DEBORAH MORALES
Deborah Morales is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iconomy, which helps celebrities and prominent business personalities realize their unique personal brands. As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s business manager for almost 30 years, she has guided his transition from basketball legend to an award-winning writer, sought-after speaker, filmmaker and social activist.
Read more
OPENING PRESENTATION
WELCOME BY EVENT CHAIRS
JONATHAN BRONFMAN AND ELIZABETH SQUIBB
A MESSAGE FROM FSWC PRESIDENT AND CEO
REMARKS FROM FSWC BOARD CHAIR
DINNER
LEGACY PORTRAIT PROJECT
SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
IN CONVERSATION WITH KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
ERICA LI
MICHAEL LEVITT
FRED WAKS
DAN GÜTTER
MODERATED BY DEBORAH MORALES
Good evening,
Given our involvement in this evening’s event, we are thrilled and moved by the incredible response to this year’s Spirit of Hope.
Many months ago, we were deeply honoured when Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center approached us to be the co-chairs for tonight. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the FSWC team on Spirit of Hope. In the process, we have enjoyed learning more about the important work that the organization does on the frontlines, teaching the always relevant lessons of the Holocaust and the never-ending fight against antisemitism and other forms of hate.
That so many people chose to attend is indicative of the community’s confidence in and support of FSWC. This evening is a wonderful way to celebrate and appreciate the values, rights and freedoms championed by FSWC.
We are proud to be associated with FSWC and its incredible team. The education and advocacy work it is doing with teachers, students, law enforcement, media and politicians, raising awareness of antisemitism, promoting tolerance and inclusion, and fighting social injustice is exemplary. All of this, while engaging youth across Canada with special in-person and online events and programming, including the award-winning Tour for Humanity mobile specially equipped education centre.
Thank you for being here with us tonight and supporting FSWC in its mission and contribution to life in Canada to the benefit of all. We are fortunate to have FSWC working on our behalf and FSWC is indeed fortunate to have such incredible supporters like you.
To our wonderful FSWC community,
As the Chair of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, I’m both honoured and proud to help lead such an exemplary organization engaged in important battles defending the values so precious to Canadian society. The stakes are high. At a time when online platforms make it so easy to spread hate to a wide audience, many minorities face a difficult reality. Among the most targeted is the Jewish community that’s increasingly subjected to virulent antisemitism.
This sad situation underlines the relevance of FSWC and the need for its tremendous education programs and advocacy work addressing some of the darker aspects of human behaviour. Through my role at the organization, I’ve seen firsthand how devoted and passionate the team is in its work under the inspired leadership of President and CEO Michael Levitt. I hope this evening will further contribute to your knowledge and understanding of the vital role FSWC plays in our community and beyond.
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of our many donors for which I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. I know how much it also helps inspire everyone at FSWC.
I would also like to thank our 2022 Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs, Jonathan Bronfman and Elizabeth Squibb, for rising to the occasion and showing their dedication to our community, and their appreciation for the importance of Holocaust education, the fight against antisemitism and defending human rights.
Thanks again to all of you for your kind support of FSWC.
With best wishes for an enjoyable evening.
Fred Waks
Chairman of the Board, FSWC
A Message from the Co-Chairs of Spirit of Hope 2022
Jonathan Bronfman and Elizabeth Squibb
2022 Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs
Jonathan Bronfman and Elizabeth Squibb
2022 Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs
A Message from the Chairman of the Board, FSWC
Fred Waks Chairman of the Board
A Message from the President and CEO of FSWC
Dear Friends,
On behalf of our entire organization, it’s an honour for me to welcome to you to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Spirit of Hope 2022. This year, we’re thrilled to be able to host FSWC’s annual signature event in person for the first time since 2019. Clearly, based on the number of people who purchased tickets for this evening, members of our community have a strong desire to gather together again personally for such events after the pandemic limited everyone to virtual events on Zoom. Your presence here means a lot to us.
The overwhelming response of our community is gratifying for us at FSWC as we enter a new phase in the development of our programs and other activities. This evolution is prompted largely by the disturbing rise in antisemitism, on and offline, that Jews in Canada are witnessing. We’re fighting this increased scourge on many fronts. In recent months, we’ve added to our Holocaust education team, expanded our teaching schedule, introduced a second Tour for Humanity mobile education centre and stepped up our advocacy and communication efforts. There’s no mystery. Your support of FSWC helps make our work possible.
We have a wonderful program for this evening which we are confident you will find both engaging and enlightening. One of the highlights will surely be our keynote speaker, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary NBA basketball star, social justice champion, renowned author and staunch ally in the fight against antisemitism. We appreciate his interest in FSWC and wanting to be part of Spirt of Hope.
True to the legacy of FSWC’s namesake, Simon Wiesenthal, our organization is committed to making a positive impact in standing up for the values of justice, freedom, tolerance and inclusivity. Despite the difficult reality we often face in fighting ugly antisemitism and other forms of hatred, the spirit of hope always prevails in our approach to our work for a better tomorrow.
To that end, we are grateful for your interest in and support of FSWC and your devotion to our collective mission. Please know we never take it for granted.
Wishing you a stimulating Spirit of Hope evening and an enjoyable, healthy and rearding autumn.
Michael Levitt President and CEO
Good evening,
On behalf of the State of Israel and the Embassy of Israel in Canada, I am honoured towelcome guests to the annual Spirit of Hope Benefit Gala, hosted by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. I would like to acknowledge the dignitaries, politicians, philanthropists, multi-faith community leaders and guests in attendance tonight. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Michael Levitt, President and CEO of FSWC and a greatfriend both personally and of the State of Israel.
The annual Spirit of Hope Gala is a testament to the longevity, tenacity and dedication that forms the foundation of the FSWC. Over the years, FSWC has brought world leaders, human rights advocates, prominent journalists and others together to benefit their vital work in education, advocacy and programming. During this time, nearly $50 million dollars has been raised for these causes, an astoundingly impressive feat that demonstrates the positive and enduring impact FSWC has on Canadian Jewish communities, and our allies.
Tonight, guests are lucky to hear from champion athlete, renowned author, and social activistKareem AbdulJabbar. Both Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and FSWC have robust track records of standing up in the face of injustice while promoting tolerance, justice, freedom and human rights for all.
One of the great pillars of FSWC involves promoting Canadian democratic values; the State of Israel shares this goal as well. Both Israel and Canada are leaders in upholding democratic values that enshrine the rights and freedoms that make our countries - and citizens - thrive. It is through the lens of democracy that people of all political afhliations, socio-economic backgrounds, and personal beliefs, must stand up against rising rates of antisemitism. As an academic, I know that tackling big issues through education is crucial to changing hearts and minds.
I applaud Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and FSWC for the important work they are doing to confront hate and wish you great success in tonight’s gala and as you forge ahead to new challenges and opportunities.
Sincerely,
Michael Levitt President and CEO
A Message from the Ambassador of Israel
H.E. Dr. Ronen Hoffman Ambassador of Israel to Canada
H.E. Dr. Ronen Hoffman Ambassador of Israel
The Rt. Hon. Justin P.J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister I Premier Ministre
Hon. Pierre Poilievre Leader of the Official Opposition
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone taking part in the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) Spirit of Hope 2022.
Since its founding, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies has inspired and empowered Canadians to raise their voices for freedom, democracy and humanity. This annual dinner raises awareness and money for FSWC advocacy programs and activities, such as the Tour for Humanity, Freedom Day, and Holocaust education, that help counter discrimination and antisemitism. I commend everyone in attendance for supporting this worthy cause.
I would also like to thank the organizers for making this event possible. You can be proud of your commitment to promoting the principles of tolerance, social justice and Canadian democratic values through advocacy and education.
Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable evening.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
It is my great pleasure to offer greetings to all the attendees of this year’s Spirit of Hope event! My earnest thanks to the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, and all of the generous sponsors who made this gathering possible.
I’m so thankful for opportunities like this to celebrate the enriching contributions of the Jewish community to Canadian public life. Over centuries, Jewish Canadians have helped to build our country into a land of freedom and opportunity.
But there remain those who, blinded by their hatred, continue to demonize Jews in Canada and around the world. In recent days we’ve seen vicious antisemitism spread under the guise of “criticism” of Israel – the aboriginal homeland of the Jewish people.
That is why this event is so important. By recognizing and honouring incredible allies like Kareem AbdulJabbar, we can renew the hope that one day antisemitism will be completely erased. As we take time to celebrate the victories that have been won against antisemitism over the past year, our hearts are inspired with a vision of a world where Jews are able to live peacefully, and practice their religion in freedom, no matter where they live.
Together, we can fight the antisemitic policies that have taken root at universities that make it harder for students to take a pro-Israel position; we can make sure that those who spread misinformation about Israel are not given government grant money; and we can make Canada a land of hope for Jewish Canadians.
Thanks again to all the organizers, sponsors and a special thanks to the keynote speaker, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar for the incredible example you have set. I hope that, after two years of hosting this event remotely, this year’s in-person gathering is successful and uplifting for all.
A Message from the Prime Minister of Canada
A Message from the Leader of the Official Opposition
Leader of the Official Opposition
A Message from the Premier of Ontario
A Message from the Mayor of Toronto
Doug Ford Premier of Ontario
John Tory Mayor of Toronto
I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone taking part in the 2022 Spirit of Hope Benefit. It’s wonderful to have an in-person event following the hiatus due to the pandemic.
The Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) has shepherded this benefit into one of the premier fundraising events in the country. This is a special evening that brings together supporters from all walks of life in the battle against antisemitism, racism, and intolerance.
I want to commend the hardworking team at FSWC for organizing this year’s dinner and offer thanks to all the sponsors and attendees for your generosity. It’s an incredible opportunity to unite the community and send the message that hate has no place in Ontario.
My best wishes for a memorable evening.
It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone participating in the Spirit of Hope ‘22 Gala hosted by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies.
Best wishes to everyone taking part in today’s fundraising event featuring a conversation with legendary basketball player, author, and social justice champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It is a unique opportunity for attendees to raise funds while participating in a program of events, including important discussions with keynote speakers. Thank you to the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies for being committed to Holocaust education, while countering anti-Semitism and promoting human rights for everyone.
The City is proud of organizations that are committed to making a difference. I thank everyone participating in this fundraising event for your contribution to the well-being of our communities.
On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and continued success.
Yours truly,
Doug Ford Premier of Ontario
John Tory Mayor of Toronto
OUR LEADERSHIP
Spirit of Hope 2022 Chairs
Jonathan Bronfman and Elizabeth Squibb
Executive Fundraising Committee Members
Ron Baruch
Michael Bregman
Paul Bronfman
Jeremy Freedman and Judith Finer-Freedman
Matthew Gottlieb Jill Reitman
Fred Waks
Eddie Weisz
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.
Raymond Stone Eric Weisz
Eddie Weisz
Honorary Board Members
Samuel Belzberg z”l Honey Sherman z”l Cecil Yolles
Board of Governors Chair
Alan Farber
Governors
Brad Ashley Norm Bacal Brian Barish Gary Bensky Renette Berman Marc Bissel
Dr. Andrew Braude Judy Bronfman Ricky Brooks Jay Brown
Mitchell Brown Farley Cohen Leslie Dan Milton Davis Merrick Falkenstein Helena Fine Dr. Susan Glick Matthew Gottlieb Evan Green Anita Greenberg Allen Grinberg Dr. Carole Gruson
Sharon Herman Andrea Kalmar Stephen Karr Howard Kerbel Anna Koffler
Helene Korn Alan Lechem Philip Lieberman Justin Linden Israel Mida Faye Minuk
Leah Price
Dr. Rose Rahmani Pablo Reich Bob Rubinoff Rick Sacks
Bev Saitowitz Leora Shemesh Harry Silverberg Brahm Siegel Marilyn Sliwin Molly Spinak Jack Steckel Charles Wachsberg Richard Wachsberg Alan Wainer Andrew Weisberg Dr. Janice Weiss Maryka Weisz Terry Walman Lawrence Wilder Howard Wise
The Senate Winston H. Ang David Atlin
Judy Betel Roman Brenner Blake Breslin Mel Brown Allan Brown Stephen D. Clark Joyce Chapnick Aki Chencinski Esther Dressler Dr. Ari Eisen Anita Ekstein
Stanley Elkind Dr. David Glick Michelle Glied-Goldstein Myer Godfrey Elliott Goldman Stuart Golvin Dr. Joanne Laine-Gossin Joseph Gottdenker Stephen Green Mendel Green
Johnny Guglietti
Stacey Jacobs Allen Karp Allan Kates
Steven Kelman John Kolber Dr. Mark Korman Evelyn Krakauer Robert Lantos Jonathan Latsky Leila Lax Ken Lipson Dan Malamet Wendy Switzer Myles Nir Orbach Dr. David Rakowski Lewis Rose Brahm Rosen Frank Rosenberg Jerry Rosenstein Brian Sander Esther Schwartz Avrum (Duke) Segel Morli Shemesh Geoff Silverberg Dr. Philip Solomon Jonathan Solursh Alan Spergel Arthur Stern Tamara Stieber Mark Weisbarth Dr. Toni Zhong
GenerationNOW Co-Chairs Lexi Alter Ashley Rosenberg Jordana Teperman
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Platinum Supporters
Diamond Foundation
Paul Bronfman
Diamond Supporter
Fred and Linda Waks and Family
Ruby Supporters
Preston Group
Mizrahi Developments
Paradise Developments
Effort Trust
Trinity TD Kerbel Group
David and Stacey Cynamon & Nancy Pencer
Emerald Supporters
George and Judy Frankfort
Masters Insurance Anonymous Tailwind Shiplake Weirfoulds Milestone Group,Teknion & Global
Sapphire Supporters
Marnie Salsky and Lorne Swartz
Daryl and Derek Erdman and Family Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation
Shoichet Family honours the memory of Dorothy Shoichet Bob Rubinoff
The Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation
Fieldgate/ TACC
Bazil Developments
The Jeremy and Judith Freedman Foundation BMO Private Wealth
Kohl and Frisch
BAM
Eph and Shirley Diamond Family
Camrost Felcorp
Royal Bank of Canada
The Leo and Sala Goldhar Foundation
Judy Bronfman Bernick and Howard Bernick CIBC
Gold Supporters
Minett Capital
Fogler Rubinoff
Howard Sokolowski & Linda Frum
LIUNA
Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin
Jay Waks
Lisa and Allan Brown Family Foundation
Joel and Jill Reitman and Family Starlight Investments
Realstar Group
A E Grossman Foundation
Citipark/Eisen & Zucker Families
The Schulich Foundation
The Blidner Family Foundation
Ronnen Harary Foundation Greenwin
Silver Supporters
Micki & Leonard Simpson
Milton Davis & Caroline Pinto
Steeles Memorial Chapel
The Kimel Family Benjamin & Levitt Families Benjamins Group Allan & Susan Fenwick Torkin Manes Menkes
RPA
Silvercore
The Fine Family Mayfair Clubs
Green & Spiegel
The Gottlieb Family Scotiabank
Jordanna & Earl Lipson
Helene Korn, Stephen Tile & Families
Vogue Developments
MNP
Jobroz & Marx Wycliffe
Mitchell and Susan Brown and Family Mayfair Clubs
Ganz Family Foundation
The Prosserman Family
Philip & Hannah Reichmann Family Foundation Point Biopharma
Brown Group of Companies DentalCorp
The Sonshine Family Foundation Beber Family
Bronze Supporters
The Walman Family
KPMG
Upper Canada
Altree Developments
Lampert LawGIC Richter
Brian Bronfman Family Foundation
Alan & Glenda Wainer and Family
Jonathan and Elayna Latsky
Collin & Marian Craig LetkoBrosseau
GFI Investment Council
Hyman Helps Leith Wheeler
Reserve Properties & The Fenton Family David and Molline Green
June Inc
Elliot & Andrea Kohn and Family
Marc Bissell and Morli Shemesh
Bloombergsen
Further Global McCarney Group LLP
The Wine Family Ted, Annette, Eden, Madison, Bobby, Jack and Brooke Howard and Cindy Orfus and Family Tribute Communities
Melvyn & Pamela Himel, Eric Adelson & Andrea Himel, Allan Kates & Danielle Himel
Harvey Kalles
Collin and Marian Craig Robins Appleby
Michael and Jackie Shulman
Canderel Management
Lynx Equity Limited Hilton Suites
Jennifer & Ken Tanenbaum
Lionel & Helaine Robins
David & Bonnie Goldstein
Masters Family Foundation
Quality Homes
George & Lesley Sas
Marilyn & Sammy Sliwin and Family
Patron Supporters
Reserve Properties and The Fenton Family
Brian Bronfman Family Foundation
Alan Lechem and Ruth Ekstein
Philip z’l and Nanci Turk
Baskin Wealth Management
Sylvia and Zanvel Stern
Wendy Switzer Myles
QV Investors
Leah and Howard Price
Active Excavating
Carol Gruson and Charles Goldberg
Drs. Eddie and Susan Glick Wolf Kimelman Brettler Foundation Israel Bonds
Chai Supporters
Leslie and Anna Dan Dan Malamet and Dawn Benson
Arrow Philip Stilman
Toms Place
Lisa Shiff
ISA International
Karen and David Smith Gary and Leila Lax Marcy & Leonard Abramsky
The Song Shul Round13 Starwood
“Freedom is not a gift from heaven, one must fightfor it every day.”
| SIMON WIESENTHAL
ABOUT FRIENDS OF SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST STUDIES
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.
190,000 students, teachers and community members educated through Tour for Humanity, our award-winning mobile classroom.
63,000 Freedom Day youth participants inspired to be changemakers in their communities since 2010.
6,000 students participated in 200+ virtual diversity workshops this year.
165 Canadian law enforcement, education and political leaders have travelled to Poland and Israel on the Compassion to Action Holocaust education journey.
7 provinces have been engaged in FSWC education programs over the past year.
1,500 speeches on inclusion, respect and education submitted by students for Speaker’s Idol.
FSWC.ca
