a moment to hold the date in your calendar.      

Shabbat Shalom,  Avi Abraham Benlolo  

   Yes, you may forward The Friday Report to family and friends! 

Shabbat Shalom and happy weekend and welcome to The Friday Report. Antisemitism in our own community is soaring beyond measure. Graffiti in the parking garage of York University had a drawing of a religious person with sidelocks in the crosshairs of a Magen David and the following horrific message: “Shoot the Jew”.  How have we reached a point where several Antisemitic attacks occur every single week?     

Another threatening graffiti at a local jewellery store also threatened violence against the Jewish community and Jewish parents in Ottawa are calling on the local school boards to pay closer attention to rising Antisemitism.  In one reported incident, a student announced to his class that he believed more Jews should be killed and that he wished Hitler were still alive.  The Ottawa Citizen reported: “Last week, students playing a casual soccer game at school gave their team the name, 'Heil Hitler.'" Our Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, has been on the frontlines in schools, calling on school boards to take tougher measures, as well as educating and advocating in the community.    

On the other side of our organization’s global efforts, we were in Bogota. Colombia this past week to educate senior police commanders and future diplomats at the Foreign Ministry about the Holocaust, Antisemitism, and the dangerous rise of white supremacist movements. As our article in today’s National Post points out, this was at the invitation of the National Police Force, the Foreign Ministry, and the military in reaction to an incident that made international headlines last November, wherein a group of police cadets uncharacteristically held a Nazi-themed event in which they donned Nazi uniforms with swastikas and various Hitler-oriented paraphernalia. An embarrassed president apologized for what became an international incident – covered by mainstream media. We offered to provide Holocaust education. Colombia agreed and invited us to train senior commanders.    The incident itself was seemingly born out of ignorance. 

"Have you ever heard about the 'Holocausto?'" I asked at the beginning of my presentations to hundreds of officers. Only one raised his hand. But when asked if they recognized the photo of Adolf Hitler that I posted on the screen, 90% knew who he was. But did they know what he did? Apparently not so much.   You could see their body language and facial expression change once they learned about the 6 million murdered Jewish men, women, and children. The discussion about white-supremist ideology left them in shock and horror as they realized Hitler’s plan went beyond Jewish people.  

For policing especially, the connection between Nazi ideology and the recent shootings in the United States and ‘replacement theory’ brought home the past and present threat of race-motivated violence.     Our mission in Colombia to help integrate Holocaust awareness and education into the police force was accomplished. Here is the bottom line: to win the war against Antisemitism, we must build an Abrahamic tent that brings people together who share the same values of peace and respect.      

This week, we condemned the new biased report, entitled ‘UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry on the 2021 Gaza War’.  The UNHRC has once again issued a damning and unfounded report primarily condemning Israel for the war with Gaza, despite the fact Hamas initiated the assault. No surprise.     

In a letter to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, we asked them to echo the U.S. State Department and the U.K.’s Foreign Ministry by denouncing the report and encouraging UNHRC help pave a path toward peace and give up its relentless pursuit of the State of Israel.   

The United Nations might profess to be standing up to Antisemitism, but continued efforts by its agencies to undermine Israel clearly prove otherwise.    

Still, this week, we congratulated Israel’s Ambassador Gilad Erdan for being chosen for the Vice Presidency of the United Nations.  There is always hope for the UN to get over its anti-Israel bias.  This position will afford Israel a voice to be heard louder in the General Assembly, particularly as the situation concerning Iran becomes detrimental to Israel’s safety and security.     

The world around us is becoming ever more dangerous. It is up to each one of us to take action – to roll up our sleeves and fight the fight to ensure Never Again is true to its meaning. If you have not yet joined AGPI as a member, we invite you to do so and help make the world a better place.     

Shabbat Shalom,  Avi Abraham Benlolo  

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report – the latest news for the Jewish community and human rights advocates.  

As we head into the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, we are delighted to wish everyone celebrating a wonderful holiday – Chag Sameach! Shavuot is comprised of two major observances: the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, and the celebration of the grain harvest in the early summer.     

 In the spirit of celebration this week, we wish Doug Ford a hearty Mazel Tov on his re-election as Ontario’s Premier.     

On top of these celebratory occasions, our constituents will be pleased to learn that, this coming week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) will be flying into Bogota, Colombia at the invitation of that country's Foreign Ministry and the National Police.      

We have been asked to make a presentation to hundreds of police commanders and government officials about the Holocaust and Antisemitism. This impactful opportunity to move the needle as a Canadian NGO, and on behalf global Jewry, stems from an incident in which Colombian police cadets donned Nazi-era uniforms and displayed paraphernalia with swastika insignia during an international cultural exchange event last year.     

The incident caused widespread international outrage and was covered by the global media.  As a result, given its expertise in Holocaust education, AGPI sprung into action offering Colombian authorities a Holocaust crash course – to ensure an incident like this never happens again.  With this in mind, it is no small coincidence that this week, Colombia’s President Ivan Duque adopted the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism and pledged to continue the fight.     

This tremendous success in our global strategy on behalf of our members follows last week’s incredibly successful Crystal Ball Benefit held at Casa Loma.  We surpassed our own fundraising projections, as numerous corporations, philanthropists, and community leaders came together to stand against Antisemitism and to champion human rights. Following the event, the organization was featured on John Oakley’s radio show to speak about the tragedy of the St. Louis, and then with Natasha Fatah on CBC to condemn and discuss the assault on students and faculty at a Yeshivah in Toronto.     

In all of this, we joined hands with Israel this week in celebrating the arrival of nearly 400 new Ethiopian immigrants.  In our column in today's National Post, we expressed to the world that “the in-gathering of the Jewish people from the four corners of the world is one of the greatest and most admirable stories of our time. A people who had been taken into slavery, dispersed, and forcibly converted to other religions following the destruction of the Jewish temples, somehow kept their faith for 2,000 years and managed to return home to Jerusalem.    

 “This narrative contradicts the prevailing pro-Palestinian campaigns that seek to delegitimize the Jewish people's historical attachment to the land of Israel. Despite the fact our history is written in stone throughout the land — from ancient synagogues, to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and what remains of our Temple in Jerusalem — there are those who continue to falsely label Jewish people living in Israel as 'colonizers' and 'settlers.'  Sadly, many youth even in our own community are beginning to believe the false notions propagated by the Palestinian camp."  We implore you to share and discuss this article so that our community strengthens its pride in Israel.    

 More milestones were achieved this week as Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed an unprecedented free-trade agreement marking the incredible achievement of the Abraham Accords.  To date, it is estimated that nearly $2.5 billion in trade has flowed between the two countries since the signing of the Accords.   Trade between these two nations has inspired countries such as Egypt, which this week also announced that it would more than double its annual trade with Israel to $700 million annually by 2025. The same is happening between Morocco, Bahrain, and Israel and many are speculating soon Saudi Arabia, as an Israeli delegation recently visited that country.     

As positive momentum and understanding continues unfolding in the region, even the fight against Antisemitism received a boost this week, as AGPI commended the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief release of an action plan against Antisemitism.  At the same time, we said, “Given the rising tide of Antisemitism, we are pleased to see and note that UN officials recognize that ‘Antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community alone’ and that it threatens democracy and mutual respect of citizens.  We would like to see the noted action points implemented throughout the UN agency family, including UNRWA and the IHRC."      

Even in all this tremendous and positive energy, Israel and the United States have been practicing regional military drills and meeting to counter the Iranian nuclear threat. The failure of negotiation with Iran is obvious. Regional analysts are once again warning that Iran is imminently ready for a nuclear breakout. Israel and the United States are diligently working to prevent this from happening, all the while striving to ensure regional stability. Given that Iraq for instance, now falls under Iran’s sphere of influence, it is of little surprise that Iraq’s parliament passed a widely criticized “Anti-Israel Normalization Law”.  Can you imagine what would happen should Iran acquire nuclear weapons?     

And thus, even as we celebrate, take pride in the Jewish State and its achievements toward peace, we must be ever more cautious.  Freedom cannot be taken for granted. Russia’s assault on Ukraine proves this basic fact. We cannot let our guard down for a single instance. That’s why we are here to protect our future and defend our past.     

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach   - Avi     Yes, you may forward The Friday Report to family and friends! 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report. It has been another spectacular week for the advancement of freedom in human rights. In the wake a bomb threat at a local supermarket in the heart of the Jewish community, AGPI sprung into action by communicating with law enforcement and issuing a community advisory to ensure the public is informed. We were pleased to see quick action and de-escalation of the situation by York Region Police.

     We started our week strongly at Canada’s Museum for Human Rights with a keynote address to 400 leaders of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. We were delighted to showcase our Power of One exhibit at the museum and bring to one of the largest Christian communities in the nation our faith-based message of hope and a collaborative international approach to humanity. As an organization, we are proud to expand our interfaith bridge-building efforts to combat Antisemitism.

     In this regard, we continue to expand our voice and reach nationally and internationally. This week, AGPI announced that The Honourable Joe Volpe will be joining its National Advisory Board.  Mr. Volpe spent over two decades as a Member of Parliament in senior capacities.  He will be joining current and former political and community leaders of all backgrounds in our mutual effort to unify and strengthen our impact.

     As we approach the finale of AGPI’s first year of social action, we are excited to celebrate our success this coming Sunday at our sold-out Crystal Ball Benefit at Casa Loma. We have exceeded our fundraising and attendance projections by wide margins, garnering the support of big corporate partners and individual families. Indeed, we are looking forward to remarks by one of our keynote speakers, Austrian Minister Karoline Edtstadler, who hosted a European Conference on Antisemitism just this week. 

      Following the horrific attack in Buffalo by a White Supremacist, we issued a blunt warning in a press release today following my article in the National Post: contrary to many commentators: it is not “replacement theology” that is mainstreaming but the continued growth of White Supremacist nationalist movements that are increasing in scope in the United States, in Canada, and across Europe.

     White nationalists take their inspiration from Nazism — the original ideology pursuing racial supremacy for a White, so-called “Aryan race.” The Nazis’ plan was to ethnically cleanse all minority and racial groups including the Jewish and Black communities, whom they described as inferior races. The Old Testament of America’s White-nationalist movement might be Hitler’s racist screed Mein Kampf, but the movement’s New Testament is “The Turner Diaries.” Published in 1978, it is a fictional novel written by William Luther Pierce about a violent race-motivated revolution in America in which Whites exterminate non-Whites.

    We were all shocked when in 2017, White Supremacists in Charlottesville chanted “Jews will not replace us!”  Since then, mass shootings by White Supremacists have also taken place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh (2018) and at Chabad of Poway (2019).   The mainstreaming of White Supremacism is affecting youth in particular. In Ohio, it was reported that a high-school lacrosse player painted a Swastika on his leg prior to a playoff game against another school.  Since when has that become normal?

     This week, we registered our objection and disappointment with the President and CEO of Canada’s Food Inspection Agency for giving in to the BDS campaign by challenging the labeling of Israeli-made wines. Along the same lines, we also expressed our outrage at City University of New York’s (CUNY) Law Faculty for adopting the anti-Israel BDS campaign in a resolution.  The BDS campaign has been widely identified as being Antisemitic for singling out the State of Israel and attempting to sow hate and discord against the Jewish State.     With all its challenges and in the face of increasingly hostile BDS campaigns, Israel continues to be accepted throughout the Middle East.

  This week, AGPI congratulated Ambassador Ben Bourgel on becoming Israel’s first ambassador to Chad since 1973,  after presenting his letters to that country's president. As significantly, in spite of BDS, Israel continues to send aid to Ukraine including a plane load of helmets and flak jackets sent just this week.

     At AGPI, we are proud of many positive steps undertaken this week in the fight to combat Antisemitism.  In Oklahoma, Governor Stitt signed a bill requiring all students to learn about the Holocaust.  Meanwhile, in Washington, the House passed a resolution condemning Antisemitism by a margin of 420 – 1 (Libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie was the only opposing view). The resolution called on the government to protect Jewish individuals and organizations, combat denials and distortions about the Holocaust and defend the rights of all Americans to practise their faith without fear of violence.

     Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,  Avi  

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report, bringing you important news and information from the Jewish world. Excitement is building as we are a mere 12 days away from the official launch of this organization at the Crystal Ball Benefit at Casa Loma.  

We are thrilled by our blockbuster better-than-projected results that are catapulting The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) into international prominence.     As we returned from aiding Ukrainian refugees in Poland, this week we dealt with a number of critical matters and met with Hungary's Consul General to discuss Antisemitism, Israel-Hungary bi-lateral relations and the war in Ukraine. We provided a city wide report on 640 AM radio on the plight of the refugees and extended solidarity with the City of Vaughan where we were honoured to be seated at the Mayor's head as his guests.      

This increasing support for AGPI comes from growing anxiety and concern about the threat of Antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and a relentless and uncompromising attack on the Jewish world and its friends. This week, we took immediate action when it came to light that religious Jews boarding a Lufthansa flight in Frankfurt were selected out because they were visibly Jewish. We expressed our outrage and got to work with the German Consulate to investigate the situation and demand an immediate and unequivocal explanation and apology.  This came within hours from Lufthansa’s CEO (see our press release here - https://agpiworld.com/news).     

The selection of orthodox Jewish men who tried to board the Lufthansa flight is unforgiveable. In a discussion with one of the highest German diplomats in this country, we demanded further explanation and major institutional change within the company and German society in general. The rising tide of Antisemitism in that country is unforgiveable.     

But we have problems with Antisemitism in this country too.  The Toronto Star this week was reportedly quick to latch onto Arab media reports which blamed Israel for the tragic killing of an Al Jazeera reporter in Jenin.  The Star reporter changed the misleading headline when one of our Vice Presidents, Justin Linden, sent a letter demanding the paper correct the title of the article "to accurately reflect the stated  information .  .  .  conclusions such as those expressed in the title of your article can inflame Antisemitic hate, more so if it turns out that Israeli forces did not in fact cause the death of the reporter."     

It is unlikely Israel shot the journalist and from previous “pali-wood” episodes, the Palestinians look for every opportunity to malign Israel, sow hate and discord, and inflame the Middle East and Arab communities around the world against Israel. The Palestinian Authority has refused a joint investigation with Israel to determine the cause of death and has refused to hand over any evidence of such. Sadly, Western media has once again eagerly misrepresented Israel grotesquely.  This avidity to attack Israel before any evidence is available is nothing short of Antisemitism itself – and we are fully aware.     

Israel is being made into an international pariah in the media and even in our own school system. This week, AGPI sent a letter to the Director of Education at the Peel District School Board informing her about a book found in the board’s libraries that many educators feel might incite hate and Antisemitism.  Entitled “Palestine”, the book is the author’s account of Gaza and the West Bank in the early 1990s. The problem rests, however, in the interchange between characters accusing both Israel and Jewish people of various things. In one caricature, a young boy spits as he says the word “Jewish”.      

We have asked for an investigation into the appropriateness of this content and for the pulling of the book from school libraries pending an investigation. Given the rising tide of Antisemitism in school boards – and their stated policy to combat this evil scourge – we have stated that such material can only reinforce hate, intolerance, and Antisemitism.  Attacks on any other community would simply not be tolerated – so why are they tolerated only against the Jewish community?     

Finally, following our conversation with Conservative Leadership Candidate Patrick Brown, we were disappointed that at this week’s leadership debate, he repeated that he would not move Canada’s embassy to Jerusalem should he become Prime Minister.  This would mark an unwelcomed shift in the Conservative Party’s policy since the time of the Harper administration. More significantly, while the United States and other nations recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and do not see their own embassy as an impediment to peace talks, our hope is that Mr. Brown will re-evaluate his position.     

Despite these disturbing incidents, we are relentlessly expanding our national and international circle of influence. On the heels of our last week's aid mission to Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees, this week we educated hundreds of students, and next week we will be launching our Power of One exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in partnership with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, a prominent Christian organization. Building a networking of allies, educating and advocating here at home and around the world is our path forward to beating back darkness and mistruth.

It has been another impactful week for The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s World Action programmes.  As we moved from last week’s Yom Hashoah commemoration, to Yom Hazikaron and then to Israel’s 74th Yom Ha’atzmaout, emotions ran high in the Jewish world – especially with last night’s outrageous terrorist attack in which three Israelis were murdered in cold blood.  Sadly, three more terror victims now need to be added to Israel’s annual remembrance day tally of 28,284 fallen soldiers and victims of terror.   

We transitioned fast from these days and flew to Krakow, Poland where along with Brahm Siegel, AGPI’s Co-Chair of its Lawyers Division, and his son Cai, we are now spending a few days volunteering and providing humanitarian relief to Ukrainian refugees.  I can tell you it is truly heartbreaking to see families line up for food and essentials. This morning, we handed out sandwiches in the courtyard and it was emotional to see how hungry were many of the people there.   

Thanks to our donors, we brought with us about 200 pounds of toiletries, which were disbursed instantly upon our arrival. AGPI has also established a relief fund and is raising money to help directly and honour the mitzvah of ‘Tikkun Olam’.  We are proud to be here on the ground representing our community.  To raise awareness about the plight of Ukrainian refugees and how the Jewish community is helping here, please read my article published in The National Post today.     

We celebrated Yom Ha’atzmout with intention: to dedicate ourselves to aiding Ukrainians on behalf of Israel.  But last night’s terror attack in Israel dampened our mood and only proved that we must double our effort to tip the scale of hate and intolerance toward kindness and compassion.  As an organization, we immediately denounced the horrific Palestinian terror attack in which three Israelis were murdered in cold blood in the city of Elad in central Israel.  We call upon the Palestinian Authority to condemn the attack and denounce Hamas for having applauded the murders.   

 At home, AGPI clarified statements made by Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, and a Conservative leadership candidate. Mayor Brown attested that the media’s portrayal of his comments were inaccurate concerning a comparison between what is happening in Ukraine to the Palestinians.  The mayor said that he did not draw such comparisons and said he has always stood up against Antisemitism and in defence of the State of Israel.  On the status of Jerusalem, we expressed to the mayor that the Jewish community would be disappointed in a Conservative platform that would not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital City by relocating Canada’s embassy there.     

It seems politicians say what they want these days with little impunity.  We condemned Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, for accusing Israel of backing Nazis and for distorting the Holocaust further by saying that Hitler had Jewish blood. Lavrov even went as far as saying that some of the worst Antisemites are Jewish. Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid called the comments both unforgivable and outrageous.    

If Lavrov made such ludicrous claims, why then should we be surprised when this week it was reported that a Mexican couple got married in a Nazi themed wedding on Hitler's anniversary? We condemn this outrageous conduct.    

Even while Israel’s Prime Minister Bennett said President Putin apologized, does this make any difference, all things considered? In Canada, we reinforced comments made in the Senate by Senator Leo Housakos  calling for the removal of an alleged PFLP operative who is living in Canada.   In all this, there are proud moments. This week, we announced that one of our guest speakers at our upcoming Crystal Ball Benefit is Karoline Edtstadler, the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution at the Federal Chancellery. The minister has been outspoken against Antisemitism and has been involved and aligned with Holocaust memorialization. 

We are proud of this important connection and relationship and as importantly the community’s exceptional support of our local and global efforts to protect our future and defend our past.

It's been an emotional week. In this week's The Friday Report - we are focusing on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). Following our commemoration in partnership with Israel's Consulate General, we are pleased to include herein pictures and a short video from the memorial.      

We wish to thank the numerous Consul Generals who proudly represented their countries in this important commemoration.  Of note in attendance was Ukraine's Consul General, Oleksandr Shevchenko - who received a round of applause from those in attendance.      

Whats in a name? At AGPI, we believe that every single person matters and can act upon this world. Our theme for Holocaust remembrance was to remember each victim.  That's why we are sharing my full speech at the Holocaust remembrance event that is published in today's National Post - Canada's leading newspaper. 

We are pleased to share this article with you. 

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach. This is a special holiday edition of The Friday Report.  Given the profound developments of this week, we wanted to bring to you important national and international updates that affect our communities. We cannot rest on our laurels. AGPI monitors issues 24/7 in its drive to protect our future and defend our past.  

In a breaking development, we are disappointed – but hardly surprised  --  by Queens University’s faculty for voting to oppose the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of Antisemitism. We stand with more than 1,600 Jewish students and Hillel Kingston who stood up to the Queens University Faculty Association to advocate for the adoption of the definition. We are disappointed that 60% of voting faculty rejected adopting the IHRA definition – representing a failure in recognition of the urgent crisis experienced by Jewish students on university campuses.

In contrast to Canadian universities that have flat-out rejected adopting the definition  -- thus making Jewish students vulnerable  -- in the UK,  216 universities, colleges, and other higher education providers have signed on to the IHRA in support of Jewish students. Given the fact that Canadian academia is rooted in a British and European framework, we ponder just what is wrong with Canadian universities? Have the twenty years of anti-Israel campaigning and propaganda events such as the infamous “Israeli Apartheid Week” and BDS radicalized its faculty to an extent whereby it has become blinded to Antisemitism?

In other breaking news this week, we issued a stern letter to Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford and Toronto’s Mayor John Tory asking them to take action against the now infamous “Al Quds Day” march of hate. In today’s National Post, we called for less condemnation and more action. Exposing Iran’s damaging influence, we called on Canadians to “pay closer attention to foreign-driven threats to peace upon our soil .  .  . Al Quds Day was invented by the Iranian regime as a way to incite hatred and violence – and it is time for all Canadians to recognize that this is a threat to us all. Hundreds of people have already signed onto our petition to condemn this annual festival of hate.

Just last week, former Canadian Cabinet Ministers Peter MacKay, John Baird, Stockwell Day, and many other prominent Canadians and world leaders joined me in calling on U.S. President Joe Biden not to delist Iran’s IRGC from the terror-designated list. “Canadians know Iran’s terrorism well. On January 8th, 2020, the IRGC allegedly shot down Ukrainian International Airlines killing 167 people on board, including 55 Canadian citizens. In other words, Iranian-backed support on our streets should be a concern to every single Canadian. The Jewish community cannot carry this burden alone.   

On the heels of NDP’s “town hall to talk about ways to fight against hate” that was held yesterday in Burnaby, we asked the organizers if Antisemitism was specifically addressed, when and if it emerges within political parties. We asked if the party specifically denounces Antisemitic campaigns such as BDS and most significantly, given the rise of Antisemitism, we asked what the NDP can do to address systemic Antisemitism – other than banning Swastikas and Nazi emblems.  Antisemitism today needs to be fought institutionally, rather than symbolically.

This week, we also stood with Israel against the international media misrepresentation concerning the Temple Mount. To keep the Old City safe for people of all faiths to come and pray, Israeli police were forced to quell a minority of Palestinians who initiated violence by throwing rocks and firecrackers at worshippers.

    Disappointingly, Arab media fuelled anger against Israel, while Israel’s friends in the region issued condemnations, without recognizing that Israel was maintaining the safety and security of the area for all parishioners. Hamas once again initiated a rocket attack against Israel – attempting to ignite a regional war and internal strife. Naturally, a closed-door Security Council meeting was speedily arranged to condemn Israel (interesting to note how quickly the UN turns the focus on Israel).

   Internationally, we have expressed concern over a reported 35% rise in Antisemitism in Australia, recognizing that in nearly every nation around the world, this pernicious hatred has increased. Similarly, this week, a German intelligence report noted the “normalization” of Antisemitism in that country and citing that the known cases of Antisemitism are only the tip of the iceberg in that country. We welcomed the arrest of a New Jersey man who went on a spree of violent assaults against the Orthodox Jewish community.

   Beverley Hills Mayor Lili Bosse acknowledged AGPI’s condemnation of Antisemitic flyers distributed over Pesach, while in Florida, similar pro-Hitler flyers were also distributed to Jewish homes. We further expressed outrage about consumer products that use Holocaust imagery after it became known that one seller was distributing “Schindler’s List” leggings on social media – OY!   

There are rays of hope however.  In Tennessee, lawmakers this week passed a bill prohibiting schools from teaching “Antisemitic ideas”.  In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order that sets a clear definition for Antisemitic acts and ordered state agencies, departments, boards, public colleges, and universities to adhere to it.   In Wisconsin-Madison University, the student government unanimously passed a resolution condemning Antisemitism while AGPI wrote a letter to UBC’s President Santa J. Ono commending him on rejecting demands that his university endorse BDS. Finally, we welcomed Arizona’s adoption of the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism.

   As we head into another important week, we recognize this work will never stop and must be relentless. We appreciate the incredible support we are garnering and our “angel members” who are generously donating to support this important cause.   Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, a Chag Sameach and a pleasant weekend, Avi   p.s. If you like our work and what you see, help us reach more people by forwarding this newsletter to your contact list.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this Passover edition of The Friday Report. We at The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) wish you a Happy Passover;  and to our friends celebrating, a Happy Easter.     

Holocaust Survivor Elie Wiesel expressed that he loves Passover because for him, “it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion."  Truer words could not have been said in this broken world

.       What we need is more kindness and compassion.  Passover is a story that reminds us that we, too, were refugees more than once throughout the generations; that from time immemorial, on many occasions, we sought asylum, safety and most significantly, freedom.      This is why Israel was the first country to set up a field hospital for Ukrainian refugees and why Jewish philanthropists have poured billions of dollars to ease their horrific burden. We are the torchbearers of the ancient past, taught never to turn away, nor to close our eyes to the plight of others.

      That is our burden and we should never relinquish the commandments that have made us a light unto the nations. To truly free ourselves from bondage, our lives must include the age-old tradition of Tikkun Olam – repair of the world. 

      If we are to remain safe and secure, we must reach out and invite others into our tent. This week, after two years of COVID-lockdown, I had the pleasure of reunited with “my brother from another mother”, Imam Mohammed Tawhidi, “the Imam of Peace” and Vice President of the Global Imams Council. Together we will continue to advance our mutual global strategy to make the world a better place.

     This brings to mind one of my favourite quotes about Passover comes from Yaacov Cohen who said that the best way to teach your children about freedom is to teach them “not to look at reality as defining their acts but to looked at their acts as defining reality."     Rabbi Nachman of Beslov argued that the “exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year and in every day." It is our universal metaphysical path to rise above the physical bondage that often incapacitates us. We must understand our universal obligation to remember our oppression and strive to make the world around us better.  As Maya Angelou surmised, “none of us can be free unless all of us are free." 

    We are commanded to remember to never “oppress the stranger for we were once strangers in the land of Egypt." Despite the fact that throughout the ages (and even now) our neighbours weaponized Antisemitism to treat us like “strangers” – we are obligated to rise above this hatred and extend a compassionate hand to those in need around us.  The truest method of turning our “afliction into freedom,” said Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks,  is to share our food by inviting others to join our Seder table. 

    Repair of the world obligates us to take action and bring light into darkness. The story of Exodus demonstrates how after centuries of enslavement, the Jewish people rose up and took action to defeat their oppression.  Sometimes, when there is no other way, the battle for freedom from tyranny requires a direct-confrontation.  To this vital lesson, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Freedom is not given voluntarily from the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed."

       Passover is not only our test of faith, it is our test of action. It requires us to educate our children and advocate for freedom. It demands that we understand that Antisemitism and hatred of the “other,” or of the “stranger,” is the root cause of our historical trials and tribulations. It forces us to speak out and take action for those who are oppressed and cannot act for themselves. It commands us to feed the hungry, give a place at our table to the needy and elderly.

      Most significantly, Passover calls for us to become righteous, compassionate and kind.  These are big asks. But it is up to each one of us to protect our past and defend our future because freedom is never guaranteed.

     Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach Pesach,     Avi

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s The Friday Report, a comprehensive newsletter from the Abraham Global Peace Initiative.      Israel is once again in mourning this week as two young Jewish men, aged 27, were murdered in cold blood in a terror attack on Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Street.  A third 35 year-old victim was announced this morning – a father of three and former Olympian.  Israeli media headlines blared, “Instead of a wedding, a funeral” as one of the terror victims was recently engaged. Scores of others were seriously wounded in the shooting rampage, as condemnations from around the world poured in. 

    Italy said it was “appalled by yet another terror attack . . . we firmly stand by Israel and its people." The Czech Republic stated: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this act of blind hatred.”  Germany announced: “We stand by your side,” reaffirming its “solidarity with the Jewish people”.  Additional condemnations poured in from the United States, the European Union, Austria, and the United Kingdom. 

   But are these condemnations enough? Reports of candies being distributed in Ramallah over this terror attack showcase that incitement to terror is emanating from the Palestinian Authority itself. In the last three weeks, 14 Israelis have been murdered at the hands of Palestinians. In recent weeks, AGPI has been calling on the European Union to suspend all aid programs to Gaza and the Palestinian Authority, until incitement against Israel and Jewish people ends.

      We have called for an end to the Palestinian “pay for slay” program that awards Palestinian terrorists’ families with funding. More significantly, we have met with United Nations officials connected with UNRWA to curtail Palestinian curriculum that incites Antisemitism and terrorism. The continued flow of aid from countries such as Canada, the United States and those in the European Union without impunity or accountability must be suspended immediately, until change is evident on the ground and terrorism against Jews stops.

     This week, we also stepped up our international advocacy effort to encourage the International Criminal Court to focus away from its false allegations against Israel and turn its attention and resources to investigating atrocities in Ukraine. 

    Our leaders called for more action: AGPI’s Lawyers Cabinet Chairs, Leora Shemesh and Brahm Siegel, along with the organization’s National Board Members, the former Lt. Governor of Ontario, David Onley CM O. Ont. the The Hon. Stockwell Day, PC, ICD.D and Raheel Raza, President of Muslims Facing Tomorrow, along with the Hon. Jerry Grafstein all called for the ICC to put the Ukrainian situation on the fast track. 

    Meanwhile, we joined numerous international Jewish organizations in applauding the UN’s expulsion of Russia from the Human Rights Council. Still, as a human rights organization that is seeking fairness and truth toward Israel, we believe the HRC cannot cleanse its reputation so easily. It must also remove Israel from its permanent agenda that has led to bigoted and false accusations against the Jewish State.     In truth, the Council should be expelling many countries (that happen to also be aligned with Russia) and are committing violent atrocities on a continuous basis.  We condemn the vicious Russian attack today at a Ukrainian train station killing some 50 people. 

    This week, we were proud and privileged to provide a comprehensive workshop on Antisemitism and hate crime to over 100 leaders from the Canadian Association of Police Governance.  

      We provided six comprehensive recommendations to counter and combat Antisemitism and hate.  They included: first, more education to understand hate is not often in plain sight; second, evaluating the cost of free speech to victimized groups, while maintaining it; third, improving hate crime data collection and establishing an international framework to collect data.  fourth, providing more resources to hate crime units and particularly to smaller police services; and finally, more sensitivity training. 

    At the same time, we note greater investment in Holocaust education by the Canadian government.  This week, its 2022 Budget proposal included $20 million in 2022-23 to the Department of Canadian Heritage to support the construction of the new Holocaust Museum in Montreal among other investments to combat “both historical distortions and Holocaust denial”. 

     In the wake of this week’s violent attack in New York whereby three unidentified males approached Jewish victims and according to NYPD – “made anti-Jewish statements, and menaced the victims with a sword” – it is incumbent upon us all to fight Antisemitism relentlessly.  We need to empower the police and authorities, but we also need to empower our communities to respond effectively.  We continue to work diligently day and night to build a tent of allies that speak out and build consensus in the fight against evil at home and around the world.  

      Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom   - Avi     p.s. If you like our work and what you see, help us reach more people by forwarding this newsletter to your contact list.

This week, AGPI strongly condemned the heinous murder of Doris Yahbas, Menachem Yechezkel, Moshe Kravitzky and Laura Yitzhak.  They were murdered by a Palestinian terrorist who stabbed them to death in Be'ersheva, Israel. At least three other incidents of Palestinian terrorism were reported in Israel this week.    In The Friday Report, we condemn the incitement against Israel by the UN and so-called human rights organizations. 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to our latest edition of The Friday Report, bringing you the latest in critical developments about Israel, the Jewish world, and universal human rights.   There is much to discuss this week from here at home to around the world.  Help us keep the right side of history by forwarding this report to your family and friends.

   We strongly condemned the horrific murder of four innocent Israelis who were killed by a Palestinian terrorist in the town of Be'ersheba this week.  Among them were two young mothers, each of whom had of three children,  a Rabbi who had dedicated his life to helping others, and an older resident from the town.  We are holding responsible those who incite hatred and contempt for Israel, including organizations who have been relentlessly focused on attacking Israel.

   In fact, even as we write this report, the wheels of hate against Israel are in motion, inciting yet more violence.  Today, instead of being focused on helping Ukraine (as Israel is), the UN’s “Special Rapporteur” said:  “Apartheid is being practised by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory." Despite the fact that most Palestinian territories are not occupied, and are completely run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and by Hamas in Gaza, once again the UN is joining the Antisemitic campaign against Israel.   Yes, Natan Sharansky’s 3D qualifier for Antisemitism is fully applicable here as the UN continues to demonize, delegitimize, and commit double standards against the Jewish State.     We ask the Rapporteur, where are you in the case of Afghanistan? This week we spoke up against the Taliban's banning of girls and women from going to school, visiting a doctor, catching a taxi, or entering government buildings - did you?

    And here is another important fact for anti-Israel campaigners: In its Global Democracy Index, The Economist recently  ranked Israel 23rd out of 165 countries! In other words, Israel is more democratic and free than 142 other countries! So, Mr. UN Rapporteur, what will you be accusing Israel of next?

    Even while Israel is being attacked by the United Nations, it is the only country that is establishing major field hospitals in Ukraine, Moldova, and other parts of the region to assist Ukrainian refugees.  This morning, Jonathan Ornstein, the Executive Director of Krakow's JCC,  briefed AGPI on continued aid developments and thanked its leadership for generously supporting his organization’s assistance programs.

   When we returned from our incredible week in Argentina standing with the Jewish community to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Iranian bombing of Israel’s embassy in Buenos Aires, we hit the ground running.

   On Monday, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – the province’s largest police force – to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We were honoured that our presentation will be impacting some 10,000 members both on the front lines and in civil service.   Given the critical importance of combating hate crime, our presentation at the OPP headquarters was made more significant on the heels of a shocking new report released by Statistics Canada just a few days prior. While hate against every other religious community declined in 2020, it increased by 5% against the Jewish community – which found itself once again as the leading target of hate crime in this country.

   In this week’s column in the National Post, we critiqued our national media for burying this statistical fact beneath the headlines.  We commented:  “A report from the Canadian Press published in this very paper three paragraphs from the bottom stated: 'The Jewish and Muslim populations continue to be the most common targets of religion-based hate crimes.'  The same article and statement also appeared on the same date in at least four other mainstream publications, including the CBC. 

   “For failing to adequately report about Antisemitism, the media is hiding the truth from Canadians. How then can we improve public policy and legislation to combat Jew-hate, if the story is buried? Why then are we surprised when students perform the 'Heil Hitler' salute against a Jewish teacher? Recent Antisemitic incidents have shaken our community to the core. Burying critical statistics at the bottom of stories is not the correct path to countering hate and discrimination." 

    Still, there are many who are standing up for Israel and against Antisemitism.  This week, our organization applauded Iowa Governor Reynolds for signing into law two significant bills meant to restrict companies that boycott Israel from doing business with the state and to combating Antisemitism.   Jerusalem's Marathon, which took place today saw an unlikely winner - Valentyna Veretska, a Ukrainian refugee fled to Israel. She competed in the marathon and won first place! As someone who has run the Jerusalem half, this hill run is no cakewalk! What a great way to end the week.

    Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,  - Avi   Get this newsletter direct to your inbox. Subscribe now directly on our website at www.agpiworld.com 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this special edition of The Friday Report. Its been an intense week here in Argentina for The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  There is much here to discuss for your Shabbat table tonight. 

     First and foremost, we wish to thank our community host, DAIA which is Argentina’s umbrella Jewish organization.  We are here to stand with Argentina’s Jewish community, to learn about priority issues and meet with high level officials in what we term – international human rights diplomacy. 

    As a prominent Canadian NGO, we were received with the utmost warmth and respect particularly by Argentinian government officials. Given developments concerning the so-called nuclear-negotiations now taking place in Vienna with Iran, we believe the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Israeli Embassy right here in Buenos Aires points to a dangerous world should Iran go nuclear. 

     In my editorial today in the National Post, I demanded holding Iran to account.  There is little question that Iran is responsible, as expressed by Israel’s Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar yesterday at the memorial on the hallowed grounds of the blast.  The ceremony was solemn as hundreds of people, including local youth, gathered to remember the 29 people killed.  But one thing was clear at the memorial and through the week, all Argentinians want justice.     But what does this have to do with Russia's assault on Ukraine you ask? Everything. 

     Russia is destroying Ukraine with impunity and killing innocent civilians because it has nuclear weapons.  No one dare come to its rescue and Putin has already warned the world he would use them. 

    Now just imagine what a nuclear Iran can and will do once it gets the cover of a nuclear umbrella. Iran has been committing and supporting heinous acts of terrorism in the Middle East and around the world for years. It is responsible for war crimes committed in Syria, for supporting Hamas and Hezbollah’s hostility against Israel and for financing the war in Yemen. Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing 167 passengers, including many Canadians. 

    This year’s anniversary of the bombing attack of the Israeli embassy makes the the point.  The Iranians may be sitting in beautifully tailored suits in fancy hotels in Vienna, creating an illusion of civility.  But make no mistake, an Iran guided by religious fundamentalism with a nuclear weapon is much more dangerous than even Russia.     The regime has grown strident. This is why global diplomacy is critical to right-side-up this world - one of our inner mottos. 

     I was pleased to meet many leaders this week including Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez.  I reminded him directly about how imperative the work of human rights is and the defence of freedom and democracy. Similarly, my meeting with Secretary of Worship, Ambassador Guillermo Oliveri was important in advocating against Antisemitism and for the purpose of religious freedom. We already have a plan! 

     Even while we are here in Argentina, our heart cries out for the innocent people of Ukraine. While here, we are raising money and have granted the JCC in Krakow assistance for over 300 Ukrainian refugees.  We are pleased to note the expansion of this aid infrastructure as food, medicine and housing is being immediately provided through our assistance and that of many other supporters of the agency. 

     We are wiring 100% of all donations directly to assist Ukrainian refugees.  If you want to make a donation to help, please go to our donation page on our website and ensure to put the word “Ukraine” in the comment section. 

    Our social action work around the globe would not be possible without you. To our donors and supporters, we extend a hand of appreciation for helping us stand against terrorism this week in Argentina. We are here now representing you and ensuring that our voice is heard.      Change in the world happens by being present. That’s why we are here in Buenos Aires - to protect our future and defend our past.

     Shabbat Shalom,  Avi

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this special edition of The Friday Report. Its been an intense week here in Argentina for The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  There is much here to discuss for your Shabbat table tonight.      First and foremost, we wish to thank our community host, DAIA which is Argentina’s umbrella Jewish organization.  We are here to stand with Argentina’s Jewish community, to learn about priority issues and meet with high level officials in what we term – international human rights diplomacy.     As a prominent Canadian NGO, we were received with the utmost warmth and respect particularly by Argentinian government officials. Given developments concerning the so-called nuclear-negotiations now taking place in Vienna with Iran, we believe the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Israeli Embassy right here in Buenos Aires points to a dangerous world should Iran go nuclear.      In my editorial today in the National Post, I demanded holding Iran to account.  There is little question that Iran is responsible, as expressed by Israel’s Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar yesterday at the memorial on the hallowed grounds of the blast.  The ceremony was solemn as hundreds of people, including local youth, gathered to remember the 29 people killed.  But one thing was clear at the memorial and through the week, all Argentinians want justice.     But what does this have to do with Russia's assault on Ukraine you ask? Everything.      Russia is destroying Ukraine with impunity and killing innocent civilians because it has nuclear weapons.  No one dare come to its rescue and Putin has already warned the world he would use them.     Now just imagine what a nuclear Iran can and will do once it gets the cover of a nuclear umbrella. Iran has been committing and supporting heinous acts of terrorism in the Middle East and around the world for years. It is responsible for war crimes committed in Syria, for supporting Hamas and Hezbollah’s hostility against Israel and for financing the war in Yemen. Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing 167 passengers, including many Canadians.     This year’s anniversary of the bombing attack of the Israeli embassy makes the the point.  The Iranians may be sitting in beautifully tailored suits in fancy hotels in Vienna, creating an illusion of civility.  But make no mistake, an Iran guided by religious fundamentalism with a nuclear weapon is much more dangerous than even Russia.     The regime has grown strident. This is why global diplomacy is critical to right-side-up this world - one of our inner mottos.     I was pleased to meet many leaders this week including Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez.  I reminded him directly about how imperative the work of human rights is and the defence of freedom and democracy. Similarly, my meeting with Secretary of Worship, Ambassador Guillermo Oliveri was important in advocating against Antisemitism and for the purpose of religious freedom. We already have a plan!      Even while we are here in Argentina, our heart cries out for the innocent people of Ukraine. While here, we are raising money and have granted the JCC in Krakow assistance for over 300 Ukrainian refugees.  We are pleased to note the expansion of this aid infrastructure as food, medicine and housing is being immediately provided through our assistance and that of many other supporters of the agency.      We are wiring 100% of all donations directly to assist Ukrainian refugees.  If you want to make a donation to help, please go to our donation page on our website and ensure to put the word “Ukraine” in the comment section.     Our social action work around the globe would not be possible without you. To our donors and supporters, we extend a hand of appreciation for helping us stand against terrorism this week in Argentina. We are here now representing you and ensuring that our voice is heard.      Change in the world happens by being present. That’s why we are here in Buenos Aires - to protect our future and defend our past.     Shabbat Shalom,  Avi