Events

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Combating racism and hate speech

Time: 5:30 P.M. EDT
Hybrid Event: In person and & online via Zoom
Location: WEBSTER LIBRARY, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, LB-145
1400 de Maisonneuve West, ground floor

As we begin our new season, MCW is proud to present our special season opener addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our diverse society. On September 12th at 5:30pm, we are honored to host Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, along with Cantor Henry Topas, Quebec Regional Director B'ai Brith Canada, who will speak on "Combatting Racism and Hate Speech". This in-person event will be held at Concordia University Library Building, Ground Floor and is part of MCW’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, social harmony and non-violence. At this meeting, we will also:

• Introduce our new member Nori Bortoluzzi, Executive Director of the Viva Vittoria Project, which raises awareness of violence against women
• Hear from Chitra Chopra on the current status of MCW Resolutions and discuss potential projects

In recent years, we've witnessed an alarming rise in hate speech and hate crimes across our communities. As an organization committed to social progress, we recognize our responsibility to confront these challenges head-on. This event offers a unique opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue about promoting tolerance and fostering harmony in our multicultural society. We invite all members to join us with open minds and hearts, ready to embrace new perspective sand contribute to positive change. Together, let's start this season with renewed dedication to creating a more inclusive and understanding community for all. We look forward to meeting you there!

About Our Speakers

Amira Elghawaby
Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia

Amira Elghawaby, a journalist and human rights advocate, became Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia in January 2023.

Prior to her appointment, she was a contributing columnist at the Toronto Star, offering frequent media commentary on equity and inclusion. Amira, with a background in strategic communications and campaigns, previously worked at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and held roles in Canada's labour movement and the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

Amira has been actively involved in initiatives countering hate and promoting inclusion, including as a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. She has served two terms as a Commissioner on the Public Policy Forum’s Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression and currently sits on the National Security Transparency Advisory Group.

Amira’s 2019 TedX Ottawa talk is titled “Multiculturalism: Worth Defending".

Henry (Hank) Topas
Quebec Regional Director of B’nai Brith Canada

A McGill University graduate, Hank has built an impressive career that spans decades in Quebec. He has managed construction projects, developed properties and made many contributions to the community through his senior roles at Presud Associates for Norman Zavalkoff, at Rosdev for Michael Rosenberg and at Canpro Investments Inc., where he served as Executive Vice President for the late David J. Azrieli.

Hank’s notable accomplishments include the development of the five-star Sofitel Hotel, awarded Quebec’s most prestigious hotel award, the Laureat d’Or. More recently, Hank served as Executive Vice President at the Tov Group, where he provided managerial oversight of the Neo pharm pharmaceutical testing division. He managed the acquisition of major commercial properties.

In his personal life, Hank is the cantor at Congregation Beth Tivkah in Dollard Des Ormeaux, Que. He is married to his beautiful wife Esther. They are parents of four and grandparents of 16.

“I have spent the majority of my life as part of Montreal’s Jewish community,” Topas said. “It is an honour and privilege to take on the important task of directing the Quebec region for B’nai Brith Canada. I look forward to meeting with community members and stakeholders to address pressing issues.”