Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Welcomes Condoleezza Rice to the 2013 Spirit of Hope Gala Fundraiser

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 13, 2013) -

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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) is delighted to welcome Canada's leading philanthropists and business elite, numerous diplomats and politicians, members of Canadian Forces and Police Forces across the province, to the 2013 Spirit of Hope Gala Co-Chaired by Judith Finer-Freedman & Jeremy Freedman and Eric & Leah Weisz.

"We eagerly anticipate the presentation by the brilliant and accomplished former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor at this iconic event," said FSWC President and CEO, Avi Benlolo. "Her insider perspective on world events, including crucial issues involving Syria and the Middle East, are certain to provide invaluable insights into the workings of global politics at the highest levels."

Condoleezza Rice, listed by Forbes magazine in 2005 as 'The most powerful woman in the world' is, in additional to her political achievements, an accomplished athlete and classical pianist who once accompanied celebrated cellist Yo Yo Ma at a recital at the White House. Currently a professor at Stanford University and a consultant to CBS News, she has made a career of breaking both race and gender barriers by virtue of her intelligence, drive and determination to succeed.

Now one of the largest Benefits in the City of Toronto, FSWC was proud to honour the winners of the Wiesenthal Scholarship, awarded to students graduating high school who have demonstrated a strong desire to carry on Simon Wiesenthal's legacy of tolerance, social justice and human rights at the post-secondary level, at this year's Spirit of Hope event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal, a non-profit Human Rights advocacy organization, established the annual Spirit of Hope Benefit to support and strengthen its education programs designed to counter racism and antisemitism, and to foster human rights and social justice. More than 10,000 students in the public, Catholic and private school boards participate in FSWC workshops on the Holocaust, genocide, bullying and Heroes, and in our groundbreaking Freedom Day event, every year.

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