Honouring Our Allies
NOVEMBER 7, 2024 | BEANFIELD CENTRE
PAYING TRIBUTE TO OUR ALLIES AND FRIENDS
Facing major challenges from surging antisemitism, our community gathers for a special evening to honour non-Jews who stand with us.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is thrilled to present Spirit of Hope 2024, honouring allies of the Jewish people and Israel.
In addition to presenting our keynote speaker, Dr. Phil, with FSWC’s 2024 Allyship Award, we are celebrating eight extraordinary men and women who, especially over the past year, have shown great courage and moral clarity in speaking out against antisemitism and standing up in support of our community.
With its theme of “Honouring our allies,” this year’s Spirit of Hope is an opportunity to demonstrate our collective respect and appreciation for steadfast friends of Israel and the Jewish people who have made a real difference in the life of our community. Each of these wonderful allies is a reminder that we are not alone.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is thrilled to be honouring steadfast allies of the Jewish people.
We will pay tribute to the following individuals whose exemplary values are a source of much-needed light at a time of such stormy darkness.
Victoria Mancinelli
Victoria Mancinelli is the Director of Public Relations, Marketing, and Strategic Partnerships for LiUNA. Following the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, she called any praise of such terrorism “unfathomable” and continued to support Israel through multiple public statements on social media. This has earned her recognition from Jewish leaders for her moral clarity during a time of crisis. She has actively participated in high-profile Jewish community events. Her involvement in these events has further strengthened her public support for Jewish causes.
Raheel Raza
Raheel Raza is a journalist, author, public speaker, antiracism activist and interfaith discussion leader. Raheel played a leading role in establishing the CMAA (Council of Muslims Against Antisemitism), a group that challenges antisemitism within the Muslim world. In their efforts, the group adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Raza and the CMAA have been vocal in condemning extremism in the Muslim world, especially when it involves antisemitism.
Rocco Rossi
Rocco Rossi was President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for six years. In 2012, Rossi was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his extensive philanthropic and community service, which included supporting various Jewish causes and advocacy efforts. This prestigious award highlights his dedication to strengthening community ties and addressing issues like antisemitism. Rocco has collaborated with the Israeli Consulate on multiple occasions, including initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties between Ontario and Israel.
Harry LaForme
The Honourable Harry LaForme, a retired judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal and a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, has been a vocal advocate for human rights, Indigenous rights and minority communities, including the Jewish community. His work promoting equality and justice intersects with fighting all forms of discrimination. LaForme has shown allyship with the Jewish community by upholding justice, fairness and respect for all peoples, and he has fostered understanding between Indigenous and Jewish communities, recognizing shared struggles against historical injustice.
Jon Love
Jon Love, a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist, has demonstrated a steadfast personal commitment to the Jewish community through his vocal stance against rising antisemitism and active encouragement of solidarity against hate. He regularly uses his platform on social media to condemn hateful rhetoric and emphasize the importance of speaking out against antisemitism. Love’s allyship is evident in his philanthropic support for initiatives that foster community resilience, promote understanding, and celebrate Jewish culture and history. His ongoing contributions have helped sustain programs dedicated to fighting antisemitism, underscoring his dedication to creating a more inclusive society and ensuring the well-being and safety of the Jewish community in Canada.
Caroline D’Amore
Caroline D’Amore is the founder and CEO of Pizza Girl, an organic Italian food and kitchen electronics company.
After the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, Caroline used her online platform to raise awareness about the atrocities committed against Jewish civilians. She visited the site of the Nova Music Festival, where 360 Israeli civilians were massacred and met with families of the victims. She condemned the violence, stating that these acts were “pure evil” and criticized those who celebrated the massacre.
Rick Hillier
General Rick Hillier, former Chief of Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces, has actively supported the Jewish community through alliances and initiatives combatting antisemitism. He is the chair of the Alliance for Canadian Communities Against Antisemitism (ALCCA), which works to unite communities and combat hate crimes in Canada. Hillier’s vocal opposition to hatred, support for Holocaust remembrance and leadership in promoting tolerance and mutual respect highlight his commitment to Jewish Canadians, his support of Israel and standing against rising antisemitism.
Father Raymond de Souza, a Catholic priest and columnist, has been a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and solidarity with the Jewish community. Through his writings and public speaking, he frequently condemns antisemitism and supports Jewish-Christian relations. His National Post columns often highlight the dangers of rising antisemitism and stress the importance of Holocaust remembrance. Fr. de Souza’s efforts to promote understanding between faith communities and his defense of the Jewish people have solidified his role as an ally to the Jewish community in Canada.
Father Raymond de Souza
The iconic American TV psychologist and host, best known as Dr Phil, is Spirit of Hope’s keynote speaker. In contrast to most celebrities who have remained either silent or hostile to Israel since the Hamas barbaric invasion of Oct. 7, 2023, Dr. Phil has used his popular talk show and social media platforms to sharply condemn rampant antisemitism on university campuses and in the corporate world. In addition, he went to Israel in May to show his solidarity with the Jewish state, visiting the sites where Hamas committed its atrocities and meeting with survivors. In recognition of his praiseworthy actions, we will present Dr. Phil with FSWC’s 2024 Allyship
Born in Vinita, Oklahoma, he grew up in north Texas before moving to Kansas where he attended high school. He studied psychology in university, ultimately earning a Ph. D in clinical psychology at North Texas State University. In the late 1990s, Dr. Phil rose to fame with regular appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She later helped him launch his own program, Dr. Phil, in September 2002, an advice show which would prove highly successful. Earlier this year, he launched Merit Street Media, a Fort-Worth based medica company and TV network. It’s anchored by Dr. Phil Primetime, a successor to the syndicated Dr. Phil series.
As a main highlight of Spirit of Hope, Barry Avrich will be conducting a Q&A with Dr. Phil. Born in Montreal and now based in Toronto, Barry is the main creative force behind Melbar Entertainment Group, one of the largest producers of non-scripted content in North America. He’s produced and directed more than 65 award-winning documentaries and filmed productions for Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. Barry is currently in production of a new film, To the Last Breath, that tells the harrowing story of retired IDF General Noam Tibon who rescued his family in southern Israel just over a year ago during the Hamas atrocities after their invasion from Gaza. In 2016, Barry published his bestselling memoir, Monsters and Madmen, one of three books he has written.
BarryAvrich
TONIGHT’S EVENT
Traditional Anishnawbe Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Ogiima Kwe, Chief Claire Sault Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Opening Presentation
Welcome from FSWC SOH 2024 Event Co-chairs
Special Tribute to our Honoured Allies
Remarks from FSWC Chair of the Board
Ashley Steinhauer and Hank
A Message from FSWC President and CEO
Final Tribute to our Honoured Allies
Dinner
In conversation with DR. PHIL
Michal Ohana – Nova Festival Survivor
Fred Waks Michael Levitt
Moderated by BARRY AVRICH
Latner
A Joint Message from FSWC’s President/CEO and Chair of the Board
Dear Friends,
Fred Waks Chairman of the Board Michael Levitt President and CEO
On behalf of our entire organization, it’s an honour and pleasure for us to welcome you to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s 2024 Spirit of Hope. We want to first thank you for being with us this evening and for your support of the work of FSWC.
Since we last hosted Spirit of Hope a year ago, our community has endured significant challenges in the face of the worst surge of antisemitism that most Canadian Jews have ever experienced. Disturbingly, it shows no sign of abating any time soon, as seen in the still frequent displays of vile anti-Jewish hate in our major cities, on university campuses and social media and in many labour unions and school boards.
For Israel and Jews everywhere, starting with the excruciating, soul-crushing tragedy Israel suffered on October 7, 2023 and continuing right up until today, this is the darkest and most traumatic period since the Holocaust. It makes coming together in unity as a community for an event like Spirit of Hope more important and more meaningful than ever.
Even more so this year given we’re joined this evening by so many allies from other communities who, during these difficult times, have shown their real colours, standing steadfast in their support for Canadian Jews and denouncing antisemitism. The impact of their solidarity can’t be overstated as it reminds us that for all the anti-Jewish prejudice and hostility infecting Canadian life today, we’re not alone. Far from it.
The Spirit of Hope program is a testament to that. Indeed, the theme of this evening is allyship and honouring people from diverse backgrounds for their unwavering support of the Jewish community and Israel. From our keynote speaker, Dr. Phil McGraw, to eight men and women from diverse local communities, each is a beacon of friendship, courage and moral clarity. This has been clearly evident over the past year during which all these exemplary individuals have spoken out repeatedly for what’s right when so many people are silent and look the other way. To our allies, they will always have our enormous respect and gratitude.
We hope this evening will further contribute to your knowledge and understanding of the vital role FSWC plays in our community and beyond in the never-ending fight against antisemitism and other forms of hate and in teaching the always relevant lessons of the Holocaust.
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of our many donors for which we want to express our heartfelt appreciation. Please know how much it also inspires everyone at FSWC.
That so many people have chosen to be at Spirit of Hope is indicative of the community’s confidence in and support of FSWC and reflects the importance of the issues the organization addresses day in and day out. This evening is a wonderful way to appreciate and recognize the values, rights and freedoms championed by FSWC.
The overwhelming response of our community in support of this evening, and our organization in general, is highly gratifying for both of us and for our incredibly dedicated team at FSWC. Your confidence in FSWC means the world to us.
Thank you again for being here with us tonight and supporting FSWC in its commitment to help make Canada a more tolerant and just society for all.
Wishing you a stimulating Spirit of Hope evening and an enjoyable, healthy and rewarding autumn.
Michael Levitt Fred Waks President and CEO Chairman of the Board
OUR LEADERSHIP
President & CEO
Michael Levitt
Chair of Board of Directors
Fred Waks
Honorary Chairman
Gerald Schwartz, OC
Board of Directors
Ron Baruch
Lawrence Bloomberg, C.M., O.Ont
Michael Bregman
Paul Bronfman
David Cynamon
Gordon R. Diamond, O.C., O.B.C.
Joel Feldberg
Jeremy Freedman
Ron Frisch
Rabbi Marvin Hier
Rabbi Meyer May
Sam Mizrahi
Philip Reichmann
Jill Reitman
Gloria Salomon
Molly S. Shoichet, O.C., O.Ont.
Eric Weisz
Eddie Weisz
Executive Fundraising Committee Members
Ashley Steinhauer
Eddie Weisz – Committee Chair
Ron Baruch
Michael Bregman
Paul Bronfman
David Cynamon
Judith Finer-Freedman
Jill Reitman
Fred Waks
Honorary Board Members
Samuel Belzberg z”l
Honey Sherman z”l
Cecil Yolles
Ambassador Circle
Brad Ashley
Renette Berman
Judy Betel
Gary Bensky
Allan Brown
Mel Brown
Milton Davis
Merrick Falkenstein
Alan Farber
Susan Glick
David Glick
Eddie Glick
Michelle Glied-Goldstein
Stuart Golvin
Matt Gottlieb
Allen Grinberg
Carole Gruson
Helene Korn
Allan Kates
Stephen Karr
Allen Karp
Evelyn Krakauer
Jonathan Latsky
Dan Malamet
Israel Mida
Faye Minuk
Pablo Reich
Bob Rubinoff
Richard Sacks
Arthur Stern
Jack Steckel
Richard Wachsberg
Alan Wainer
generationNOW Co-Chairs
Lexi Alter
Ashley Rosenberg
Jordana Teperman
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Chai Sponsor
The Diamond Foundation
The Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation
The Levy Family Foundation
Platinum Sponsors
Anonymous
Fred & Linda Waks & Family
Ganz Family Foundation
Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation
Paradise Developments
The Joseph Lebovic and Wolf Lebovic Charitable Foundation
The Paul Bronfman Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Daniel & Marisa Klass
David & Stacey Cynamon & Nancy Pencer
Effort Trust
George & Judy Frankfort & Family
Global
In Honour of Willie and Rachel Moll, Both Holocaust
Survivors
Kohl & Frisch
Loho Vetz
Preston Group
Rob Kumer & Barbara Schechter
Saul z”l and Toby Feldberg and Family
TD Bank
Teknion
The Bregman Family
Trinity Developments
Silver Sponsors
BMO
Envoy Holdings LTD.
Masters Insurance
Pamela & Paul Austin
The Drimmer Family
The Jeremy & Judith Freedman Family Foundation
The Moses & Temara Tobe Foundation
WeirFoulds LLP
Sapphire Sponsors
Allan & Hinda Silber & Family
Bazil Developments
CIBC
Dentalcorp
Ed & Fran Sonshine
Export Packers
Fengate
Fieldgate Developments
Fogler Rubinoff LLP
Greenwin
Kerbel Group Inc.
KingSett Capital
Larry & Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation
Lorne Swartz & Marnie Salsky
Metropia
Milton Davis & Caroline Pinto
RBC
Renette & David Berman
Robert Rubinoff
RPIA
Shoichet Family
Silvercore Properties INC
TACC Developments
The Brown Group of Companies
The Koffler Foundation
The New Orchard Foundation
Vault Mortgage Corportation
Bronze Sponsors
Adams & Waks
Alexander E. Grossman Foundation
Allan & Lisa Brown & Family
Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel
DH Gales Family Foundation
Jeff & Ilsa Blidner & Family
Jill Reitman & Joel Reitman C.M
Lionel & Helaine Robins,
Michael & Jackie Shulman,
David & Bonnie Goldstein
Liuna!
Peakhill Capital
Ronnen Harary Foundation
The Beber Family
The Leonard Simpson Family Foundation
The Shelly Avital & Darcy Morris Foundation
The Vogue Development Group & The Greenbaum Family
Diamond Sponsors
Andrea and Trevor Cohen and Family
Azrieli Foundation
BAM Foundation
BDO
Boston Traders
Brent and Lynn Belzberg
Cassels
Goodman Family Foundation
Eph & Shirley Diamond Family
Faylaura Investments
Helene Korn, Stephen Tile & Family
Henry Wolfond & Rochelle Reichert
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites
Hyman Family Foundation
June Kenner
Madeleine Venn-Mitchell, Grace
Venn-Mitchell & Noah Venn-Mitchell
Marilyn & Sammy Sliwin & Family
Michael & Ellen Sitzer & Family
MNP
P.A.G.E.S. Group
Paul Morassutti
Philip & Hannah Reichman
Steeles Memorial Chapel
The Alterra Group of Companies
The Fine Family
The Kimel Family
The Menkes Family
The Prosserman Family
Thomson & Rogers
Wendy Eisen CM & Elliott Eisen
Emerald Sponsors
Allan Goldstein & Michelle Glied-Goldstein
Capital Canada Limited & The Steckel Family
Jeff & Lori Rosenthal & Family
Lampert Law GiC
Lynx Equity Income Trust
McCarney Group LLP
Mitchel & Susan Brown & Family
Pablo & Mara Reich
Quality Homes
Redwood Properties
Richter
Robins Appleby LLP
The Lou & Wendy Myles Endowment Fund
Tribute Communities
Ruby Sponsors
Lisa & Philip Draper
Tammy Glied & Robert Beliak
The Bensky Family
Patron Sponsors
Abe & Bella Rolnick
Alan & Renee Gozlan
Albert(z’l) & Evelyn Krakauer & Family
Anita and Jack Greenberg and Family
Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation
Brettler Mintz Foundation
Charles & Susan Ticker
Charles Goldberg & Carole Gruson & Family
David and Miray Granovsky
David Gerofsky & Johanna Levitt & Family
Dr. Fay & Andrew Weisberg
Drs. Eddie & Susan Glick & Family
Elayna & Jonathan Latsky
Gerry & Shelly Richler & Family
Glenda & Alan Wainer
Heather & Todd Levy & Family
Helen & Steve Silverstein
Israel Mida
Jack & Anita Greenberg
Jay & Toby Abramsky
John & Susan Rose
Karen & Tom Ehrlich
Kathryn E. Langley Hope OSTG
Kayla & Talia Hershon-Diamond
KPMG
Lisa Fruitman & Family in memory of Moishe
Zvi Goldberg & Israel Yitzchak Goldberg
Lorraine & Avi Gottlieb
Marc Bissell & Morli Shemesh
Matt & Aviva Gottlieb & Family
Merrick & Ruth Falkenstein
Missy Hecker & Mark Greenberg
Regina & Robert Lee
Renee & Jay Rosenzweig
Rhonda & Neil Travis
Risa & Randy Masters
Rodeen Stein
Rosen Goldberg Inc.
Sam & Micki Mizrahi & Family
Media Sponsors
National Post
Toronto Star
Inspired by the legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, FSWC works to build a more inclusive, respectful Canada by sharing the lessons of the Holocaust, advocating for human rights and combatting antisemitism and hate in all its forms.