The Friday report

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.

Donate Here

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.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  Help fight Antisemitism, defend Israel, and promote rights by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends. They can sign up Here.

It is an understatement to say another intensive week has come to an end.  On the positive side, we are thrilled by the incredible show of  support for our new film division and the selling out of the Toronto film premiere of The Future of Israel and its Defenders! We thank our event Co-Chairs, Drs. Susan and Eddie Glick for championing our fight to defend Israel.  

Yesterday, I was proud and privileged to speak on behalf of AGPI to more than 1,000 lawyers and clients of the firm of McCarthy Tetrault  across the country, in honour of Holocaust Education Week. My presentation focused on the roots of Antisemitism and recommendations for legal action. We thank Justin Lapedus and his team at McCarthy Tetrault for showing leadership in this regard, in addition to Holocaust survivor, Gershon Willinger for giving the audience an eye-witness account. 

This coming week will be BIG.  AGPI will be moving the needle globally. On Monday, our delegation will be travelling to UN Headquarters in New York for the launch of our exhibit, The Power of One.  Our nationally acclaimed exhibit will be featured in front of the UN General Assembly to promote human rights. The event is being co-sponsored by Canada's UN mission and hosted by the H.E. Ambassador Bob Rae. 

Later the same week, AGPI will be releasing its Global Report on Antisemitism.  Consecutively, we will be making another major announcement about a major event we are co-sponsoring in the Middle East to celebrate The Abraham Accords. Lots on the go! 

On the matter of Israel's elections this week, we congratulate Benjamin Netanyahu on winning the election and wish him every success in forming Israel's next government. We stand with, and respect, the democratic will of Israeli citizens.  They are the ones who are on the front lines every single day -- not we in the diaspora. As my front-page article in today's National Post explains, Israelis have every right to be genuinely concerned about their own safety and security. 

This week in Antisemitism, it is becoming clearer that there is a movement (which I described in my speech yesterday) toward "Purposeful Antisemitism." What is meant by this phrase?  It means that the action is intentional and directed.  It means that the action is self-aware and confrontational. It means that the action is either non-apologetic or kind-of-apologetic. 

Purposeful Antisemitism is what we witnessed YE (Kanye West) do over the past number of weeks. Now we are seeing the same intent play out as the Nets suspended Kyrie Irving, stating that he is "currently unfit to be associated" with the team. The New York Post reported this morning: "Speaking to reporters for the second time since his promotion of 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,'   Irving refused to say he was sorry, refused to say he didn't hold Antisemitic beliefs, refused to say the Holocaust happened, and cast himself as the victim in the entire saga."

What we can expect -- if not anticipate -- is the emergence of more Purposeful Antisemitism in the coming weeks, as others become emboldened by this horrific discriminatory behaviour. For our part, as an organization, we continue to educate and advocate daily. We respond to numerous community issues regularly, we speak, write, lecture, and produce an overwhelming amount of content to respond to the ludicrous statements being made by celebrities, at the UN, and on university campuses. 

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

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  It's been a very interesting week. 

Help spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends. They can sign up Here.

This morning, while educating a police group about the Holocaust, I discussed how the echoes of the past are consequently impacting on our present.  The rising tide of Antisemitism and Nazi ideology tied to White Supremacism is live-streamed onto our computer screens daily. 

Things could not get any closer to home. After a frantic call about the situation at Queens University, a student sent me disturbing images of graffiti on the university campus which read, "Kill the Jews", alongside a Swastika. I offered to come and stand with the students and speak to the administration and to provide AGPI's fullest resources to defend and protect our students. 

Yesterday we marked the 4th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Tree of Life massacre where 11 Jewish worshippers were murdered by a White Supremacist.  So what has changed? Sadly, nothing. 

It's still convoluted to see a photograph of White Nationalists inspired by YE (Kanye West) standing on a Los Angeles overpass doing the Nazi salute and holding a banner that reads, "Honk if you believe Kanye is right about the Jews." 

As expressed in both Holocaust education workshops this week, Antisemitism is a system of a bigger problem in society. Stated in my column in today's National Post, when the German company Adidas took two full weeks to terminate its relationship with YE and then had the audacity to say the cost of severing its partnership would be $250 million -- that should be a stark warning to anyone who respects human rights. 

Adidas issued its announcement immediately following AGPI's letter.  In communication with AGPI, Adidas said: "[it does] not tolerate Antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech.  YE's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous and they violate the company's values of diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."

Since you are here, may we ask you to help us continue this important work

by making a gift to AGPI? Your gift to us, a registered charity, is fully tax-deductible.

Sorry, Adidas. Sorry, YE. Sorry, UN Human Rights Council. All this is just not good enough. We're not going to take it. Not anymore. Long gone are the days where "we Jews" and our allies need to accept bad behaviour. We invite you to view our upcoming documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders to understand why we are going to vigorously defend our future and protect our past. 

With this in mind, we did not allow the UNHRC to go unanswered for its slanderous report which was presented to the UN General Assembly just yesterday. Harnessing the power of our board, AGPI and retired U.S. Federal Prosecutor Henry Kopel wrote an impressive eight-page rebuttal showing that the report itself is factually and legally flawed. You can read the report Here.  

We are boldly saying the obvious as stated in my column today: "The UN Human Rights Council, which oversees the commission of inquiry, is made up of mostly tyrannical Antisemitic regimes that have placed Israel on the organization’s permanent agenda for scrutiny and abuse. This has come at a tragic cost to the UN and its agencies. The YE scandal has helped expose the Antisemitic rot at the heart of the United Nations."

During his meeting this week with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden condemned rising Antisemitism and specifically referred to the UNHRC: "The President reaffirmed the United States' strong opposition to the open-ended and biased nature of the UN Commission of Inquiry, which continues to a longstanding pattern of unfairly singling out Israel and does nothing to establish conditions of peace."   

At the same time, AGPI wishes to congratulate Manitoba's Premier Heather Stefanson and Culture Minister, Andrew Smith for the adoption of the IHRA working definition of Antisemitism.  We further welcome the the exceptional leadership of Jewish Federation of Winnipeg President Gustabo Zentner and his colleagues for this important initiative. 

The next number of weeks will continue being intensive as AGPI confronts these issues head-on by launching its major exhibit at the United Nations and premieres its nearly sold-out film in Toronto.  In the next number of days, the organization will be announcing another impressive major development. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Yes, I know I keep repeating this...but there is far too much complacency. Help us reach as many people as possible by sending this newsletter to them. 

Welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  We have been hard at work this week conducting workshops; countering Antisemitism, and defending Israel and universal human rights. 

Our website and social media channels provide continuous breaking news multiple times a day. Below this report you will find some of the major issues issues impacting the Jewish world.

Today, AGPI slammed the so-called UN Commission of Inquiry for its release of a 28 page report that Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid called Antisemitic.  Over the summer, we condemned one of the three commissioners for blatantly Antisemitic remarks referring to a "Jewish Lobby" and suggesting that Israel should not be a part of the UN. 

Instead of resigning so that the Commission would have some semblance of legitimacy (which it would not), the Commissioner continued with the building of a blatantly anti-Israel report.  (Surprise, surprise.) At the time, Canada's own permanent representative, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, spoke out saying that "blatantly biased, Antisemitic comments are completely unworthy of the UN, the UN Human Rights Commission, and are a disgrace to institutions supposedly dedicated to the rule of law."

Sadly, credibility, honesty, and integrity are not traits that reflect the UNHRC as an honest broker. The Commission itself lost credibility months ago, yet has persisted in its inquisition of the only Jewish state.  That's called Antisemitism as, in fact, referenced by the working definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). 

The problem is that these international bodies and other human rights organizations are undermining the incredible achievements that are now taking place in the Middle East since the signing of the Abraham Accords. Our upcoming film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, highlights how Arabs, Druze, and Jews are optimistic about their future together.

Our members have asked us: why we are going to the United Nations to launch our programs and expositions?  Because Silence is NOT Golden. We must never again be afraid. We must fight darkness with light. If not us -- then who? If not now -- then when? 

We intend to demonstrate this counter-narrative and go on the offensive against the backdrop of venomous reports that are infecting the hearts and minds of youth on campuses and beyond. 

All this, of course, is a backdrop to the unconscionable media attention Kanye West (YE) is receiving for his Antisemitic views. Throughout the week, he has been on countless media forums.  For instance, he has been an invited guest of both Piers Morgan and Chris Cuomo. While both journalists tried to dispel his Antisemitism, YE has been given a massive boost by the media to continue espousing his very dangerous views. This must stop. 

May we ask you to help us continue this important work by making a gift to AGPI?

Your gift to us, a registered charity, is fully tax-deductible.

Broadcasters might be well meaning. Or they may be leveraging this issue to gain more notoriety. Either way, and ultimately, while entertaining to many, a dangerous precedent is being set on mass media to allow hate speech a forum. 

That forum, however, is no longer provided here in Canada to a White nationalist in Saskatchewan who was spewing hate against Jews and minorities.  This week, he was handed a one-year jail sentence and communications restrictions. We commend the judge for setting yet one more precedent against hate speech in our courts. 

We are combating hatred every single day.  As a Holocaust educator, I will be proud to be giving major presentations to key institutions over the next few weeks. As well, we are very proud of our education team led by Dr. Neil Orlowsky for their indefatigable work with schools and educators. This week, the team led important workshops with the Halton Catholic District School Board. 

From Strength to Strength,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Help overcome complacency by sending this report to as many family and friends as possible. Encourage them to sign up and become better informed and connected to our community. 

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom! Welcome to this latest edition of The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  It has been another incredibly busy week in the midst of this Sukkot holiday.

AGPI Congratulates Israel and Lebanon on forging ahead with a maritime peace deal:  The two countries traditionally at war with a bloody past have reached a watershed moment in a deal mediated by the U.S.  The maritime border will allow for natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and reduce the potential conflict.  One would hope that this is the start of other possible agreements in line with the growing impact of the Abraham Accords.  

Before we get to the Kanye West scandal, we wanted to bring to your attention an unbelievable situation at the University of Waterloo.  Yesterday we contacted the Dean of Arts on behalf of Jewish students and as a follow-up to a letter sent by Hillel on that campus, regarding a controversial pro-Palestinian professor who was invited to speak at a prestigious occasion celebrating a past university president. 

The problem was that after we encouraged the university to investigate allegations, the Dean admitted that the professor reportedly said in 2017 that Jews will “infest our government."  Still, the Dean appeared to justify hosting him because, as she put it, "the comments to which you refer were poorly expressed and he should have used different language."

Since you are here reading this important report, may we ask you to take a moment to make a contribution to AGPI? Our organization exists because of the charitable gifts provided by supporters like you.  You can donate Here

In reply, I expressed shock that the university would not be upholding Canadian anti-racism values.  The language used "comes from Nazism where Jews were portrayed as vermin, lice and rodents – infesting the population."   I asked if the university would still invite a speaker if he had made anti-Black, anti-gay or anti-woman comments? We know the answer to this rhetorical question. 

Sadly, the university went ahead with that lecture. Student reports indicate that it was biased against Israel and, on many occasions, false historical information was presented. "My entire experience regarding last night’s panel, brought in by the University of Waterloo, was a blatant disregard of Jewish students concerns.  I cannot understand why the University, a highly regarded academic institution, would allow a speaker to make baseless claims about Israel."

The institutionalization of false narratives against Israel has led to a dramatic rise in Antisemitism. This week, the ADL released a report that showed a massive increase in campus Antisemitism in 2022. 

This is why our campus initiative is important now more than ever. Our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, is meant as a counter-offensive to the propaganda and lies on university campuses and beyond. We cannot be silent. We, too, have to provide content that presents the truth about Israel and the reality on the ground. 

In my letter to the Dean of Arts at Waterloo, I attempted to dissuade her from being complicit in having speakers who may be contributing to Antisemitism on campus through this negative rhetoric.  I said, "If you look at the rage that Kanye West has caused for the Antisemitic language he used on twitter, you will start understanding that this is purely unacceptable."

In today's National Post, I expressed outrage about the vile Antisemitic language tweeted by Kanye West (Ye) earlier this week. He said he was going to go "Death con 3 on Jewish People." I wondered, "Given Kanye’s 30 million Twitter followers, his words can have a significant impact. Some unbalanced individuals may see them as a call to arms and take action."  

As you will see below, Antisemitism is spiralling out of control. We are seeing it on campuses and now also through direct vandalism of synagogues and on our city streets. While we are working to educate through our workshops, exhibits, and advocacy, the other side continues to get bolder. We are entering dangerous times and must fight back.

For one thing, I am proud of the many non-Jewish leaders who are involved with AGPI, and who are creating a broader alliance against hate under our Abrahamic tent. We welcome all who share in these values, who want to speak out and refuse to be silent.  

As Silence David Schwimmer said this week in response to Kanye, Silence is Complicity. 

From Strength to Strength,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Please don't forget to register for our Toronto film premiere! 

As Yom Kippur 5783 comes to an end and the heavens close taking our prayers with them, may we wish all of our supporters and friends a year of good health, strength and happiness. 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. AGPI continues to bring you both local and global analysis and developments in Jewish affairs. Every day, we monitor and respond to developing issues.  Below this report are issues we have been monitoring this week. 

What do progressive Antisemites need to hear?  Today, our blunt view was published on the front page of the National Post.  Antisemites need to start hearing that we are not scared. We wrote: "Unlike the past 2,000 years, the Jewish State of Israel is back in its rightful place to protect and defend us.  So for all the Jew-haters out there, you can shout and scream as much as you want.  We are here. We are not going away. Grow up and live with it."

Indeed, our new film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders, provides a captivating vantage point showcasing that Israel has won the war for its survival -- and against the defamatory campaigns.  The problem is that here in the diaspora, it hasn't yet sunk into our own community and into the hearts and minds of the Antisemites on university campuses and beyond. 

They need to understand that for the first time in 2,000 years, the Jewish people have an army and an air force that are superpowers in the region. Israel has reached an economy that rivals those of most western nations.  Its population is multiplying each year, now reaching nearly 10 million.  Its academic, scientific, and technological achievements are unparalleled. 

As an organization that is promoting the advancement of the Abraham Accords and peace in the region, we are impressing on the world around us that there is a new narrative yet to capture hold in the West.  No one in the Middle East believes that Israel is "an apartheid state" or that Jews are "colonizers".  The BDS campaign has failed miserably. 

But here is the thing: Antisemitism will be defeated when first, Jewish communities understand that we are stronger today than at any other time in history. That Israel is one of the most moral, humane, and ethical countries in the world today. That Israel is no longer fighting for its existence and survival, and that our standing in the world is not in jeopardy. 

Second, Antisemites and Jew-haters need to come to an understanding that we are not afraid. We are not their punching bags any longer.  We are a people with a nation, strong and free. Every attack only makes us stronger --more resilient. 

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We can ward off Antisemitic attacks on university campuses by first strengthening our own youth to believe in Israel and in their Jewish heritage. I want to see them walking on campuses, or in law schools that are trying to bar "Zionists", with their heads held high and their Magen David necklaces hanging proudly. 

This is why our new film is not only a film. It is a movement to change our own attitude. First we change ourselves. Then we change the world around us. In this, I commend and thank the many donors who are coming forward to support this initiative by donating and attending. Silence is not golden -- as we saw 80 years ago, it is the kiss of death.  By supporting our work, you are speaking out and standing up . . . proudly! 

From Strength to Strength,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Please don't forget to register for our Toronto film premiere! 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. AGPI continues to bring you both local and global analysis and developments in Jewish affairs. Every day, we monitor and respond to developing issues on the ground as we continue to develop capacities to continue building a major global organization.

AGPI's massive impact: We are pleased to announce that our website - www.agpiworld.com - has now recorded 1,00,783 site visitors in just 12 months or just under 10,000 per day. Our website has become a central hub for information about Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel and universal human rights. 

Today, AGPI marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For Canadians, this is an important day marking the tragic history of taking indigenous kids away from their families into Catholic residential schools where they were re-educated. Sadly, most recently, mass graves have been discovered near some schools. Today, Canadians reflect on this tragic past as the nation continues to undergo a healing process. We are pleased to be a part of this important conversation. 

This week, we registered and responded to a major spike in Antisemitism on university campuses.  At least three campuses were impacted by Antisemitism over Rosh Hashanah (Michigan, Rutgers, American).  One shocking and shameful incident was a report that cited a British student who received a failing grade at University of Leeds when she wrote a critical paper of Hamas.   

But the worst of it was a report in the Jewish Journal about "Jewish-Free Zones" being developed at the University of California at Berkley's School of Law. Its entirely shameful and unacceptable that the school is amending its bylaws "to ensure that they will never invite any speakers that support Israel or Zionism".  But is Bashar al Assad welcome? How about the Ayatollah Khameini? 

It's why our film, The Future of Israel and its Defenders will be a critical tool on university campuses, to both strengthen the resolve of Jewish students and deflate the defamatory campaigns of the the other side. We invite you to support and help us with this important production. It's also why our Antisemitism on Campus report and our Student Bill of Rights are so important and critical today more than than ever in reinforcing pride in our youth. 

The world around us is changing at a rapid rate. Reports from Israeli leaders sound the alarm about a looming Iranian threat that is becoming difficult to ignore with each passing day. Its more than just nuclear weapons. Ambassador Dore Gold recently warned that "Iran wants to remake the Middle East".  It aims to convert Syria into a Shi'ite state and bring it into its strategic system. 

In this week's National Post, AGPI National Advisory Board member, Raheel Raza wrote a moving article calling out western women and asking them to understand that in Iran, the hijab is a symbol of oppression. The murders of innocent women in Iran who refuse to wear the headscarf is horrific. It calls on the world community to recognize and speak out against this oppressive regime and impose stiffer penalties against its rulers. 

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Please donate generously Here.

Given the failure of the world community to stand up to Russia over Ukraine, and now its annexation of Ukrainian territory, it's clear as day that Israel has little choice but to stand for itself and by itself. Dependency on the west could prove lethal. 

As importantly, things are heating up between Israel and the Palestinians. Rarely does a day flow where there is no incident on the ground.  Arab-Israeli writer Khaled Abu Toameh wrote this week that "in the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of terrorist attacks against Israelis carried out by gunmen belonging to, or associated with, the Palestinian Authority and its ruling faction, Fatah". 

The Iranian and Palestinian issue are a thorn in the Middle East. The Abraham Accords have changed the region and the landscape, but these two warring parties continue to sow hate and discord. Abbas' UN speech was not about reconciliation, it was about turning the rest of the world against Israel. Still, Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz said this week, "with regard to the Palestinians, we believe we should reach an accord". 

As we close out this week and head toward Yom Kippur, the holiest of holiest of Jewish holidays, we call for less apathy in a world that requires "tikkun" repair; we call for more kindness and compassion to those in need around us and we call for less conflict and more peace. 

From Strength to Strength,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

p.s. please don't forget to register for our Toronto film premiere! 

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report. On behalf of all of us at AGPI, we wish you and yours a Happy and Sweet New Year - Shanah Tovah. 

This report brings you the most important news of the week concerning Israel and the Jewish world. News items are found below. Also be sure to follow us on social media to get daily updates.

We were shocked this week to hear Jordan's King Abdullah tell the world at the United Nations that Christianity is under "fire" in Israel. No country is perfect, but in the Middle East, Christians are safest in Israel. As our article in today's National Post points out, Abdullah should look in the mirror.  

Moreover, Rashida Tlaib's reported comments this week prove why the narrative of our new documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders is so important to put out into the world: Tlaib reportedly suggested that support for Israel be a litmus test for anyone who fights social justice and calls themselves progressive.

This damaging narrative often found on campuses and infecting our own children could not be farther from the truth. Our film proves the truth which is if you are progressive you SHOULD BE supporting the only democracy in the Middle East. Watch the trailer Here. You can indeed support human rights and Israel at the same time. 

And to press this point further, this week we showcased our interview with the amazing Ruth Wasserman Lande, Member of Knesset and Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus. In an in-depth interview about the emerging peace in the region, the demonizing campaigns and the amazing miracle that is Israel today.  Please watch this amazing Watch this amazing interview.

Given increasing problems at school boards concerning Antisemitism, our advocacy and programming continues to increase weekly, following our National Report on Antisemitism in Education. This week, our  Power of Oneprogram was unveiled at a local Catholic school, while we proudly welcomed a new member to our education team as part of our relationship with York University's Faculty of Education. 

We further applauded Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid's sincere remarks at the General Assembly.  He asked the world to consider, "who is doing better" Those who chose the path of peace, or those who chose the way to war?...Those who believe in education, tolerance and technology, or those who believe in bigotry and violence?"

His words rang true especially in a week where on his way to the UN, Iran's President Raisi shamelessly said the Holocaust still needs further investigation - an outright denial of the most significant genocide in human history. 

In condemnation of Irans lies and brutality, AGPI supported and marched this week with Toronto's vocal Iranian community as it protested the murder of 22 year-old Mahsa Amini who was murdered after being taken by the disgusting "morality police" for not dressing modestly.  

Still, there is much progress by the forces for good. Nations who champion peace, and those who are advocating freedom and democracy are pressing ahead. We commend Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss on her announcement that she is considering moving the British embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - certainly a welcomed news - which will and should impact Canadian policy vis-a-vis its own embassy. 

As we head into the High Holidays, another affirmation that "Am Yisrael Chai" (The nation of Israel lives) is the announcement this week that Israel's population has reached 9,593,000.  This is an incredible achievement in just 74 years since the establishment of the modern Jewish state. 

Wishing you and yours a Chag Sameach and a Shabbat Shalom.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Yes, you may share this newsletter with family and friends! Subscribe

ALERT: This report is available by podcast. Please search "IMPACT: With Avi Abraham Benlolo". Or click here.

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report. It's been a busy week! Below, please find the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

Excitement is building for the release of our super trailer this coming Sunday of our upcoming documentary, The Future of Israel and its Defenders. We promise, you will not want to miss it. It will be sent to our subscribers and available on our website Here. 

This week, we presented our new global platform in New York at the Jerusalem Post Conference. We were thrilled to be highlighted in the press among leading figures like Benny Gantz and New York Governor, Kathy Hochul. 

My speech which focuses on changing the narrative about Israel was published in today's National Post Here and is also available on video Here.

The truth of the matter is that Israel has won the battle. Its detractors are using an old playbook that is no longer relevant.  We can defeat this propaganda with the truth: BDS has had no impact. Israel is not an apartheid state and there is no Arab-Israeli conflict.  These are powerful messages that need to be articulated widely to empower Jewish students and communities alike to strengthen advocacy and deflate the useless energy of the other side. 

This week, we also had an impactful podcast conversation with a Christian foundation that is speaking out against Antisemitism. We further discussed "Christian Antisemitism" throughout the centuries and the importance of seeking reconciliation.  I invite you to listen to the conversation (particularly this part) to see how we are continuing to build a big "Abrahamic Tent" together. You can find the recording Here. 

This was also a milestone week for the Abraham Accords as region came together to celebrate its 2 year anniversary.  In Israel, it was inspiring to see H.H. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the U.A.E. making a special visit to Yad Vashem to pay respect to the 6 million victims of the Shoah. 

As significantly, and perhaps it flew under the radar, Israel's President hosted a delegation of Chiefs of Staff and high ranking generals in the Knesset.  All hailed from friendly countries, including some of the the regional Abraham Accord countries - showing the incredible achievements being made in the region. 

But there are still some who simply refuse to "Get it".  We expressed our profound disappointment about Chile's President-elect, Gabriel Boric who refused to accept the Israeli Ambassador's credentials. Since then, his Foreign Minister apologized, but this behaviour is too little too late. 

Even at home, our own boards of education have gotten a failing grade from our Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky. We were shocked this week when the York Region Board of Education's Trustees refused to adopt a motion to accept the IHRA definition of Antisemitism. You can read Dr. Orlowsky's reflections Here. 

Sadly as well this week, two violent Antisemitic attacks happened in Berlin.  A  a 33 year old Jewish man was violently attacked on the Berlin subway by two men. In another confrontation, the Rabbi of Potsdam was violently assaulted while walking on the street with his son. 

Closer to home, its been a difficult week in policing. AGPI extends its heartfelt condolences on the tragic deaths of a Toronto Police officer and a York Region Police officer.  May their memory be a blessing. 

We also wish to congratulate Toronto's next police chief, Myron Demkiw who will be taking over from Chief James Ramer on December 19th. We thank Chief Ramer and look forward to working with Chief-Designate, Demkiw.  

As we close off this week for the peace that Shabbat brings, our hearts cry out over the death of Nahal Deputy Commander Bar Falah. A true Lion of Judah, he was killed by Palestinian terrorists while defending Israel's border. His sacrifice must not be in vain and all who support Israel must continue standing up for her. 

Finally, it is an honour and pleasure to invite you to attend the premiere Toronto screening of The Future of Israel and its Defenders. 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom and a peaceful weekend.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report.It's been a busy week! Below, please find the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

AGPI has arrived on the Global platform! As a reminder, on Monday, September 12th at approximately 10.30 am, I will be speaking at the Jerusalem Post Conference in New York about The Abraham Accords to an international audience. My keynote will be live-streamed on the jpost.com website. Please tune in. 

Check out our amazing interview with Colonel (ret) Richard Kemp in Jaffa, Israel where we speak about ongoing threats to Israel, the rise of Antisemitism in the UK (his views are interesting) and the looming Iranian threat. Click here to watch or listen.

Earlier this week, our Board of Governors came together for a "Leadership Retreat" to learn a little more about our upcoming events and programs. They were also briefed on the Russian-Ukrainian war by Professor Aurel Braun, who provided a fantastic situational analysis. 

This week, we express our profound sadness to the Royal Family over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  This certainly feels like the end of an era and the start of a new one.  Given that Canada is a commonwealth nation, the Queen has had a central role in all of our lives.  The Queen of course was always a great supporter of the Jewish community in England. 

Also this week, hate on our university campuses began in earnest.  In my column in today's National Post, I described being called a "Zionist Lowlife" for condemning "BDS" and the "apartheid" slander. At the same time, AGPI was the organization that publicly exposed the pro-Palestinian propaganda courses being taught at the University of Toronto. Click here to read the article. 

Funny enough (tragically actually), Israel's detractors never talk about Palestinian terrorism. This week, Israeli police nabbed an armed Palestinian (at the Jaffa clocktower) who was planning a large scale terror attack.  On him they found a submachine gun and 2 pipe bombs filled with nails.  

Around the world this week, Israel's President Isaac Herzog travelled to Germany to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Munich massacre in which 11 Israeli Olympians were murdered by Palestinian terrorists. In addressing the German Parliament he said, "Even in our generation, even right now, dark forces of hate, led by Iran threaten not only Israel, and not only stability in the Middle East, but the global order". 

Truer words could not be said. Despite this sentiment, the nuclear deal with Iran seems to have taken backstage this week, after gaining momentum the previous week. The IAEA is reporting that Iran is expanding its program, while talks in Vienna falter. With little question, Iran now has enough uranium near weapons-grade for a nuclear bomb. 

Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid warned Iran this week saying that "If Iran keeps trying, it will discover Israel's long arm and its abilities".  Meanwhile, this week, Israel allegedly hit Aleppo's international airport to 'make Syria pay for hosting Iran'.

In all of this, our European report below shows continued concern over the rise of Antisemitism. Its shocking to note especially that a Neo-Nazi in Poland had the audacity to demonstrate at the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau. 

As our university students return to campus and Antisemitism and the defamation of Israel reaches crisis proportions, this week, AGPI's Vice President, Leora Shemesh announced a number of new AGPI initiatives under the umbrella of "How We Fight Back". Please take a moment to review our initiatives below - and don't forget to support us in this important effort! 

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom and a peaceful weekend.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

ALERT: This report is available by podcast. Please search "IMPACT: With Avi Abraham Benlolo". Or click: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/x4I4Nnof0sb

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Report, and Happy Labour Day weekend! Below, please find the latest news and updates concerning the Jewish world and international affairs.

This week, we continue to express our dissatisfaction over our government's hiring and handling of the so-called "Laith Marouf scandal". Condemnations have been slow, failing to garner accountability, even from the Minister of Heritage. 

Just a couple of weeks before the scandal broke, we expressed our concern about Antisemitism infecting our government.  On August 7th, we sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau demanding an apology and clarification about the actions of one of his party members.  Our letter can be found here: https://agpiworld.com/action-campaigns. 

The Member of Parliament in question (who sits on the nation's security and intelligence committee) posed for a picture, while standing next to a poster that read, "Palestinian Holocaust made by Zionists". Our letter to the Prime Minister was met with silence.  

We should be wondering if it's hardly surprising then when a government consultant on anti-racism feels sufficiently comfortable to refer to Jewish people as, “loud-mouthed bags of human feces, aka the Jewish White Supremacists.” as reported by media.

It probably took our live radio interview with Alex Pierson two weeks ago for our Minister of Diversity and Inclusion to cut funding to the anti-racism racist group. After that, there continued to be nothing but silence until only a few days ago, when only one lonely voice within the party began speaking out (Anthony Housefather). 

We believe that Jewish organizations who have received funds from Heritage Canada's "anti-racism" program should return them as a powerful statement against Antisemitism. We are proud to state that we will not be accepting money from Heritage Canada's "Anti-racism" fund so long as this matter is unresolved.

As a community, we should be standing proudly on our own two feet -- and certainly not accepting money from any institution that behaves this way. 

If we are going to win the fight against Antisemitism and the defamation against Israel, we need to play offence. We need to stand tall and proud, because the truth is that we have every reason to be resolute. This is what we will be saying at next week's Jerusalem Post conference.

How we express our confidence in this particular case will impact our students as they head back to campus, where they will have to fight back against intolerable behaviour such as this. 

In thinking about new ways to counter Antisemitism, we can take a page from the Free Soviet Jewry movement.  Writing in today's National Post about the legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev, I described the three decade campaign that resulted in the historic gathering of 250,000 Jews in 1987 in Washington D.C. on the eve of the historic summit between Reagan and Gorbachev, to demand freedom for Soviet Jewry. (click below for article)

The campaign was so effective in fact that it likely contributed to the pressure brought to bear to end the Cold War and the coming down of the iron curtain. True, its likely an overestimation. But the point being is that our fight against Antisemitism and our demand that our governments act appropriately should have the same energy and conviction. 

So how do we confront bigots? With pride and unity. Since the inception of our organization, we have been working on changing the narrative. We can see that our views are catching on in the expressed sentiment of other groups.  

We must break out of the shtetl mentality. Israel has already done it -- as will be shown in our upcoming film.

Now it's our turn to stand up tall, and be the example for our children and grandchildren. We cannot afford to be silent about Heritage Canada or any other Antisemitic incident. 

Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

P. S. Yes, you may share this newsletter with family and friends! They can subscribe at https://agpiworld.com/contact-%26-subscribe

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!

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 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! 

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 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