11 November 2012
Dear Community Member:
This week’s report on the East End Madrassah (EEM) produced by the York Region Police (YRP) is a wake-up call for the Jewish community – and all Canadians. It unequivocally concludes that extreme forms of antisemitism have been taught for years to thousands of students at the Madrassah.
While criminal charges were not laid, the Hate Propaganda Investigation proved by the state what we have long suspected, that the EEM is only the tip of the iceberg. The Madrassah in fact is a "branch" of the Jaffari Centre (also connected to the Islamic Ithna Asheri Jamaat – ISIJ, of Toronto), a large complex embedded in the heart of Thornhill’s Jewish community.
Moreover, the YRP investigation also confirms that much of the curriculum utilized by the EEM is taken from material connected to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Iranian connection is of significant concern as Iran has been identified as a state sponsor of antisemitism, Holocaust denial and terrorism.
The YRP investigation is of significant importance: First, it provides a paper trail and a historical record. Second, it furthers the interest and awareness of the intelligence community. Third, it puts the Madrassah communities on notice. It is unfortunate that leaders of both the Jaffari Center and the ISIJ believe this report fully exonerates them and the Madrassah: it seems they either do not understand the true significance of the report or are wllfully ignorant of the concerns raised about the school teaching children to hate for years..
Our community has a proud and historic legacy in Canada. A legacy of contribution to education, science, law, business, politics, philanthropy and to human rights. As before, we must stand strong, united and proud against groups who wish to marginalize and victimize us – again. We should not be apologetic, nor should we accept apologies at face value.
Together we must stand against pernicious forms of hatred and intolerance. I ask of you to speak out unabashedly about this incident to your friends and colleagues; to the media and to the politicians who represent you. Large scale changes occur only when great numbers of people speak.
I will make every effort possible to be available to answer any questions or speak to any groups to educate as many people as possible about this incident.
Sincerely,
Avi Benlolo
President & CEO, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center