Darrel Hotz - 25 Jun. 2015

Name

Darrel Hotz

Number

OH 417

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

25 Jun. 2015

Quantity

6 files

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

1 hr. 36 min.

Biography

Born in 1959, Darrel grew up in Victory Park, a predominantly Jewish suburb of Johannesburg. The family—made up of Darrel, his parents, and his young brother—occupied a four-bedroom house on a half-acre of land just a short walk from the local Jewish day school. For Darrel, “Everything was pretty easy . . . growing up.” Although the family was not particularly religious, Darrel’s mother lit candles on Friday night and he attended a Zionist camp every summer. In his final year of high school, he won a Bible quiz sponsored by the South African Zionist Federation, for which he was awarded a trip to Israel to compete against other Jewish students from all over the world. Unfortunately, he did not perform as well in this second competition: Israeli yeshiva students took first, second, and third place.

Darrel’s family moved to Canada when Darrel was in his second year of university. Because there were no direct flights to Toronto from South Africa, the family flew first to Zurich and then to New York. From New York, they made their way to Buffalo, where they stocked up on goods prior to arriving in Canada. Unhappily for the Hotzes, North America was experiencing a terrible year in terms of weather and the winter jackets they had purchased in South Africa (said to be sufficient for surviving Arctic temperatures) proved inadequate. They immediately purchased a new batch of winter coats appropriate for Canada.

The Hotz family’s first few years in Canada were not easy ones. The dental credentials of Darrel’s father, an orthodontist, were not recognized and he was unable to practice for several years as a result. Darrel’s mother, who had not been in the labour force for twenty-odd years, had to return to work in order to help make ends meet. Eventually though, the family got itself settled and Darrel was able to complete his university education, going on to attend Osgoode Hall Law School and pass the bar. He worked for two law firms, one Jewish and one not, before starting his own practice.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Hotz, Darrel, 1959-

Geographic Access

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:30 Darrel was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1959.

00:47 Darrel provides a brief family history. His paternal grandfather came to South Africa from Shavl, Lithuania in 1917. His paternal grandmother came from Riga, Latvia with her family in about 1910. His father was born in a suburb of Johannesburg. His maternal grandparents were born in South Africa. His grandfather's family came from Lithuania at the turn of the century. His grandmother's family moved to England in the 1870s. His maternal great-grandfather fought in the Boer War and remained in South Africa.

03:08 Darrel discusses his grandparents' education. His maternal grandmother was educated in a convent.

04:44 Darrel explains how his mother adopted more Jewish practice following her marriage to his father.

05:15 Darrel's father was born in Johannesburg and his mother was born in Benoni.

05:32 Darrel describes how his parents met.

06:00 Darrel's father studied dentistry and specialized in orthodontics.

07:18 Darrel discusses the role of Judaism in his home. Darrel attended King David. Darrel describes his bar mitzvah.

09:03 Darrel describes his family's neighbourhood, Victoria Park.

10:12 Darrel describes his home and home life.

11:48 Darrel discusses the security situation and political leanings of the Jewish community in South Africa during his youth.

14:45 Darrel describes his minor personal involvement in politics.

15:44 Darrel discusses the good relationship between Israel and South Africa.

17:18 Darrel discusses his involvement at Habonim summer camp and the Habonim youth movement.

20:53 Darrel discusses his experience of competing in a Bible quiz in Israel after having won the contest in South Africa.

25:48 Darrel describes three subsequent trips to Israel: in 1984, in 2006, and in 2008.

28:08 Darrel explains his parents' decision to leave South Africa.

29:09 Darrel discusses conscription to the South African army.

30:40 Darrel's maternal uncle immigrated to Canada before his parents.

32:19 Darrel addresses some of the challenges faced by him and other members of his family with starting again in a new country.

36:50 Darrel discusses some of the factors and considerations that contributed to the decision to select Canada as their immigration destination.

38:49 Darrel describes his parents' look-see visit to Toronto before the family moved.

40:37 Darrel describes the application process for immigration to Canada and monetary restrictions imposed by South African government.

42:53 Darrel describes his family's journey to Canada via Buffalo, New York.

44:40 Darrel describes his family's arrival in Canada on 9 March 1979.

46:20 Darrel lists the various places his parents have lived since their arrival.

47:05 Darrel discusses some of the challenges faced by his mother when she arrived.

50:11 Darrel describes his education in Canada.

52:06 Darrel shares his views concerning the differences between Canadian and South African Jews.

55:26 Darrel discusses his son's social circle and religious and secular education history.

1:00:43 Darrel discusses how his family connected with the established South African community in Toronto.

1:03:41 Darrel describes his parents' involvement in the Jewish community.

1:09:14 Darrel discusses his career in law.

1:15:02 Darrel discusses meeting and marrying his wife, Barbara, in 2000 and their early years together. They have one son, Joey.

1:19:14 Darrel discusses Barbara and his involvement in Jewish communal work.

1:23:07 Darrel reminisces about Jewish foods eaten in South Africa.

1:24:24 Darrel explains how they chose Camp Gesher, affiliated with Habonim Dror, for Joey.

1:27:24 Darrel contemplates a return visit to South Africa.

1:31:20 Darrel mentions a few South African expressions and words.

1:32:34 Darrel offers his impressions of the differences between South Africans and Canadians.

1:33:44 Darrel reflects on his family's decision to come to Canada.

Source

Oral Histories

Being raised in South Africa