New 'Talk Peace Stop Hate' Campaign Launched by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 8, 2011) - A new 'TALK PEACE STOP HATE' campaign is being launched today by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) in an effort to promote a true and just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East, and to counter the anti-semitism and outright lies about Israel in the media, on university campuses and in society.

On Tuesday, March 8 Michael Coren, best-selling author and radio and television talk show host will join Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC in a presentation to York University students about the Talk Peace Stop Hate campaign.

"After 62 years, it is time to recognize that Israel exists and has a right to continue to exist as a free nation within the community of nations, just as other Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon and the future state of Palestine do," explained Mr. Benlolo.

"I am pleased to see Friends of Simon Wiesenthal taking a lead in trying to find a productive solution to a true and lasting peace for both the Palestinian and Jewish peoples. Nothing constructive, positive or lasting has ever come from pursuing hatred and death," said Mr. Coren. "The truth is that the Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel, as both archeological and theological evidence shows. They have returned to the land from which they were dispossessed and the only way forward for both sides is to relentlessly pursue peace. I am delighted to be a part of the process working toward that end, and I hope others will join this campaign as we endeavour to ensure the rights and obligations of both sides are mutually acknowledged and respected," he added.

"After 62 years," said Mr. Benlolo, "it's time to change the conversation."