Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this special edition of The Friday Report from The Abraham Global Peace Initiative—dedicated to celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day.

In honour of this momentous occasion, we are proud to share our latest National Post article, “The Most Resilient Place on Earth”. We urge you to read it and share it widely.

This week, we stood united with our community on Yom Hazikaron, honouring more than 25,000 Lions of Judah who gave their lives in defence of Israel. On Yom Ha’atzmaut, we proudly hosted over 250 people at the Toronto premiere of our newest documentary, Heart of Courage—a moving tribute to Israeli strength and resilience.

Since October 7th, no Canadian organization has stood more firmly or more visibly with Israel than AGPI. From Hostage Square to the terror-stricken communities of the south, from recognizing Bedouin heroes to producing hard-hitting documentaries, articles, and reports—we have been relentless in exposing the lies, confronting distortion, and pushing back against complicity in the media, on campuses, and in politics.

Through powerful educational programs, strategic partnerships with law enforcement, and faith-building initiatives—including our recent interfaith Passover—AGPI continues to lead with purpose and action.

Now is the time to reaffirm the truth about Israel. Share our article. Use your voice. Because as we know all too well, truth dies in darkness—it is up to each of us to be the light.

Please share widely and help us defend Israel—now and always.

Am Yisrael Chai,

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Chairman and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

April 25, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - a weekly newsletter from AGPI highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community, its allies and all who stand for freedom and democracy. 

This is a Time for Clarity, Courage, and Conviction. With just days remaining before Canadians head to the polls, a powerful message is echoing across the country: Jewish Canadians will no longer remain silent in the face of rising hate, injustice, and appeasement of extremism. 

This week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) released a bold and stirring video statement on behalf of the Jewish community—one that has gone viral, touching a nerve across Canada. It outlines not only our demands, but our hope for a country that will live up to its founding promise of freedom, justice, and safety for all.

In cities across the country, Jewish schools have been shot at. Synagogues have been torched. Jewish-owned businesses have been vandalized. On Canadian streets, hate-fuelled mobs chant for our death. This is not someone else’s problem. This is happening here, now. Our first demand is clear: protect us. We will never accept that Jewish life in Canada should come with a security risk. Radical Islamist extremism must be confronted—without ambiguity, without excuses, and without delay.

But safety alone is not enough. Canada must strengthen its hate crime and hate speech laws to ensure that antisemitism does not simply go unpunished. Denouncements from political leaders are hollow if not followed by action. Real justice means prosecuting those who incite hatred and violence. Democracy is not strengthened by tolerating hate—it is weakened by it.

At the same time, we must ensure that Canadian taxpayer dollars are never used to fund terrorism. Yet today, our government continues to fund UNRWA and other aid agencies tied to Hamas—organizations complicit in the atrocities of October 7th. This is unconscionable. Funding terror is not humanitarian aid; it is the betrayal of Canadian values.

Compounding this betrayal is the global defamation of Israel. Accusations of genocide are not only factually baseless—they’re dangerous. They inflame tensions and embolden antisemitism right here in Canada. Our leaders must have the moral clarity to speak the truth: Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, a listed terrorist organization. Defending the truth is not a partisan issue—it is a democratic one.

Jewish Canadians are not asking for special treatment. We are demanding equal rights: the right to attend synagogue without fear, the right to send our children to school without bomb threats, the right to walk proudly in our streets without hiding our identity. These are not privileges—they are fundamental Canadian rights.

This moment calls for national moral clarity. It also calls for international courage. In today’s National Post, AGPI issued a direct challenge to Western leaders: “Negotiating with evil does not bring peace. It invites more evil.” The Iranian regime has proven—again and again—that it cannot be trusted. It funds terrorism, represses its own people, and threatens global security. Any attempt to negotiate with Iran while it arms proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah is not diplomacy—it is delusion.

This is not only about protecting Israel. It’s about defending the liberal democratic order. It’s about standing in solidarity with the Iranian people, who deserve freedom from tyranny. It is time for the West to speak with one voice: dismantle your nuclear program, stop supporting terror, restore human rights—or face the consequences. Appeasement must end. Clarity, courage, and conviction must begin.

That spirit of remembrance and resolve was also powerfully embodied in AGPI’s campaign to mark Yom HaShoah and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In a deeply moving video titled “Who Will Remember Us?”, a Holocaust Survivor asks the haunting question. The answer—“We will”—is our promise. We will remember. We will educate. And we will never allow the past to become prologue.

This mission of education and activism continues to resonate. Just this week, AGPI held a sold-out evening in Victoria, B.C., hosted by board member Charlotte Salomon and her husband Chris. The community gathered to watch Heart of Courage, a documentary chronicling Israeli resilience after October 7th, and to speak candidly about antisemitism, democracy, and the future of our country.

That same commitment will be expressed tonight in Vancouver, as AGPI becomes the only community organization invited to speak at the retirement of Chief Adam Palmer of the Vancouver Police Department. His leadership has set a gold standard in protecting communities and promoting human rights. That AGPI has been granted this honour by Canada’s law enforcement leadership is a testament to the respect our organization commands—and the seriousness of our cause.

This is a pivotal moment in Canada’s history. Jewish Canadians are not bystanders. We are stakeholders. Our voices matter. Our demands are just. And our message is clear: Canada must not bend to the forces of hate and radicalism. It must stand up—for us, for truth, and for the values that define this great nation.

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Chairman and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. If you are not on AGPI's WhatsApp Channel, you are missing out! Click HERE to join.

Friday April 18, 2025

In any functioning democracy, the way a government treats its minorities is a direct reflection of its strength, values, and integrity. The Jewish community in Canada is not new to this country. We are not guests—we are builders, contributors, and citizens. And after 265 years of shaping this nation, we deserve more than tolerance—we deserve respect.

Canada’s Jewish community, though small in number—just 1.4% of the population—has had a resounding impact on every facet of Canadian life. We have contributed to science, law, education, politics, philanthropy, medicine, the arts, and the physical design of our cities. Ours is a history of meaningful civic engagement, with roots stretching back to 1768, when the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal—Canada’s oldest Jewish congregation—was established. We are woven into the very fabric of this country. And so, we must demand the respect that is owed to us—not as a request, but as a right.

Respect from our government is not a slogan; it must be reflected in action and policy. Over the past year, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in antisemitic hate. Jewish schools have been shot at. Synagogues vandalized. Jewish-owned businesses targeted. Calls for our death have echoed in public spaces—on Canadian streets—under the banners of radical Islamist ideology. These are not isolated events. They are symptoms of a broader and dangerous erosion of public order, where Jews have become scapegoats, once again, for the world’s anger and confusion.

Let us be clear: our government has a duty—first and foremost—to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. But for Jews today, this cannot be merely rhetorical. We need concrete action. We need decisive legislation that will not just denounce antisemitism, but eradicate it through the enforcement of strong, immediate penalties. Hate crimes and hate speech must carry consequences—real consequences, including imprisonment for those who incite violence or terror against any group.

Equally pressing is the issue of Canada’s foreign aid policies. It is unconscionable that Canadian taxpayer dollars continue to fund organizations like UNRWA, which has been exposed for its complicity in the October 7th atrocities and its support for Hamas. There must be a full stop to this betrayal of Canadian values. We cannot, in good faith, claim to be a country that supports peace and justice while financing institutions linked to terror.

Furthermore, we must insist that our leaders stand firmly with truth—not ideology. The defamation of Israel through unfounded and libelous claims of “genocide” is not only morally wrong; it fuels hatred and violence here at home. Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization. Its objective is the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of Jews. Canada must unambiguously support Israel’s right to defend itself and reject efforts to vilify it for doing so.

But beyond these immediate concerns, we ask something deeper: that our government stand by Canada’s foundational values. That it not compromise our nation’s moral compass to appease extremist segments of the population. True leadership means taking difficult stands based on principle, not politics. Protecting the Jewish community is not only about defending a minority; it is about defending Canada itself—its dignity, its pluralism, its rule of law.

Jewish Canadians, like all others, deserve to send their children to school without fear. To pray without a police escort. To walk freely in the streets of the country we call home. The Jewish community is not demanding special treatment—we are demanding equal protection, equal dignity, and equal recognition.

As this week’s federal debates revealed, party platforms may shift, but what we require as a community remains constant: Safety. Justice. Truth. Leadership. And above all, respect. Our future as a united and democratic society depends on it.

April 11. 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - a weekly newsletter from AGPI highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community, its allies and all who stand for freedom and democracy. 

In a celebration of freedom, unity and shared human dignity, this week AGPI hosted a pre-Passover interfaith dinner, drawing faith leaders, public servants, and change makers from across the Greater Toronto Area. Held in the spirit of Passover — a holiday that commemorates the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt — this gathering was more than a shared meal.

The gathering was a statement about our collective responsibility to stand against antisemitism, build bridges of understanding and defend freedom for all people. Passover also reaffirms the ancient Jewish connection to the Land of Israel.

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of Judaism’s most cherished holidays. At its core, it tells the story of the Exodus, when the Israelites, once enslaved under Pharaoh’s brutal rule, were miraculously freed by divine intervention and the leadership of Moses. This journey — from bondage to liberation — is not merely an ancient memory. It is a living story that Jews around the world recount every year, not as history, but as identity. As the Haggadah, the text that guides the Seder meal, teaches: “In every generation, a person must see themselves as if they personally came out of Egypt.”

This was the spirit that animated our interfaith gathering. In my remarks, I reflected on how the message of Passover still echoes in our world today. The call of Moses — “Let my people go” — is not confined to the pages of scripture. It reverberates with painful urgency, especially this year, as 59 innocent hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza after the atrocities of October 7th.

Their suffering is a modern-day Egypt, and our responsibility to speak for them persists. “Bring Them Home Now” is not just a slogan; it is a moral imperative.

The evening brought together an inspiring cross-section of society: religious leaders of many faiths, business and institutional leaders, public officials, and senior law enforcement from every major police organization, including Toronto’s police chief Myron Demkiw.

Each guest represented a critical partner in the fight against rising antisemitism, bigotry and division. By breaking matzah together — symbolic unleavened bread eaten in remembrance of the hasty departure from Egypt — we affirmed our shared belief that unity, education and understanding are the most powerful antidotes to hatred.

Passover’s traditions are rich with symbolic meaning. From the Seder plate, which holds foods that represent both suffering and hope, to the Four Questions asked by children — “Why is this night different from all other nights?” — this holiday encourages inquiry, learning and dialogue. In this way, Passover is not only a ritual; it is an invitation. An invitation to all who sit around the table to reflect, to question, and to commit to the pursuit of freedom — not just for ourselves, but for others.

This message resonates deeply in a world still rife with modern bondage: victims of human trafficking, refugees fleeing war, and communities oppressed for their beliefs. In Jewish tradition, the concept of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world — commands us to transform the memory of our own suffering into compassionate action for others.

The interfaith dinner was not only an act of remembrance, but an expression of hope. It reminded us that despite our differences in faith and tradition, we are united by common values: dignity, justice and peace. We opened a symbolic door for Elijah, the prophet of redemption, not just to honour a ritual — but to reaffirm our belief in a better world.

Through this ongoing work — educating communities, confronting antisemitism and defending democratic values — we are building a coalition of conscience. Our Passover table was a testament to that mission: a diverse, vibrant circle of leaders who believe that freedom for one is freedom for all.

As we left the evening enriched by tradition and inspired by fellowship, we carried with us the essence of Passover. It is a holiday rooted in memory, shaped by moral responsibility and uplifted by faith in the future. And in this future, guided by unity and love, no one should ever be left in bondage.

Wishing the Jewish community a Happy Passover and the Christian Community a Happy Easter.

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Chairman and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. If you are not on AGPI's WhatsApp Channel, you are missing out! Click HERE to join.

April 4, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - a weekly newsletter from AGPI highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community, its allies and all who stand for freedom and democracy. 

In today’s National Post, we wrote: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” It’s time for us as a nation to get out of our comfort zone and choose — with intent — a renewed approach that changes the tone of our country both at home and on the global stage. This upcoming election, we must ask not only how we restore prosperity — but how we restore purpose. It’s time to bring Canada back. And we cannot do that with the same old same old. We need change to change.

As the world grapples with growing instability and the erosion of moral clarity, Canada must recommit itself to the values of justice, freedom, and integrity. We are seeing the dangerous effects of institutional bias and radicalism, and we must not remain silent.

At The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), we recently expressed deep concern in a letter to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the potential reappointment of Francesca Albanese as the UN Special Rapporteur. We added our voice to the international outcry demanding her dismissal. Ms. Albanese’s repeated inflammatory and biased statements against Israel raise serious doubts about her ability to fulfill her mandate with the impartiality, professionalism, and integrity that the office demands.

While we are not holding our breath—given the radical hatred of Israel that festers within the UNHRC—we must continue to push back against institutionalized antisemitism.

That same hatred is now poisoning our academic institutions. Just this week, McGill University in Montreal was occupied by a violent and antisemitic mob masquerading as a student protest. Pro-Hamas activists shut down classes, blocked entrances, and intimidated Jewish students.

This is not free speech; it’s targeted harassment and incitement. AGPI is demanding arrests and expulsions of those responsible. If McGill refuses to take decisive action, we are calling for far-reaching consequences—including the revocation of federal grants and even its charitable status. Canada’s Charter of Rights protects freedom of expression, but not the violent suppression of others. We must make clear: There is no tolerance for hate on our campuses.

Meanwhile, on the global front, AGPI commends Hungary for its recent decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Once envisioned as a forum for justice, the ICC has been hijacked by antisemitic agendas and used as a political weapon against Israel. Rather than pursue true war criminals—such as the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies—the ICC has turned its fire on the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.

Hungary’s bold move sends a clear message: enough is enough. We stand with nations that uphold Israel’s right to defend itself and reject the politicization of international law.

But we are not simply critics. At AGPI, we choose action.

One such initiative is our upcoming Interfaith Pre-Passover Dinner, a private gathering of faith leaders, diplomats, law enforcement, and political officials. This special evening, hosted by AGPI, aims to deepen understanding of antisemitism and strengthen appreciation for the Jewish people’s enduring connection to the Land of Israel. In a time of growing division, building bridges and fostering dialogue is more important than ever.

As part of our cultural and educational outreach, we also invite the public to the Toronto premiere of our powerful new documentary, Heart of Courage. From the ashes of the Holocaust to the horrors of October 7th, this gripping film tells the story of Jewish resilience, strength, and unity. When terror struck, Israel did not fall—it stood together. They tried to break us, but they only made us stronger. Heart of Courage is a testament to that spirit. To watch the trailer and register, click HERE.

Canada has a choice to make: remain mired in the complacency and moral ambiguity of the past decade, or rise with courage and clarity. AGPI stands ready to lead—through action, advocacy, and an unshakeable commitment to truth.

Now is the time to bring Canada back.

March 28, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - a weekly newsletter from AGPI highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community at home and around the world. 

As Canada approaches a pivotal federal election, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is urging all political leaders to prioritize hate crime reform and national security. In today’s National Post, AGPI emphasized the urgent need to protect Canadian democracy against the growing threats of antisemitism and radical extremism.

Antisemitism and radical extremism are threatening the very fabric of Canadian democracy. This is not just a Jewish issue—it’s a Canadian issue. Our laws and institutions must be strengthened to protect pluralism, freedom, and public safety.

In this light, AGPI has released a comprehensive 7-point plan to reform hate crime laws and ensure that Canada remains safe, pluralistic, and free. The recommendations are designed to empower law enforcement, strengthen public institutions, and reinforce Canadian values in the face of dangerous ideologies.

First, Canada must strengthen hate crime laws by amending the Criminal Code to increase penalties for hate-motivated crimes. Current legal hurdles—such as requiring Attorney General consent—only serve to delay justice and weaken deterrence.

Second, Canada should enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism across all public institutions. This internationally accepted definition provides the necessary clarity to identify and root out antisemitism. Institutions receiving public funding must comply with this standard. 

Third, it’s time to combat foreign-funded radicalization. We must restrict extremist financing from abroad and improve vetting of foreign-trained religious leaders. No extremist ideology—whether imported or homegrown—should find sanctuary on Canadian soil. 

Fourth, AGPI calls for decisive action to dismantle extremist networks. This means expediting the designation of terrorist entities, enforcing digital accountability, and closing bureaucratic gaps that hinder prosecution. 

Fifth, we must hold institutions accountable. AGPI urges that funding for universities and unions be tied to proactive action against antisemitism. Media outlets that promote hate should be placed under regulatory oversight.

Sixth, education must be expanded and strengthened. Holocaust education should be mandatory in Canadian schools, and investments must be made in grassroots initiatives that counter hate and radicalization at the community level.

Finally, AGPI calls for tougher immigration screening. Canada must enforce stricter deportation measures against individuals affiliated with violent extremism or hate-promoting ideologies.

These calls for reform come in the wake of a disturbing series of recent hate crimes in Canada. This week alone, AGPI met with senior police leadership to address the rising threats. In Vaughan, a man was convicted for violently assaulting a Jewish family walking home from synagogue on Shabbat, yelling “Hitler should have killed you all.” In another case, a man who threatened to blow up synagogues and commit a suicide mission was found guilty and awaits sentencing. In Toronto, yet another individual has been charged with advocating genocide, arson, and multiple hate crimes.

This is not the Canada we know or want. Our communities—Jewish and otherwise—deserve safety and dignity.

AGPI is also sounding the alarm over troubling developments in our education system. This week, AGPI issued a major statement condemning two motions passed by the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) that politicize antisemitism education and normalize hate symbols associated with Hamas. Such actions do not belong in our schools. AGPI is calling on Ontario’s Ministries of Education and Labour to investigate, rescind the motions, and install safeguards to protect Jewish students and staff.

Internationally, AGPI is monitoring developments in Israel and across the Middle East. This week, Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis launched rockets at Israel, sending over 2 million people into shelters. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister issued a stark warning to Lebanon, declaring that if rockets land in Israel, Beirut will not be spared. “We want quiet,” he said. “And quiet there will be.”

At the same time, something extraordinary is happening in Gaza—tens of thousands of Palestinians are finally rising up against Hamas. The international media is largely ignoring this historic moment. But Gaza’s citizens, many of whom participated in the October 7th atrocities or continue to harbor Israeli hostages, are now openly rejecting Hamas’ brutal rule. For the war to end, Hamas must surrender, lay down its arms, and return the hostages. It is that simple.

And yet, amidst all this chaos, Israel ranks as the 8th happiest country in the world. How? A strong sense of community, resilience, and freedom. Israelis live with purpose. They are united, proud, and determined to defend their democracy—just as we must here in Canada.

Now is the time to stand firm, defend Canadian values, and ensure that hate has no home here.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Chairman and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. If you are not on AGPI's WhatsApp Channel, you are missing out! Click HERE to join.

March 21, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community at home and around the world. Every day, numerous new subscribers join us.  If you are one of them, we welcome you to our global network. 

To read the full report online, please click HERE. 

It has been a hectic and emotionally charged week here in Israel. We stood with the families of hostages, visited the Knesset to meet with lawmakers and attended a caucus meeting for one of the parties. We also visited heroic IDF soldiers wounded in battle, including the Druze soldier who took down Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Amid all this, we felt the pulse of a nation as it entered the second phase of its war against Hamas in Gaza. Sirens blared in Tel Aviv and across central Israel, a stark reminder of the ongoing threat.

This week, I stood alongside the families and friends of hostages at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Nearly a year and a half after the horrific October 7th massacre—when approximately 1,200 people were brutally murdered and around 250 kidnapped and taken hostage—there is still no clarity on what the remaining hostages are enduring in Hamas’ underground tunnels or wherever they are being held.

Fifty-nine have yet to be brought home. Some have been starved and subjected to unspeakable cruelty. And yet, much of the world has passively accepted this atrocity as though it were a normal state of affairs—allowing Jewish children, the frail and elderly, and innocent men and women to be stolen away and held captive with impunity.

Despite prolonged negotiations, 24 living hostages, as well as the bodies of 35 others, remain in Gaza. In an attempt to apply nonviolent pressure, Israel reduced aid and temporarily cut electricity to Gaza, but these measures failed to bring even one hostage home. As a result, Israel has resumed its military campaign—not as an act of vengeance, but as a necessity. As former Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan told me in Tel Aviv this week, “We have no choice but to continue the war against Hamas for the sole purpose of bringing our brothers and sisters home.”

In today’s National Post, we wrote about our conversation with Erdan, which also turned to the long-term future of the region. I asked him whether a two-state solution remains viable. His response was unequivocal: “Definitely not. Even people who previously supported it understand that every time we have evacuated a territory, the Palestinians have used it to wage war against us. We cannot endanger our future again. It will take at least another generation before Israelis can even begin to trust the Palestinians.”

So what is the alternative? Erdan described a new idea circulating among policymakers—what he called the “Emirates Plan.” Rather than granting the Palestinians a centralized state, each Palestinian city would function as an independent entity, similar to the governing structure of the United Arab Emirates. “Maybe one day these cities can unite into a state, but not today,” Erdan said. “New ideas must be brought to the table.”

Meanwhile, at the United Nations Security Council, Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi gave a moving account of his time in Hamas’ hands: “I have come back from hell. I was kept underground, starved, beaten, and chained like an animal. For 491 days, I begged for food, begged to use the bathroom—begging became my existence.” No one should be subjected to the draconian cruelty of Hamas or any other terrorist group. And yet, the world seems to tolerate it.

Shockingly, our own streets in Toronto, Canada, were once again occupied this week by Hamas supporters—dressed like Hamas, behaving like Hamas—intimidating citizens, blocking emergency service vehicles, and shutting down major roadways. How long will this be allowed to continue? How long must we tolerate the intolerant, the hateful, and the racist?

As an organization, we have called for a national referendum to disallow this hatred on our streets. We have pushed for reforms of hate crime laws and continue to urge political leaders and law enforcement to take action. These measures are necessary to restore freedom and democracy in Canada. We want our country back.

Sadly, some Canadian Senators still don't get it.  At least four this week issued a letter full of inaccuracies that repeated Hamas' infamous blood libel against Israel - that falsely claims what is happening in Gaza is "genocide".  Such irresponsible assertions incite pro-Hamas demonstrations on our streets and invite antisemitism.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

p.s. If you are not on AGPI's WhatsApp Channel, you are missing out! Click HERE to join.

March 14, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to The Friday Report - highlighting issues that concern the Jewish community and those who fight for freedom and democracy.

Today, the Jewish world celebrates Purim, a holiday commemorating the survival of the Jewish people in the face of a genocidal threat. The story, recorded in the Book of Esther, recounts how Haman, the chief minister to the Persian king, plotted to massacre the Jews in the 5th century BCE. His scheme was ultimately foiled, and Purim has since become a joyous holiday that underscores the triumph of good over evil.

However, Purim is not merely a historical commemoration. It serves as a powerful reminder that, in every generation, antisemitism rises again, seeking to destroy the Jewish people. The disguises and costumes worn on this day are a symbolic way of mocking those who attempt to eradicate Jewish existence. Yet, while the masks and laughter fill the streets, the grim reality remains: the Jewish people continue to confront existential threats from those who harbour genocidal hatred.

Today, that hatred is no longer an ancient relic. Groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, along with their state sponsor, Iran, openly call for the destruction of Israel. Iran’s leadership has repeatedly incited violence, providing financial and military support to terrorist organizations dedicated to eliminating the Jewish state.

These threats are not distant—they are active and real, and they extend far beyond the Middle East. This week, in the National Post, we wrote about the alarming presence of radical events like "Al-Quds Day" in Toronto and other major cities in Canada.

Alongside this article, we issued a strong statement urging Mayor Olivia Chow to take decisive action against the upcoming Al-Quds Day rally in Toronto. This is not an innocent demonstration; it is a global event orchestrated by the Iranian regime—a state sponsor of terrorism and a designated foreign terrorist entity under Canadian law.

Established in 1979 by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini, Al-Quds Day has evolved into an international platform for anti-Israel extremism, where calls for violence and the elimination of Zionism are routine. In past years, rally organizers have openly called for the end of Zionism—effectively advocating for the destruction of Israel, the world’s only Jewish state. Such events have no place in a democratic society.

Faced with rising antisemitism in Canada, we have called for a national referendum on whether Canadians support allowing these dangerous, hate-filled rallies to continue. If our leaders refuse to act, then the public must have its say. Enough is enough.

Our neighbors to the south are already taking decisive steps to curb radicalism on their campuses and in their streets. This week, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson made it clear that antisemitism will not be tolerated. When asked about the arrest and impending deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a radical Palestinian activist at Columbia University, Johnson stated:

"If you are on a student visa, and you're in America, and you're an aspiring young terrorist who wants to prey upon your Jewish classmates, you're going home. We're going to arrest your tail and we're going to send you home where you belong.... I appreciate free speech, I used to defend it in court, but this is far beyond the pale of that; you are threatening your classmates and spewing antisemitism and spewing all this hatred. It's enough." Canada must take similar action. We cannot allow the normalization of antisemitism under the guise of activism.

Meanwhile, in Israel, the battle for justice and security rages on. This week, we continued to stand in solidarity with the families of hostages still held in Gaza. The only path forward is the absolute defeat of Hamas, its total dismantlement, and the unconditional return of all captives. Only then can true peace be restored.

We also addressed Canada's incoming Prime Minister regarding his recent statement on "X," in which he demanded that Israel restore electricity and aid to Gaza. Instead of condemning Hamas and demanding its surrender, he wrongly placed the burden on Israel. We made it clear: Israel is using the best non-violent means available to pressure Hamas into releasing its hostages. This approach should be commended, not condemned. We look forward to discussing this issue further with Mr. Carney.

If we are to preserve democracy and the values that define Western civilization, we must stand resolute in our fight against antisemitism and extremism. This is not just a Jewish issue—it is a battle for the future of free societies everywhere. The forces that seek to destroy Israel and harm Jews today will not stop there.

At the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, we remain steadfast in our mission to root out hate, defend truth, and safeguard our communities. We are grateful to have you standing alongside us in this fight. On this Purim, as we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, let us also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that never again means never again.

no-content, if you are one of our valued followers and read our analysis each week, please take a moment to support us by making a donation. It would be a tremendous help! 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

p.s. If you are not on AGPI's WhatsApp Channel, you are missing out! Click HERE to join.

January 3, 2025

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

The New Year is a fresh start and in keeping with The Abraham Global Peace Initiative's tradition of providing insightful solutions on pressing social issues, we are pleased to present our new roadmap for Canada. 

The past two years have tested the resilience of Israel and the global Jewish community. The war against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and their proxies has been unrelenting, while antisemitism has surged to levels not seen since the pre-Holocaust era. These dual challenges demand immediate and unified action to restore safety and stability.

As we look to 2025, there is an opportunity for a transformative reset. The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) envisions a year of renewal, bolstered by a new U.S. administration and a potential election in Canada. These pivotal moments could usher in a realignment of foreign policy, the restoration of democratic values, and a comprehensive effort to combat Antisemitism.

Canadians long for the safe, welcoming environment of the past. We want our children to play hockey on the streets and families to visit malls without fear of jihadis dressed like Hamas terrorists blocking their way or unfurling propaganda at places like the Eaton Centre. Canadians are tired of this hate and division. 

This week, as we celebrated the last days of Hanukkah, the desecration of a west Winnipeg community centre with five swastikas reminded us of the pervasive threat of antisemitism. Such acts are not isolated but part of a broader trend that must be stopped.

The dangers of extremism are not limited to graffiti and propaganda. They manifest in violence. On New Year’s Eve, an Islamic State follower tragically killed 15 people and injured 30 in New Orleans. At the same time, pro-Hamas demonstrators marched freely through major cities like Toronto and New York, spreading radical ideologies that sow division and incite violence. 

These unchecked actions have no place in a society that values freedom and safety. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains volatile. The Houthis in Yemen continue to fire drones and ballistic missiles into central Israel, forcing families into shelters almost nightly. Despite these relentless provocations, the international community, including the United Nations, has largely remained silent.

At the heart of these conflicts lies Iran, the region's primary instigator. While it's regime fuels terror, the Iranian people themselves yearn for liberation from oppression. In response, the U.S. and Israel have escalated strikes on Yemen, signalling that the Houthi regime’s days are numbered. 

Yet the war cannot conclude without the safe return of approximately 100 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The international community must insist on their release, even as Hamas continues its destructive path to the detriment of its own people.

Here in Canada, we face our own crossroads. Canadians are increasingly frustrated by the erosion of safety, unity, and democratic values. AGPI’s roadmap for renewal, published in today’s National Post, lays out a vision for addressing these challenges through six key policy initiatives:

• Foreign Policy Renewal: Canada must realign with key allies like Israel, India, and the United States to restore its credibility on the global stage and counter regimes that sponsor terror.
• Immigration Reform: Implement value-based immigration policies that foster social cohesion, shared democratic principles, and respect for Canadian values.
• Public Safety: Equip law enforcement with the tools and resources necessary to address hate crimes, protect public order, and reduce bureaucracy for prosecuting extremists.
• Higher Education: Reimagine university funding to promote anti-woke critical thinking and combat divisive ideologies that threaten the fabric of society.
• Economic Innovation: Streamline government bureaucracy, reduce red tape, and incentivize entrepreneurship to revitalize the economy and create opportunities.
• Military Investment: Modernize Canada’s armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty, contribute to global security, and reinforce alliances.

Canada must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward intolerance. Extremist rhetoric, hate crimes, and violence must be met with swift and decisive action. Canadians deserve to live in a nation where freedom and safety coexist—where our streets are welcoming, our malls are peaceful, and our communities thrive without fear.

By standing shoulder to shoulder with allies like the U.S. and Israel, Canada has a profound opportunity to reclaim its place as a global leader in 2025. This requires principled leadership, bold vision, and a commitment to restoring the values that define our democracy. 

The time for transformative change is now. Together, we can build a future that reflects the best of Canada: a nation that values unity, safety, and freedom for all.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

DECEMBER 27, 2024

2024 is coming to an end. In a year when global discourse has often felt unmoored from reason, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has been a resolute beacon of truth, confronting the relentless tide of antisemitism, denial, and defamation against Israel.

With a rigorous voice of sanity, AGPI has taken on the critical battles of our time, shining a spotlight on hate and extremism while advocating for justice and human rights. Here are the highlights of AGPI’s remarkable impact in 2024:

Unmasking Terrorism:

One of AGPI’s most significant victories this year was its unrelenting campaign to expose the extremism of the group Samidoun. Following AGPI’s pressure, both Canada and the United States officially designated Samidoun as a terrorist entity. This triumph came after AGPI’s “Canada is Burning” campaign, which highlighted Samidoun’s incendiary actions—including the burning of a Canadian flag and chants of “Death to Canada” in British Columbia. This achievement underscores AGPI’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democratic values and exposing those who seek to undermine them.

Defending Israel’s Truth on the World Stage:

Throughout 2024, AGPI has combated the pernicious lies spread about Israel with facts and moral clarity. In September, we were in Israel meeting with hostage families, wounded soldiers and leaders in the Bedouin community. From refuting the baseless accusations of apartheid to challenging the distortion of history that falsely claims Jews are colonizers, AGPI has stood firm against these falsehoods. Through columns, reports, and public statements, AGPI has articulated Israel’s historical and legal rights while emphasizing its democratic values as a beacon in the Middle East.

Fighting Antisemitism, Denial and Distortion:

Over 2024, we published nearly 50 articles in the National Post, including front-page features, dissected radicalism and Holocaust denial while advocating for peace and truth.  In March we released Avi Abraham Benlolo's new book, "Never Surrender: Countering Denial, Distortion and Complicity" - a central tool in our arsenal to fight antisemitism. This month, we released a 33-page national strategy on antisemitism, tackling both traditional hate and modern distortions like “anti-Palestinian racism.” This roadmap equips stakeholders to counter misinformation effectively.

Expanding Educational Outreach

In 2024, AGPI delivered transformative human rights programs to over 50,000 students, with plans to reach 75,000 in 2025. Partnering with school boards across Ontario, AGPI emphasized inclusivity and equity. Its "Power of One" exhibit has been updated to further inspire young minds.  In 2025, AGPI will be releasing a new exhibit and curriculum, stay tuned! 

Advocacy for Jewish Students on Campus

Antisemitism on university campuses reached alarming levels in 2024, but AGPI’s voice has been loud and clear. Its University Report Card called out institutions like Concordia, York University, and the University of Toronto for failing to protect Jewish students. At the same time, AGPI worked closely with universities to implement corrective actions, ensuring safer and more inclusive environments. This dual approach of accountability and collaboration reflects AGPI’s strategic acumen in tackling systemic antisemitism.

Honouring Heroes and Allies

This year, AGPI recognized remarkable individuals who exemplify courage and moral leadership. Among them was a Bedouin-Israeli policeman who saved 300 children during the October 7th Nova Party tragedy and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who received AGPI’s prestigious Defender of Israel Award. These recognitions not only celebrated individual bravery but also highlighted AGPI’s commitment to fostering unity across diverse communities.

Educating Law Enforcement

AGPI brought lessons about the Holocaust, Antisemitism and Israel to law enforcement. Keynote speeches at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in Boston and a Holocaust education session in Auschwitz for IACP leaders showcased AGPI’s commitment to combating hate globally, and worked with local police agencies to fight Antisemitism. 

Amplifying Voices of Reason

In a world increasingly marred by extremism and division, AGPI’s publications have served as a vital source of insight and inspiration. From tackling Holocaust denial and distortion to dissecting the roots of radicalism on campuses, AGPI’s thought leadership has resonated globally. The organization’s ability to frame complex issues with clarity and compassion has galvanized support from allies across political, religious, and cultural divides.

Strengthening Interfaith Bridges

Recognizing that unity is the antidote to hate, AGPI expanded its interfaith initiatives in 2024. The organization hosted events featuring faith leaders who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community, demonstrating solidarity in the face of rising antisemitism. These efforts have not only built stronger alliances but have also affirmed AGPI’s mission to advance peace and understanding worldwide.

Mobilizing Community for Action:

AGPI’s fundraising and membership drives reached new heights in 2024, enabling the organization to expand its advocacy campaigns. The Crystal Ball Benefit at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma and other key events energized supporters and raised critical resources to sustain AGPI’s work. These gatherings served as a testament to the power of community in standing against hate and ensuring a better future.

A Vision for the Future

As 2024 draws to a close, AGPI remains steadfast in its mission. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to truth, AGPI is ready to confront them. In a world often consumed by madness, AGPI’s voice of sanity offers hope and direction. By rallying allies and empowering communities, AGPI is not just responding to hate—it is building a legacy of resilience and justice.

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s achievements this year serve as a powerful reminder: even in the darkest times, truth and righteousness can prevail. Together, we can ensure that this legacy endures for generations to come.

Wishing our friends and allies a happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. Visit our news page often during the week for updates at www.agpiworld.com or follow the The Abraham Global Peace Initiative channel on WhatsApp. Note this can only be done on your phone.  Click HERE

December 20, 2024

Welcome to The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). More news reports can be found below this report.

This week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) took the unprecedented step by informing Ireland's Ambassador to Canada of its issuing a travel advisory for Ireland and we exposed Ireland's shameful behaviour in today's National Post.

This measure was not taken lightly but reflects the alarming rise in antisemitism and the growing hostility from Ireland’s political leadership towards Israel and Jewish people worldwide. 

The closure of the Israeli Embassy in Dublin was a turning point, with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that Ireland has crossed “every red line” through actions such as unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, supporting South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and repeatedly accusing Israel of “genocide.” These moves underscore a deeply ingrained bias, dehumanizing Israel and its people.

But what is happening in Ireland should not be viewed in isolation. Canada is seeing troubling parallels. Antisemitism has surged across this country since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. This week alone, a synagogue in Montreal was firebombed in an antisemitic hate crime, labeled merely as “arson” by police and the media. 

Meanwhile, Toronto’s Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School faced its third firearm attack this year. Public streets have become arenas for hateful rhetoric, with chants calling for violence against Jewish people echoing the vitriol seen in Ireland. These incidents reveal a grim reality: Canadian Jews, integral to this nation’s social fabric for over 250 years, are increasingly questioning whether Canada can remain their long-term home.

The similarities between Ireland and Canada are not limited to public hostility. Canadian universities have become hotbeds for extremist ideologies, where narratives demonizing Israel are given undue prominence, while atrocities by groups like Hamas are ignored. Academic spaces that should champion dialogue and knowledge have become platforms for division and hate.

Adding to the isolation of Canadian Jews is the media’s portrayal of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Coverage frequently frames Israel as the aggressor, overlooking the existential threats it faces. This misrepresentation emboldens antisemitic actors while leaving Jewish communities feeling unsupported.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog himself issued a stern warning to Canada this week. Following repeated attacks on the Beth Tikvah synagogue in Montreal, President Herzog tweeted after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Words will not suffice… Firm and decisive action must be taken to bring perpetrators to justice, to stamp out antisemitism, and to educate and legislate for the safety and well-being of the Jewish community.” Yet, Canadian responses remain inadequate.

AGPI’s newly unveiled National Strategy Against Antisemitism outlines a roadmap to combat these alarming trends. Central to this strategy is addressing the weaponization of “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR), a manipulative narrative designed to delegitimize Israel and perpetuate antisemitism. The strategy calls for robust education, stronger legal measures, and community support to counter hate and ensure the safety of Jewish Canadians.

The broader international context further underscores the urgency of this fight. The atrocities committed by the Syrian regime—mass graves holding hundreds of thousands of victims—were met with global silence. Where were the demonstrations, the UN resolutions, and the global media outcry? Contrast this with the disproportionate condemnation of Israel, a democracy defending itself against terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, epitomizes the failures of international efforts to address Middle Eastern conflicts. By perpetuating refugee dependency and enabling extremist narratives, it has emboldened groups like Hamas rather than fostering peace. Nations like Sweden, which recently ceased funding UNRWA, are taking the right approach by seeking alternative pathways for aid and stability.

Meanwhile, AGPI remains steadfast in its demand for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th. As over 100 individuals remain captive in Gaza, we reiterate: their release is non-negotiable. They must not be used as pawns in ceasefire deals. Bring them home now.

Ireland’s descent into antisemitism serves as a cautionary tale for Canada. The time to act decisively is now. Failure to confront hate and bias—in our streets, universities, media, and political discourse—risks eroding the very values that underpin our democracy. AGPI’s call to action is clear: we must use every tool at our disposal to combat denial, distortion, and hate, ensuring a future where all Canadians can live in safety and dignity.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. Follow the The Abraham Global Peace Initiative channel on WhatsApp. Note this can only be done on your phone.  Click HERE

December 13, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to The Friday Report, brought to you by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a leading Canadian organization dedicated to combating antisemitism, defending Israel, and protecting democracy. This week has been marked by critical developments in the Middle East and troubling global trends that demand vigilance and decisive action.

This week, we confronted Amnesty's false charges of genocide by Israel in a video from the gates of Auschwitz. We said: "This is what genocide looks like, not what is happening in Gaza".  AGPI will continue confronting these false narratives which aim to deny and distort the Holocaust and Israel's defensive war against terrorism. 

As you are aware, a seismic shift occurred in the Middle East as Bashar Al-Assad of Syria was deposed by jihadi terrorists, sending shockwaves across the region and beyond. While some Western media outlets have celebrated this as a victory for the Syrian people, AGPI has cautioned against such optimism. In today’s National Post, we issued a clear warning: “The fall of one tyrant does not guarantee peace; it often paves the way for another.”

Israel, recognizing the growing instability, has acted decisively by securing areas beyond the buffer zone on its northern border and targeting Syrian military assets and chemical weapons depots. These actions are vital for preserving peace and security in the region. 

Earlier this week, to counter media bias against Israel, AGPI outlined Five Action Points for Israel and the West Regarding Syria’s New Regime, emphasizing the importance of strategic vigilance. As we noted in our National Post article, Hamas likely anticipated that its assault on Israel would ignite an uprising and establish an Islamist caliphate with Jerusalem as its center-piece. 

Instead, its miscalculation has dismantled the Islamist project envisioned by the Muslim Brotherhood and its proxies. Iran’s so-called “ring of fire” — comprising Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north, and Syria as a key link — has been obliterated. Israel is swiftly reasserting its regional dominance, delivering a strategic checkmate.

While Israel’s actions are reshaping the region, the diplomatic assault against it persists. This week, Canada voted alongside most of the UN General Assembly to recognize the work of UNRWA and called for a ceasefire. This decision ran counter to the positions of Canada’s closest allies, Israel and the United States.

UNRWA’s history of complicity with Hamas — from employing militants involved in the October 7th massacre to allowing its facilities to store weapons and house intelligence operations — renders this decision deeply troubling. Israel has rightly designated UNRWA as a terror-linked organization.  A New York Times report found the following troubling information this week: 

"Secret internal Hamas documents shared with the New York Times by the Israeli government say that at least 24 people employed by UNRWA in 24 different schools across Gaza were members of Hamas or Islamic Jihad. A majority were top administrators - principals or deputy principals - and the rest were school counselors and teachers, the documents say".

A ceasefire resolution that ignores the release of all remaining hostages is an outrage and should be a source of profound embarrassment for all Canadians.

Amid this troubling vote, we commend Paraguay for standing with just eight other nations to oppose the resolution and for its President, Santiago Peña, who opened Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem this week, setting a courageous example for the international community.

On the domestic front, we applaud MP Don Stewart for challenging The Honourable Kamal Khera to condemn antisemitic chants such as “Only one solution, intifada revolution.” These chants, which explicitly promote violence, have no place in a democratic society. Disappointingly, while MP Khera condemned hate and antisemitism in general, she refused to specifically denounce these dangerous slogans. Such a refusal undermines efforts to combat the rising tide of antisemitism and extremism in Canada.

This week, AGPI traveled to Auschwitz in Poland, where we trained the executive board of the world’s largest police association and reinforced the enduring importance of the principle Never Again. Standing at the gates of Auschwitz, we were reminded of the devastating consequences of global indifference during the Holocaust. The silence that allowed millions of Jews to be slaughtered echoes today in the relentless UN votes against Israel and the weaponization of international courts to delegitimize the Jewish state.

At Auschwitz, AGPI directly confronted Amnesty International for its baseless accusation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. As we stood on this hallowed ground of historical atrocity, we responded unequivocally: “This was genocide. Gaza is not.” The distortion of history and language to malign Israel is not just a moral failure but a dangerous precedent.

The lessons of the Holocaust demand action, not just remembrance. 

This week’s events serve as a stark reminder that the battle for truth, justice, and security requires unwavering commitment. AGPI will continue to stand at the forefront of this fight, defending Israel, combating antisemitism, and upholding democracy. Thank you for joining us, and for standing with AGPI as we face these critical challenges together.

Shabbat Shalom.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. Follow the The Abraham Global Peace Initiative channel on WhatsApp. Note this can only be done on your phone.  Click HERE

December 6, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

We are deeply grateful to our many supporters who responded to our call on Giving Tuesday. Your generosity strengthens and sustains our vital efforts. Your commitment allows us to continue advocating for truth and justice in the face of adversity.

This week, we arrived in Krakow, Poland, our plane touching down in the mist of this historic city—a once-thriving center of Jewish life and, tragically, a bedrock of Nazism. Just a short distance from Auschwitz, Krakow is a poignant reminder of humanity's capacity for evil and resilience.

We are here to provide foundational educational sessions to the executive board of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the world’s largest police organization. It is a critical mission to ensure that law enforcement leaders worldwide understand the lessons of the Holocaust and the importance of combating antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

Yesterday, we connected with the Jewish community in Munich, exploring its remarkable revitalization of Jewish life. The Ohel Jakob Synagogue, Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish Museum stand as symbols of resilience and renewal. Despite rising antisemitism in Germany, it was uplifting to see Israel’s flag draping public buildings, a public demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish state.

Yet, this hopefulness is clouded by a continued campaign of international defamation against Israel. This week, Amnesty International released a report accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza following the October 7th attacks. Such baseless accusations, weaponized by organizations that consistently seek to undermine Israel, add fuel to an already volatile situation.

As I sit here in Krakow, a city whose Jewish community was obliterated during the Holocaust, I am starkly reminded of history’s grim lesson: in times of crisis, the Jewish people have often been left to fend for themselves.  Even in this heart of darkness, tonight we will be joining Krakow's Jewish community for Shabbat marking its spiritual renewal. 

On October 7th, Israel faced the most heinous attack against Jews since the Holocaust. Not only has Israel stood largely alone in its defense, but it has also been forced to combat the relentless disparagement by entities like Amnesty, alongside the weaponization of international bodies such as the ICC and ICJ.

In today’s National Post, I write about the calculated weaponization of Palestinian refugees by organizations like UNRWA and the Arab states. For decades, these refugees have been confined to camps in a toxic environment designed to perpetuate hatred and violence (manifested on October 7) against Israel. In stark contrast, Jewish refugees from Arab lands and Holocaust survivors integrated into their new countries, rebuilding their lives despite immense hardship.

Earlier this week, on Jewish Refugee Day, we honoured this resilience and asked an essential question: where is the compensation for the 850,000 Jewish refugees forcibly displaced from Arab lands? Predictably, these organizations and their allies remain silent about Jewish ethnic cleansing.

Even as Syria exercises its right to defend itself against Islamist extremists in Aleppo, the world largely affirms its actions. Yet, Israel continues to face unfounded and deeply antisemitic criticism for defending itself against Hamas, an organization responsible for a massacre of unimaginable brutality.

As we prepare to visit Auschwitz, we are reminded of what genocide truly means. What is happening in Gaza is not genocide but an act of self-defence against terror. Let us resolve to counter the lies and hatred directed at Israel and the Jewish people. Together, we must stand firm and demand: Free Israel from this hate.

Shabbat Shalom.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. Follow the The Abraham Global Peace Initiative channel on WhatsApp.  Click HERE

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

As the world rushes into materialistic pursuits this 'Black Friday', let us turn our focus to doing good. Together, we can move the needle to make the world a better place.

This week has been a stark reminder of the challenges Jewish communities face both at home and abroad. In an article published in today’s National Post, we emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating wave of antisemitism undermining our values and safety.

In Toronto, AGPI took a firm stance at City Hall this week, holding Mayor Olivia Chow accountable at a public hearing concerning antisemitism. We emphasized the critical need for adequately resourced policing to confront pro-Hamas rallies and ensure public safety. Reducing police budgets, as the Mayor previously proposed, would only embolden those who spread hate and violence. AGPI also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Councillor James Pasternak, Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, and interfaith allies at Toronto’s Interfaith Summit Against Antisemitism and Hate. These courageous voices remind us that the fight against hate transcends all boundaries, and their support will be remembered as the actions of the Righteous Among the Nations.

In Canada, we remain deeply concerned about the normalization of antisemitism on university campuses. At Concordia University, students staged a strike during which one demonstrator not only performed the Nazi salute but chillingly declared, “Final solution is coming your way.” This blatant antisemitism was compounded by shocking denials from some authorities who dismissed the incident as merely a protest against NATO.

Let us be clear: it was not. Canadians must stop burying their heads in the sand. The dangerous rhetoric and actions on our campuses directly undermine the freedoms, democracy, and values that Canada holds dear, while emboldening terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Similarly, at McGill University, unprecedented student strikes have called for boycotting Israel. By doing so, mostly ill-informed students are ignoring the atrocities of terrorist organizations, undermining the only democracy in the Middle East, and emboldening authoritarian regimes in the region that suppress universal rights and freedoms. Such actions are not only harmful to Jewish communities but also to Canada’s international standing and commitment to justice.

The erosion of accountability extends beyond campuses. In Ottawa, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board voted to censure a trustee for reportedly making antisemitic comments during a debate over attending the Capital Pride Parade. Incidents like these show how deeply embedded antisemitic sentiments have become, even within institutions meant to foster inclusion and equality.

Internationally, the situation continues to deteriorate.

In Europe, we joined the European Jewish Association in urging governments to declare a six-month emergency against antisemitism in response to escalating violence. A report from Germany this week revealed that the number of antisemitic incidents in Berlin during the first six months of 2024 has already surpassed the total for all of 2023. The crisis deepened with the recent pogrom in Amsterdam, where mobs unleashed antisemitic violence following a soccer match, leaving many Jews in the Netherlands and across Europe contemplating emigration.

The world also mourned the loss of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates, who was murdered in an act of violence that has shaken Jewish communities worldwide. Rabbi Kogan was a visionary leader who fostered peace, dialogue, and tolerance in a region striving for coexistence. His murder underscores the precarious position of Jewish leaders globally as they work to combat hatred and build bridges.

At the same time, AGPI welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of a ceasefire with Lebanon but cautions that Hezbollah must be disarmed. Israel’s northern communities, displaced for over 14 months, must be allowed to return home safely. Securing Israel’s borders from terror threats by Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran remains an urgent priority. AGPI continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Their return is non-negotiable.

Corporate Social Responsibility also saw progress this week as Second Cup acted decisively to terminate one of its franchisees involved in antisemitic activity. AGPI applauds this leadership and calls on other corporate entities to follow suit in standing against hate.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) continues its disingenuous campaign to justify its existence, claiming to support “the longest unresolved refugee crisis.” By perpetuating dependence in refugee camps rather than supporting integration, UNRWA undermines stability and enables propaganda against Israel.

This Black Friday, let us reflect on the immense work ahead to combat hate and ensure that justice prevails. We demand more than words: action is needed to protect Jewish communities, uphold democratic values, and secure the freedoms that define us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. If you are receiving our newsletter from someone else, you can subscribe to receive future copies by clicking HERE.

November 22, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

What we all needed this week was a win and today, we got it. Today marks an important win for the Canadian Jewish community and all who stand with us in defending our future and protecting our past.  

While this week brought the troubling decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to unjustly target Israeli leaders, we are heartened by our significant legal victory here at home. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has unequivocally dismissed the Canadian Union of Postal Workers' (CUPW) defamation claim against me, affirming the foundational principles of free speech and fair comment in our democratic society.

This decision is a monumental vindication of my right to express honestly held opinions on matters of public interest. Justice Mew, in his written decision, ruled that the statements made were protected as fair comment, observing that:

"The comments made by Mr. Agar and Mr. Benlolo concerning CUPW’s support for terrorist groups, its siding and partnering up with a hate group like Hamas, and questioning whether to differentiate between supporting ordinary Palestinians and supporting Hamas, were statements of opinion."

Furthermore, Justice Mew found no evidence that my remarks were motivated by malice, underscoring that the opinions expressed were made with honesty and integrity. His finding affirms the protections provided to individuals who engage in robust debate on contentious and significant public issues.

As I have stated previously, this decision represents an important vindication of free speech and the right to engage in meaningful discourse on vital matters. It is not only a personal victory but a victory for our community and for all those who uphold the values of democracy and truth.

The case also highlights the resilience required to defend against attempts to silence legitimate commentary through legal actions. I extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional legal counsel at McCarthy Tétrault, Paul Steep and Christine Lonsdale, who navigated this case with diligence and skill, and to my close friend Mark Teitelbaum for his unwavering support throughout this process.

Read the full decision HERE

While this victory reaffirms our freedoms domestically, the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant represents a concerning departure from its foundational purpose. This politically motivated act, driven by the Palestinian Authority and its allies, undermines the credibility of the Court, which now appears complicit in advancing a false narrative that unfairly targets Israel while ignoring the atrocities of Hamas.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out one of the most heinous massacres in Israel’s history, murdering over 1,200 innocent Israelis. The ICC’s willingness to entertain baseless accusations against Israel while disregarding these crimes emboldens terrorist organizations, weakens global efforts for peace, and fuels antisemitism worldwide.

AGPI is shocked about Canada's stance to acquiesce to a weaponized court that is creating a moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas and a democratically elected prime minister who is defending his country.  AGPI urges the international community to condemn the ICC’s actions, urging a renewed commitment to impartiality and justice. Israel’s inherent right to self-defense must be protected, and the ICC must be held to its original mandate of addressing genuine atrocities rather than furthering extremist agendas. Read our Press Release about the ICC HERE.

At a private gathering with U.S. Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, hosted by U.S. Consul General Baxter Hunt, I underscored the persistent challenges Jewish students face in classrooms led by antisemitic professors. These classrooms, where hatred is often masked as academic critique, have become battlegrounds for students striving to preserve their dignity and identity. The stories shared by these students—of confronting hostility, documenting bias, and pushing back against slanted narratives—illustrate the alarming normalization of antisemitism in educational spaces.

In my column today in the National Post, I called on universities to take a decisive stand: classrooms must be for education, not indoctrination. Leadership must draw a clear line, ensuring curricula are balanced, factual, and free from personal agendas. Professors who cross ethical boundaries must be held accountable, and robust support systems must be established so that Jewish students know their complaints will be taken seriously and that they are not alone in this fight. Read article HERE.

This week's legal victory is a testament to our collective resolve and to the enduring values of free speech and justice. AGPI remains steadfast in its mission to defend Israel, combat hatred, and promote the democratic principles that underpin our shared humanity.

With gratitude and determination,

Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. If you are receiving our newsletter from someone else, you can subscribe to receive future copies by clicking HERE.

November 15, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

This past week, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) continued its tireless advocacy for Israel and democratic values.  It made waves with its continued dedication to defending Israel and supporting Canadian values in the face of significant challenges.

Amid street blockages and calls to shut down its event by pro-Hamas demonstrators, AGPI hosted a sold-out event, conferring its prestigious Defender of Israel Award upon former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

This milestone gathering brought together an influential cross-section of society—business leaders, philanthropists, interfaith advocates, diplomats, law enforcement officers, politicians, and educators—all united by a shared commitment to freedom and democracy. Harper’s steadfast dedication to Israel and his resolute stance against antisemitism resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing AGPI’s mission to protect peace and uphold democratic ideals.

In a fireside chat with me that underscored his dedication to Israel, Harper reminded those present of the importance of unwavering advocacy in the face of rising global hatred. His message was clear: the fight for freedom requires unity and determination, especially when Israel stands as a frontline defender against forces of intolerance and extremism.

The inspiring highlights of this powerful evening are now available in video format and photographs for all to witness.  Click Here to view. 

As Canadians honoured their veterans on Remembrance Day, AGPI joined dignitaries in a solemn march, paying tribute to the men and women who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. Standing alongside Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, and Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, AGPI proudly demonstrated its commitment to honoring Canada’s heroes. The shared sense of purpose on that day reinforced the values at the core of AGPI’s mission, emphasizing the importance of protecting the freedoms secured through the sacrifices of others.

Amid these moments of unity, AGPI also confronted an unsettling incident involving Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, who allegedly likened Hamas terror leader Yahya Sinwar to Nelson Mandela. Her remarks, suggesting that “your terrorist and somebody else’s terrorist may be two different things,” sparked outrage and prompted AGPI to call for her resignation. By equating a figure responsible for orchestrating the October 7th massacre with Mandela, Mayor Parrish’s comments disregarded the painful reality of terrorism faced by Israelis.

Compounding this concern, local pro-Hamas groups are reportedly planning a “Lest We Forget” memorial in honor of Sinwar—a move that AGPI believes must be strongly condemned. In its call for accountability, AGPI insists that Canadian leaders categorically reject any endorsement of terrorism, as support for such ideologies threatens the foundational values of peace and respect within Canadian society.

In the face of domestic threats, AGPI commended the recent actions of the Vancouver Police Department, which raided the home of a pro-Hamas activist who reportedly traveled to Iran and was seen burning the Canadian flag. The individual’s group, Samidoun, was recently designated as a terrorist organization. AGPI praised the Vancouver police for their vigilance and dedication to ensuring the safety of Canadians, reinforcing its support for national security efforts against extremism.

Internationally, AGPI looked to the words of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who met with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House this week. Herzog’s visit was marked by candid discussions on the destabilizing influence of Tehran, which Herzog described as the “empire of evil” actively working to derail peace and stability in the Middle East. Herzog’s words served as a stark reminder of the existential threats Israel faces daily, as well as the enduring bond between Israel and the United States, with Biden’s support during these turbulent times leaving a lasting legacy of friendship and solidarity.

In Canada, AGPI turned its attention to issues of inclusivity in schools, expressing concern over a Remembrance Day ceremony at Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa. Intended to honor Canadian soldiers, the event controversially included an Arabic song referencing Gaza, causing discomfort among students. While the school’s principal has since apologized, AGPI’s Director of Education, Dr. Neil Orlowsky, stressed that such ceremonies should honour those who fought for freedom without political messages that could divide communities. AGPI is following the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s investigation and advocates for a focus on unity in educational settings, especially during occasions that commemorate national sacrifice.

The cost of defending Israel’s freedom was further highlighted this week as Israel mourned the loss of six soldiers killed in action along the Lebanese border. Since October 7th, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation. AGPI solemnly honors their bravery, recognizing their commitment to Israel’s sovereignty as the cornerstone of its democratic society.

On the international stage, AGPI commended Canada’s decision to vote against a UN resolution supporting “permanent sovereignty” for the Palestinian people. As one of only seven countries opposing the measure, Canada sent a clear message about the importance of direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. AGPI believes that motions bypassing these critical conversations undermine the prospect of lasting peace.

Meanwhile, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, still held by Hamas since the October 7th attacks. AGPI emphasizes that their return is non-negotiable, calling for the global community to pressure Hamas to release these innocent people immediately.

In its latest editorial published in the National Post, AGPI CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo captures these sentiments in a sweeping interview with Stephen Harper, reflecting on Israel’s challenges and the importance of courageous advocacy. Through articles, speeches, and direct action, AGPI continues to be a powerful voice for peace, freedom, and enduring values that unite people across borders and beliefs.

Am Israel Chai and Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO

p.s. If you are receiving our newsletter from someone else, you can subscribe to receive future copies by clicking HERE.

November 8, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

This week’s Friday Report is a sobering reminder of the critical challenges that demand our collective voice and action. From violent street encounters in Amsterdam to profound human rights abuses in Iran and disturbing trends of antisemitism at Canadian universities, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is at the forefront, calling upon allies worldwide to confront hate and injustice wherever they arise. Today’s conflicts are clear indicators that we must remain vigilant, courageous, and unyielding in our dedication to human rights, justice, and peace.

Amsterdam: A Shocking Night of Violence against Jews: In Amsterdam, Israeli soccer fans faced a shocking resurgence of antisemitism. This hateful attack—violence, harassment and verbal abuse against people simply because they are Jewish—reminds us of the persistent tide of hatred faced by Jewish communities worldwide. AGPI promptly issued a formal condemnation and letter to Prime Minister Schoof, urging international bodies and governments to take immediate action against this pogrom. AGPI contends that this incident reflects an environment of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam.  This time, however, the Jewish people are not alone and we will take all measures to disallow this disgraceful behaviour.

A Trump Win Means Peace and Security for Israel: The Front Page of this week’s National Post features AGPI’s Avi Abraham Benlolo discussing a significant question: What would a Trump re-election mean for Middle Eastern peace and security? Benlolo examines the “peace through strength” doctrine, suggesting that a strong stance against hostile forces may prevent escalations that compromise stability in the region. This approach implies that a resilient posture could serve as a deterrent, allowing for a more stable peace through an undeniable show of strength. Whether or not the approach resonates with everyone, it underscores the complexity of ensuring security in a region often plagued by unrest.

The Tragedy of Arezoo Khavari: A Global Outcry for Iranian Women’s Rights: AGPI is deeply disturbed by the tragic fate of Arezoo Khavari, a 16-year-old student in Iran who took her own life after relentless harassment over minor dress code violations. Her story reflects the severe repression women and girls endure under Iran’s strict regime, where minor infractions lead to disproportionate and devastating consequences. In standing with Arezoo, AGPI condemns the blatant disregard for fundamental human rights inflicted upon women in Iran. Justice is long overdue, and we urge the international community to take meaningful action to protect the dignity and rights of women across the globe.

Remembering Yitzhak Rabin: A Legacy of Courage and Peace

This week marks the 29th anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a leader whose vision of peace left an indelible mark on the world. Rabin’s life and legacy remind us that peace is worth fighting for, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. As we honor his memory, we reflect on the importance of his work and ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to carry forward Rabin’s legacy of peace, unity, and resilience in a world that so desperately needs it?

AGPI's Response to The Push for an “Anti-Palestinian Racism” Definition in Canada: Recent developments have sparked concern in Canada following a meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, where an official from Heritage Canada reportedly expressed support for an “anti-Palestinian racism” (APR) definition. AGPI warns against adopting APR, which has the potential to stifle legitimate criticism, particularly around issues of extremism and terrorism. This term, pushed by some organizations, risks silencing the truth about pro-Hamas rallies and other activities that openly oppose Israel’s right to exist. AGPI stands against APR because it could obscure the realities of violent extremism and will continue to advocate for transparency and free expression.

Confronting Campus Antisemitism: Dr. Neil Orlowsky at the University of Guelph: Dr. Neil Orlowsky, AGPI’s Director of Education, recently addressed the concerning rise of antisemitism on Canadian campuses during a lecture at the University of Guelph. Speaking to a diverse audience, Dr. Orlowsky presented a stark picture of escalating hostility, bringing hundreds of images and articles as evidence of the anti-Jewish sentiments gaining traction. The historical parallel to Kristallnacht—a night of brutal violence against Jewish people in Nazi Germany—is hard to ignore. As Dr. Orlowsky noted, antisemitism is a societal problem, serving as a barometer for the challenges we face in building a world that values equity, inclusion, and justice.

Mia Schem’s Plea for Hostage Release: A Call for Global Action

At the United Nations Security Council, Mia Schem, a former hostage held by Hamas, recounted her harrowing experience in Gaza. Her testimony was a call for humanity, demanding immediate action to free the remaining 101 hostages still in captivity. Each day of their confinement is a day of unspeakable suffering. AGPI stands with Schem, advocating tirelessly for their freedom and for justice. Her words echo the plea of every hostage and their families, a cry that should not fall on deaf ears.

AGPI Standing United for Democracy: From Amsterdam’s streets to Iran’s authoritarian grip, from Canadian university campuses to international forums, the stories of this week paint a grim picture but also reflect a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and peace. The Abraham Global Peace Initiative reaffirms its dedication to confronting hate and advocating for human rights. We stand for a future where all people, regardless of background, are free from fear, prejudice, and oppression.

Let this Friday Report serve as a call to action, a reminder that our collective voice is our greatest tool in the fight for a world built on compassion, justice, and enduring peace.

November 1, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to The Friday Report, published weekly for the international network of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). 

AGPI Stands with Israel on UNRWA

In today’s National Post, AGPI addressed concerns over the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), calling on donor countries, including Canada, to ensure that UNRWA adheres to strict standards of neutrality and accountability. This appeal is part of AGPI’s ongoing advocacy to bring clarity and reform to institutions that influence the peace process.  Read all this and more on AGPI's Eye on the UN.

AGPI’s Defender of Israel Event is Sold Out

Our heartfelt thanks to supporters for making The Defenders of Israel our most successful event to date, where we honor The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. This event underscores AGPI’s commitment to Israel, freedom, and democracy. Looking ahead, please save the date for our gala dinner on May 27, 2025, with an exciting announcement on AGPI’s next steps.

AGPI Commends Bill Clinton For Speaking the Truth

Former President Bill Clinton recently offered powerful insights on the conflict, emphasizing the repeated rejection of peace. Clinton recounted the peace negotiations where a comprehensive deal, involving nearly all of the West Bank, 4% of Israeli land (chosen by Palestinian leadership), and a capital in East Jerusalem, was offered to Yasser Arafat. The proposal would have granted access to East Jerusalem and two quadrants of the Old City, as well as access to Israeli security towers in the region, all of which was confirmed by then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak and his cabinet. But Arafat refused.

As Clinton passionately remarked, “Hamas did not care about a homeland for the Palestinians. They wanted to kill Israelis and make Israel uninhabitable. Well, I got news for them: [the Jews] were there first before their faith existed. They were there in the time of King David, in the southernmost tribes, Judea and Samaria.” Clinton’s words highlight AGPI’s consistent message that peace requires acknowledgment of historical truths. His full comments are now available in AGPI’s learning center. [Watch Here]

AGPI Meets with Leaders

Our work is intensive since October 7th. AGPI has connected with numerous leaders in meaningful discussions. We were pleased to meet with Metin Bonfil, President of Istanbul’s Jewish School; Hon. Chair Paul Godfrey; Liuna’s Vice President Joseph Mancinelli; as well as Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer, and former OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes. These engagements reinforce AGPI’s dedication to supporting the Jewish community and fostering partnerships across various sectors.

AGPI Alarmed By Rise in Violent Antisemitism

Tragically, violent antisemitism is on the rise globally. Last week in Chicago, an Orthodox Jewish man was shot while walking to synagogue. A visibly Jewish man in Brooklyn was slashed in the face, and the historic Mikveh Israel synagogue in Philadelphia was vandalized. In Vienna, antisemitic incidents have surged from 300 to over 800 since October 7. And in Paris, swastikas and threats defaced the apartment where Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll was murdered, while in London, anti-Israel demonstrators intimidated attendees at JW3 community center. AGPI remains resolute in countering these acts of hate.

AGPI Calls for Action Against Francesca Albanese

Joining with the World Jewish Congress, AGPI stands against the UN report by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, which accuses Israel of genocide—a false narrative that inflames antisemitism. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated Albanese’s unfitness for her role. AGPI called on the University of Toronto to prevent her from using its campus to promote divisive rhetoric. We urge the Canadian government to consider barring her entry. AGPI supports the U.S. Congress’s move to block her briefing, underscoring the need to reject antisemitic distortion.

AGPI Stands with Israel Against Rocket Fire and Terrorism

AGPI deplores the ongoing rocket attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which this week took more lives. Today alone, 55 projectiles were launched at Israeli civilians—each a separate attempt at murder and a clear call for the world to dismantle Hezbollah, missile by missile. We also denounce the terrorist attacks that have injured dozens of Israelis and urge the global community to demand that Hamas and Hezbollah lay down their arms.

AGPI Contributes to new Canadian Handbook on Antisemitism

AGPI is proud to have contributed to the development of the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Our role involved thoroughly reading and reviewing the entire document, providing key input and suggestions to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and impact. We offered recommendations on content, highlighted recent events, and helped refine the focus exclusively on antisemitism within Canada. Developed by the Government of Canada, alongside the Office of the Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, this handbook stands as a crucial resource to foster a unified understanding of antisemitism and support efforts to counter hate nationwide.

To further enhance the handbook's effectiveness, we recommend including additional recent examples of antisemitic incidents in Canada, more resources for educators, and actionable steps for institutions to adopt the IHRA definition effectively. Ensuring wide dissemination of the handbook in both digital and physical formats will also be key to maximizing its reach and impact.

AGPI Demands Hostages Must Be Returned

This Shabbat, over 101 hostages remain captive in Gaza. Their immediate and unconditional release is non-negotiable, and we call on all leaders to prioritize their safe return.

Am Israel Chai! 

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO

p.s. If you are receiving our newsletter from someone else, you can subscribe to receive future copies by clicking HERE.

Shabbat Shalom, 

October 25, 2024

With respect to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, AGPI is posting this press release only for The Friday Report:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2024 – Toronto, Canada – In a call to action, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) demands that Western leaders fully support Israel’s fight for survival and cease actions that weaken its efforts against terrorism. AGPI’s plea follows a trend of policy decisions that, rather than supporting Israel, have undermined its sovereignty and emboldened those who threaten democratic values globally.

On the front-page of Today's National Post, AGPI’s Founder Avi Abraham Benlolo remarked, “The reluctance to back Israel against terrorism emboldens regimes like Iran and groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This undermines not only Israel’s security but democratic principles worldwide.”

AGPI condemns the political pressures faced by Israel to restrain its defensive actions, asserting that these calls for restraint from leaders — including those in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — are short-sighted and could extend the conflict. “Playing politics with Israel’s security is a dangerous strategy,” Benlolo continued. “When Israel stands firm, it defends democracy itself.”

The organization emphasizes that Israel’s actions to secure its borders and dismantle terrorist threats are not only vital for its people but are essential in combating a tide of extremism affecting democracies around the world. AGPI calls on Western leaders to align policy firmly with the principles of strength and sovereignty, recognizing Israel’s critical role in preserving stability in the Middle East.

About The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI):
AGPI advocates for human rights, peace, and global democratic security, combating extremism and promoting international cooperation to uphold justice and understanding.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@agpic.a

October 11, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this special holiday edition of The Friday Report, published weekly for members of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI).  As the sun sets this Shabbat and holiday, Israel is on high alert this Yom Kippur. 

Tonight, Jewish families around the world will begin observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement—the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, marked by solemn personal reflection. We extend our heartfelt wishes for an easy fast and may you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

In Israel, 101 hostage families will face the holiday with an empty seat at their table. For 1,200 families, this Yom Kippur comes in the shadow of losing a loved one on October 7th. Over 734 brave IDF soldiers who gave their lives defending Israel this year will not be returning home. And more than 60,000 displaced Israelis from the north will be unable to observe the holiday in their homes due to the ongoing threat of Hezbollah rockets.

The same terror ideology that has relentlessly targeted Israel since October 7th is now creeping into Canada. This week, pro-Palestinian demonstrators burned our flag and called for “death to Canada.” In response, AGPI launched an awareness campaign across social and traditional media, alerting Canadians to the dangerous radical ideologies seeping into our country. You can join us by signing the petition HERE.

In today’s National Post (see article below), we warned: "First, they came for the Jews. Now, they are coming for everyone else. You were silent. You refused to speak. But we warned you: what begins with us never ends with us. We Jews may be the entry point, but we are never the final target."

AGPI is urging the authorities and the public to stop this terror-supporting mob on our streets. If history has taught us anything from the Holocaust, it is that what begins with words eventually erupts into violence. For over a year, Canadians turned a blind eye while the Jewish community was targeted. Now, our flag has been burned. As history shows—from Nazi book burnings of Torah scrolls and Jewish academic works—those who burn books, or flags, will ultimately burn bodies.

Amid the overwhelming support for our stance in defence of Canada and democratic values, we are encouraged to see more Canadians waking up to the dangers we’ve been warning about. We are confronting those attempting to silence us with fabricated accusations of "anti-Palestinian racism" as we condemn the desecration of our flag and the calls for genocide on our streets.

We will not go quietly into the night. We will stand firm in defence of freedom and democracy, ensuring these dark forces—whether against Canada, America, or Israel—are exposed and defeated.  If you missed our panel on terrorism this week marking 10/7 watch the video HERE. 

If you stand with us, help us reach more Canadians by forwarding this newsletter along with the article below. Encourage others to sign our "Canada is Burning" petition HERE. You can also help amplify our voice by making a charitable contribution HERE (tax-receipted).

Wishing all our friends and supporters an easy fast and a joyous Thanksgiving.

Am Israel Chai! Avi Abraham Benlolo

p.s. If you are receiving our newsletter from someone else, you can subscribe to receive future copies by clicking HERE.

October 4, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Due to the holiday, today's The Friday Report is our front page article published on this day in The National Post:

We’ve been here for 5,785 years — and we aren’t going anywhere

Author of the article:Avi BenloloPublished Oct 04, 2024 

As we usher in the Jewish New Year, the forces of hate, antisemitism and ignorance remain blind to an undeniable truth: we’ve been here for 5,785 years — and we aren’t going anywhere. Our enemies, who’ve relentlessly targeted us for centuries, have forgotten that their own religious roots are deeply intertwined with biblical Judaism. Yet, they’ve persecuted us for our faith, resilience and sheer determination to survive.

We are not just any people — we are a people bound by history and tradition, a link in an unbroken chain stretching back to ancient times. Despite being small in number, we have survived more than any other people, contributing immeasurably to humanity’s scientific, academic and cultural wealth. Our exuberance for life and progress is unmatched, with Jewish Nobel Prize winners representing a significant portion of those who’ve shaped modern civilization. We are, without a doubt, a gift to humanity.

And yet, through centuries of crusades, inquisitions, pogroms and finally the Holocaust, we were reduced to just 0.02 per cent of the global population. But even so, we survived. Despite every attempt to destroy us, from the time of our forefathers — Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — our strength, faith and energy have been rooted in the land of Israel. Even when enslaved in Egypt, the promise of our homeland sustained us. Israel has been and always will be the wellspring of our strength — a land that beckons our return and renews our spirit.

Here we stand, 5,785 years later, at yet another pivotal moment in Jewish history. As we approach the first anniversary of the most heinous crime against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, all the forces of hatred have converged upon us once more. But there is a difference this time. While past atrocities were confined to certain geographies, today’s modern technology allows hate to travel at unprecedented speed. The violence and vitriol targeting Jews have gone global — whether online, in the media or on the streets of major cities.

But here’s the thing: we are no longer the same Jews of centuries past. We are no longer passive, no longer willing to simply endure. We have evolved, and today we confront and push back against these forces of evil. Hamas, once thought to be untouchable, has fallen like a house of cards. Hezbollah’s terror chief, Hassan Nasrallah, is decimated while its leadership is on the run. Even Iran, with its ballistic missiles and menacing threats, has twice proven no match for the might of Israel.

The Lions of Judah have awoken, and we have taken the gloves off. We are destroying the web of hatred and violence spun by the Iranian regime. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, once brazen and boastful, now hides in basements, realizing there’s no safe haven. By ridding the Palestinians of Hamas, the Lebanese of Hezbollah, and, one day, the Iranian people of Khamenei’s tyranny, Israel is freeing the world from the shackles of terrorism — just as Jews have done throughout history.

This year, in 5,785, the Jewish people are on the offensive. No longer will we tolerate a United Nations that bullies Israel, funds terror (through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), and weaponizes its courts against us. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been banned from entering Israel for failing to condemn the latest Iranian assault — a clear message that the time for inaction is over.

Jewish communities and our allies around the world will fight back harder than ever before. We will confront the academics and students who poison our universities with antisemitism. The institutions that have benefited from Jewish intellect and resources will see those same resources withdrawn if they continue to harbour hatred. We will push back against the antisemitic rallies that stain our streets with calls for genocide. And we will stand firm against politicians who seek our support yet undermine the Jewish State at every turn.

But this year will not only be defined by defense. Israel and the global Jewish community will be more resolute than ever in building bridges with friends and allies — those who share our values of freedom and democracy. An Abraham Global Peace Initiative study released last week found that 77 per cent of Ontarians reject the violent antisemitism directed at Jewish communities. It’s clear that the world, too, is beginning to grow weary of the hate and intolerance perpetuated by pro-Hamas radicals.

For 5,785 years, we’ve persevered. Our history gives us a unique vantage point. And if you’re still one of those hoping for our demise, take a hard look at the annals of time. Decide which side of history you want to stand on. Because, since October 7, if you haven’t noticed, we are emboldened, energized and prepared to take you on. Our youth proudly wear the Star of David around their necks. We’re ready to fight — and win — for another 5,785 years.

Wishing all my Jewish readers a Shanah Tovah — Am Israel Chai!

Subscribe to get our newsletter free direct:

https://agpiworld.com/contact-%26-subscribe

September 27, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this special Israel edition of The Friday Report. The sun is setting here in Tel Aviv as we wrap up another intensive week of meeting with families of Israelis still held by Hamas as hostages; with wounded soldiers and with many of the minority faith communities (Christians, Arabs, Bedouin, Druze) who stand with Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah.

Our continued campaign since October 7th has been to combat the lies, myths and antisemitic distortions we are seeing on our campuses, union, through the media and even government.   

Our Front Page article in today's National Post wraps up the situation in Israel by challenging the ludicrous behaviour of a few teachers at Toronto's School Board.

Below is an excerpt from today's article - continued on our website.  We invite you to read this important piece and share it widely:

The truth is that Christians, Bedouins and Arabs are thriving in the country

Published Sep 27, 2024  

Early Wednesday morning, the eerie wail of sirens shattered the calm over Tel Aviv, a city of life and culture now haunted by the ever-present threat of terrorism. Above my hotel, the Iron Dome soared into action, intercepting a missile fired by Hezbollah — an attack aimed not at military installations, but at civilians. This was no accident. It was a deliberate attempt to inflict death and destruction upon Israel’s most densely populated city. And yet, the world remains largely silent, offering only the faintest of condemnations. Israel, as always, is expected to endure.

Why this silence? It isn’t because Israel strikes back, pounding Hezbollah’s positions in Lebanon, a country from which thousands of rockets have rained down since Oct. 7. No, the muted response is because Israel is once again defending itself — a right that seems to be questioned only when it’s Israel exercising it.

Here in Tel Aviv, I am surrounded by families torn from their homes in the north, where Hezbollah’s relentless barrage has made daily life impossible. My hotel is packed with evacuees — families forced into displacement by the terror that stalks Israel’s borders. There are 60,000 like them, uprooted from their homes, living in a state of limbo. One high school teacher, staying with his students, told me this week about the emotional devastation. “Their children are deeply depressed,” he confides, looking away as if the admission pains him. “We all thought this displacement would last a few months, but now it’s nearing a year. They’ve had enough.”

This unbearable strain on the lives of Israel’s children should resonate with anyone who values human dignity. Educators, parents and students alike around the world should be outraged. But in Toronto last week, outrage was reserved for something else entirely. Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teachers deceived their students into attending a pro-Palestinian rally cloaked as an environmental demonstration. Over 15 schools participated in this event, the so-called Grassy Narrows River Run, ostensibly to raise awareness about environmental contamination. The truth was far darker. Teachers used this opportunity to fuel anti-Israel sentiment among the young and impressionable.

The TDSB and the provincial government have rightly launched investigations, but even that may not suffice. Those responsible must face serious consequences if these allegations prove true. Leading students into the lion’s den of disinformation, where Palestinian terrorism is excused and even glorified, cannot go unpunished.

Instead of taking a stand against the terror of Hamas and Hezbollah, these educators aligned their students with the most brutal, Nazi-like terrorists of our time. This betrayal is made even worse when juxtaposed against the stories of Israeli-Arabs and Christians, who work tirelessly to promote coexistence. Their voices are drowned out by the lies perpetuated in these rallies.

One such voice is Maryam, a young Christian woman studying at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, who spoke to me this week. Her family fled Lebanon when she was just five years old, seeking safety from the horrors of Hezbollah. Today, Maryam speaks with deep gratitude for Israel, the country she calls home. “Israel welcomed us with open arms,” she says, her face brightening with pride. She speaks of her Christian community of 7,000, all of whom have thrived in Israel — a nation that offers opportunity and freedom to all its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. She flatly rejects the apartheid slur, inviting anyone to witness firsthand the country’s pluralistic society. “The ignorance in the West is staggering,” she laments. “If only people would come and see the miracle that is Israel.”

Her story is just one of many. At the same university, a Bedouin physics graduate who spoke to me earlier this week is charting his own remarkable path. The first in his family to attend university, he is preparing to launch his own high-tech start-up, a dream nurtured by the opportunities afforded to him in Israel. “I am blessed,” he tells me. His story underscores the truth: In Israel, 35 per cent of doctors and 50 per cent of nurses are Arab, and Arab women make up 70 per cent of the Muslim student body. The narrative of oppression simply doesn’t hold up against the facts.

And yet, if you relied on the media or witnessed the anti-Israel protests sweeping across cities, you’d be led to believe Israel is among the worst violators of human rights, comparable to regimes like North Korea, Iran and Syria. But nothing could be further from the truth. The media bias against Israel distorts reality, masking the incredible efforts Israel makes to build bridges with its Arab community.

I spoke with Israel’s national director for Arab Affairs this week, a man proud of his Arab heritage. “Eighty-five percent of Israeli Arabs denounce Hamas and Hezbollah,” he told me. “They want no part in these terrorists’ identity. Our focus should be on dismantling the real threat — Iran.”

As Israel scales back its military operations in Gaza, despite 101 hostages still languishing in terror tunnels, it pushes Hezbollah toward a ceasefire, hoping to return displaced families to their homes. If Canadian schools and universities are truly committed to truth and justice, they should educate themselves about the reality in Israel. It’s time to stand against terror and with those who fight for peace.

National Post https://nationalpost.com/opinion/avi-benlolo-dispelling-the-lies-about-apartheid-israel

September 20, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

As the sun begins setting tonight here in Israel, the nation is on edge as more than 150 Hezbollah rockets slam into the Northern part of the country. We are here to stand with the people of Israel. 

Welcome to AGPI's The Friday Report, where we provide critical updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs. You can read the full report HERE.  Join our WhatsApp Channel HERE. 

We stand here in Israel, united with its people as they face threats from Hamas in the South and Hezbollah in the North. In the heart of the desert, we met with Farhan al-Qadi, a 52-year-old Bedouin father of 11, who was rescued by the IDF after enduring ten months trapped in Hamas’s tunnels. His story is nothing short of harrowing. Despite being a Muslim, Hamas showed him no mercy.  

We call on Hamas to free the remaining 101 hostages now. 

Tensions have escalated further as Israel adopts an offensive stance against Hezbollah this week, seeking to restore the lives of over 60,000 displaced citizens in the North. These displaced families are the war’s invisible victims. Their suffering often goes unnoticed, but we are here to bear witness, ensuring that the international community acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hezbollah.

They spoke of lives upended—children missing nearly a year of school, jobs and homes lost. Many are now internal refugees, living in cramped hotel rooms, far from the stability they once knew.

Yet, at the United Nations, this tragedy remains unseen. Another resolution was passed this week in the General Assembly condemning Israel, with no mention of Hamas or Hezbollah. No call for the return of the 101 hostages still languishing underground in Gaza. It was a shameful display of indifference that we critiqued strongly in Canada's media today and encourage our followers to send around our analysis.

We believe that the UN strategy is part of a broader trend where Israel has been systematically singled out. Between 2015 and 2022, the General Assembly passed 140 resolutions against Israel — more than twice the number passed against all other countries combined. In 2023 alone, the United Nations General Assembly passed 14 resolutions condemning Israel — double the total number of condemnations of all other countries combined, all while overlooking major global human rights violators, such as Iran, Venezuela, China and Saudi Arabia. Countries like North Korea and Syria faced just one resolution each.

Even more disheartening, as we expressed in today’s National Post, was Canada’s decision to abstain from voting alongside Israel, a nation it claims as a friend and ally. Meanwhile, Canada had no qualms meeting with Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani—despite Qatar’s role as one of Hamas’s primary financiers.

In stark contrast to this international neglect, we attended a hopeful event this week in the Bedouin-Israeli village of Rahat, where a new museum was inaugurated. Faith communities of all kinds gathered in a powerful show of peace, coexistence, and pride in the freedoms Israel grants to all religious groups. But you wouldn’t know this if you listened only to the United Nations.

Despite everything, Israelis remain resilient. All have felt the war’s impact. Some of you might have seen the video we shared on social media of a young man standing alone in Hostage Square, playing Imagine. The world may refuse to see the truth, but we are here to expose it—as we have from the very beginning—fighting denial and distortion at the UN, on university campuses, and in the streets.

Am Israel Chai!
Avi Abraham Benlolo

For media interviews, to book AGPI as a speaker or to partner in a program or event, please contact us at office@agpi.ca

September 3, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to AGPI's The Friday Report, where we provide critical updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs. You can read the full report HERE.

This week marked a milestone for AGPI as we held our most significant and well-attended board retreat, tripling attendance from the previous year. This growth reflects a powerful and growing momentum behind our cause—a cause deeply rooted in the defense of truth, justice, and the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.

Our column in today’s National Post encapsulates the profound importance of non-Jews standing alongside Jewish people in the ongoing fight against antisemitism and in support of Israel. The story of August Landmesser, who famously stood in defiance against the Nazi salute in 1936, serves as a timeless reminder: silence is complicity. This is a lesson painfully learned from the Holocaust and one that echoes through today’s world, where rising hostility toward Jewish communities is met too often with indifference or silence.

Yet, we may be approaching a turning point. Over the last few months, AGPI has actively reached out to faith communities, encouraging them to take action and speak out against the hatred and intolerance we face. I am deeply encouraged by the momentum we’ve seen. Leaders from various backgrounds are now joining this critical movement to "take back our streets" and push back against the growing tide of antisemitism.

AGPI is working intensely to create this tipping point—where Canadians and Americans at large recognize the rising hostility on our streets, universities, unions, and other arenas of daily life that affects everyone beyond the Jewish community. The growing tide of intolerance is a threat to the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity that we all hold dear.

Our upcoming Defenders of Israel evening with Stephen Harper is not merely an event—it’s a movement. This program will bring together a diverse and vibrant crowd, including multifaith communities, to stand in solidarity against antisemitism and hatred. We are incredibly proud to see so many of our supporters, faith leaders, diplomats, and business leaders already registered to join us. Their commitment reflects the power of unity in the face of division and is a testament to the fact that people of all backgrounds recognize the importance of this cause.

At this week's retreat, I was profoundly moved by the courage of our guest speakers. These individuals—many of whom are not Jewish—understand that the safety and security of the Jewish people is inseparably tied to the broader values that uphold our society: truth, justice, and human dignity. Like Landmesser, they recognize the personal sacrifices that come with standing up for what is right. Yet they do so because they understand that the fight against antisemitism is a fight for the very soul of humanity.

This week, AGPI also addressed a gathering of the Canadian Jewish Lawyers Association in Toronto, emphasizing the unity of the Jewish people in the face of the horrific events of October 7th. Addressing the meeting's theme of "Jewish diversity," we drew attention to how Hamas did not discriminate between Sephardic or Ashkenazi Jews, nor did it care about their sexual orientation or age. Much like the Nazis, Hamas only cared that they were Jews—and for that reason alone, they were brutally murdered. This chilling reality underscores the need for unity within the Jewish world, as our shared history binds us together.

On another note, we are deeply concerned by recent actions from our own government. Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas, a terrorist organization as designated by Canada. Yet, this week, we were shocked when Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly moved to block the sale of Canadian military equipment to the U.S., which might be destined to help Israel win its war against this terror group. While Prime Minister Trudeau has repeatedly stated, "Israel has a right to defend itself," his government's actions appear to undermine that very fact.

Further disappointment comes from the Canadian government’s attempt—and failure—to block a petition challenging the resumption of $25 million in funding to UNRWA, the UN agency whose staff have been implicated in the October 7th murders and, this week, have been found to be complicit with Hamas. It is troubling that Canadian tax dollars are being directed toward an agency connected to such acts of violence and terror.

This week, Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide were devastated by footage revealing the underground Hamas tunnel where Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Ori, Alex, and Almog were held in brutal conditions and murdered by Hamas. This heart-wrenching revelation underscores the barbarity of Hamas and strengthens AGPI’s call for the immediate release of the 101 remaining hostages. We also demand that Hamas lay down its weapons and surrender, bringing an end to this senseless violence.

Perhaps Foreign Minister Joly should take counsel from General Sir John McColl, the former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, who served 38 years in the British Army and saw combat in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After touring Gaza, McColl concluded: "I came away from the trip satisfied that the IDF's operations and rules of engagement were rigorous compared to the British Army and our Western allies. War is terrible, but sometimes necessary. And Israeli soldiers are fighting in conditions of extraordinary complexity and risk. It's time for the world to have its eyes opened to that." It’s time for Canada’s leadership to take a clearer, more principled stand.

Internationally, AGPI is expressing concern about the rise of a new party in Lithuania, whose leader is currently on trial for antisemitic statements. As Lithuania heads into parliamentary elections next month, it is alarming to see antisemitism gaining traction in a country where over 90% of Lithuanian Jews were murdered by Nazis and Lithuanian collaborators during the Holocaust. AGPI will continue to monitor this situation closely and raise awareness of the dangers that such ideologies pose to democratic societies.

A tipping point is not only happening here on the ground—it’s also happening in Africa. This week, 25 African countries gathered in Addis Ababa for the first Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit in a clear show of solidarity with Israel. AGPI congratulates these nations for working toward peace and building on the Abraham Accords. This marks a significant moment in international relations and demonstrates that the movement for peace and collaboration is gaining momentum beyond the Middle East.

At AGPI, we continue to build bridges between communities, ensuring that our efforts reach far beyond the Jewish community and into the heart of our shared society. We are grateful to everyone who is standing with us in this fight, and we look forward to welcoming you on November 12th for what promises to be an impactful and inspiring evening.

Am Israel Chai!
The AGPI Team

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to AGPI's The Friday Report, where we provide critical updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs. You can read the full report HERE.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our many new donors and supporters for joining the AGPI global movement. A special thank you to our allies, friends of Israel, and the Jewish people who have registered for our Defenders of Israel program featuring Stephen Harper on November 12th in Toronto. We welcome you with open arms.

Hostage Crisis Update

This week, we reflect on the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza. Current reports indicate that 64 captives remain in Hamas's control, including 57 Israelis. This includes civilians and military personnel, with 35 hostages having tragically lost their lives in Gaza. AGPI continues to demand their return.

Condemnation of Hostage Murders

AGPI condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas. The recovered bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino underscore the brutal nature of Hamas’s actions.

Mourning Fallen Israeli Officers

We mourn the loss of three courageous Israeli police officers—Chief Inspector Arik Ben Eliyahu, Command Sgt. Maj. Hadas Branch, and First Sgt. Roni Shakuri—who were killed in an attack at the Tarqumiyah Junction. Their deaths highlight the ongoing threats faced by those protecting Israel and its citizens.

Denunciation of Unwarranted Blame

AGPI supports Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s assertion that Hamas is responsible for the hostage crisis and the execution of six hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Dermer has emphasized that Hamas’s actions are to blame for the current situation.

AGPI denounces the ongoing blame and pressure placed on Israel for the hostage situation. Oct. 7 survivor Sabine Taasa, who lost her husband and 17-year-old son during the Hamas attack on Netiv Haasara, addressed the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. She urged, "I need you to stop blaming us," condemning the inhumane act of filming her son's murder and questioning, "Is that normal? Shooting a child of 17 six times in the head?"

Campus Chaos A Threat to the West

Our front-page column in today’s National Post highlights alarming trends on university campuses. Universities, meant to prepare the next generation for a better future, are instead witnessing Islamist groups empowering youth with falsehoods, undermining democratic principles. A Canary Mission report revealed that dozens of U of T faculty supported last spring’s anti-Israel encampment—a troubling development for those who value our country’s future and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

To critics who argue that rules against antisemitism and violence suppress free speech, consider this: In which corporate boardroom would such behavior be tolerated? The answer is none. Universities should adhere to the same norms of civility and respect as other sectors. Campus chaos, spilling into our streets with hate speech and public disturbances, is an abuse of free speech. Is “free speech for me, but not for thee” truly what is meant when defending these actions?

In our national column today, we implored educational institutions and corporations not to adopt the term “Anti-Palestinian Racism” (APR). At Toronto Metropolitan University, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas students used APR as a shield to deflect criticism and silence opposition to their falsehoods. This term undermines our foundational values of free expression.

Global Antisemitism Trends

Jews now have separate buses in London? In a true testament to the rising tide of antisemitism globally, London transportation authorities introduced a new public bus service linking two areas with large Jewish populations as antisemitic incidents hit record levels. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the fear felt by Jews, who have experienced abuse when changing buses, struck him deeply. 

Closer to home, at the University of British Columbia, students displayed a banner reading “pigs off campus,” featuring a severed pig’s head—a symbol with deep-rooted antisemitic connotations. This extremism reflects the normalization of hatred in academic settings.

Call for Transparency on Nazi War Criminals

AGPI is calling on the Canadian government to release the names of 900 alleged Nazi war criminals who fled to Canada, many of whom were from the Ukrainian Waffen SS division. It is time for Canada to stop hiding the truth to protect the Ukrainian community.

Disappointment with Meta/Facebook

This week, AGPI expressed disappointment with Meta/Facebook for endorsing the genocidal rallying cry of the pro-Hamas movement, “from the river to the sea.” We call on the company to immediately reverse this hateful and antisemitic slogan.

UN Human Rights Office Statement

In an upside world, the UN human rights office condemned antisemitism and expressed "horror" over the summary executions of Israeli hostages by Hamas. This doublespeak is noted as its sister agency, UNRWA, has employed staff aiding and abetting the October 7th massacre. AGPI continues to bring attention to this hypocrisy through symposiums and reports. 

For Defenders of Israel

In the face of these challenges, standing up against bullies means doubling down on celebrating Israel and uniting with our allies. We invite you to join us on November 12th as we honour Stephen Harper with the Defender of Israel Award, reinforcing our collective commitment to the safety and security of Israel.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!

August 30, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

As we approach the final weekend of summer and celebrate Labour Day, we are pleased to present this condensed edition of The Friday Report, offering you essential updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our many supporters who have joined us in registering for the Defender of Israel event on November 12th, featuring Stephen Harper. In just a few days, the event is already 50% sold out.

For this evening, we are inviting allies from various faith communities to join us on November 12th to engage in critical discussions about the future of Canada and the threats to freedom and democracy. If you are a faith leader, we invite you to contact us to receive your invitation. Send us a message to office@agpi.ca

We remain vigilant in countering those who deny and defame Israel. In today’s National Post (see full article below), we condemned the United Nations for excluding the October 7th Hamas atrocities from an exhibit on terrorism:

“The UN’s erasure of Jewish life and its denial of the Jewish right to the land of Israel have permeated our universities and educational systems. It is a chilling reminder of how quickly an educated society can be turned into agents of hate, as happened under Hitler’s regime. Today, we see unions caught promoting antisemitism, and universities siding with Hamas against freedom and democracy.”

“Even pride parades have aligned with Hamas — the very group that would violently suppress them — leaving their Jewish allies questioning where their support has gone. Meanwhile, the media and political leaders turn a blind eye as Jewish communities, which have been historically generous and philanthropic, face blatant discrimination.”

Israel needs our unwavering support as it continues to defend itself. Just a few days ago, a significant strike against Hezbollah averted what could have been another catastrophe. Hezbollah was poised to launch hundreds of missiles against the Jewish State, but Israel's preemptive action prevented the attack.

AGPI stands firmly behind Israel’s right to self-defence against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime. While you may receive our Friday Report on a weekly basis, please know that we are active daily in the media and in person, advocating for our future and safeguarding our history.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!

August 23, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this summer edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, where we provide you with critical updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs. You can read the full report HERE.

Last week, a pro-Hamas group attempted to silence our pro-Israel voice by launching a campaign using a fabricated concept called "Anti-Palestinian Racism" (APR). Their goal was to have our article removed, despite it being balanced, fact-based, and entirely accurate.

In response, we have doubled down on our commitment to speak the truth. Today, we published another article in the National Post, exposing the APR strategy being deployed to stop free expression and suppress democracy. 

We are pleased to share the full article with you (below) and encourage you to stand against those who wish to silence the truth about Israel by forwarding this email to as many family members and friends as possible.

No amount of intimidation—whether through media censorship, campus takeovers, or bomb threats against Jewish community institutions—will alter the undeniable truth of history: that Jews have every right to live in our homeland and that Jerusalem is our eternal capital.

Silence is not golden. Please share this message with your family and friends, and invite them to join the AGPI movement. Together, we stand united in defending our future and protecting our past.

Finally, standing up against bullies means doubling down on celebrating Israel and bringing together our allies. We invite you to join us on November 12th as we confer the Defender of Israel Award on Stephen Harper. 

Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!

Sincerely,
Avi Abraham Benlolo

p.s. by making a gift to AGPI in any amount, you will receive an instant link to Never Surrender, now as an e-book

August 16, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this summer edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, where we bring you essential updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs.

We begin our report by commending Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for announcing this morning that he will not be participating in any events organized by Capital Pride this year, following the organization's anti-Israel position. Given the fact that Israel is the only country in the Middle East that celebrates gay rights, AGPI calls for further distancing of Canada’s political and business leaders from Capital Pride for its false narrative about Israel.

Given the strong media bias against Israel, AGPI focuses on busting the myths in the public sphere.  Our piece in today's National Post is the most read as it confronts the mythology that Israel replaced a pre-existing Palestinian state, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. This is a must-read for anyone seeking clarity on the complex issues surrounding Israel and its neighbours. Read the full article here.

Meanwhile, the world continues to watch the developments at the Doha Summit, where the fate of Israeli hostages remains uncertain. Mediators wrapped up talks this week with no definitive conclusions but have announced plans to reconvene next week. AGPI remains steadfast in our advocacy for the safe return of all Israeli hostages and urges continued international pressure to bring about a resolution.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the eyes of the world are also on Iran and Hezbollah, both of whom are considering their next move regarding Israel. With the U.S. fleet positioned nearby, any aggressive actions could have catastrophic consequences. AGPI urges these actors to reconsider any plans for escalation, as the consequences could be dire not only for the region but for global stability.

Closer to home, AGPI is pleased with the recent decision to oust Canada’s new Human Rights Commissioner, a move that AGPI believes upholds the integrity and impartiality required for such a critical role. The commissioner’s perceived bias was a serious concern for our community and all Canadians committed to true human rights. 

That same concern has arisen this week as the president of CUPE Ontario came under fire in the media and from union members for a video he reportedly shared on social media of an "athlete with a prominent Star of David on their arm jumping off the diving board before turning into a bomb that drops on innocent civilians. The narrator in the video calls the diver an 'Olympic champion." AGPI has strongly condemned this hateful depiction. 

AGPI is exposing the true nature of Palestinian "resistance". In Ottawa, recent Palestinian demonstrations included banners proclaiming that “resistance” is “legal.” Let us be clear: there is nothing legal about the atrocities committed against innocent civilians, including the rape of girls and women or the beheading of babies. The Palestinian movement has tragically devolved into a cult of death, seeking to normalize the murder of Jews “by any means necessary.” 

AGPI is also shocked and dismayed by the alleged recent actions of a Vancouver pro-Palestinian activist, who apparently traveled to Iran to receive a so-called human rights award and appeared on Iranian television to discuss her arrest by Vancouver police. Even more egregiously, the activist reportedly reiterated her support for the “brave, heroic” October 7 terror attack on Israel. AGPI will continue to speak out and expose this dangerous ideology for what it truly is, and we strongly condemn such blatant glorification of terrorism.

In this, AGPI continues to express grave concern over terrorist threats within Canada. Last month, Mostafa Eldidi and his father, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, were arrested on terrorism charges for plotting a deadly ISIS-inspired attack on the Jewish community. AGPI is calling for a thorough investigation into how these individuals entered the country and became citizens. This case highlights a broader issue: the increasing threat posed by pro-Hamas radicalism on our streets. AGPI will remain vigilant in raising alarms and advocating for stronger measures to protect our communities.

This sentiment has has rocked university campuses over the past year, a direct result of poor leadership and the tolerance of antisemitism within these institutions. This week, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik became the third Ivy League president to resign due to her handling of the protests. Pro-Hamas activists have transformed universities into battlegrounds in the West, where hate, violence, and antisemitism are being promoted under the guise of "free speech." University presidents who have failed to curb this behaviour are now facing the consequences, as their inability to protect students and uphold academic integrity leads to their forced resignations.

This week, AGPI continues to condemn a disturbing rise in antisemitic and racist attacks. A 20-year-old Jewish man in New York was stabbed by an assailant shouting “Free Palestine,” and in Woodbridge, Ontario, a swastika was painted on the grass of a local park. These acts of hate are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling trend that must be addressed with urgency and resolve.

In the US, AGPI expresses disappointment at the re-election of Ilhan Omar, whose views have often aligned with pro-Hamas rhetoric. We are also increasingly concerned about Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential leanings, especially in light of recent appointments that suggest a shift towards a more pro-Hamas agenda. The implications of these political developments are troubling, and AGPI will continue to monitor and respond to them.

This week, AGPI had the honour of conversing with Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan. We thanked him for his tireless efforts over the past four years in representing Israel on the global stage. In his final speech to the UN Security Council, Ambassador Erdan boldly called out the Palestinian representative for supporting terrorism. His leadership will be greatly missed.

AGPI welcomes the recent U.S. announcement of a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, including 50 F-15 fighter jets. This significant investment in Israel’s defense capabilities will bolster the nation’s security for years to come. We applaud this decision as a testament to the strong ties between the United States and Israel.

Please share this message with your family and friends. Wishing you a pleasant long weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!

Sincerely, 

Avi Abraham Benlolo

-------------------------------

August 9, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this summer edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, where we bring you essential updates on our advocacy efforts, the situation in Israel, and Jewish affairs.

Our world is in crisis, and we are committed to addressing it head-on. By collaborating with business leaders, faith leaders, educators, and those in law enforcement, we are working at the highest levels of influence to enact the change we wish to see. As an organization, we are building a coalition of individuals who passionately believe in truth, freedom, and democracy.

To further these efforts, we invite you to participate in our Defenders of Israel Initiative, launching on November 12th. This event will feature the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada.  

In today's National Post, we published a comprehensive essay (top read today) discussing the deepening crisis of leadership both at home and globally. We are in desperate need of leaders with the vision and resolve of Winston Churchill to guide us through these tumultuous times. A new axis of evil threatens the free world—who will stand against it?

This past week has been a stark reminder of the challenges we face. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has shown troubling support for pro-Hamas rhetoric; in the UK, a civil uprising is brewing, fueled by growing extremism; in Canada, our streets have been ignited by pro-Hamas riots, with politicians conspicuously absent; in Japan, the Mayor of Nagasaki refused to invite the Israeli Ambassador, effectively blaming a fellow democracy for the Hamas attacks; and UNRWA has terminated only 9 staff involved in the October 7th atrocities, despite evidence implicating hundreds. AGPI has been at the forefront, protesting these injustices both at home and abroad.

How can we sleep while our world is aflame? The loss of moral clarity knows no bounds. This week, we stand with Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, who rightly expressed his deep concern over the rising anti-Israel sentiment among Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ human rights organizations. It is disheartening to see multiple Pride organizations using their honorable platforms to incite hatred against Israelis, Zionists, and Jews.

Ambassador Moed continues: "The recent statements by organizations such as Halifax Pride, Vancouver Dyke March, and, most recently, Capital Pride, align these events with the dangerous BDS ideology that denies Israel’s right to exist. Under the guise of advocating for Palestinian rights, these organizations—purportedly champions of equality—are endorsing the reprehensible notion that Jews do not deserve a homeland of their own, a safe haven where Jewish life can thrive without the age-old fear of persecution."

As we all know, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East that has consistently upheld the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community for decades. The leadership crisis we face extends both to the macro (national) and micro (community) levels.

Leadership is often associated solely with political figures, but in truth, it encompasses corporate leaders, spiritual guides, and those in law enforcement and education. These individuals frequently wield more influence than even a prime minister in ensuring their communities uphold a strong moral compass.  

This week, we had the privilege of meeting two individuals who embody this broader concept of leadership. One is a Catholic corporate leader who has independently sought to learn and understand the truth about Israel. The other is a provincial lawmaker who, despite the risks, courageously speaks out against extremism in our streets. Through their actions and convictions, these leaders contribute to the moral fortitude of our society, often in ways that extend far beyond the political sphere.

Fortunately, there are many upstanders among us. This fall, the Abraham Global Peace Initiative will honour former Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his steadfast support of Israel, as well as an Israeli-Muslim-Bedouin policeman who heroically saved 300 children during the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. If these principles resonate with you, we invite you to join us. Click HERE to learn more.

As a reminder, if you wish to learn more about the War Against Israel or educate others, we have developed AGPIUniversity and JForce, along with documentaries, to provide you and the public with valuable resources.  Visit our website at www.agpiworld.com to access many of our resources. 

Please share this message with your family and friends. Wishing you a pleasant long weekend and a Shabbat Shalom!

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

August 2, 2024

Haniyah Brutalized Israelis and Betrayed the Palestinian People

by Avi Abraham Benlolo

As I pen this article, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with Iran and Hezbollah threatening retaliation. By this time tomorrow, a major war may have erupted. Yet, the need to remove Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah to safeguard Israel and promote global peace has never been clearer.

Ismail Haniyah, the political leader of Hamas, embodied a relentless force of terror and extremism. Under his leadership, Hamas not only waged a brutal campaign against Israeli civilians but also betrayed the Palestinian people, using them as pawns in a broader ideological battle. Haniyah's rhetoric and actions consistently advocate for the destruction of Israel, fostering a culture of hatred and intolerance that fuels ongoing conflict.

On October 7th, Hamas launched a savage attack on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 innocent lives. Ismail Haniyah celebrated this heinous act, underscoring his commitment to violence and terror. Such inhumanity further cements the necessity of his removal. A leader who glorifies such atrocities poses an undeniable threat not only to Israel but to the entire region and global peace.

Haniyah's influence extended far beyond the borders of Qatar, where he resides. His alliances with other extremist groups and rogue states create a network of terrorism that destabilizes the entire region. By providing ideological and logistical support to terrorist operations, Haniyah contributed to a climate of fear and violence that threatens international security and undermines global efforts to combat terrorism.

Haniyah also worked closely with Iran's Ayatollah to unleash a wave of terror against Jewish communities worldwide. This week in Toronto, we experienced multiple incidents of hate graffiti, the torching of a bus, and a Jewish day school. Police report no evidence of a hate crime committed. But these incidents have elevated the community's anxiety. Additionally, the RCMP arrested two men imminently about to carry out a terror attack in Toronto. Such acts of terror, fueled by Haniyah and his Iranian allies, create an environment of fear and insecurity that extends far beyond the Middle East.

Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, has shown an unwavering commitment to violent tactics and rejection of peaceful resolutions. The organization's governance in Gaza has been marked by corruption, repression, and the prioritization of militant activities over the welfare of its people. Haniyah's leadership epitomizes these destructive tendencies, making his removal a strategic necessity.

Ismail Haniyah reportedly embezzled some $5 billion from the very people he claimed to represent. These funds, which could have been used to improve Palestinian society by building schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure, instead funded his lavish lifestyle in Qatar. This gross misallocation of resources highlights the hypocrisy and corruption at the heart of Hamas's leadership. Haniyah's exploitation of his people's suffering for personal gain is a travesty that further justifies the necessity of his removal.

The moral imperative to protect innocent lives must guide our actions. The continuous barrage of rockets fired by Hamas into Israeli territories indiscriminately targets civilians, violating fundamental human rights and international law. Israel's right to defend itself is not merely a national prerogative but a universal principle endorsed by the international community. Article 51 of the United Nations Charter explicitly affirms the inherent right of countries to defend themselves against armed attacks. The elimination of Haniyah significantly weakens Hamas's operational capabilities, reducing the immediate threat to Israeli lives and providing a potential opening for more moderate voices to emerge within Palestinian society.

Furthermore, the elimination of Haniyah holds significant geopolitical implications, particularly concerning Iran. Tehran's support for terrorism, including its backing of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, has long been a destabilizing force in the region. By targeting Haniyah in Tehran, Israel sent a powerful message to the Ayatollah and the Iranian regime: no one is beyond reach, and even those who feel safe within Iran are not immune from repercussions. This action would underscore Israel's capability and resolve, demonstrating that it can strike decisively against threats, regardless of their location.

Such a move would disrupt Iran's proxy networks and weaken its influence in the region. It would also serve as a stark warning to other terrorist leaders and their state sponsors that their actions have serious consequences. The psychological impact of such a strike cannot be underestimated, as it would erode the sense of security that figures like Haniyah and their supporters enjoy, compelling them to reconsider their strategies and alliances.

Adding to this context, the Israel Defense Forces announced that Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's number two man and in charge of the group's military activities, was killed in an airstrike in Beirut. Shukr was responsible for Saturday's attack which killed 12 children in Majdal Shams. Shukr has been part of Hezbollah's military since its founding. The U.S. State Department previously offered a $5 million reward for information about his whereabouts. According to Western sources, he was a partner in the attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut on October 23, 1983, killing 220 marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers, with another 128 Americans wounded in the blast. His elimination signifies another critical blow to the network of terror operating in the region.

Israel’s action arises from the urgent need to protect innocent lives and promote global peace. While the moral and strategic complexities of such an action are profound, the overarching imperative remains clear: to dismantle the structures of terror and pave the way for a more peaceful and secure future for all. The international community must stand united in this endeavor, demonstrating unwavering resolve in the face of extremism and violence.

Avi Benlolo is the Founding Chairman of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative. His views are informed by a commitment to peace, security, and the protection of human rights globally.

July 26, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's shortened summer edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a crucial analysis of our advocacy, the climate in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

Sometimes the world just needs a good old fashioned reminder about Antisemitism and the consequence of siding with barbarism against civilization. This week, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu masterfully stared down Israel's detractors and did just that.   

In today's National Post (article reprinted below), we reaffirmed Netanyahu's salient points and condemned the members of Congress who aligned themselves with the Iranian-axis by snubbing America's greatest friend and ally, the State of Israel.

We invite you to share this article with family and friends and wish you a pleasant weekend and a Shabbat Shalom! - Avi

Netanyahu gives necessary history lesson for Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress this week was met with 26 standing ovations, showcasing his unparalleled ability to eloquently advocate for Israel and reinforce its indomitable bond with America. Despite his controversies, Netanyahu's capacity to inspire and mobilize support remains unmatched. 

Approximately 40 members of Congress chose to boycott Netanyahu's address. Their absence spoke volumes about their alignment in the conflict with the Iranian-axis, rather than about Netanyahu or Israel. America's unwavering alliance with Israel, both staunch defenders of freedom and democracy, has endured for over 76 years. 

Those who stood in support did so out of firm conviction and integrity, while those who remained silent or complicit in support of Hamas will be judged by history. The absent Congress members missed a critical opportunity to confront their biases, clouded by Palestinian-Hamas falsehoods or, worse, antisemitism. Netanyahu decisively confronted the denials, distortions, and complicity witnessed since the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel. 

"Defeating our brutal enemies requires both courage and clarity. Clarity begins by knowing the difference between good and evil. Yet incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas, rapists, and murderers. They stand with those who attacked kibbutzim and murdered entire families." 

Netanyahu highlighted a stark truth we've been asserting for months: "When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots." The propaganda is so deeply ingrained that even Iranian supporters of Israel cannot sway the "useful idiots." 

• Netanyahu dismantled the lies propagated on streets and campuses: 
• 
  
• “Some protesters hold signs proclaiming ‘Gays for Gaza.’ They might as well hold signs saying ‘Chickens for KFC.’” 
• “These protesters chant ‘From the river to the sea,’ yet they don't even know which river and sea they're referring to. They fail in both geography and history.  
• They call Israel a colonialist state, ignoring that the Land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob prayed, Isaiah and Jeremiah preached, and David and Solomon ruled.” 
• 
  

Netanyahu's history lesson addressed the "malicious lies levelled for centuries at the Jewish people." These slanders, portraying Israel as racist and genocidal, aim to delegitimize the Jewish State and Jews worldwide, fueling the rise of antisemitism. 

The truths that absent Congress members avoided are crucial. To them, antisemitism is "context dependent," and the declarations of biased international bodies supercede those of an ally combating terrorism. They buy into Hamas propaganda, ignoring Hamas's own admissions of using its population as human shields. 

Netanyahu envisions a future where a new generation of Palestinians is taught to coexist peacefully with Israel. However, with Palestinian radicals emboldened by certain Congress members and university administrators, is peace truly attainable? Can Palestinians regain the trust of Israelis and the global Jewish community that once supported their independence efforts? 

Healing this divide may take generations. The Abraham Accords brought new hope to the Middle East and should be reinvigorated. Netanyahu's proposal for an Abraham Alliance to bolster regional security against Iran could be transformative, providing a pathway for Palestinians to realize that their true enemy is radical Islam that seeks death and destruction rather than peace and prosperity alongside the Jewish State.

This article was published in the National Post on Friday July 26, 2024

July 19, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a crucial analysis of our advocacy, the climate in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

Two years ago, AGPI stood in Buenos Aires, alongside the Jewish community, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy which killed 29 people and injured 242 civilians.

This week, we stand with the Argentinian Jewish community in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Iran-backed Hezbollah bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) in Buenos Aires. We honor the memory of the 85 Argentines – Jews and non-Jews – killed in the attack and recall the scores who were injured.

As Israel continues to defend itself against vicious terror groups on seven fronts, a new front was opened last night: Tel Aviv was attacked by a drone sent by the Houthis in Yemen.  Sadly, one Israeli citizen was killed in the attack.  Yet the world remains silent to these vicious assaults. 

The wave of Antisemitism around the world must be fought against vigorously. One study in France found that some 200,000 Jews living there or 38% of the Jewish population is considering emigration. 68% feel unsafe.  In Hamburg, 77% of Jews say they face Antisemitism. In another study, The European Union's Agency for Fundamental Rights found that 90% of European Jews face Antisemitism. In Canada, 79% of British Colombians are concerned about attacks, gunfire and firebombs on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses. 

Insufficient arrests and hate crime prosecutions are leading pro-Hamas activists around the world to violently assault Jews around the world.  In Washington D.C., a young man was violently assaulted after he was seen wearing a Kippah while in Berlin, a young Jewish couple wearing a Magen David necklace were beaten and spat on by a pro-Hamas mob. What we are dealing with here is a global emergency situation. 

AGPI has identified that much of this Antisemitism is being fuelled on social media. In one of millions of false postings, on person claimed that the "Israeli army intentionally killed its own citizens on October 7 under the Hannibal Directive".  Denial of rapes having occurred; of the number of civilians murdered and even that the event happened are forcing Antisemitism into the open. 

In this struggle to fight Antisemitism and defend Israel, AGPI leverages reports that dispel myths, engage social media, educate the public, and unite like-minded leaders who understand the peril of absorbing myths over the truth. That's why this week we leveraged Human Rights Watch's (HRW) new report about the October 7th massacre. The Jewish community certainly does not need HRW to confirm that Hamas committed heinous crimes on that day and after.  

In today's paper, AGPI said that "HRW has been accused of levying unfounded accusations against Israel, such as the 2021 claims of “apartheid and persecution.” We all know that Israel does not practice apartheid and that the two million Muslims living in Israel are very much part of its society enjoying every right and freedom equally.

HRW’s report is a useful tool undermining the usual anti-Israel narrative in the radical left and academia — both often unfairly biased against Israel. HRW has acknowledged, “Palestinian fighters committed killings, hostage-taking, and other war crimes, including the crimes against humanity of murder and wrongful imprisonment”.

Their findings are not earth shattering.  Over these past nine months, AGPI has stood with hostage families in Israel; it published a book (Never Surrender) about these denials and distortions; produced a video documentary with eye-witness testimonies (The End of the Innocence); launched a dedicated website (JForce.org) with supporting testimonies, videos, articles, and myths and facts; and launched AGPI University publishing dozens of articles about October 7th. 

This week, we commend Mort Zuckerman for cutting off millions of dollars designated for Columbia University, given the spate of antisemitism. We also commend Prime Minister Keir Starmer for pledging to carry forward the Holocaust Memorial Bill reaffirming Never Again. Finally, we are proud to hear that The Olympic Flame arrived in Paris carried by Hyper Cacher attack hero Lassana Bathily, Holocaust survivor Léon Lewkowicz, and Jewish LGBTQ activist and podcaster Elise Goldfarb.

We need your support to continue informing, advocating, and educating. With unwavering conviction, we press on to advocate for our future and protect our past. Please share this newsletter with your family and friends.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai! 

Avi Abraham Benlolo 

Founder and CEO The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. The Friday Report is also available online HERE.  Breaking news is available HERE. We invite you to join AGPI's WhatsApp Channel for regular AGPI updates and news releases.  Please help us dispel myths by sharing this newsletter widely with family and friends. 

July 12, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's shortened summer edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, where we delve into our advocacy efforts, the climate in Israel, and issues concerning Jewish affairs.

This week has been particularly intense as AGPI engaged with senior political and diplomatic leaders to address critical issues, especially the rising tide of antisemitism on university campuses and its repercussions on the health of our nation.

Despite our collaborations with international partners in Israel, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, the situation in Canada continues to deteriorate week by week. Last week, we strongly objected to the Ontario Superior Court's outrageous dismissal of antisemitism, despite issuing an injunction to dismantle the encampment at the University of Toronto.

This week, we wrote to President Robert Gordon to "express our profound shock and dismay" regarding the University of Windsor's deal with an organized group of pro-Hamas students who established an encampment on campus. To highlight the gravity of this situation, we have included our full article published in today's National Post below.

It's the summer but we are fighting strong every single day. We need your support to continue informing, advocating, and educating. With unwavering conviction, we press on to advocate for our future and protect our past. Please share this newsletter with your family and friends.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai! 

Avi Abraham Benlolo 

Founder and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. The Friday Report is also available online HERE.  Breaking news is available HERE. We invite you to join AGPI's WhatsApp Channel for regular AGPI updates and news releases.  Please help us dispel myths by sharing this newsletter widely with family and friends. 

July 5, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a crucial analysis of our advocacy, the climate in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

Israel is under attack by murderous terror organizations—Hamas and Hezbollah—operating under the auspices of Iran. Yet here at home, universities and the media remain complicit in their silence, ignoring the threat posed by these organizations, which aim to destabilize our world.

In the face of media silence, AGPI has been vocal about the dire situation in Israel's north, where over 200 Hezbollah rockets rain down daily from Lebanon. Over 60,000 Israeli civilians, including many Druze, are now homeless. No other nation would face such international pressure to tolerate a threat to its sovereignty.

At our national meeting on July 4th, just days after Canada's Independence Day, AGPI reaffirmed its stance: Israel stands on the front lines, defending democracy and Western values against Islamic fundamentalist groups bent on imposing Iranian-style totalitarianism.  Watch the meeting video HERE. 

Israel is not without its flaws, but it was Israel that endured an unprovoked attack on October 7th, contrary to the misleading narratives spread globally. In North America, Israel's enemies have infiltrated university campuses and defamed the nation in the media and international bodies like the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice.

This week, a Canadian judge dismissed the Jewish community's valid concerns about calls for Israel's destruction at a dismantled encampment at the University of Toronto. In today's National Post, we highlighted that the U of T ruling is a slap in the face to the Jewish community. AGPI took a historic stand by not applauding the injunction as a knee-jerk reaction. Instead, we took a principled stand recognizing the damage done by the judge's decision, after study and consultation. Our community needs to hear the truth.

Despite being among the university's biggest supporters, the Jewish community often finds itself marginalized. For two decades, we have fought against the university hosting Israeli Apartheid Week, which has bred generations of antisemites and normalized anti-Israel sentiment among faculty and administrators.

It is baffling how anyone can view words like "intifada" and threats like "free Palestine by any means necessary" as anything but antisemitic. Despite global condemnation of the genocidal chant "from the river to the sea," the judge claimed he couldn't "automatically conclude" that such phrases are antisemitic.

The judge's assertion that the problem "arises out of the absence of an agreed definition of antisemitism" is deeply flawed. He rationalized this by noting the university's refusal to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, the most widely accepted definition globally.

Antisemites now have a free pass. If you think our current rate of antisemitism is high (and it is, by all statistical measures), brace yourself for what's next. In the past 24 hours alone, we have received numerous photographs of antisemitic materials posted across the country and distributed at bus terminals. One calls Zionism white supremacist and labels Israel a "settler colony."

Earlier this week, two Toronto synagogues were vandalized. In Montreal, tombstones at the Kehal Israel Cemetery were desecrated with swastikas. In Cincinnati, over 175 tombstones were toppled and broken. In Vancouver, a softball game involving young Jewish kids was attacked by pro-Hamas demonstrators. Anthony Housefather, appointed today as Special Advisor on Jewish Community Relations and Antisemitism, was himself targeted in Montreal.  We continue to demand less words and more action from authorities. 

AGPI continues to equip the public with tools to defend Israel. We must counter false narratives with the truth. Since October 7th, we have produced extensive content, including a documentary and reports, to help our network dispel lies and distortions. We invite you to utilize our public content at AGPI University.

We need your support to continue informing, advocating, and educating. With unwavering conviction, we press on to advocate for our future and protect our past. Please share this newsletter with your family and friends.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai! 

Avi Abraham Benlolo 

Founder and CEO The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. The Friday Report is also available online HERE.  Breaking news is available HERE. We invite you to join AGPI's WhatsApp Channel for regular AGPI updates and news releases.  

June 28, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

We remain heartbroken by increasing losses of brave IDF soldiers who are fighting in the South and in the North to protect and defend the State of Israel. To date, 316 Lions of Judah have been killed in action.  We also continue to call for the release of the 120 hostages still being held in Gaza. 

This week, AGPI is bracing for impact as a violent war between Israel and Hezbollah could erupt at any moment. As hundreds of Iranian-made rockets slam into Israel's north, rendering cities and villages uninhabitable, AGPI continues to call on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to diffuse and de-escalate the impending war.

Donald Trump was right about the Biden administration's removal of sanctions against Iran and the release of funds that have enabled the terror state to fund and supply Hamas and Hezbollah with weapons to attack Israel. Iran has been delivering plane loads of armaments to Lebanon and Syria, transporting them by land and sea, and manufacturing on-site to arm its terror proxies.

Thankfully, last week, the Canadian government finally announced the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terror organization. It's better late than never, but considering the immeasurable harm the IRGC has caused Israel through these terror proxies (Hamas and Hezbollah) and its infiltration into our own country, much of the damage has already been done to the Middle East and international security.

It's hard to comprehend why the West continues to harm its own interests. In today's National Post, AGPI writes, "The problem in the West is that we operate from a position of naivety. Our western vantage point, rooted in ideals of truth and justice, struggles to rationalize this phenomenon. We cite facts, such as Hamas terrorists being steeped in hate, committing heinous acts of rape and mutilation, and espousing anti-gay and anti-rights ideologies. While all these are true, none of these arguments seem to sway the minds of antisemites."

Hamas and its supporters have been preparing for this day for two decades. Four generations of university students and faculty have been misled to believe that Israel is an apartheid state, ignoring the gender and religious apartheid prevalent in every country surrounding Israel. They have been falsely told that Jews are colonizers of their own land, overlooking the historic success story of a religious group reclaiming its homeland.

Our western-educated mindset hinders us from recognizing the truth: Hatred for Israel has evolved from anti-Zionism into a full-blown hatred of Jewish neighbours who have little to do with the conflict itself. Hamas opened the floodgates of antisemitism on October 7, empowering Palestinians and their allies worldwide.

The so-called “al Aqsa flood” — the name given to the murderous assault that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 254 taken hostage — empowered Hamas’ followers to unleash their global antisemitic campaigns aimed at undermining the Jewish state. 

They are actively attempting to “flood” our university campuses, unions, the media, and our streets with as much anti-Israel sentiment as possible to influence public opinion. Money is pouring into our universities and schools from bad actors, while the majority have been fast asleep at the wheel.

The West makes poor decisions that threaten to undermine our very democracy. In today's National Post, AGPI's Advisory Board Member and Muslim leader, Raheel Raza, decried the Toronto School Board for adopting the so-called "Anti-Palestinian Racism" policy. She rhetorically wondered, "Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada. Hamas is also Palestinian. So if a concerned Canadian says that Palestinians who belong to Hamas are a threat, will she be accused of being racist, according to APR?"

However, some leaders in the West are starting to take action to protect and defend democracy. AGPI applauded Germany this week for requiring its new citizens to accept Israel’s right to exist in order to receive a new passport. It's part of a new values test for all new immigrants. Given the rising rate of antisemitism in Germany, it makes perfect sense. The new citizenship reform excludes anyone found to have committed antisemitic, racist, or other inhumane acts.

With increasing and unparalleled levels of antisemitism and frustration rising, AGPI continues to encourage all western nations to adopt a values test against this pernicious hatred, which also includes respect for women's rights and democratic values.

We need your help to continue informing, advocating, and educating. With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past. To help educate others, we encourage you to send this newsletter to your family and friends.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. We invite you to join AGPI's WhatsApp Channel for regular AGPI updates and news releases.  

July 24, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

This week, after witnessing increasingly dangerous policy changes in our institutions, I couldn't help but wonder if this is how it must have felt for Jews in 1933?

This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with an influential non-Jewish business leader and discuss Israel's defensive war against Hamas. I asked him, in a war between good and evil, isn't it time to choose sides? Can we afford neutrality when our own schools, synagogues, and businesses are being attacked by terrorists in our midst?

A sign of the times highlighting media and political complacency, few heard that in Montreal, a Jewish-owned falafel establishment found a bullet hole in its front window this week. Private and public antisemitic and often violent incidents are rippling through our communities, making most Jews feel insecure in our own country. Many are feeling like it's 1933 again.

This week, the Toronto School Board accepted a new anti-racism strategy that allows for anything perceived as anti-Palestinian to be defined as hate. To many of us, this is reminiscent of the precursor attitude to the anti-Jewish laws introduced by the Nazis in the 1930s. The board would not listen to valid concerns and even rejected a motion to equalize the playing field by including anti-Israeli racism in the strategy, leaving pro-Zionist students vulnerable to attacks. 

Despite our efforts, AGPI joined the community chorus against the strategy and expressed this sentiment to school board trustees. At a meeting earlier this week about the province's anti-racism strategy, AGPI further expressed these concerns to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, the Hon. Michael Ford.

What we are seeing is a careful and somewhat nuanced movement to hijack school boards and university campuses to influence the next generation of Canadians to sympathize with Hamas. Today, for instance, the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA) released a statement advising that it has formed a "Special Committee on Divestment" and will begin its work this week.

Canadians are astutely aware of the "work" being done by these groups to sow hate and toxicity in an effort to undermine the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. There is no mention of the more than 19,000 rockets that have been fired at Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah. There are no condemnations of Hamas for holding more than 120 Israeli hostages or for murdering, raping, and maiming 1,200 young civilians on October 7th. 

Instead, what we are seeing is school boards shamefully leaning into the Hamas narrative, universities (e.g., U of T and McGill) pretending to want to evict the encampments, and more shootings at Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses, such as the falafel restaurant in Montreal this past week. The tsunami of antisemitism has grown so vast that even mainstream media and our politicians have neglectfully ceased reporting on these issues.

At least this week, our government finally moved to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) a terror organization. Given the state of the world, we say it's better late than never. There could hardly be a clearer case for listing the IRGC, and by extension Iran, as a terrorist organization.

In today's National Post, AGPI said: "After years of delay, Canada is finally demonstrating resolve in both domestic and international affairs, especially given recent revelations of an estimated 700 operatives linked to the Iranian regime on Canadian soil. This designation, effective immediately, criminalizes the IRGC’s subversive activities, including espionage, disruption, money laundering, and standing by for instructions to commit acts of terrorism. It is now a criminal offence to take part in IRGC activities, and the list helps law enforcement in prosecuting terror-related crimes."

We need your help to continue informing, advocating and educating.  With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.  To help educate others, we encourage you to send this newsletter to your family and friends. 

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEOThe Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. We cannot do this work without your help. If you haven't yet made a donation to AGPI in 2024, your support would be welcomed and appreciated.

June 14, 2024

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

This week, we were proud to join 50,000 pro-Israel supporters in the UJA Walk for Israel. We thank the community for standing in solidarity with Israel and the Toronto Police Service for their outstanding efforts to protect the community on that day from the many Hamas supporters attempting to disrupt the walk.

At the same time, we are shocked by the full blown Antisemitism in Toronto and New York City as pro-Hamas supporters rampaged through quiet Jewish neighbourhoods, calling Jews "rats" and "dirty Zionists" in front of their homes (Bathurst and Sheppard area).

Phrases like "You are a filthy Zionist rat, that’s all you are" were disturbingly reminiscent of 1933 Nazi Germany, as noted by Jordan Peterson on X: “This is 1933 Nazi Germany level pathology.” This clearly evokes scenes of pre-Holocaust Germany where mobs of brown-shirts marched through Jewish neighbourhoods. 

In the realm of hate speech, what starts with words almost always ends in violence, and this city has already seen its share with a recent shooting at a Jewish school.  In the now published and circulated video, the Hamas supporters called Jewish residents names while wearing sunglasses and keffiyehs to avoid recognition. Unfortunately, while police attended the scene, demonstrators freely harassed, intimidated, and spewed antisemitic epithets. 

In NYC, pro-Hamas activists on the subway shouted "Raise your hand if you're a Zionist... this is your chance to get out...."  The leader of the chant concluded, "OK, no Zionists, we're good."

We are witnessing this horrendous and truly unbecoming behaviour from fellow citizens everywhere while political leaders take a back seat. We became further alarmed this week as university encampments, emboldened by lax administration, have shown increasing direction toward violence. At McGill University, an SPHR advertisement for a children's summer camp depicted armed terrorists.

Meanwhile, University of Toronto professor Kenneth Green wrote in the National Post this week that he's "never seen antisemitism so vicious on campus before." He expressed that the "encampments are led by pro-Hamas advocates who are seeking to justify Islamist terrorism by normalizing antisemitism....I was not only barred from entering but I was also cursed, sworn at, abused, and told I should go back to where I came from." 

Still, our institutions, alongside the world community, attempt to cover up the real objective of both Hamas and its supporters around the world. They try to blame Israel and, by extension, Jewish communities around the world for what is happening in Gaza. So, finally, in today's National Post, on the front page, we said what needs to be said directly:

"If any lessons are to be gleaned from the Holocaust, it is that the world looked away as six million Jews were led into the gas chambers. Once more, the world seems prepared to acquiesce to evil by trying to force the Jewish State of Israel into a ceasefire with Yahya Sinwar — arguably the most malevolent leader since Adolf Hitler — who readies to sacrifice even his own people in pursuit of murdering as many Jews as possible."

It is time for some honesty. By pressuring Israel, the West fails to recognize this conflict as a religious struggle rather than one motivated by politics. Sinwar compares the Gaza war to the Battle of Karbala, a 7th-century engagement in which the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad was killed while fighting a greater power. The battle inspires religious zealots like Sinwar to envision doomsday scenarios, preparing to fight to the last man or woman.

Those same religious zealots are here, rampaging through our neighbourhoods, calling Jews "rats" (as the Nazis did) and setting up encampments on campuses that are now blatantly starting to recruit and train future supporters.

If you think this is hyperbole, we encourage you to read through our latest press news statementhighlighting, for example, a Jewish student subjected to antisemitism in Burlington; the dangerous implication of school boards adopting an "Anti-Palestinian Racism" educational framework; concerns about alleged antisemitic sentiments in the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Union; a decision by Dalhousie University to give amnesty to students in the pro-Hamas encampment; and the pro-Hamas behavior displayed by students at Toronto Metropolitan University convocation.

To counter all this effort, we need your help. With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo 

Founder and CEO The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. We cannot do this work without your help. If you haven't yet made a donation to AGPI in 2024, your support would be welcomed and appreciated.

June 7, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom from Budapest,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

We begin this week's Report by condemning the violent behaviour this week of pro-Hamas students at McGill University.  Student protestors continue to make a mockery of our universities by calling for violence (eg. intifada) and sowing hate and antisemitism. 

We support their removal from campuses, acknowledging the swift action undertaken by York University to remove a start-up encampment. We denounce the University of Toronto for disallowing a Jewish student equal right to set up a pro-Israel encampment - highlighting a double standard. 

At a time of rising antisemitism, we need moral clarity from our elected leaders.  earlier this week, alongside the Israeli consulate, I was pleased to articulate our position about the war in Gaza in an educational forum to a prominent local political leader, Mayor Patrick Brown and his team. 

Demonstrators on our streets, university campuses and even the media frequently use inflammatory language that denies and distorts the truth. Our media often skews against Israel, and even our political leaders sometimes rely on misinformation from Hamas instead of our nation's ally, Israel.

First and foremost, I emphasized that labeling the situation in Gaza as "genocide" is shameful and offensive to those who were murdered in genocides like the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and many others. While civilian deaths are tragic, Israel does not target civilians. In contrast, Hamas targets civilian population centers with rockets and, on October 7th, aimed to commit genocide against the Jewish people, as its very charter attests.

Second, I expressed that Israel is enduring what can be described as "ethnic cleansing" from its towns and villages in the South and North. Having visited some of the southern communities, many remain destroyed and desolate of people. Similarly, in the North, as Hezbollah continues to bomb border communities, over 60,000 residents have been forced to flee. The media often fails to report that Israeli citizens have been displaced, squeezed into the center of the country.

Thirdly, beyond defending itself in a war it did not start, Israel spends an excessive amount of time and energy convincing the world that it has every right to defend itself - even having to prove time and time again that its women have been raped, that its remaining 125 hostages deserve to return home, and that, like every other nation, it has a moral and ethical responsibility to destroy Hamas, ensuring its citizens' safety and national security.

Finally, I conveyed to the Mayor and his team that neutrality is not an option. Unlike Hamas, Israel is a free and democratic state and an ally. If they believe in free speech, human rights, women's and gay rights, and coexistence, then they have already chosen to support Israel. But a choice must be made. I rhetorically asked, "You must choose which side you want to be on.  Which team will you join? Team Hamas or Team Israel"? 

Refreshingly, however, one of the few nations that have exhibited unequivocal support for "Team Israel" is Hungary.  In Budapest this week for a collaborative event with its Jewish community and government, AGPI screened its film about the October 7th Hamas assault to diplomats, political and community leaders.  In a show of strength, the organizers hung a large banner on the face of the cinema on a busy main street with its title - "The End of the Innocence".   

An anti-Israel protest that gathered outside of the cinema was cleared away in minutes. It was a proud display of Jewish resilience organized by the local Jewish community. For AGPI, it was an honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and its supporters in the fight to defend Israel and counter antisemitism. 

It was a pleasure to work with the Action and Protection Foundation, the National Federation of the Hungarian Israeli Friendship Societies and the Consulate General of Hungary in Toronto.  We appreciate the assistance of the Hungarian government in coordinating our visit. 

During AGPI's visit to Hungary, we met with numerous community and political leaders. We invite you to learn more about our social action in our National Post column published today. 

With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

May 24, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

This week, the international courts joined the Hamas and Palestinian strategy in the assault against Israel. 

It's time for us all to recognize there is a greater strategy being deployed internationally against Israel and its defenders around the globe. That strategy involves isolating Israel and marginalizing it internationally.  It involves a comprehensive strategy of reinforcing the narrative that Israel is an "apartheid" and "colonial" state, and therefore it must be destroyed in the same fashion as South Africa was under the apartheid regime. 

Hamas's war against Israel is meant to ignite and inspire global antisemitism and the myriad attacks against the Jewish State. In this regard, this week, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced he is seeking arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in the same breath as also announcing arrest warrants for the Hamas masterminds of the October 7th massacre. 

As we wrote in today's National Post, Karim Khan correctly identified that Hamas leaders and operatives have committed international crimes since October 7, 2023, including extermination, murder, hostage-taking, rape, sexual violence, torture, and other inhumane acts.

But despite these horrors, Khan has charged Israel in the shadow of Hamas’s documented atrocities, reminiscent of the Nazis. By attempting to equate Israel with terrorists, Khan joins others who create false equivalencies between Israel and Hamas. This justification has made a mockery out of the ICC - a court that was set up in the shadow of the Holocaust. 

Khan’s warrants against a legitimate democratically elected government defending itself undermine the global order. They set a dangerous precedent that nations cannot effectively respond to terrorist attacks or protect their citizens. In fact, it rewards Hamas for its atrocities and inspires terrorists all over the world to attack democracies. 

The courts are relentlessly pro-Hamas. Today, our organization also condemned the International Criminal Court ruling demanding it halt its operations to find its hostages and dismantle Hamas in Rafah. In our view, the ICJ is effectively rewarding Hamas for terrorism and for its October 7th assault. Despite the fact the ICJ stopped short of ordering a cease-fire, AGPI demands the world court cease its legal assault on Israel. 

In all this, we cannot help but see the double-standards being applied by the international courts to Israel. Where were the courts when Bashar al-Assad was gassing over 350,000 of his own citizens? Did they act so brazenly and hastily?  Where are the courts now as China continues to persecute the Uyghur and as Russia continues its assault on the Ukraine?

If the court's behaviour only applies to Jews and Israel, as it appears, the court itself has failed the neutrality test and consequently has lost credibility. Worse, it is making every effort to disallow Israel from protecting itself against a vicious Islamic genocidal organization (Hamas) bent on its destruction.  By relentlessly coming after Israel, the world court system and its co-conspirators (eg. South Africa) appears to be aligning with Hamas's strategy and even limiting Israel's ability to bring back the hostages. 

Terrorism clearly works.  Earlier this week, AGPI condemned the Irish, Spanish and Norwegian governments for deciding to recognize a Palestinian State. It was welcomed by Hamas of course and occurred as Israeli families released a video of their 5 daughters were brutally beaten and rounded up and taken by Hamas (18 other girls were murdered while with them in the same shelter) . By making this announcement, Ireland, Spain and Norway lack sympathy, decency and compassion especially given the apparent sexual violence against Jewish women.

For our part, we have posted the video on our website and will continue exposing these double-standards. While many in the mainstream media refuse to publish or discuss these these truths, AGPI continuously exposes the evidence through our social media channels, generally garnering hundreds of thousands of views and comments.

Our video production of the destruction of Jewish communities assaulted by Hamas and testimonies provided by witnesses are continuously published and republished for the world to see the evidence and the truth. In the coming weeks, we will be part of a group hosting a major conference about October 7th and Antisemitism in Budapest Hungary - to continue exposing the truth and challenging the denials and distortions (stay tuned for more information). 

We continue to fight Antisemitism here at home and around the world by engaging with political leaders, law enforcement on critical issues such as the university encampments and dangerous changes that are being made to school curriculum. In all this, we thank our growing constituency of supporters who are standing with us in this relentless fight here at home and around the world. 

With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo
Founder and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. We invite you to join us in educating others. Please share this message with your loved ones and encourage them to subscribe to receive their own weekly edition of The Friday Report. They can visit our website at www.agpiworld.com.

May 17, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom,

Welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy, the climate and sentiment in Israel, and matters concerning Jewish affairs.

This week began with our observance of Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Remembrance Day), focusing on the over 760 IDF soldiers who have fallen since the October 7th Hamas attack and the 129 hostages still held captive in Gaza. We also paid tribute to the 30,134 Israelis who have been killed in wars and terrorist attacks since Israel's independence in 1948.

It has been a tragic week for Israel as the war in Gaza continues. As of today, Israel has reported 275 fatalities in the war against Hamas. Sadly, this week, five IDF soldiers were killed in a friendly fire incident. Today, the bodies of three Israeli hostages, including Shani Louk (22), Amit Bouskila (28), and Ron Binyamin (53), were discovered. Despite these losses, Israelis firmly believe that peace cannot be achieved as long as Hamas remains a threat.

Remembrance Day transitioned into the celebration of Israel's independence, with well-attended flag-raising ceremonies worldwide, including at Toronto's City Hall and Ontario's legislature, Queens Park. In today's National Post, we expressed our disappointment that Mayor Olivia Chow declined to participate in the event, showing disrespect to the Jewish community's 150-year legacy and its contributions to building the City of Toronto.

It is not far-fetched to say that absent leadership contributes to the toxic environment we are witnessing, especially the rising tide of violent antisemitism. This week, the Jewish community was outraged by the violent assault of a Jewish-Israeli teenager in New Brunswick. A video of the attack shows the Jewish student being attacked from behind and repeatedly punched by another girl.

Equally concerning, in Toronto, dozens of Jewish community members came together to "walk a Jewish child" to school after it became known he had been harassed by antisemitic children on his way to school. No Jewish child should have to live this way.

In response, AGPI's education department contacted the school to offer educational programming about antisemitism, while our organization has been in touch with police officials to ensure the full power of the law is enforced. We continue to call upon political leaders to strengthen hate crime and hate speech laws and attend Jewish events to reinforce their support for the Jewish community.

During AGPI's visit this week to the University of Toronto, we expressed our shock and outrage about the pro-Hamas encampment that has grown to encompass the entire Kings Circle in the middle of the university's campus. We were struck by the violence-inciting posters adorning the fencing around the field, some calling for direct violence.

AGPI is working vigorously to encourage university presidents to dismantle the Hamas encampments.  This week, the organization thanked Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop on the passage of Bill 166 which gives her office greater strength to tackle Antisemitism and racism on campuses. 

At a high-level meeting we attended in Washington, D.C., this week on Islamic radicalism, a young Egyptian woman shared her shock at seeing the same radical strategies in our schools and campuses, where students are turned against Israel and Western values. She had to flee her country for speaking out against the Hamas atrocities of October 7th.

To learn more about these encampments, their funding, the protestors, and their strategies, we invite you to listen to our interview on "Finding Your Bliss." Click HERE.

AGPI is also working vigorously to ensure that the voices of truth and justice prevail. Through our media activities, educational programs, and advocacy, we strive to make the public understand that defending Israel is the front line in the fight to defend democracy.

While in Israel this week, Hamas and Hezbollah have stepped up their rocket barrages against Israeli civilians in the North and South. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has escalated its attack on Israel by hearing false accusations from South Africa. South Africa is not only calling for Israel to withdraw but also, in open court, its lawyers referred to Israel as a racist, apartheid, and colonial state. Such false, derogatory, and disparaging rhetoric is not only meant to disrupt and destroy the State of Israel but also stands as an endorsement of the violence Hamas unleashed on October 7th.

Israel's legal team exposed South Africa's lies at the ICJ today, accusing it of conspiring with Hamas officials on May 9th at a meeting in Johannesburg and not urging "Hamas to release hostages, stop targeting Israeli civilians, cease using human shields, and cease operating in UN facilities and hospitals. They apparently met to discuss their continuing campaign against Israel in the court and on the ground."

South Africa's behaviour is shameful but not surprising, given its role in the Durban conference in 2001, where it adopted the Palestinian narrative that seeks to erase the indigeneity of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. South Africa fails to recognize that its behaviour in the world court is emboldening Zionism and strengthening the Jewish resolve to fight back relentlessly.  We will never surrender!

With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

May 10, 2024

Greetings and Shabbat Shalom, and welcome to this week's instalment of AGPI's The Friday Report, a weekly analysis of our advocacy and the climate and sentiment in Israel, as well as matters concerning Jewish affairs.

These past two weeks have swiftly passed for AGPI as we commenced Jewish Heritage Month at an official event; we engaged with Canada's Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, flew to Israel to observe Yom Hashoah at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, documented atrocities at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and hosted an international Holocaust commemoration and discourse on Antisemitism in Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish nation.

As we gear up to commemorate Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) this Sunday evening, our hearts ache for the 760 soldiers and 834 civilians who lost their lives in the past year. Even as we compile this report, we are grieved by the news of four young IDF soldiers falling today, as Hamas persists in launching rockets into Israel's southern communities while Hezbollah strikes the north.

The burden and sacrifice of safeguarding Israel, it's freedom, and democracy, weigh heavily on every family. Since its inception, 30,134 Israelis have perished in action and terrorism. Each year, we honour and pay tribute to them, vowing never to yield.

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) follows Yom Hazikaron on the ensuing day, commemorating the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948. Fresh from Israel, where AGPI solemnly observed Yom Hashoah, it heartens us to witness the streets adorned with flags, fluttering proudly in the breeze, symbolizing strength and resilience.

While this year's 76th anniversary will be subdued, given the mourning families and hostages, the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran has fortified Israel and Zionism, rallying millions of non-Jewish supporters to stand by the Jewish State.

Nonetheless, today, the United Nations General Assembly's recommendation to admit a Palestinian State into full membership, with 143 in favour and nine against (including the US and Israel), amidst ongoing rocket attacks, is a dire alignment with terrorism and Hamas. AGPI vehemently denounces this calamitous decision and expresses its disappointment in Canada for abstaining. 

AGPI stood shoulder to shoulder with Israel this Monday in Jerusalem, commemorating Yom Hashoah in a special joint event with the Friends of Zion Museum. Addressing an international audience, we declared, "Though our defences may have faltered on October 7, our resolve remains unyielding. Here, in the heart of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of our beloved Israel, we stand united in our determination to defend our homeland."

In our column today in the National Post, we affirmed, "Our resolve shall not waver, our endeavours shall not falter. We will persist in building our nation while honouring the cherished memories of those we've lost." "Never again" is not a mere slogan but a rallying cry for action.

The distinction between right and wrong is clear, and siding with Hamas is unequivocally wrong. Support for Israel in America surged this week as Jewish organizations, including AGPI, and numerous US political leaders condemned President Biden's decision to limit arms supplies to Israel.

In a direct confrontation, Senator Lindsay Graham challenged Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, questioning the wisdom of instructing Israel on warfare while it faces threats from Hezbollah, Iran, and Hamas, all bent on its destruction.

Having witnessed firsthand the devastation in the Israeli Kibbutz of Kfar Aza, the moral imperative to stand firm against Hamas's aggression is undeniable. The charred homes, shattered families, and desolation bear witness to the evil perpetrated on that day, reaffirming why Israel and its allies must remain steadfast, despite international pressure.

Common sense is prevailing, even among detractors. This week, AGPI applauded Canada's parliamentarians for unanimously designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity in Canada, given Iran's direct assault on Israel.

500 Columbia students signed a letter condemning the protests and affirming Zionism. University campuses sympathetic to Hamas are facing pushback, with some administrations calling in law enforcement to disperse protests. Last night, the University of Calgary forcefully removed an encampment on its premises and made arrests. In light of recent bullying tactics elsewhere, especially at the University of Toronto and McGill,  AGPI urges law enforcement nationwide to take similar action.

School boards are also under scrutiny in the US and Canada. This week, AGPI secured an apology from the York Region District School Board after leaked documents revealed the omission of the Star of David from a school calendar. The board's director of education apologized to the Jewish community and pledged to rectify the error. We will persist in addressing this issue and promoting education against antisemitism.

In the days ahead, we remain steadfast in our support for Israel as it commemorates Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut. With unwavering conviction, we continue to advocate for our future and safeguard our past.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Israel Chai!

Avi Abraham Benlolo Founder and CEO 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. We invite you to join us in educating others. Please share this message with your loved ones and encourage them to subscribe to receive their own weekly edition of The Friday Report. They can visit our website at www.agpiworld.com.

MAY 3, 2024

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report. It's been another challenging week on the front lines as we engage with the world on critical issues affecting Israel and the Jewish community.

As I prepare for my upcoming visit to Israel to commemorate Yom Hashoah and meet with the President and political leaders, it's clear that this year's solemn ceremonies in the hardest-hit communities near Gaza will be different than ever before.

At our upcoming global Holocaust memorial, in partnership with the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, the event's tone will not only capture the solemn mood in Israel today but also reflect on the increasing tide of antisemitism, violence, and so-called "encampments" on North American university campuses. For many of us, the juxtaposition between 1938 and 2024 is surreal.

To commemorate Yom Hashoah with us, we invite you to join our live broadcast from Jerusalem on Monday, May 6th, at 10:00 am ET or 5:00 p.m. Israel time. You may register your participation here.

While we ensure that the memory of the Holocaust is never forgotten, we also fight day in and day out to defend our future and protect our past. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to ask Canada's Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, some pointed questions concerning our community.

On the matter of listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Mr. Poilievre said this would be one of his first acts in office. He questioned how Canadians could tolerate the IRGC, given its responsibility for shooting down the Ukrainian airlines jet carrying 55 Canadians.

In fact, Mr. Poilievre also disclosed that approximately 700 IRGC operatives are based in Canada, posing a clear threat to our national security.

Next, we asked Mr. Poilievre if he would defund the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) considering allegations about its ties to Hamas, particularly on October 7th. Poilievre's reply was simple and straightforward: "I will ban UNRWA."

Finally, AGPI asked Mr. Poilievre about the rising tide of antisemitism on campuses and the encampments, suggesting to him to stop funding universities or providing federal grants to them. His reply was that although he believes students are free to protest, they are not free to harass and intimidate others. Mr. Poilievre condemned antisemitism and said he would enact changes to penalize universities in this regard.

AGPI is demanding that our universities go a step further by arresting and even expelling pro-Hamas activists who are setting up camps on university campuses. In today's National Post, we warned that "our universities are being overrun by people aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist group that on October 7th murdered 1,200 people in cold blood, including babies and children, and raped and mutilated countless women."

We should not be “negotiating with terrorists.” Students not adhering to a university’s code of conduct and to the laws of the land should be fined, arrested, and expelled. But now they are not only coming after Jews. They are coming after everyone else. They are camping out on your lawns. They are stopping your children and staff from attending classes. And since for two decades, the universities refused to do anything about it, they are now becoming physical — breaking down doors and windows, as they did this week at Columbia and now at UCLA.

Today's column is a wake-up call. If you are not of the Jewish faith, it’s time for you to rise up out of self-interest and take action. This fight is not about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or about the war with Hamas. It’s a fight about your freedom and the future of western democracy.

As Israel fights for its survival every single day, working to dismantle Hamas and bring back the 133 hostages and defend its North against Hezbollah and Iran, our task in the diaspora is to dispel denial and distortion. We are uniting Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

In the coming days, AGPI will be announcing our new Christians and Muslims for Israel portal where we will be bringing together thousands of supporters who stand with Israel and our community. But we need your generous help to make this happen - Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom,

Avi Abraham Benlolo Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

APRIL 19, 2024

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report. On behalf of our Board of Directors and Governors, please accept our well wishes for a happy and healthy Passover.

As Passover approaches, we reflect on and share the important liturgy that reminds us as a community of the enduring message: "In every generation, they rise up to destroy us. But the Holy One (Blessed be He) delivers us from their hands."

Deliver us He did. Last week, Israel faced what seemed like an impossible attack that would have inflicted untold pain and suffering on its citizens. Iran launched a massive airstrike on the Jewish State with more than 120 ballistic missiles, 30 cruise missiles, and 100 drones. It was by sheer miracle (and a little help from some friends) that Israel rebuffed 99% of the projectiles sent by the Iranian regime—a real Passover miracle!

In response, Israel allegedly launched an overnight counter-attack on Iran. The attack was more symbolic than anything else, serving as a warning sign to the Iranian regime that Israel has both the means and capacity to destroy its nuclear sites should it overstep again.

Tonight, the Mullahs in Tehran are sleeping less easily. While Iran's media downplays the attack, what's clear to them is that Iran cannot easily attack Israel. But Israel can easily penetrate Iranian soil with devastating consequences.

Indeed, in today's National Post, we argued that Israel is not alone. This year, the miracle of Passover brought together a coalition of countries that helped defend the Jewish State against Iran. "In an unprecedented attack, Iran managed to bring together a coalition of partners who helped form a protective shield for Israel.

The Jordanians, despite their pro-Palestinian domestic politics, must be thanked for shooting down numerous Iranian drones heading for Israel. Joining the U.S. in defending Israel were also France, Britain, the U.A.E., and Saudi Arabia. One can only imagine that numerous other countries, including Greece and Italy, were on the ready".

The stakes are high for the Middle East, and most Gulf states recognize Iran as an existential threat. For this reason, they passed along intelligence, participated in a command and control center at a U.S. base in Qatar, and opened their airspace to allied fighter jets, including Israeli. Now the coalition must come together to nullify Iran and its proxies from ever executing an attack of this scale or greater in the future. It’s in everyone’s interest.

But what is also in everyone's interest, as Brigadier General Amir Avivi told a large AGPI meeting this week (which you can watch on video), is that "we need to see global 

deterrence for the sake of global stability". For Western allied nations, it's in their interest that Israel defeat Hamas, push back Hezbollah, and put Iran on notice. An Iran equipped with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons will become a threat to the safety and security of the world - not just Israel.

As AGPI marks the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising starting today, we are grateful for the fact that for the first time in 2,000 years, the Jewish people have an army to protect them. Can you imagine what it felt like to be a Jew 81 years ago in Warsaw or anywhere else in Europe and North Africa, knowing that you had nowhere to go and no one to protect you in the face of absolute doom?

And so, even as we have to fight the rising tide of Antisemitism in our cities; even as we see horrendous hate emerge on our university campuses - as we did at York University and Columbia this week; and even as we note the incredible anti-Israel bias at the UN's Security Council - as we did this week following the failure of a Palestinian statehood declaration; in all this, we are assured, like never before in recent history, that the presence of a Jewish State is a modern Passover miracle - here to protect and defend us.

For our part, AGPI will continue to carry forward this message every single day through our advocacy and educational campaigns. We stand united with Israel and its foundational values of freedom and democracy, and we will never surrender to the denials, distortions, and complicity that we see emerging between the cracks in the halls of government and beyond.

In all this, we wish you and yours a happy and healthy Passover.

April 12 2024

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report. It's been another incredibly challenging week for Israel and Jewish affairs.

As Israel enters the six-month mark in the war with Hamas, we are concerned by unverified reports that only 40 hostages remain alive out of the 129 unaccounted for. When the war began, AGPI launched a $2 million reward for information leading to their release.

If it's true that only 40 hostages remain alive, it would imply that Hamas has been murdering them in captivity - a war crime according to the Geneva Convention. AGPI continues to call for the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages and for the International Criminal Court to launch an immediate investigation into these crimes.

Israel is on edge this weekend as intelligence communities warn of an impending Iranian attack on Israeli soil in the next 48 hours. In a speech delivered by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, "the Leader of the Islamic Revolution," once again asserted that Israel will face consequences for its recent attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus.

Iran, however, has a tendency to hit Jewish targets around the world with its proxies, particularly in partnership with Hezbollah. As the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has yet to account for the bombings of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. Both are believed to be in retaliation for Israeli defensive action at the time.

While Israel struggles to defend itself primarily against Hamas in the South, Hezbollah in the North, and the looming threat of Iran, morality seems to be collapsing in democracies as they betray their friend and ally.  Still, President Biden relaxed his hardened stand on Israel this week stating, "our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran is ironclad".

This week however, Nancy Pelosi, along with 40 Democrats (including the 'squad'), demanded President Biden and Secretary Blinken "withhold... any future offensive arms transfers." In a scathing editorial, The Wall Street Journal said that "cutting off weapons to an ally in wartime would be the definition of betrayal." We wholeheartedly agree. 

Now, France is shamefully threatening to do the same following in Canada's footsteps. But Prime Minister Gabriel Attal came to Israel's defence by sharply denouncing a colleague in parliament: “You never say a word about the victims of the Hamas attack. You never talk about our hostages, who are still being held — today in Gaza there are three French hostages.”

We see this shameful behaviour at home as well. In today's National Post, we wrote about the shocking endorsement by six Toronto city councillors of the pro-Hamas rallies - citing freedom of speech. We all believe in free speech, of course, but this lax attitude is allowing for hate speech and even violence into our city.

“Glory to our Martyrs” and “Free Palestine” were graffitied on a bridge this week in Forest Hill, one of Toronto’s prominent Jewish neighbourhoods. It was a veneration of the so-called Hamas “Martyrs,” who murdered, raped, and mutilated 1,200 Jews on Oct. 7 and took 254 people — many of whom have been murdered and sexually assaulted while in captivity.

At Toronto’s Cedarvale Park, someone drew swastikas on posters hung on lampposts calling for the freeing of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas. Days prior, at Nathan Phillips Square on April 7, a pro-Hamas activist used a megaphone to disparage Jewish children who were peacefully there with their parents calling for the release of the approximately 129 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

It's not just happening on our city streets. It's happening quietly in our institutions too. A public letter released by the University of Toronto's President, Meric Gertler, gives us a window into how pro-Hamas Palestinian students attempt to dissuade universities from investing in Israel.

In his letter of reply this week to "Occupy for Palestine," Gertler says the group has called on the university to "terminate all partnerships with Israeli academic institutions" and to "divest its endowment, pension fund, and other financial holdings."

While we haven't always agreed with the University of Toronto's handling of numerous anti-Israel issues like "Israeli Apartheid Week," which has given rise to this hate on our campuses, to his credit this week, Gertler firmly rejected both calls, adding that "the University does not condone the action taken by Occupy for Palestine inside Simcoe Hall nor other activities that disrupt the learning and working environment."

From these lessons, we see that Israel is not only under violent attack in the Middle East but also under attack here at home and around the world by the same people who have been working away on university campuses promoting BDS and the false "apartheid" and "colonialism" campaigns.

For our part, AGPI has been at the forefront of countering this disinformation through articles, reports, symposiums, national meetings and advocacy. Earlier this year, we launched our first annual Report Card about Antisemitism on Canadian university campuses. We were glad to see this week that in the US, the ADL followed our example by launching a similar report card for university campuses in the United States.

In all this, and with the support of thousands of members associated with us, w

e will continue defending our future and protecting our past.  Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

April 5, 2024

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's edition of AGPI's The Friday Report. It's been another incredibly challenging week for Israel and Jewish affairs.

Today is Day 182 of the war against Hamas. Sadly, 256 IDF soldiers have been killed in Gaza defending freedom and democracy. We call for the release of 134 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas.

On the front page of today's National Post, we wrote that the tragic loss of seven World Central Kitchen staff members providing aid in Gaza exposed not only the dire consequences of war but also the not-so-shocking media and political bias against Israel. We are heartbroken over the “seven heroes” accidentally killed in an IDF strike on their aid convoy.

Sadly, in war zones, aid workers who give a helping hand purely out of the goodness of their hearts are among the innocent victims. Speaking from personal experience, when humanitarians venture into war zones, they are uniquely aware of the life-and-death situation they place themselves in, as is their employer.

Israel is admitting aid into Gaza and expanding capacity following the tragedy.  Today, 155 humanitarian aid trucks were inspected and allowed to enter.  In addition, 100 food packages carrying of 100,000 meals were airdropped over northern Gaza. 

Today, the media has been blasting Israel with analysis about the accidental killing of the aid workers. The media is shamefully running non-stop video of the bombed-out aid vehicle with so-called "expert analysis." This is despite the fact that Israel has apologized and fired the top general involved in the incident.

The unspoken backstory the media is now trying to convey is the reinforcement of the false “genocide” libellous claim repeated by pro-Hamas protesters in the West. We knew the media would turn against Israel, but siding with Hamas by neglecting to mention its strategy of hiding behind civilians to increase 'collateral deaths' is a new low.

But where was the media when it was revealed that the staff of an aid organization (UNRWA) were involved in the murders and rapes of Oct. 7? Where was the media when Canada announced it was restarting funding to UNRWA despite allegations of complicity in terror?

To this end, to confront the blurring of lines, AGPI launched a new major report about the need to dismantle UNRWA. Our report, presented at a major national meeting yesterday by former U.S. federal prosecutor, Henry Kopel, and with remarks made by former Canadian cabinet minister, the Hon. Stockwell Day, was based on four major areas:

• UNRWA perpetuates distress and refugee status of Palestinians.
• UNRWA schools have become incubators for incitement.
• UNRWA personnel have been accused of terrorism.
• UNRWA has failed to take measures to rectify these practices.
• 
  

To watch yesterday's full presentation on video discussing these issues in greater detail, please click HERE. To maximize the distribution of this report, we encourage you to share it widely with your network.  The report is available at AGPI University HERE. 

While you are reading this, we want to share with you that one of the significant initiatives of AGPI is researching and publishing important materials, such as the report discussed above. These efforts help us make compelling cases to governments, influence public opinion, and educate our community. If you are not already an AGPI member, invite you to consider becoming an AGPI member to support these critical endeavours.

Meanwhile, Iran has stepped up its rhetoric against Israel. Its media is flooding the internet with articles about solidarity with the Palestinians and the infamous "Al Quds Day" in which it wants to claim Jerusalem exclusively for the Muslim world. Following Israel's strike earlier this week on its embassy in Syria, its Mullahs pledged revenge, placing Israel on a high-alert war footing.

But disproportionate vilification of Israel continues. In the UK, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been among Israel's top supporters, Foreign Minister David Cameron is threatening an arms embargo, even while the UK gets incredible access to Israeli intelligence. Some 600 British lawyers are shamefully going after Israel are repeating false claims that Israel is deliberately targeting civilians. None of that is true.

As we are all aware, Israel is the tip of the spear for the West. It is battling radical Islam. It is confronting Iran, a major threat to Europe and North America. And it is defending democracy and freedom itself. While vilifying Israel and pressuring it to end its war with the most brutal terror organization in the world (Hamas), the West is not only risking Israel's very existence but its own as well.

Still, one of the few outspoken supporters of Israel in the White House, John Kirby, said this week: "no country should have to live next door to a threat that is truly genocidal, as Hamas has been....Israel is going to continue to have American support for the fight they are in to eliminate Hamas". 

World Central Kitchen must be commended for its efforts to feed the hungry and to take immeasurable risks to help the people in Gaza. What the world needs are more people, like those tragically killed, who display altruism, care, and concern for others. Siding with terrorists like Hamas and using the opportunity to vilify Israel, however, will never bring us closer to this vision for a better world.

Am Yisrael Chai! Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. AGPI is a charitable organization reliant on donations to fuel its educational and advocacy programs. If our cause resonates with you, we invite you to support us by making a donation. Your contribution helps us defend our future and protect our past

MARCH 29, 2024

Shabbat Shalom and a heartfelt welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. To all our friends celebrating this weekend, we wish you a Happy Easter!

Today is Day 175 of the war against Hamas. Sadly, 254 IDF soldiers have been killed in action with at least 300 more in the initial Hamas assault.  We pay tribute to them and to their sacrifice for freedom. 

This week was especially overwhelming as I released the first edition of my new book, "Never Surrender: Countering Denial, Distortion, and Complicity."

On October 7th, 2023, armed Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel and barbarically murdered 1,200 civilians. In the wake of this heinous crime, many institutions and world leaders tried to deny and distort what took place. In fact, they became complicit in these crimes through their silence.

"Never Surrender" is a book that challenges the complicity of October 7th, the rising tide of Antisemitism, and the shocking Holocaust denial that still exists. It brings to the fore the UN's complicity in sabotaging Israel's existence and the despicable support of Palestinian terrorism through the global financing of organizations like UNRWA.

But I wanted the book to also do something else: to strengthen Jewish pride and resilience. In the face of all these challenges, we (alongside our friends) are rising to the occasion and defending Israel with passion and conviction. The book discusses our youth who are coming closer to their Judaism and passionately embracing Zionism.

"Never Surrender" is dedicated to my friend, Holocaust Survivor Max Eisen. Although he passed away nearly two years ago, his voice and our travels to Auschwitz carry with me every single day. In my book's dedication, I quoted Max's belief that we must all be vigilant about preventing "hate from disrupting, distorting, and endangering our societies."

Thankfully, as mentioned in my book's introduction, there are many of us who are speaking out and pushing back against evil. I wrote, "as long as people like us stand, we will never again surrender to the forces of darkness. The loss of our innocence (on October 7th) has only emboldened and strengthened our conviction."

Many, like The Economist, are suggesting that "Israel is alone." Israel is not alone. They fail to realize that Israel has a powerhouse people behind it, supporting it and advocating for it. They are made up of millions of Jews and Christians alike, numerous Muslims, Indians, Asians, and others who understand that Israel is not only a country but also a place for free people of all faiths to live and thrive.

In the West, some leaders are folding to the demands of pro-Hamas "activists" who have taken over our streets, our capitals, our universities, and even political parties. Shamefully, for example, this week, Toronto's City Hall was assaulted by these "activists" and the words of the city's mayor were drowned out. 

Who would have believed that in 2024, radicals would be calling for the genocide of the Jewish people in the sacred halls of city hall, a place that represents all people? Does Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity include the Jews?

This week, the U.S. abandoned Israel at the UN Security Council by abstaining from a crucial vote calling for a ceasefire, but not strong enough on making it contingent on the release of the 134 Israeli hostages. It did this despite shocking testimony by former Israeli Hamas hostage, Amit Soussana who recounted her sexual assault in Gaza by her Hamas guard.

Also this week, an eerily shocking video released by Israel of a captured Islamic Jihad terrorist who described how he raped a young Israeli girl at a Kibbutz.  But the world and our media here at home remained mostly silent, hiding the information from the public eye. 

God forbid, there should be any truth about the Hamas atrocities or sympathy for Israel.

Shamefully, Western leaders continue to look away, now blaming Israel instead of Hamas, who brought the disaster upon the people of the region. But like the Nazis and those who came before them, Hamas will be consigned to the dustbin of history, while the Jews will continue to survive - as we always have.

If in past generations, Jewish people have survived and thrived despite inquisitions, pogroms, and the Holocaust, imagine what we can do today, given the fact that we have a Jewish State. That is the message of "Never Surrender." We are here. 

An Amalek rises in every generation. But we are still here. And we will be here after Hamas.

Am Yisrael Chai! Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

MARCH 22 2024

Shabbat Shalom, and a heartfelt welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. Without question, this has been one of the most disturbing weeks for Jewish Canadians and their friends and allies.

Town of Hampstead Mayor, Jeremy Levi, aptly surmised today, "I hold Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party responsible for the numerous issues in our country. The Canada I once knew feels distant."

Following the October 7th Hamas massacre of 1,200 innocents, who would have imagined that the largest atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust would not only inspire more Antisemitism but also prompt keffiyah-wearing parliamentarians in Canada to identify with violent Palestinian Islamists? How can anyone identify with Yasser Arafat's infamous trademark?

The exact opposite should have happened following October 7th, but instead, the massacre of Jews only emboldened the likes of the NDP and their allies to attack Israel and the Jewish community further. One would have thought that rapes and mutilations of women; the murder and beheading of children; and the execution-style killing of civilians would have given pause to all those hateful anti-Israel activists on campuses, unions, and now, parliamentarians.

Instead, they too ramped up their Antisemitism, seeing an opportunity to disrupt and perhaps destroy the Jewish State by attempting to hijack Canada's foreign policy. They tried and failed to get Canada to recognize a Palestinian State, despite the fact the Palestinian Authority and Gaza are run by terrorists, despots, and tyrants.

The NDP negotiated with the Liberals a ban on exports of military equipment to Israel, thus rewarding and motivating Hamas. As we wrote in today's National Post, Canadian foreign policy has been hijacked purely for Hamas's benefit. Our foreign policy experienced a coup by parliamentarians who lack the sophistication to distinguish between good and evil.

The ruckus and theatre caused by these keffiyah-wearing parliamentarians were embarrassing to all Canadians.  Yes, we are all upset because on the same day Parliament admonished its friend and ally, Israel, by declaring a de facto arms embargo, it also pretended to embody Canadian values by also paying tribute to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.Given Mulroney’s relentless support of Israel and fight against antisemitism, what took place in Parliament on that fateful day was a disgrace to his memory. 

In hindsight, Canada seems to always apologize for its poor judgment. In recent years, our government has apologized for nearly everything under the sun, including when it turned the St. Louis back to Germany in 1939, where most of its Jewish passengers were gassed to death. Now we wonder if this apology to the Jewish community was sincere.  Never Again has exceptions when it comes to Jews defending themselves against terrorists. 

No matter, Israel does not need Canada's military equipment, but the reverse is more likely true. Israel's hi-tech is sought after by Canadian companies, and Canada's decaying military requires Israel's innovative technology. In fact, in the last decade, Canada purchased over $1 Billion of Israeli weapons to protect its own borders.

But Canada's lean into Hamas is opening the floodgates to Antisemitism, impacting the Jewish community. The La Presse disgusting Antisemitic cartoon is the beginning of the blatant emboldened Jewish hatred yet to come. The pro-Hamas Palestinian demonstrations are more emboldened too - sending out announcements of upcoming rallies near Jewish neighbourhoods, including this weekend and summer.

Police tell us they have the rallies covered. But this week, Police Chief Myron Demkiu announced that hate crimes have increased by 93% since October 7th, and that more than half of them (56%) affect the Jewish community!

Most political leaders have sat back quietly, but this week, we commended Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca for setting in motion a new law that would set demonstrators 100 meters away from religious institutions. This is a good first step demonstrating that when there is a will, there is a way. We call on all Mayors and officials to follow Del Duca's precedent.

To combat and counter the lies and distortions set forth in our parliament this week, we hosted Palestinian activist Bassem Eid to set the record straight. In a moving talk, he said that relations with the Palestinians have been set back at least 50 years because of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th. 

He believes that Hamas must be destroyed not only for the benefit of Israel but also for the benefit of the Palestinian people. Eid added that UNRWA must be dismantled for keeping the Palestinian people hostage so that it can continue earning an income. The video of Bassem Eid's talk is now available HERE. 

Even while these dark clouds continue gathering and we push them back with all our might, AGPI continues to bring light to students through our education programs. Our workshops are in schools every single week to try and expose students and teachers alike to productive, positive approaches to social change, rather than hate and intolerance.

Yes, even our educational programs are under threat in the education system, by those wanting to shut down voices that stand up for Canadian values of freedom and democracy. But with your help, we will persevere and continue empowering and inspiring. 

Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) must continue to happen even in times of conflict. We are commanded to pursue justice and good, even in these trying times. We must remember to be the change we want to see in others. But we must also, never allow those who seek our destruction the upper hand.

Am Yisrael Chai! Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. AGPI is a charitable organization reliant on donations to fuel its educational and advocacy programs. If our cause resonates with you, we invite you to support us by making a donation. Your contribution helps us defend our future and protect our past.

MARCH 15, 2024

Shabbat Shalom, and a heartfelt welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. We want to thank the thousands of people who have joined AGPI in condemning the funding of UNRWA this past week.

In the coming days, AGPI will release a new report on the dangers of renewing funding to UNRWA. The report will include top legal, academic, and Palestinian voices who believe the organization has been detrimental to Israel and the Palestinians.

As Jews, we are accustomed to a world around us that quickly pivots to denials, distortions, and complicity with those wishing us harm. Like clockwork, it was expected. Its been a week of unprincipled conduct by leaders.

The Biden administration's disturbing admonishment of Israel in the last couple of weeks has been alarming. In today's National Post, we stated that Israel cannot afford to let Hamas win, regardless of what Biden says. This enemy is cruel, religiously motivated, and willing to put its own civilian population in harm's way.

A ceasefire will not only fail to change that, but it will also embolden Hamas. Biden and the White House are denying setting any red lines to withhold arms shipments. At the same time, they are discouraging Israel from clearing out the hornets’ nest in Rafah, near Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.

Leaving Rafah intact with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and four of the terror group’s battalions in charge would be suicidal for Israel. Allowing the terrorist group to reconstitute and re-establish control of Gaza would prevent Israel from achieving a decisive victory.  

Hamas' absurd ceasefire proposals effectively reject any ceasefire. It’s abundantly clear that the return of 134 Israeli hostages depends on military intervention. Undoubtedly, Sinwar and his thugs are keeping them close as human shields for their final stand.

Interrogation videos of Hamas terrorists who participated in the killing of women and children on Oct. 7 shockingly reveal the banality with which Hamas terrorists murdered. Not dissimilar to the fervor demonstrated by Nazis to kill as many Jews as possible, in interrogation videos, Hamas soldiers hardly flinch when describing themselves raping and murdering women.

Despite this evidence, the U.S. administration is willing to look the other way. In a slam against Israel's democracy and sovereignty, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer alarmingly called for elections in Israel. Israel is at war, and calling for elections and denouncing its wartime Prime Minister is an unacceptable level of interference.

In a similar vein, after pledging more than $25 million to UNRWA, an agency accused of aiding and abetting Hamas, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly pledged a mere $1 million for Israeli women affected by sexual violence on October 7th. This is shameful for a nation priding itself on promoting women's rights and feminism.

Adding insult to injury, Joly posted a picture on "X" of her and MP Ya'ara Sacks warmly holding hands with Holocaust-denying, terror-inciting, antisemitic President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. A professional business-like picture with Abbas could have been understood, but one that appears endearing and treats Abbas like an elder statesman instead of the tyrant he is, is shameful and reduces our nation's principled stand on Antisemitism and Holocaust denial.

Indeed, Abbas lacks any form of credibility. It is believed that 91% of Palestinians believe he should resign, while 80% are convinced that the PA is corrupt.  

We live in a world lacking courage, principle, and fortitude. A world that fails to distinguish between friend and enemy. A world in which even people from within seemingly have lost their moral compass. Jonathan Glazer's comments at the Oscars earlier this week show that even within our midst, there are those who are seeking admiration, as there have always been in every generation.

For our part, AGPI will continue speaking out, writing, educating and standing with Israel. We will not rest until every single one of the 134 hostages held by Hamas is home. We will honor and speak of the sacrifices Israel's 251 fallen soldiers (in Gaza) are making to defend freedom and democracy, and we will never forget nor forgive the massacre of 1,200 innocents on October 7th.

Am Yisrael Chai! Shabbat Shalom!

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder and CEO, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. AGPI is a charitable organization reliant on donations to fuel its educational and advocacy programs. If our cause resonates with you, we invite you to support us by making a donation. Your contribution helps us defend our future and protect our past

March 8, 2024

Shabbat Shalom, and a heartfelt welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. This week proved to be exceptionally eventful in both Jewish and global affairs.  

On this, International Women's Day, we pay tribute to the women of Israel - for their pain and suffering and incredible resilience and strength. 

This week, of utmost significance, due to AGPI's vigorous campaigning, we successfully influenced the Canadian government to temporarily halt its plans to reinstate funding to UNRWA - the United Nations Relief Works Agency.  See our public appeal HERE. 

On Tuesday evening, we received information from reliable sources suggesting that our government was poised to announce a reinstatement of the $25 million funding allocation to UNRWA scheduled for April. However, after AGPI's outspoken condemnation and the launch of a digital national campaign against this move, the scheduled announcement on Wednesday was canceled.

AGPI's initiative garnered significant support, with thousands of Canadians expressing outrage at the potential use of tax dollars to fund Hamas terrorism through UNRWA. In response to the public sentiment, Prime Minister Trudeau stated on Thursday that no announcements would be made that day. He emphasized the commitment to doing the right thing and prioritizing the protection of civilian life.

We share the viewpoint that assistance should not be channeled through UNRWA, especially considering their staff's alleged involvement in the October 7th massacre. Currently, we are pleased to observe that Trudeau is considering alternative channels for supporting humanitarian relief programs in the region, aligning with our campaign's suggestion.

However, the overall context of these developments has led to a concerning rise in hostility against Jewish Canadians. AGPI's observations in Europe and America highlight community leaders expressing bewilderment about the escalating antisemitism on Canadian streets and halls of power. In British Colombia this week, Selina Robinson, a senior Jewish NDP politician resigned from caucus because of concerns about Antisemitism. 

In Thornhill, a Jewish suburb, peace was disrupted by mayhem when Pro-Hamas and Palestinian demonstrators rallied in front of the Beth Avraham Yosef Synagogue. This led to vitriol and, in some instances, physical altercations, creating a serious security situation.

AGPI had communicated its concerns to the York Region Police Services earlier in the week and continues to call for stronger law enforcement measures to protect Jewish communities nationwide. The organization vehemently condemns the targeting of Jewish institutions, particularly synagogues, emphasizing that such actions infringe upon Canada's Charter of Rights.

In light of these local issues tied to global events, AGPI marked International Women's Day by publishing an article in the National Post. The piece drew attention to the UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict report, exposing heinous sexual crimes committed by Hamas against Israeli women on October 7th and as hostages in Gaza.

While the report itself vindicates the rights of Jewish women, AGPI raises critical points. The timing of the report's release and the lack of acknowledgment from Secretary General Antonio Guterres on its release date are noted. Additionally, the UN Women's website, while discussing the plight of women in Gaza, has yet to acknowledge the report produced by its own organization (the UN). 

AGPI emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the denials and distortions surrounding the events of October 7th and the broader conflict with Hamas. We recognize this as a fight not just for Israel but for preserving fundamental freedoms in democracies.

If you resonate with our cause, we invite you to support us by making a donation. Your contribution helps us defend our future and protect our past.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, 

Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. If you are receiving this newsletter from a friend, you can get your copy weekly by visiting our contact and subscribe section at www.agpiworld.com. We invite you to also find us on our WhatsAPP Channel to receive daily updates. 

March 1, 2024

Shabbat Shalom, and a warm welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. It has been yet another incredibly busy week in both Jewish and global affairs.

Our week commences with a somber note as we extend our sincere condolences to the Mulroney family on the passing of Canada's 18th Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney.

Having hosted Mr. Mulroney on numerous occasions, I had the opportunity to get to know him on a personal basis. On one memorable occasion, the evening before a gathering, a public report was set to be released. Mr. Mulroney courteously called me, expressing humility, and asked if I still wanted him to come to my gathering. It wasn't even a question for me: "Of course, I did," I responded.

Throughout his political career, Mr. Mulroney staunchly supported the Jewish community and defended Israel. One of his most memorable actions was the establishment of the Deschenes Commission in 1985. It marked Canada's first and only commission of inquiry to investigate accusations that the country was a haven for Nazi war criminals.

This past November, Mr. Mulroney received the highest honour in New York from the World Jewish Congress for his commitment to standing up for Israel. In a "fiery speech" addressing the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, he emphasized, "the most sacred duty of any government is to provide for the security of its citizens. No government could let these obscenities go unpunished and retain the trust of its people.”

Mr. Mulroney stated, “Hamas knew full well the reaction its murderous rampage against innocents would provoke. They knew and didn’t care. Indeed, it is the reaction they sought. They chose to put the lives of the two million people of Gaza they claim to defend in mortal danger in a deliberate, nihilistic attempt to set the Middle East on fire."

“Why would they do this? It was not to increase the likelihood of a Palestinian State. It was not to improve the lives of the people of Gaza. So, why? Because these are terrorists in the purest sense of the word, for whom the senseless violent act satisfies the strategic objective, killing Jews.”Mr. Mulroney believed that Hamas answered Hitler's call. 

Few leaders today can appropriately distinguish between good and bad. Knowing to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, was the subject of our column today in the National Post:

"There are serious and severe efforts to wear down a value system primarily grounded in the Judeo-Christian beliefs ingrained in western civilization. Blurring the lines between terrorists by calling them “militants” or “combatants” is one prevalent method observed in the media today. This distortion is extraordinarily dangerous for our society because it undermines our fundamental principles of truth and justice."

Part of our response was a reply to last week's scathing condemnation of Israel in the Toronto Star, where one columnist wrote of former prime minister Stephen Harper’s visit to Israel and his denunciation of Hamas: “Harper’s ahistorical and disingenuous framing … reflects the extent to which what we’re witnessing from the powerful is an attempt to promote a simplistic viewpoint of ‘good and bad."

This very effort, we wrote today in the National Post, is a threat to the very fabric of democracy. Coincidentally, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed these sentiments just today in London where he warned that Islamic extremism is undermining democracy. 

Since October 7th, AGPI has been working vigorously to provide a counter-view to the leftish obsession to undermine Israel. To counter denial and distortion, we produced "The End of the Innocence," a documentary about the Hamas massacre. We launched www.jforce.org, a new website with detailed information and testimony, including Myths and Facts, and we recently launched "AGPI Arabic" to counter the biased reporting in the Arab world and "Eye on the UN" to counter the false claims by UN agencies, including UNRWA and the ICJ.

In all this, thanks to the incredible support and information provided by communities across the nation, we have now also updated our University Report Card, grading campuses on the levels of Antisemitism. While we continue to update this important document, we invite you to review it when choosing a university to support or attend.  We invite you to peruse many of our hundreds of reports on terrorism, antisemitism, and Israel at AGPIuniversity. 

Throughout all this, we continue to stand with Israel in this tragic war with Hamas. We call on the world community to demand the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas as a precursor to any ceasefire arrangement. We stand firm in the belief that to achieve lasting peace, Hamas must be fully dismantled in Gaza.

If you appreciate what we stand for at home and around the world, take a moment to support us by making a donation. Help us defend our future and protect our past.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, 

Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. If you are receiving this newsletter from a friend, you can get your copy weekly by visiting our contact and subscribe section at www.agpiworld.com. We invite you to also find us on our WhatsAPP Channel to receive daily updates. 

Shabbat Shalom, and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. This week, we concluded an intensive mission to Brussels and Israel, advocating for our community and expressing solidarity with Israel in its struggle against Hamas and prevailing world opinions.

In our liturgy, it is believed that saving one life is akin to saving the entire world. Now, consider meeting someone who not only saved one life but more than two hundred!

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to spend a full day with Police Sergeant Remo Elkhozael, who described to me in somber detail the Hamas massacre that unfolded before his eyes. 

Contrary to the outrageous denials of rapes, mutilations, and mass killings, Elkhozael witnessed the shocking events on October 7th, describing how he rescued more than 200 young people from the Nova party. His only regret is that he could not save more.

Walking through these "killing fields" and standing in the makeshift lot of mangled blown-up and shot-at cars was surreal. Hundreds of cars were blown up by Hamas with people inside them, piled on top of one another. We searched for Remo's car that was also blown up, but to no avail. In the middle of the lot sits a white Hamas truck with a machine gun turret, used to murder hundreds.

To challenge the deniers out there, we continued to document and record by video the evidence of the savagery that unfolded. We live in a world that quickly forgets, especially when it comes to massacring our people. That's why, as an organization, thanks to our donors, we have been on the front lines to ensure the world never forgets.

At the same time, we are advocating for greater resilience in the face of rising Antisemitism, as witnessed this week in Canada where a Jewish athlete (Leah Goldstein) was disinvited as a speaker. We wrote an open letter to the world in the National Post today about how we are fighting the hate it gives:

"Dear World, enough with your slander and defamation. We're fed up with your ghettos, crusades, inquisitions, and genocides. You were silent then, as you are silent now, when we're attacked, beaten, raped, and murdered. Your denial, distortion, and collaboration with those wishing us harm have become unbearable".

"Your silence and complicity, dear world, after the murder of our children and rape of our women on October 7th have given rise to a new generation. In case you haven't noticed, our youth are proudly wearing the Jewish Star of David around their necks. We are strengthening our Zionism and commitment to the Jewish State of Israel. Unlike you, we are not afraid. We are getting stronger each day".

Through this, we are holding our head up in dignity. The world can learn a lesson from Leah Goldstein's dis-invitation. Although "heartbroken," she is following in the Jewish tradition of focusing on good and on building rather than attacking: "I hope that humans can learn to treat each other with respect and love," she wrote.

Even as we speak about such vicious attacks that try to ostracize and marginalize us from society, today we issued a press release expressing our outrage at the removal of two prominent Jewish lawyers from a Raptors game last night because they wore a "Free our hostages" sweatshirt.

One of the lawyers was one of AGPI's Vice Presidents, Leora Shemesh. She emphasized, "Across the globe, the plea for the release of Israeli hostages has gained international support. However, it is disheartening to witness such prejudice in Toronto, where Jewish individuals are being asked to leave public events. This is unconscionable."

That same prejudice is observed on a global scale too. Just two weeks ago, Israel was accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. The court was back in session against Israel again this week - this time with the Palestinian Authority wanting the court to declare Israel's presence "illegal." Read our press statement HERE. 

AGPI condemns the ICJ's continued and relentless inquisition against the Jewish State. Sadly, the court, which was created in the aftermath of the Holocaust, is now being weaponized by Israel's enemies against the Jewish State, even as it fights for its survival.

We support Israel's newly released document of principles regarding the management of Gaza after the war. We agree that Civil affairs in Gaza should be run by locals, so long as they are not associated with a terrorist organization. We agree with the establishment of a security buffer for Israel and the complete demilitarization of Gaza. Most importantly, we agree with the removal of UNRWA and other entities that help to radicalize the population against Israel.

If you appreciate the exceptional work being done by AGPI at home and around the world, take a moment to support us by making a donation. Help us defend our future and protect our past.

If you appreciate what we stand for at home and around the world, take a moment to support us by making a donation. Help us defend our future and protect our past.

Sincerely, 

Avi Abraham Benlolo, 

Founder and CEO, 

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. Increase awareness of Jewish affairs by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends. Learn more about AGPI at www.agpiworld.com.

Shabbat Shalom, and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. It's been another intensive week in Jewish affairs as AGPI continues to stay out front on critical issues.

As we write this from Tel Aviv, we are heartbroken by the loss of two lives in a terrorist attack in the southern part of Israel. We condemn this heinous attack, which has also left many others wounded. 

In case you missed it, last week, we held high-level meetings in Brussels, including at the European Parliament with Israel's Ambassador to the EU and NATO, and with the head of the European Jewish Congress, among others.

To watch our exclusive discussion with Israel's Ambassador Haim Regev, please click HERE.

Following the release of our report card on campus antisemitism at 52 universities across Canada, Academica Group listed it among its "Top Ten" news stories, giving it further credence and impact among university leaders nationwide. Our hope is that this report will provide university administrators with the tools necessary to improve their university's ranking by combating antisemitism.

AGPI's dramatic global impact this week was its tribute in Jerusalem to Bedouin heroes who rescued an untold number of Jewish people on October 7th, 2023. Together with the Christian-based Friends of Zion museum, AGPI presented each honouree with an award for their courage and valour.  Watch the highlight video HERE. 

Our objective was to strengthen the Bedouin community's commitment to Israel and to bring attention to their righteousness. We were blessed and honored to have Israel's former President, Reuven Rivlin, present the awards alongside us. The event itself garnered impactful media attention in dozens of Hebrew and English local and international media.

While we were building bridges here in Israel and showcasing to the world the impact of the Hamas massacre of Jews and Muslims on October 7th, the world had other plans. The U.S., along with its allies in the Arab world, threatens to hand the terrorists a gift by unilaterally declaring a Palestinian State.

In today's front page of the National Post, we expressed, "If there was ever a great example of ‘chutzpah,’ it would be the recent American proposal to declare a Palestinian state in the middle of Israel’s ongoing battle to defend its very existence against Hamas. The fact of the matter is that even if Israel is successful in its campaign, it would leave the Palestinian Authority (PA) in power, and it is not all that much better than Hamas."

We can all agree that America is Israel’s greatest friend and ally. Moving its Embassy to Jerusalem and brokering the Abraham Accords were some of its greatest accomplishments in recent years. Its continued military support for Israel during this war with Hamas and Hezbollah has been an incredible show of friendship. But this administration’s political pressures should not cloud its judgment vis-a-vis the Palestinians.

Doublespeak is the flavour of the day. This week, in a joint statement, the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand condemned Hamas and said, "Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately." That statement would have been sufficient had it not been for the additional comment encouraging "a negotiated political solution" and saying "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed."

The trio even had the audacity to cite the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, despite the fact it found no evidence of "genocide." Speaking in support of Israel's defence and against its ability to defend itself, the rhetoric is quickly devolving, with some even attempting to legitimize Hamas!

We are outraged by remarks made by the UN's Under-Secretary-General, Martin Griffith, in which he claimed on Sky News that "Hamas is not a terrorist group for us, of course, as you know. It's a political movement." Supposedly tasked with "Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief," Griffith later clarified Hamas is not designated as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council.

Denials. Distortion. Complicity. These are the best words to describe the UN today.  It's been widely proven that UN agencies on the ground like UNRWA have been penetrated by Hamas. Now, with pressure mounting, Israel is fighting for its life with one hand tied behind its back.  The Jewish people are used to double-standards. It is often rooted in Antisemitism. 

There is no excuse for any free nation to strengthen and embolden terrorism. Freedom and democracy must be defended at all costs. That's why we support Israel's right to dismantle Hamas.

If you appreciate the exceptional work being done by AGPI at home and around the world, take a moment to support us by making a donation. This week's Torah portion just happens to be "Terumah". Help us defend our future and protect our past.

Sincerely, Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founder and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. Increase awareness of Jewish affairs by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends. Learn more about AGPI at www.agpiworld.com.

February 9, 2024

Shabbat Shalom, and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. It's been another intensive week in Jewish affairs as AGPI continues to stay out front on critical issues.

While the world remains dark and conflicted, AGPI continues to educate students in schools far and wide. This week, we launched programs at St. Michael Catholic School and at Tom Thompson Public School. We thank them for their friendship.

After an intensive few days in Brussels meeting with Jewish officials at the European Parliament and with the heads of the European Jewish Congress, we are now in Israel preparing for AGPI's landmark ceremony honoring 13 Bedouins for heroism on October 7th.

Former President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, is set to give keynote remarks at our event, which will be attended by key leaders from Israel's government. If you are an active donor to AGPI and happen to be in Israel this coming Monday, February 12th, you are welcome to join us (while seats are available). Please send us an email at office@agpi.ca.

Our advocacy this week led us to release Canada's first Report Card on Antisemitism on our 52 university campuses. Our inaugural report has made an impact from coast to coast, providing a valuable tool for law enforcement, government policymakers, and parents alike.

It's heartbreaking to consider that Jewish students can select universities that are safer and address Antisemitism vigorously. Everyone should have a right to attend any university without consideration for safety and security. Sadly, this social contract applies to everyone except for Jewish students who are harassed by fellow students, teaching assistants, and faculty.

As stated in our National Post column of today, three universities were graded with an "F" - a failure for the level of Antisemitism and the university's handling of this pernicious hatred. Fifteen universities were given between a "D" and a "C" grade depending on their situation. Encouragingly, 23 universities cautiously (because of reporting absence) received an "A" grade for fewer incidents and responsiveness.

Following the release of our report, we traveled to Brussels to continue building bridges and our international advocacy programs. Our meeting with the Jewish community's most influential organization on the continent, the European Jewish Congress, was productive and continues discussions of future collaboration. We also met with American Jewish Committee (AJC) officials who briefed us on the critical issues affecting European Jewish life.

Ambassador Haim Regev, who oversees the European Union and NATO on behalf of Israel, provided a mostly positive report on Israel affairs at the 700+ parliament. He noted that since October 7th, the parliament leans more toward Israel, particularly in its condemnation of Hamas and the recent pause in funding UNRWA.

Regev's top priority is to bring the 136 Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas home. This requires continued exertion of pressure and influence. At the same time, he agrees that since Iran is the main culprit behind Middle East instability, the EU and all Western nations must turn their attention to banning the IRGC - the terrorist arm of the Ayatollahs.

This week, however, hasn't been easy for Israel. Israel bore the brunt of America's anger, even while hostage negotiations with Hamas fell apart due to the terrorist organization's untenable demands of a permanent ceasefire and a release of murderers from Israeli prisons.

America's support of Israel and its arms shipments are appreciated. However, this week, AGPI said it was disappointed in President Biden's alleged remark that Israel's Gaza response is 'over the top'. Like any other nation, Israel is responding to a vicious and barbaric enemy that massacred 1,200 of its citizens in cold blood and still holds 136 hostages.

We are further aghast at Biden's targeting of Israelis living in Judea and Samaria. No one is above the law, and Israel has a strong judiciary that can act to protect vulnerable communities on all sides.

AGPI is equally disappointed this week in Secretary Antony Blinken, who audaciously insinuated that Israel is "dehumanizing" Gazans. Unfortunately, he is playing right into the Hamas narrative and giving South Africa further ammunition to pursue Israel at the International Criminal Court. This unwarranted rhetoric targeting America's strongest ally for political gain must stop.

But some leaders are getting it right. This week, AGPI is proud to recognize the following three leaders:

• Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, for releasing a video condemning Antisemitism and demanding police arrest protestors for masking.
• We commend France's President Emmanuel Macron for hosting a meaningful memorial relating to the October 7th massacre, in which a number of French citizens were murdered and taken hostage.
• Finally, we commend Argentinian President Javier Milei for visiting Israel this week and for pledging to move his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. His warm embrace of Israel was appreciated across the country.
• 
  

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom.

Sincerely, Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. Increase awareness of Jewish affairs by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends. Learn more about AGPI at www.agpiworld.com.

February 6, 2024:

Shabbat Shalom, and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Report. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists in Gaza, we continue to advocate for the release of 136 Israeli hostages. We stand firmly with Israel in its ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas completely, working towards the safety and security of all Israelis.

This week has seen intense efforts here at AGPI in defense of Israel, and today's report provides insights into the strides we are taking to secure our future and preserve our past. For daily updates, please subscribe to our WhatsApp Channel.

We've experienced several hectic weeks engaging in education and advocacy in Ottawa, alongside meetings with various Ambassadors. In the upcoming week, we are set to travel to the European Parliament to engage with leaders, discussing the EU's support for Israel and the funding of UNRWA. Stay tuned for updates from the front lines.

While the spotlight remains on eradicating Hamas and safeguarding Israel's borders against Hezbollah and Iran in the North, it is equally imperative to strengthen minority communities within Israel, ensuring their continued support for the Jewish State.

Consequently, we announced this week that AGPI, in collaboration with the Friends of Zion Museum, will be conferring the "Award for Heroism on 10/7" to 13 Bedouins who exhibited exceptional bravery, risking their lives to save fellow Israelis.

Note: If you would like to donate to support this initiative, please click our donate button below to make a financial gift.  While entering your gift, in the comments section, add the words "Bedouin Heroes". 

We have extended invitations to the awardees, their families, and the mayors of their villages to join us in Jerusalem to receive this prestigious honour from our organization. We are delighted that Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, will be in attendance, assisting in the presentation of awards alongside various dignitaries. We anticipate the presence of foreign diplomats and political leaders at the event scheduled for February 12th.

As we work towards fostering hope and peace with minority communities in Israel, there are factions actively sowing hatred, aiming for the destruction of the Jewish State. For instance, at York University, a union disseminated a reprehensible pamphlet, encouraging its teaching assistant members to include Pro-Hamas/Palestinian propaganda in their classrooms.

In today's piece in the National Post, we highlighted that "Gaza Schools spreading Hamas’ antisemitism grabbed international headlines this week, coupled with breaking news revealing that the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) had staff involved in the Oct. 7 massacre of Jews." However, we emphasized the need to address similar issues in our own universities.

In another revelation, we pointed out, "it even came to light that in Toronto, the arrest of the so-called “Indigo 11” on hate-motivated mischief charges — turned out to be mostly of academics, many with PhDs and employed by universities, schools and cultural institutions." We underscored the importance of not turning a blind eye to the staff of our academic and cultural institutions, questioning whether they would have supported Hamas given the chance.

In this week's global AGPI briefing with Israel's Antisemitism and Holocaust Envoy, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, she argued that like 9/11, 10/7 changed Israel and the world. It was an attack about Israel's very existence.  That's why, to deal with the profound bias against Israel, AGPI launched a new webpage called "Eye on the UN" to provide the public with a counter narrative. 

Israel is the only country on earth dealing with a multi-pronged attack from numerous enemies - including the UN and its affiliates like the ICJ and UNRWA. One of the only ways to stop Hamas and Hezbollah is to stop Iran from funding and arming these organizations, now expanded to include the Houthis.

While Israel continues to defend itself on multiple fronts, we strongly object to several western nations, including Britain and America, who have suggested recognizing a Palestinian State in the middle of this war.

In the Telegraph, Con Coughlin articulately said that "raising the prospect of a Palestinian state when the Israeli people remain traumatized by events of 10/7 and when the fate of the 100 or so Israeli hostages ... still hangs in the balance...is not the unequivocal demonstration of support Israel deserves."

We also agree with former U.S. deputy national security advisor, Elliott Abrams' assessment that "creating a Palestinian state will not end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because it will not end the Palestinian and Iranian dream of eliminating the State of Israel."

In today's National Post we concluded by observing that "Israel’s enemies reading this column are revelling, just as the Nazis must have when Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and many others fell under their web of lies.

History will judge those who have been taken for a ride by the forces of darkness. In the end, however, history has repeatedly shown that those who stand with the Jewish people are on the right side of history. We are the litmus test for what’s coming next. Think about it."

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO,

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

January 26, 2024

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's The Friday Report. In today's report, we cover the ruling at the International Court of Justice, the tragic loss of IDF soldiers earlier in the week, the observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and the dismissal of 12 UNRWA employees for complicity on October 7th.

A reminder to all our members: you are invited to a special briefing this coming Monday (via Zoom) to be presented by Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel's Envoy on Antisemitism. You can register HERE. 

This week was particularly intense for AGPI as we conducted high-level meetings in Ottawa with several Ambassadors to discuss the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas and to garner further support for Israel, particularly within the European Union. Additionally, to reinforce the message of peace through The Abraham Accords, we met with officials at the Moroccan Embassy.

Most critically, recognizing that law enforcement plays a frontline role in combating Antisemitism and protecting Jewish institutions, we organized a two-day event at RCMP headquarters in Ottawa. To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we launched our "Power of One" exhibit and conducted a workshop on Antisemitism for RCMP leaders at headquarters and across the country.

This week, we also released our 2024 Global Report on Antisemitism, documenting the unparalleled surge of this pernicious hatred not seen since pre-Holocaust. In so doing, we are calling on government officials and law enforcement to double-down on protecting Jewish communities everywhere. 

While actively working to safeguard our local communities, we engaged in discussions with high-level officials about defending Israel against South Africa's assault on Israel at the International Court of Justice. This morning, we issued a press release announcing that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has dismissed South Africa's call for Israel to halt its operations against the Hamas terrorist group.

Instead, the ICJ has urged Israel to continue its ongoing efforts: exercise due care, facilitate humanitarian aid, and ensure the protection of civilians. We view the ICJ's decision as a clear validation of Israel's actions. AGPI is demanding the ICJ to fully dismiss the charges of genocide against Israel. 

The baseless accusation of genocide against Israel is a reprehensible ploy by South Africa, a country known for its antisemitic rhetoric. This attempt to exploit the Genocide Convention on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day is particularly shameful.

In today's National Post, we said that we often witness organizations like the United Nations commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day while simultaneously defaming and attempting to delegitimize the Jewish state. This hypocrisy must be addressed. 

Commemorating the Holocaust does not justify disproportionate attacks against Israel.

In our editorial, we said, Holocaust remembrance and education should emphasize complicity. The crucial lesson of the Holocaust is the complicity of the masses. Had the German population risen against Hitler, they could have halted his genocidal plans. Those who actively supported Hitler were accomplices, and those who remained silent were complicit.

This complicity extends to the antisemitism we observe today on university campuses, in unions, and corporate boardrooms. Silence in the face of daily antisemitic attacks on Jewish neighbours is complicity.

Today's revelation of the UN agency UNRWA investigating 12 employees over involvement in the October 7th massacre underscores the complicity in supporting Hamas and the genocide of the Jewish people. In response, the Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA pending a review of the allegations.

The damage caused by UNRWA to Gaza and the West Bank, holding Palestinians as eternal refugees, has jeopardized peace. AGPI calls on the Canadian government to follow the U.S. in suspending all future funding to UNRWA pending this investigation.

We conclude this week's report by thinking about the heartbreaking incident from earlier this week with the death of 24 IDF soldiers in Gaza. Reports indicate 21 (of the 24) were killed by an RPG fired by Hamas terrorists at a building they had targeted for destruction. It was the highest loss experienced by Israel in a single day, emphasizing the devastating consequences of this war. May their memory be a blessing.

We pray and hope for the urgent release of the 136 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. We condemn today's release of a video by Hamas of three Israeli female hostages used as a tool for this heinous group's propaganda. 

We appreciate your support in defending our future and protecting our past.

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

January 19, 2024

After an intensive "listening campaign" with the Jewish community and its allies over the last two weeks, today, AGPI published a six-step plan in the National Post  for bringing Canada back from the brink. Most Canadians we have spoken with are shocked, embarrassed, if not revolted by the pro-Hamas rallies that have taken our cities hostage since the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel.

It's clear to us that there is a silent Canadian majority who long for our Canada, where citizens were respectful of one another. Where no one raged on our streets, siding with terrorist groups and calling for our death and destruction, while burning down stores and intimidating citizens. Most Canadians, no matter their faith, want a Canada that stands for freedom and democracy and distinguishes friend from foe.

Our six-point plan involves, first, disallowing protests that call for the genocide of others and encourage immediate arrests; Second, encouraging further designation of terrorist groups, including the Houthis and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp; Third, updating hate crime laws to allow faster prosecution; Fourth, de-radicalizing schools and universities; Fifth, standing with our allies (Israel), not with our enemies (Hamas); Finally, we want to see Canada stop being influenced internally and externally by strengthening our national identity.

In our published report today, we reminded the world about the importance of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day (which we did this week). For those of us who grew up in the "old world" following the Second World War, the establishment of human rights norms based on foundational Judeo-Christian principles in the West of freedom, civil rights, and democracy—the values that MLK espoused—seems like a distant memory.

The moral compass established following the Holocaust and with respect to the civil rights movement, which was enthusiastically supported by the Jewish community standing with MLK, is being decimated by educators, demonstrators, and even political leaders attempting to establish a new world order, flipping the West’s foundational principles on their head.

This might sound old-fashioned, but it is hard to find people like MLK and Elie Wiesel drawing lines in the sand against, for example, the pro-Hamas demonstrators on our streets calling for the eradication of the Jewish State. MLK himself unequivocally said that “peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist.” But no one "woke" in the education system these days dares repeat these words.

As the war against Hamas rages, Israelis are holding steadfast under pressure even from the United States, which is now calling for a two-state solution. Today, the European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, demonstrating contempt for Israel, went as far as to say that a two-state solution must "be imposed from the outside," without Israel’s agreement.

In Davos this week, Israel's moderate President, Isaac Herzog, made it clear to the world that as long as Israeli hostages are being held by Hamas and the terrorist organization remains a threat to Israel's security, a Palestinian State is the furthest thing from the mind of any Israeli citizen. Few Israelis further trust the Palestinian Authority, which incentivizes terrorism and incites hate against Israel.

AGPI concurs with Herzog's sentiment and believes that future peace can only be achieved with the complete dismantlement of Hamas in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages. In fact, this week, we called upon the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to demand Hamas lay down its weapons, stop firing rockets at Israel, and surrender.

To complete this week's disillusionment with the UN, in a press release issued from Geneva yesterday, the Conference on Disarmament, the world's single multilateral forum, announced Iran will take the presidency of the conference from March 18 - 29th and then again in May. In other words, the number one state-sponsor of terrorism in the world will be in charge of disarmament.

All this and more is why AGPI continues to investigate, engage, and advocate on critical issues that defend Israel; combat antisemitism, and remind the world about the true meaning of freedom and democracy. We worry about Canada's changing landscape and its lack of moral clarity, and we will continue to remind our nation about the importance of preserving our founding principles.

We thank you for helping us defend our future and protect our past. We wish you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

January 12, 2024

In a statement released early this morning and widely shared with the media, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) strongly denounced South Africa's accusation at the International Court of Justice, asserting that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

AGPI labeled this charge against Israel as "an abuse of international law" and a serious misinterpretation of the Genocide Convention. The organization echoed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's characterization of these allegations as "meritless."

AGPI emphasized that Hamas is the perpetrator of genocide against Israel and the Jewish people through intentional motivation, words, and deeds. The organization called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to cease its unjustified assault on Israel and focus its attention on Hamas.

Commending Germany and the United Kingdom for siding with Israel, AGPI expressed satisfaction with Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who also voiced support for Israel after days of silence on the issue, including while meeting with a Jewish group this week. 

AGPI agreed with former Canadian Supreme Court Judge Rosalie Abella who said, "Hamas's explicit and unapologetic goal is to eliminate Jews.  The elimination of Jews constitutes genocide. On October 7, 2023, Hamas engaged in heinous acts such as murder, rape, beheading, kidnapping, and torture with the intent to eliminate individuals solely because they were Jews. It is legally absurd to suggest that a country defending itself from genocide is thereby guilty of genocide".

AGPI raised concerns about South Africa's known antisemitism and questionable impartiality, citing the 2001 international anti-racism conference in Durban, where South Africa fuelled antisemitism by labeling Israel an "apartheid state" and initiating the boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaign.

The organization highlighted South Africa's double standard, particularly regarding former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was not handed over for war crimes in Darfur.

AGPI also questioned the selectivity of the ICJ, citing the lack of action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian President Putin, and Iran for various issues. The organization argued that these double standards signify antisemitism.

Double standard against Jews also appeared in athletics this week. AGPI's advocated against the International Ice Hockey Federation's ban on Israel's hockey league, calling for Canadian hockey associations to sever ties with the IIHF due to racism and discrimination against Jewish athletes.

As Israel's war with Hamas approaches 100 days of fighting, the terrorist organization still holds 136 Israeli captives. Their families want them back home now. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), usually known for its snail's pace in prosecuting crimes, was shamelessly quick to organize against Israel on the world stage, listening to false accusations leveled by South Africa and remaining silent about the Israeli hostages and the heinous crimes committed on October 7th.

AGPI's new film, "The End of the Innocence," carefully documents these atrocities through eyewitness testimonies and profiles the denials and distortions, similar to those now being levelled by South Africa. To share the truth with the Arab world, AGPI also launched a webpage in Arabic this week.  AGPI Arabic hopes to reach over 500 million Arab-only speaking people worldwide with the facts.

There was a silver lining to our advocacy this week in Toronto where, under pressure, Toronto police declared that pro-Hamas demonstrators demonstrating at a local neighbourhood bridge will be arrested. While noting that antisemitism has spiked more than 37%, Toronto Police made an arrest in downtown Toronto of a man displaying a terrorist flag. In York Region, police arrested a man who had assaulted a Jewish family coming home from the synagogue last Shabbat.

In all of this, we are proud of many community leaders hosting our film in their homes; we are delighted by the show of interest from synagogues, federations, and community centers expressing interest in the film, and by the amazing turnout at our Miami Premiere. All of this is necessary to keep the world's attention on the barbaric Hamas attack and the plight of the hostages still being held in Gaza.

We wish you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo,

Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. Increase awareness by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends.

January 5, 2024

As Israel contends with multiple challenges, the recent targeted assassination of Deputy Hamas Chief Saleh Al-Arouri in Beirut, alongside the passing of former Mossad head Zvi Zamir, has gained global attention.

During Zamir's funeral, current Mossad Chief David Barnea reiterated a warning regarding those involved in the October 7 massacre, stating, "Let every Arab mother know that if her son took part in the massacre — he signed his own death warrant."

Israel's alleged first international strike against Hamas leaders targeted Al-Arouri. In my National Post article published today, it was expressed that for freedom and democracy to prevail, evil must be eliminated.

Leaders of Hamas, including Al-Arouri, Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif, are responsible for committing crimes against humanity on October 7 and subsequent days. Disturbing acts, such as executions, beheadings, point-blank shootings, rapes, and burning families alive, were videotaped by Hamas.

My article contends that Hamas, referring to the murderous rampage of unarmed civilians as a successful "operation," poses a threat to Israel's democracy, safety, and security.

While the universal aspiration for peace is acknowledged, I emphasized that true peace requires addressing and eliminating evil. I drew a connection to the echoes of innocent souls at Auschwitz, emphasizing the path to peace necessitates eradicating evil for a brighter future for all, including Palestinians free of Hamas.

Despite Israel's evident commitment to self-defense against perceived threats, we strongly reject South Africa's appeal to the International Court of Justice, branding Israel's actions as "genocide." The charges are unfounded, considering the context where Hamas uses its own people as human shields, anticipating a response.

South Africa's persistent focus on Israel, especially since the 2001 Durban conference on racism, reflects a biased attitude, overshadowing other nations with notorious human rights abuses. This biased stance has also been observed in academia, as seen in the recent resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, who demonstrated a double standard in her testimony before a U.S. congressional committee regarding Jewish students.

The tolerance of pro-Palestinian hate on North American campuses by university administrations is facing backlash, with philanthropists withdrawing donations, lawsuits filed by Jewish students, and some law firms pledging not to hire graduates involved in anti-Jewish sentiments. But it's not enough. We want to see university presidents standing up to campus antisemitism. 

The silence of political leaders in the face of Palestinian demonstrations and attacks on Jewish communities is concerning. AGPI urges leaders to go beyond social media condemnations, calling for arrests, immediate changes to hate crime laws, and prompt consent to press charges by the Attorney General.  Roads leading into Jewish neighbourhoods should not be obstructed. 

AGPI's upcoming film, premiering in Miami this weekend, addresses the distortion of truth about Israel by leaders, demanding accountability and urging pro-Israel politicians to cease providing cover to those not standing with Israel. Emphasizing the distinction between Israel, a free and democratic nation, and Hamas, a terrorist group, AGPI asserts the grave danger of equivocation for Western democratic nations.

As an organization dedicated to human rights, freedom, and democracy, AGPI views its mission as crucial in combating antisemitism and educating the public and leaders. Our call to action extends gratitude to those standing with AGPI in upholding these ideals.

"Am Israel Chai!" symbolizes the organization's unwavering commitment to the enduring life of the Jewish people.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

December 29, 2023

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's The Friday Report, AGPI's global assessment relevant to the Jewish community and pro-Israel supporters.

On behalf of AGPI's entire board and our international team, we thank our donors who have gone above and beyond by recognizing our tireless work by making an end of the year contribution.

It's the end of the year, and supporters of Israel hardly have an appetite to celebrate. In my final column of 2023 in today's National Post, I expressed that October 7th marked our awakening to a new reality - a nightmare reminiscent of 9/11. Everything came to an abrupt halt on that day as Islamic fundamentalism rekindled its violent agenda. 

Make no mistake about it; this has been the most challenging year for Israel and Jewish communities since the Holocaust. For us at AGPI, what started as a year of building on The Abraham Accords through a new program called the Dialogue of Civilizations, with a partner in the United Arab Emirates, ended the year with what today feels like a complete pivot to battle distortion, denial, and complicity.

We began 2023 with the hope for a new future in the Middle East. We shared our optimism in our new film, "The Future of Israel and its Defenders";  At his invitation, we met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to promote interfaith relations; We partnered with the Christian Friends of Zion museum to host the first-ever Jerusalem Peace Summit, and we commemorated Yom Hashoah and Israel's 75th anniversary by taking 30 American and Canadian police chiefs to visit Auschwitz and to Israel.

This past May, at our Crystal Ball Benefit, we celebrated the possibilities of peace by honouring my good friend from the U.A.E., Ahmed Al Mansoori. We then held an event at the Canadian embassy in Tel Aviv and in the fall, we attended a conference on Antisemitism in Hungary, at the invitation of the government.   Days before, we launched a new educational program at Queens Park with the Minister of Education and Directors of Education. 

All this came to a screeching halt on 10/7. We turned our energy and resources to defending Israel on the world stage. In early November, we held our "Defenders of Israel" dinner honouring Stockwell Day, Raheel Raza, and Colonel Richard Kemp for standing up for Israel. We encourage our non-Jewish friends to stand with us in this fight for freedom and democracy. 

We created a new resource website (jforce.org), and we published dozens of articles to tell the world the truth about what happened.  We grew our social media footprint to reach more people, to provide a counter narrative. In the face of the knowledge we have today about Hamas' atrocities, we confronted the media like the CBC who refer to Hamas as a "militant" group. Shocking. 

We put our film about Antisemitism in France on hold and turned our attention completely to telling Israel's story. We were the only foreign organization standing in solidarity with hostage families in Tel Aviv - meticulously documenting the tragedy. We traveled to Bedouin villages to document the atrocities committed, and we met with and interviewed survivors.

To combat denial and distortion at the United Nations; among feminist groups who denied Jewish women were raped; in the media and by leaders (even our own prime minister), we worked tirelessly for days and nights to produce a new documentary that would give voice to the voiceless. That would shine a light on the deniers.

AGPI's new film, "The End of the Innocence" is the first documentary to openly call out the liars. But its importance is not only about standing up for Israel and the victims. It's a wake-up call to end our own innocence. Watch it and share it widely on all your social media feeds.  We continued to grow AGPI University with hundreds of articles, reports and exhibits to educate the public. 

The clock stopped precisely at 6:28 a.m. on Oct. 7. Everything following that day of infamy represents a new understanding of the world order. This is more than just a Middle East conflict; the world is on the brink. The barbarians are at the gate. The will of the good must prevail over evil.

Fireworks will soon ring in the New Year in cities around the world. The ball will drop in Times Square. Crowds and well-wishers will line the streets. But the future for nations that believe in democracy and international order looks less than safe as the West faces off against Iran, China, Russia in the Mediterranean. 

We expect 2024 will be challenging, as the war might expand and Antisemitism here at home continues to surge more aggressively, while our elected officials are silent. In all this, AGPI will continue advocating, educating, publishing, broadcasting, and speaking out unabashedly.  

We are here for you and your family 24/7 defending our future and protecting our past.

Am Israel Chai!

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 22, 2023

Shabbat Shalom and welcome to this week's The Friday Report, AGPI's global assessment relevant to the Jewish community and its friends. For daily alerts from AGPI, we invite you to join our WhatsApp Channel HERE 

It has been another challenging week on this Day 77 of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite Hamas gaining little and losing significantly, it continues to celebrate the pain and suffering it has imposed on its own people, employing them as human shields on a daily basis. The group persists in refusing to disarm and surrender, serving as a stark reminder of the religious fanaticism that propels its actions.

If you are a member of our global network, yesterday you received a copy of our new documentary, The End of the Innocence. Unlike our previous film, we decided there would be no premiere and no ribbon cutting. There is nothing to celebrate. There is only heartbreaking sadness about the massacre of October 7th.

In the face of disgusting denials and distortions, our job is to tell the world the truth about that horrific day and since. We spent two weeks on the front lines in Israel, day and night documenting the brutal Hamas assault and speaking to witnesses, gathering testimony, and standing with families of hostages.

The End of the Innocence is a documentary that must be seen immediately, without delay. More importantly, it's an important tool we are gifting to all defenders of Israel. We are counting on you to distribute the film widely. Send it to your family and friends. Share it with your colleagues. Screen it in your church or community center.

Help expose the denial of rapes; of hostage taking; of Hamas as a terrorist organization and of Israel's legitimate right to defend itself. Already, some people have invited friends to home screenings and are organizing programs around this film in their communities. All of us are Israel's defenders. All of us must take action. Here is the direct link.

In today's National Post, AGPI demanded our leaders need to get serious about cracking down on hate. Flagrant death threats by pro- Palestinian protesters like those at Eaton Centre undermine the security of all Canadians. This week, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw informed the police board that antisemitic incidents in the city have surged by 211 per cent since the onset of Hamas’s war on Israel. This alarming increase, constituting 53 per cent of all reported hate crimes since the Oct. 7 massacre, is utterly intolerable.

All Canadians are starting to feel unsafe. Not just the Jewish community. One non-Jewish person told us, “In my view, deliberately targeting institutions and businesses in Canada, purportedly to resolve horrific problems in the Middle East, because their owners happen to be Jewish is antisemitic; it is racist,”. Most importantly, she said, “I am not Jewish, I am not Palestinian and I am increasingly feeling unsafe in Canada.”

Concern for Canada's safety and security comes from confusing statements and actions undertaken by our government. Whereas we once stood steadfast for moral clarity, today it feels like Canada is siding with Hamas. Last week, Canada voted with the UN for a resolution that helped Hamas. This week, Hamas issued a video statement thanking Canada for its steadfast support. Imagine a terrorist organization thanking us! That's how bad things have gotten.

Despite the fact Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Jolie immediately issued a flat out statement expressing, "we unequivocally condemn Hamas' terror attacks on Israel on October 7th", her statement was immediately drowned out by Canada's announcement that it would now receive Gazans on temporary visas. This was yet another confusing blow about Canada's foreign policy.

Today, AGPI issued a public letter to immigration minister Marc Miller asking public safety will be guaranteed: "Given the atrocities against Israel on October 7th, we are apprehensive that some Hamas terrorists involved in the massacre and those currently involved in the fighting may attempt to enter Canada. Can you provide information on the vetting process for each adult to ensure they are not affiliated with Hamas before being admitted to our country?"

We further expressed that "considering the significant rise in Antisemitism and the unfortunate exposure of many Gazans to hateful propaganda about Jews, could you outline the measures in place to guarantee the safety and security of the Jewish community?"

Given the unprecedented levels of Antisemitism in this country, in addition to the physical threats we have seen this week at Toronto's Eaton Center and Yorkdale Mall, demand for accountability regarding Canada's national security must take priority. To our knowledge, neither Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford nor Mayor Olivia Chow have denounced the death threats uttered in public at these malls.

This same ambivalence and mixed signals are felt at the UN (not surprisingly). Late this afternoon, the UN Security Council passed a watered-down resolution calling for more aid and a cessation of hostilities.

While Israel's Ambassador, Gilad Erdan thanked the U.S. for abstaining, he added that "It must not be ignored that the Security Council as a body has not yet condemned the October 7 massacre. This is a disgrace. The UN's focus only on the aid mechanisms for Gaza is unnecessary and disconnected from reality - Israel, in any case, allows the entry of aid on any necessary scale".

As we come to the end of yet another heartbreaking week defined by more young Israeli soldiers killed in action, we pay tribute to them and to their families. Their sacrifice to defend Israel, fight for freedom and democracy will never be forgotten.

Am Israel Chai!

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo, Founder and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

October 13, 2023

It's difficult to extend the customary "Shabbat Shalom" in the wake of a week filled with harrowing events, especially as Israeli soldiers and citizens face unrelenting challenges every minute.

It seems like ages ago, but during my keynote address on Yom Kippur at the Song Shul, I felt compelled to share my concerns. I cautioned the congregation that the next conflict with Hamas could have far-reaching consequences, both locally and globally.

Sadly, that warning is now all too relevant. Calls for demonstrations against Israel and threats to Jewish communities worldwide have surged, requiring the unwavering protection of our law enforcement agencies.

We've reached out to key law enforcement organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police (U.S.A.), the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police, and police leaders across the nation. These agencies have established command centers in Jewish neighborhoods, a sight previously unseen, highlighting the severity of the threats faced by our communities.

Recent events, such as an incident at a Jewish high school in Toronto involving alleged threats by Muslim youth against Jewish students, underscore the critical need for vigilance.  We are also seeing a surge in this intolerable behaviour on our university campuses. 

This week, we join the global community in applauding U.S. President Joe Biden for his passionate condemnation of silence and complicity over the barbaric Hamas attack. He aptly noted that not since the Holocaust have so many Jews perished. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the sentiment, declaring, "There is only one place for Germany — the place at Israel's side."

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's heartening show of support in Israel, including his meeting with young Israelis who fervently expressed gratitude for America's unwavering support, further underscores the international solidarity with Israel.

In our front-page column in today's National Post, we address the complicity of the progressive left over the past two decades, which has contributed to the undermining, defamation, and delegitimization of the State of Israel. These actions have, in part, emboldened Hamas and Palestinian terrorism that now plagues Israel.

This group of advocates traces its roots back to the Durban Conference on racism and xenophobia in South Africa in 2001, which laid the foundation for the unfounded claim that Israel is an "apartheid state."

Despite these challenges, Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, has continued to champion human rights, advance LGBTQ+ and women's rights, celebrate coexistence, and play a leading role in promoting these values in the region.

Regrettably, the Palestinian campaign of defamation and the deeply ingrained antisemitism have contributed to the legitimization of hatred against Israel, particularly among progressive leftists and far-right white supremacists.

This week, campuses across Canada and America became safe havens for Antisemitic rhetoric. At York University for example, three student unions came out in condemnation of Israel.  In response, the university administration said it "unequivocally condemns the inflammatory statement" saying for the first time, "freedom of expression has limits and comes with responsibilities". 

We applaud York University for demanding the unions "firmly reject any acts of violence or discrimination against Jewish students".  Its sad to see this state of affairs, but its critical for all Canadians to know about them. 

Today, Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced her journey to Israel. We welcome this development if it signifies her standing with Israelis against terrorism. However, we remain concerned about the continued funding of Palestinian groups and UNRWA ($55 million per year), which incentivizes violence and antisemitism against Israel.

We firmly assert that neutrality, which lends legitimacy to attacks on Israel and Jewish people, is not an option.  Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wisely said, "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere."

The growing radicalism on campuses, anti-Israel statements by student leaders, school boards, and unions are part of a pattern emboldened by a pro-Palestinian narrative. We condemn Canada's CBC for mischaracterizing Hamas as a "militant group" instead of "terrorists." The loss of 1,300 innocent lives undoubtedly constitutes terrorism, making Canada's continued neutrality profoundly shocking.

Israel's fight is not just for its survival but also for the ideals of freedom, democracy, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression. When we tolerate the intolerant for political convenience, we risk losing our national identity.

The IDF's invasion of Gaza is underway. Despite the challenges, we support its vigilance in protecting civilians. After the horrors we've witnessed, Israel is left with no choice but to disarm Hamas and ultimately remove it from the region.

While the media's current sympathy for Israel is appreciated, we remain vigilant, anticipating potential shifts in its stance in the coming days. To address this, we've launched J-FORCE to counter media distortions and provide the public with a platform to support Israel. If you wish to join the effort to defend Israel, visit the J-FORCE page to learn more. 

In the coming days, we will persist in our vigilance to defend our future and protect our past. Your support in this effort is greatly appreciated.

Am Israel Chai! 

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

P.S. You can help educate your friends and family about these important issues by forwarding this newsletter to them and inviting them to subscribe. 

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,

As we approach the weekend, Jewish communities worldwide will conclude the High Holidays with a celebration of Simchat Torah, a joyful event that marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the start of a new one—a spiritual New Year. 

This occasion serves as an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to making the world a better place for all.

In alignment with this mission, the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) has embarked on a global tour of the Dialogue of Civilizations, commencing in Toronto and New York. In partnership with the Crossroads Museum of Civilization in Dubai, we have deliberately chosen to visit both an Orthodox Synagogue, Lincoln Square Synagogue, and a Reform Synagogue, Holy Blossom Temple. This decision emphasizes the overarching interfaith values that transcend religious boundaries.

My dear friend and partner in this endevor, His Excellency Ahmed AlMansoori, and I share the objective of dispelling racial and religious stereotypes between Muslims and Jews, while promoting and strengthening peace in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords.

Our initiative could not have come at a more opportune time, as Saudi Arabia and Israel are moving closer to normalizing ties.  Next month, our tour will take us to six cities across America and Canada within a span of a week, where we aim to further our interfaith message within as many communities as possible.

Unfortunately, our world still needs significant healing. This week, we addressed the distressing "spitting" incident involving Haredim (religious Jews) and Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem. We cannot remain silent in the face of any form of hate and injustice, and in our recent column, we expressed our outrage and unreserved condemnation of the incident.

During my Yom Kippur speech at the Song Shul, I reflected on the idea that whenever we lose sight of our mission in this world, the world turns against us. Complacency and self-absorption endanger us and our children. Failing to defend our future and protect our past, even through "Sinat Achim" (brotherly hatred), leads to our demise. 

In the case of hatred against people of another faith, I would expand this sentiment to the danger of "Sinat Zarim" or hatred of strangers and others. We must always strive to be a beacon of light unto the nations and resist primal instincts.

For this reason, our work includes outreach and bridge-building. As a global Canadian-based NGO, we advocate against Antisemitism on the world stage. As Canadians, we can stand tall and play an influential role in global affairs concerning the Jewish world and human rights.  We have our place in this world and need not succumb to policies of foreign interests. 

We are not afraid to call upon governments to do better. This weekend, at the invitation of the Hungarian government, we will depart for Budapest to attend a forum on Antisemitism alongside distinguished Jewish leaders. We will report key findings to our global network through high-level meetings tailored to our foundation's mission.

Following our condemnation of the Governor General's decision to bestow the Order of Canada on a former alleged Nazi, we will speak with Natasha Fatah on CBC News this coming weekend.  There can be no sympathy for Nazis. Only justice. 

We maintain that the apology from Governor General Mary May Simon is insufficient, given the revelations about Canada's admission of Nazis after World War II, some of whom may have been involved in mass atrocities and war crimes.

We call on Canada to embark on a "truth and reconciliation" journey by unsealing the redacted Deschenes Commission files, which may contain the names of Nazi war criminals who found asylum in Canada.  We further call upon the Ukrainian Canadian community to step forward and provide related information, if any. 

AGPI continues to educate and advocate locally and globally each day. Our exhibits and workshops, The Power of One and Not in My Name, are fully booked at schools into the next year and beyond. Our education department is reaching thousands of people weekly, as demonstrated by our impactful event with educators and Ministers at Queens Park last week.

We know that we have many supporters, and if you believe in our work and its importance, please consider making a donation in any amount. Your support not only strengthens our mission but also signifies your commitment to standing with us.

Wishing you a peaceful and restful Shabbat,

Avi Abraham Benlolo Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

What a week! Tonight Jewish families will gather in the Sukkah to celebrate the traditional fall harvest and commemorate the 40 years their ancestors spent in the desert after fleeing slavery in Egypt. 

You can bet, at least in Canada, that the discussion around the table will be about this incredibly turbulent week, about when our parliament honoured a Nazi. 

AGPI has been on the front lines speaking out against this shameful moment. At our Rosh Hashanah reception in the provincial legislature on Tuesday, where we coincidently launched our new exhibit about the MS St. Louis, we unified legislators, educators and diplomats in the fight against Antisemitism and vigorously spoke about this shameful moment.  

The significance of this historic moment wasn't lost on anyone in attendance.  Here we were discussing Canada's shameful episode in 1939 when it turned back a ship of Jews fleeing Hitler. While government policy rejected Jewish refugees fleeing the gas chambers, their perpetrators, the Nazi war criminals, were allowed entry following the Holocaust. 

This shameful juxtaposition was discussed again two days later at the launch of our exhibit at the headquarters of the Durham District School Board.  The board's executive staff plans to circulate AGPI's "Not in My Name" exhibit to a large portion of its 79,000 student body. Its part of Canada's history after all. 

As we pointed out in our national news coverage on the CBC News Network last night, and in our National Post article of this morning, our Parliament's honouring of Yaroslav Hunka provided Canadians with a special opportunity:  

For the first time all of Canada saw, noticed and learned about the real-live Nazis who live within our midst.  Several years ago, along with my friend Max Eisen (zl), together we led a delegation of Holocaust Survivors to Ottawa to appeal to the government to unseal the Deschenes Commission files to allow greater public scrutiny about the Nazis who live amongst us. 

We knew successive Canadian governments were biding their time.  They were waiting for nature to take its course.  As Nazi war criminals would pass away, this nation's dirty little secret would be buried with them. 

This hidden secret has become such a part of our identity that even in a moment of shame this week, our own government wanted to delete the Hansard recording of what took place in our Parliament. Our parliamentarians should have known better.

The Hunka affair revealed our national shame. Our national coverup. For us, apologies and resignations are a distraction. We don't care about them. We want truth and justice about the Nazis who live/d among us. We want a national reckoning. 

We vigorously support Ukraine's fight against Russia, despite our historic anguish and pain.  This week marks the 82nd anniversary of the murders of 33,000 Jews at Babi Yar. Still, our organization attended a private reception to welcome President Zelenskyy. We raised money and helped Ukrainian refugees. But we want to see the the Ukrainian community come forward too. 

And we want the coverup to stop. One columnist in the National Post this week actually went so far as calling for what sounded like "sympathy" for the elderly Hunka. Let us tell you this: there is no feeling sorry or sympathizing with Hunka or any other person who participated in the Nazi war machine.

This week was a watershed moment for Canada. It was an incident that marked a turning point not among our Parliamentarians, but among Canadians who came face to face with a Nazi. The best our war crimes prosecution office (which has been rather dormant) can do is move to extradite Hunka to Poland, as requested by its Minister of Education. 

For our part, AGPI will continue being a strong and moral voice here at home and around the world. Evil is evil is evil. There are no grey areas. As part of AGPI University, we will continue creating Holocaust curriculum and presenting workshops; we will continue taking police groups to Auschwitz and we will step up our advocacy in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and for our Survivors. 

In all this, with your help we will continue to defend our future and protect our past. 

Wishing you and yours a happy Sukkot,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. How do we educate our community? You can help educate your friends and family about these important issues by forwarding this newsletter to them. 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

This coming Sunday evening at sundown, Jewish communities around the world will begin observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar. 

For those of you who are observing Yom Kippur, may we wish you a G'mar Chatima Tova. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.  Add the names of your loved ones to our Yizkor Honour Roll Here. 

On the international front, it has been a tumultuous week at the opening assembly of the United Nations. Today's report provides an exclusive overview of what took place.  This report is also online Here. 

This morning, AGPI congratulated Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an optimistic address to the UN General Assembly about the future of the Middle East. He said, "I believe we are on the cusp of an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.  It will enhance peace with the Palestinians...it will enhance reconciliation between Jerusalem and Mecca.  All these are tremendous blessings."

At the same time, Netanyahu did not mince words about Iran. "The tyrants of Tehran" he said, "have been nothing but a curse to our region and to the entire world".  He warned that while he is in power, he will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. On the Palestinian front, he called on Palestinian President Abbas to stop spreading Antisemitic conspiracy theories against the Jewish State. "He recently said that Hitler was not an Antisemite. You can't make this up".  

While PM Netanyahu and Israel's delegation to the UN made substantial inroads on behalf of Israel this week on the global stage, we continue to encourage Israel's government to seek out universal consensus in Israel concerning the judicial reform. We stand unconditionally with Israel. A unified Israel is a stronger Israel. 

Weeks leading into the General Assembly sessions, the most anticipated showdown was the meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. As expected,  the meeting was warm and cordial and touched on critical issues including normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, and most significantly the problem of Iran. 

But Biden did say something completely unexpected and rarely heard from U.S. Presidents: "I think without Israel, there's not a Jew in the world who's secure.  I think Israel is essential".  President Biden's pronouncement demonstrates a clarity of understanding about the essentiality of the Jewish State. 

Just after Biden's meeting with Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the Kingdom, said in a Fox News interview that normalized relations between both countries "get closer" every day. Normalization with Israel is part of an overall agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States, but the Saudis demand progress toward the creation of a Palestinian State. Read AGPI's front-page analysis on the peace deal. 

After receiving $5.9 billion from the U.S. earlier this week for five American hostages, the Iranians declared they would use the money as they wish -- not necessarily for human rights purposes.  In response, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan,  brazenly walked up and down the aisle holding a picture of Mahsa Amini at the beginning of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's speech (Erdan was then briefly detained). 

Shamelessly, after his Antisemitic and Holocaust-denying tirade last week (which we exposed), Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also denied Jewish indigeneity to Jerusalem: "The occupation government . . . .is violating the historical and legal status of the holy places, especially the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, which international legitimacy has recognized as an exclusive right for Muslims alone ." 

Turkey-Israeli relations severed following the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010 where Turkey allowed a boatload of terrorists to try and break Israel's military blockade with Gaza.  It also came to light that Erdogan harbours and supports Hamas. But on the sidelines of the UN this week, both nations took an important step in an attempt to thaw relations.

In a meeting with Netanyahu, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed interest in visiting Israel soon while earlier in his remarks to the General Assembly, toned down his usual criticism of Israel, clearly wanting to appear much more moderate, like a statesman. 

Earlier in the week, Israel's UN delegation also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pledging to provide more humanitarian assistance and landmine equipment.  Given Russia's presence in Syria, Israel has been walking a tightrope in balancing its relationship with the two warring nations.

Defending our future and protecting our past requires all hands on deck. The situation in the Middle East is complicated, but requires continued advocacy and education. As the Israeli mission to the UN heads home, it is our responsibility to continue carrying the important weight of advocacy and education.

As we head into Yom Kippur, in honour of Yizkor, we invite our network to remember their loved ones by giving Tzedakah in their memory as a way to honour their legacy. To learn more about AGPI's 2023 Honour Roll of Remembrance, please click the button below. 

On behalf of all of us at AGPI, we wish you and your family an easy fast and a G'mar Chatima Tova. 

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

p.s. You can help educate your friends and family about these important issues by forwardign this newsletter to them. 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

This evening, Jewish communities all over the world will gather around the table with their loved ones to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.  

The start of the Jewish New Year is a special time as we begin anew, re-energized and invigorated to renew our faith and strength to make the world a better place. 

On behalf of all of us at The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), may we wish you a happy and healthy New Year - Shanah Tovah!

Thank you for taking a few minutes to to read this week's updates about critical issues affecting the Jewish community and Israel. This report is also online Here. 

Part of our work at AGPI is building a big "Abrahamic tent" of friends and allies through interfaith friendship. This week, it was great to catch up with my good friend Rev. David Wells (pictured above), who also serves on AGPI's National Advisory Board.  As the Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada he oversees 1,200 affiliated churches, 3,700 ministers and a constituency of 240,000 across the country. We thank Rev. Wells for being outspoken about Antisemitism and Israel.  

But these last number of months have not been easy for the Jewish world: political instability in Israel; a rising tide of Antisemitism affecting Jewish communities and increasing Palestinian terrorism against Israelis has caused much consternation.

We have been addressing all of these important issues. Earlier this year, we met with Israel's political leaders in the Knesset to express to them our thoughts and concerns; we produced a powerful pro-Israel documentary to defend Israel against delegitimization campaigns and we continue to fight Antisemitism daily with our innovative education and social media tools through AGPI University. 

With increasing Palestinian terrorism against innocent Israelis however, we have been focusing much of our attention these recent weeks on Canada and America's inappropriate financial aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA).  

This week, we harnessed the powerful message of 9/11 (given the 22nd anniversary) by releasing publicly a new report that calls on Canada and America (and the Europeans) to suspend funding to the PA until it stops inciting violence and Antisemitism and incentivizing terrorism by compensating "martyrs."

Our powerful and credible report was sent directly to Canadian parliamentarians and U.S. Senators calling upon them to stop the flow of funds to terrorists. Its contributors include two fathers (Stuart Force and Judea Pearl) who each lost a son (Taylor Force and Daniel Pearl) to terrorism. Its drafter is Henry Kopel, a former federal prosecutor and an expert on terrorism. 

To bring greater awareness to the issue, we published a follow-up article to AGPI's report in today's National Post.  We argued that the indirect funding of the PA through UN agencies like UNRWA contravenes both Canadian and American anti-terrorism laws in addition to UN Resolution 1373 which meant to suppress financing of terror following the 9/11 attacks.  

To achieve peace in this coming New Year, the world community must suspend funding to the PA conditioned on an end to violence, incitement and Antisemitism. As tax-payers, we must demand this from our political leaders around the world.

By calling on the PA for accountability, donor-nations will be helping to de-escalate the spiral of violence now unfolding before our eyes. 

Some people have asked us how they can help advance AGPI's mission and campaigns such as this one.  If you believe in our work and in this important advocacy, help strengthen our campaigns by making a donation to AGPI in honour of the New Year. 

Once more, we wish you a Shanah Tovah U'metukah.

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

SEPTEMBER 8 2023

While we are busily planting the seeds of peace through our new interfaith Dialogue of Civilizations, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been inciting Antisemitism and Holocaust denial on the Arab Street.

Our front page article in today's National Post reveals the shocking remarks made by Abbas recently at the Fatah Revolutionary Council.  Abbas openly and unabashedly said that Adolf Hitler “fought the Jews because they were dealing with usury and money.”

For centuries, these words have been spoken by rabid Antisemites bent on inciting violence and promoting hate.  In the speech, Abbas also accused Ashkenazi Jews of not being of Middle Eastern origin, putting forward the false notion that European Jews have no historic ties to the Land of Israel, in a blatant attempt to delegitimize their right to live in their homeland.

Naturally, global condemnation of Abbas has been published in every major media outlet, citing mainly European and American leaders. Nevertheless, other than AGPI's article in the National Post, very few -- if any -- Canadian media outlets have addressed the issue.

Despite our insistent media advocacy, Canadian media also refuse to address directly the matter of Canadian tax-payers supporting Palestinian Antisemitism and terrorism.  This is leaving Canadians in the dark about the atrocities we, through our government, are supporting overseas. 

But some political leaders are taking action, from which our leaders can learn from. Today, the Mayor of the city of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, released a scathing letter advising President Abbas that he is being stripped of the French capital's highest honour for making false remarks about the Holocaust and echoing Antisemitic tropes.

In her letter, Hidalgo wrote: "You (. . . ) justified the murder of the Jews of Europe during World War II with a clear desire to deny the genocide . . . I vehemently condemn your remarks, no cause can justify revisionism and negationism."

The problem is that no one is stunned any longer by the Antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and denial of Jewish indigeneity to the Land of Israel that is so often espoused by Palestinian leaders. It's become acceptable. The money from the West, including from Canada, keeps flowing and indirectly arriving into the coffers of these serial liars. 

Sadly, in the National Post today, we wrote that we believe that these words will fall on deaf ears.  But one day, maybe decades from now, a historian will find these words and ask the same question we now ask about the Holocaust: why did so many people look away?

We received many letters this morning in reaction to our advocacy. One community member said, "As citizens and taxpayers, as humans . . . I think of it often myself and discuss it with friends, who are equally astounded at wide-spread narrow mindedness, stupidity, and ignorance." 

The Antisemitism and violence from Palestinians has become normalized.  This is true even here in the west where pro-Palestinian demonstrators call for the eradication of the Jewish State.  All too often, we hear these genocidal words on our campuses, in front of our city halls and on the street: "free Palestine from the river to the sea". 

That is why in addition to this morning's article, in the coming days, we will be releasing an updated report on Palestinian terrorism.  Its contributors include Judea Pearl, the father of Daniel Pearl who was murdered by Islamic terrorists, and Stuart Force, father of Taylor Force murdered by a Palestinian terrorist on the Tel Aviv promenade. 

Given Abbas' atrocious Antisemitism and Holocaust denial, coupled with the unprecedented level of Palestinian terrorism in recent months, we are calling on the Canadian and American governments to immediately suspend funding to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas through UNRWA and other UN vehicles. 

This is a critical time that requires all hands on deck.  No matter where you are on the planet, if this issue moves you, if you refuse to have your money supporting Antisemitism and terrorism, please take the following action:

First, send this report and this article to your local and federal political representative and demand action. Second, inform and educate your family, friends and business associates. Finally, help strengthen this advocacy campaign by donating to AGPI. 

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

Sincerely,

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founding Chairman and CEO

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: Welcome to The Friday Report, the weekly newsletter of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative. We bring to you the most significant news, as well as updates on the social action we are undertaking around the world. Read it online Here.