Simon Wiesenthal Center

Thank you, Governor Kathy Hochul, for taking a stand against intolerance and anti-Semitism. We appreciate your support.

October 7, 2024, marks the first anniversary of an unprecedented act of terrorism on Israel - and by extension, the global Jewish community - that unleashed a wave of anti-Semitism and aggression unlike anything since the Holocaust.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is hosting a special event on Sunday, October 6th, at 7:00 PM at its Museum of Tolerance. Join us for a night of remembrance, reflection, recognition, and resilience so that our community can honor this tragic day together. The event will culminate in a candle-lighting ceremony to coincide with the exact moment of the Oct. 7th attacks.

RSVP required. Please register here: https://secure.wiesenthal.com/site/Ticketing?view=Tickets&id=102987

Yesterday, Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Omar Quadrat, of the Muslim Alliance of America, joined together to visit Ground Zero for the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. Quadrat, a friend of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance, served in Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, where 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was held. Cooper and Quadrat attended closing ceremonies honoring fallen first responders. Rabbi Cooper chanted the Jewish memorial prayer as diverse crowds paid respects to the innocent victims of 9/11.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance join people across the US and around the world to mark the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. The MOT will be commemorating the solemn occasion by displaying the America's Heroes Memorial Quilt.

The Memorial Quilt is made with a patch lovingly created in remembrance of each of the fallen rescue workers who gave their lives to save others on 9/11. The quilt is accompanied by two notebooks containing profiles of each of the heroes.

#911

Following the brutal murders of six young Israeli hostages, please join the SWC in signing a petition to the International Committee of the Red Cross to demand that the ICRC :

▪️Demand immediate access to the hostages
▪️Obtain proof of life
▪️Provide for the medical needs of the remaining hostages

The ICRC must intervene to save innocent lives. This is a matter of life and death.

Time is running out.

Sign here: https://secure.wiesenthal.com/site/SPageNavigator/red_cross_petition.html #/

The Simon Wiesenthal Center congratulates Israel's incredible Paralympic athletes for breaking their 20-year record with 10 medals at the Paris 2024 Games! These achievements, coming during such a difficult time for Israel, demonstrate the resilience of the Israeli people. We salute you for representing your nation with pride and excellence.

Photo: Times of Israel

Columbia University promised they were enacting new procedures to stop anti-Semitism on campus this fall, but instead, they are allowing masked students to support terrorist organizations during protests openly. Columbia’s property was defaced by masked pro-Palestian vandals without consequences. By allowing these acts of intimidation, Columbia is jeopardizing the safety and security of Jewish students.

Photo: Haaretz

Please join us in welcoming six new international interns to the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance. These interns will spend this year supporting the work of the Museum and Center through their participation in the Austrian Service Abroad and Chan Fellowship from Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Please welcome to the Museum and Center, Leon, Lucas, Felix, Niclas, Peinan and Danil.

Learn more about internship opportunities on the Museum of Tolerance's Volunteer Opportunities page: https://www.museumoftolerance.com/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/

Following the brutal murders of six young Israeli hostages, please join the SWC in signing a petition to the International Committee of the Red Cross to demand that the ICRC :

▪️Demand immediate access to the hostages
▪️Obtain proof of life
▪️Provide for the medical needs of the remaining hostages

The ICRC must intervene to save innocent lives. This is a matter of life and death.

Time is running out.

Sign here: https://secure.wiesenthal.com/site/SPageNavigator/red_cross_petition.html #/

SWC commends the NOVA 06:29 Exhibition for hosting a powerful vigil on Sunday, hours after the news of the six hostages' murder. In times of profound sorrow, it's more important than ever for the community to stand together.

The Nova Exhibition is an installation to remember the massacre at The Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023. The exhibit offers a window into survivors' experiences and brings elements of the festival to the audience. Visit the in Culver City, CA, through October 8, 2024 - it’s an experience to remember.

Photo credit: Nova Exhibition

On this Labor Day, let’s honor the hardworking individuals whose dedication and resilience have shaped our nation. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, marking the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. It wasn't until June 28, 1894, that Congress officially made the first Monday in September a legal holiday.

At SWC, we stand in solidarity with all workers, recognizing that the fight for justice and dignity in the workplace is vital to our history. This holiday serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by labor activists over the years and the ongoing importance of advocating for workers' rights and equality.

Photo: A Labor Day parade on Main Street in Buffalo in 1900 from the Library of Congress

SWC appreciates the strong words from President Joe Biden. Action must be taken against Iran, which has supported Hamas financially, militarily & politically. We must also demand that Qatar end its support of Hamas.

Most importantly, the US must continue to help and not hinder Israel from completely eliminating Hamas.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/31/statement-from-president-biden-on-hersh-goldberg-polin/

The Simon Wiesenthal Center condemns the vandalism of Berlin’s “Block of Women” memorial with anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian graffiti. This disgraceful act insults the memory of Holocaust victims and must be met with severe justice. We urge German authorities to take immediate action.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/berlin-holocaust-memorial-vandalized-with-antisemitic-pro-palestinian-graffiti/

You're invited to hear two guest speakers at the Museum of Tolerance this Sunday, Sept 3!

At 1:00 PM, Holocaust survivor Dr. Jack Wetter will share his story of resilience. He was born while his parents were hiding in a small basement secretly leased from the wife of a Gestapo officer.

At 3:00 PM, Dr. Paul Schneider will recount his mother's and aunt's journey of surviving World War II, making their way through multiple republics of the former Soviet Union.

RVSP here: https://www.museumoftolerance.com/education/special-speakers/hear-a-holocaust-survivor/

The Simon Wiesenthal Center & the Museum of Tolerance are proud to be co-sponsors of the Bring Them Home Now Los Angeles rally. Join them on September 5th at Beverly Hills City Hall to rally to .

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his renowned "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating for civil and economic rights for all and the end of racism in the United States. This pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement is one of the most influential speeches in American history.

The SWC’s dedication to advancing tolerance and combating racism aligns with Dr. King's vision of promoting the importance of civil rights and social justice.

Visit the Museum of Tolerance and experience the profound impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, delve into the Social Lab and witness a Civil Rights video, “Ain’t You Got A Right.”

SWC commends the Israel Defense Forces for successfully freeing another , Qaid Farhan Alkadi, from after more than 10 months in captivity. Let’s rejoice that this Bedouin security guard, father of 11, is reunited with his family and is in good health. SWC continues to support with the hope that they will soon free all the hostages alive and dead.

Photo: Israeli Government Press Office

Today, on Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the strides made toward gender equality and honor the courageous women who have paved the way for these achievements. This day marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. However, it wasn't until 1975 that all women of color were guaranteed the right to vote. This day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality as women continue to fight for equal rights.

Photo: Museum of Tolerance-We The People wall in the Social Lab Exhibit

SWC commends UC President Michael V. Drake for establishing new policies to ensure campus protests are safe and free from harassment and intimidation. These policies include bans on camping and masking to conceal identities.

Read more:
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/updates-uc-campus-climate-efforts

Updates on UC campus climate efforts A letter from President Drake providing updates on UC campus climate efforts.

Mayor Brandon Johnson (Chicago Mayor's Office) denied permits for pro-Israel protesters at the while allowing pro-Palestinian protests. Pro-Israel demonstrators had to gather on a private lot nearby. This double standard disrespects the Jewish community and may embolden anti-Israel extremists.

Read more: https://nypost.com/2024/08/20/opinion/chicago-dems-let-anti-israel-protesters-march-but-block-pro-israel-jews/

Chicago Democrats let anti-Israel protesters march, but block pro-Israel Jews during DNC This week, citizens will gather in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention to voice their support for Israel and protest the abuses of Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces retrieved and returned the bodies of six hostages who were abducted by Hamas on October 7 and subsequently murdered in Gaza. The SWC extends its heartfelt condolences to the grieving families during this difficult time.

These innocent civilians suffered at the hands of terrorists. Hamas must be held accountable for these atrocities, and all remaining hostages need to be released immediately.

Clockwise from top left: Nadav Popplewell, Chaim Peri, Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Yoram Metzger and Avraham Munder.

Photo credit: Hostages and Missing Families Forum/AFP

SWC commends Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s legislation, which aims to restore justice for Holocaust survivors and recover stolen art or other personal property looted during the Holocaust.

Thanks to Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis for her unwavering support. This law should inspire museums and collectors to act ethically.

Read more in the SWC's press release: https://ow.ly/Xjrw50SZLK4

Today marks the birthday of Menachem Begin, born on August 16, 1913. As the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, Begin's leadership was pivotal in shaping the nation's future. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 for making a historic peace treaty with Egypt.

On January 11, 1978, Menachem Begin affixed the mezuzah to the doorpost of the newly-opened Simon Wiesenthal Center. Begin had a long-standing relationship with the SWC and frequently met with the Center's founder, Rabbi Marvin Hier, and Simon Wiesenthal. Mr. Begin is also highlighted in three of Moriah Films' documentaries.

Here are some photos of his visit to the SWC in 1978.

The SWC endorses the recently passed anti-masking bill, which prohibits wearing masks or face coverings to conceal identity, with exceptions for health and religious reasons.

The legislation aims to reduce protest-related crimes. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the bill into law at a press conference attended by bill sponsor Legislator Mazi Pilip, other elected officials, and Jewish community leaders.

The SWC applauds all the winners of the for their outstanding achievements. The SWC also congratulates the Olympic team for their perseverance and exceptional performance, winning a record seven medals despite facing threats and hardships.

Photo credit: Olympic Team Israel