Sentence Condemned

TORONTO — Canadian Jewish Congress condemned last week’s sentencing by Iran of blogger Hossein Derakshan to 19 years in prison for “insulting Islamic thought.” Congress CEO Bernie Farber called the jailing of Derakshan, a 35-year-old Iranian-Canadian dual citizen, “an utter outrage.” Farber commended Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon “for his strong denunciation of this barbarous punishment” and urged “continued pressure on the Iranian regime” to secure his release. Derakshan made a high-profile visit to Israel in 2006 using his Canadian passport, with the aim of humanizing Israelis for Iranians.

CUPW Blasted

TORONTO — Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) last week condemned Canadian Union of Postal Workers  (CUPW) president Denis Lemelin for agreeing to speak at an anti-Israel boycott, sanctions and divestment conference to be held Oct. 22 to 24 in Montreal. CUPW is one of the organizers, along with groups such as Independent Jewish Voices, and Palestinian and Jewish Unity. FSWC said the meeting disproportionately demonizes Israel and questions its right to exist by calling it an apartheid state. “It is shameful for a president of a major Canadian union to participate in a conference with strident anti-Semitic overtones, especially while the peace process is actively being pursued by both sides,” president and CEO Avi Benlolo said.

Fire Fund Established

TORONTO — UJA Federation of Greater Toronto launched a fund last week to aid the 1,200 people forced from their highrise apartment building at 200 Wellesley St E. by a Sept. 24 fire. Many needed supplies such as underwear, shoes, socks, underwear and blankets. Donations can be made at ujadonations.com or at 416-631-5705.