Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center President & CEO "Thrilled and Humbled" to Receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pin

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 13, 2012) -

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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) President and CEO Avi Benlolo says he was "thrilled and humbled" to receive the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pin from Lieutenant Governor David Onley at a reception honouring the work of the organization on September 12, 2012.

Gerry Schwartz, Chair of the Board of FSWC and Chair, President & CEO of Onex Corporation, praised the work of the organization and, in particular, noted Mr. Benlolo's "singlehanded efforts" to promote human rights in Ontario and Canada.

"This honour, which I accepted on behalf of all our members and supporters who work with us throughout the year to promote a more tolerant and inclusive society, demonstrates that our educational programs designed to counter racism, antisemitism and prejudice of any kind are effective and necessary," said Mr. Benlolo. "It was both thrilling and humbling to have the Lieutenant Governor, who has worked so hard to champion the rights of people who face obstacles to achieve equality of opportunity, recognize us for our work."

Following the Diamond Jubilee pinning ceremony Mr. Benlolo presented the Lieutenant Governor with a shofar, a traditional horn used in synagogues around the world during the Jewish New Year. When played during holiday services, the blasts of the shofar serve as a spiritual wake-up call, and remind the Jewish people of the obligation implicit in the phrase, "Next Year in Jerusalem."

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