Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Welcomes Democrats Donna Brazile & James Carville to a Debate with Republicans Governor Mike Huckabee & Karl Rove at the 2012 Spirit of Hope Gala Fundraiser

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 29, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) is thrilled to welcome more than 2000 guests - including many of Canada's leading philanthropists and business elite, to the Spirit of Hope Gala, one of the largest Benefits in the City of Toronto, at the Allstream Centre this evening.

We anticipate a lively and provocative discussion as Democratic political strategist and campaign manager Donna Brazile and Democratic pundit and CNN contributor James Carville debate past Republican presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the George W. Bush White House, Republican Karl Rove, on the following resolution: 'Be it resolved, the world is safer under President Obama'. CNN's chief political analyst Gloria Borger will moderate the event.

"We are so excited to welcome our panelists, all of whom have considerable experience and skills in both politics and the media, to a debate over what is certainly one of the most anticipated U.S. elections in recent years, and one whose outcome will in some way effect everyone on the planet" said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. "The breadth of knowledge they bring to the table coupled with their political leanings will surely make for a vigorous, animated and thought-provoking discussion; Ms. Borger definitely has her job cut out for her!"

FSWC was proud to honour Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard (Retired), Commander of the NATO mission in Libya which ended the murderous regime of Muammar Gadhafi, at an award presentation during the Major Gifts Dinner portion of tonight's event. "Retired Lieutenant General Bouchard, who was recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to global peacekeeping and security, and for his support for the protection of human rights here at home and around the world, is a true Canadian hero in every sense of the word, and we feel privileged to present him with an award on behalf of the Canadian Forces this evening," said Spirit of Hope Co-Chairs Judy and Paul Bronfman.

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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