3,000 Students Join FSWC in Annual Freedom Day Celebration

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - Approximately 3,000 middle and high school students from the Greater Toronto Area and beyond will join Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) for the third annual Freedom Day event at Yonge-Dundas Square today at noon. The program is designed to celebrate Canada's rights and freedoms, commemorate the life and legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, raise awareness about human rights and empower youth to effect positive change.

"This is really an outstanding event that provides young people with the encouragement and practical tools they need to help make the world a better place," said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. "As a Canadian I feel privileged to host this event, and to recognize how eager younger generations are to make positive changes that will support and enhance freedom and human rights for all people around the world," he added.

This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Samantha Nutt, award-winning humanitarian, Founder of War Child Canada, acclaimed author and speaker and a leading authority on the impact of war on civilians. Dr. Nutt will be joined by Dr. Frank Chalk, Director of the Montreal Institute for Genocide Studies, Professor of History at Concordia University and one of the word's leading experts on genocide and humanitarian intervention. A special performance by Zane Zalis, composer of the magnificent Holocaust-themed 'I Believe' oratorio, performed last fall at Roy Thomson Hall, will also be featured at Freedom Day. Mr. Zalis will be accompanied by two soloists.

Media attending Freedom Day are asked to sign in at the Media Table to receive a press kit and Freedom Day bracelet.