At this year's Spirit of Hope event, over $2.3 million was raised in support of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies  educational programs. Avi Benlolo, president and CEO, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, said  “It was an absolute pleasure to meet with and hear the former U.S. Secretary of State support the freedoms and democratic institutions shared by Canada, Israel and the USA at the Spirit of Hope Benefit. Her insights on world affairs, including critical issues concerning Iran, Russia and Syria, as well as her praise for the educational programs run by FSWC, were truly inspirational.” Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, spoke to Canadian journalist and TV Host Caryn Lieberman during a Q & A session at the Spirit of Hope Benefit.