Name

Mel Lastman

Number

OH 290

Subject

Religion

Families

Interview Date

1 Jun. 2006

Quantity

1

Interviewer

Ellen Scheinberg

Total Running Time

60 min.

Conservation

Copied November 2006

Use Restrictions

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Biography

Melvin Douglas Lastman was born in Toronto on 9 March 1933, the son of Rose and Louis Lastman. Raised in the Kensington Market area, he attended Ryerson Public School and Central High School of Commerce, where he was president of the school council. Lastman left high school to work at an appliance store and, in 1955, opened his own appliance store. By the late 1960s, he owned a chain of forty stores, Bad Boy Appliances, throughout Ontario. Lastman lived in North York and, in 1969, ran successfully for the North York Board of Control. In the 1972 municipal election, he was elected as mayor of North York, a position he held for twenty-five years until North York became part of the newly created City of Toronto on 1 January 1998. With the provincially-mandated creation of the new City of Toronto by the amalgamation of Metropolitan Toronto and the six local municipalities, Lastman decided to run for mayor against the other major contender, former City of Toronto mayor Barbara Hall. He won the 1997 election and was sworn in on 1 January 1998. Lastman was easily re-elected in the 2000 mayoralty election; however, in February 2003, Lastman announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the November municipal election.

In 1953, Mel Lastman married Marilyn Bornstein. They have two married sons and six grandchildren.

Material Format

moving images

Name Access

Anshei Minsk Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Lastman, Mel

Scheinberg, Ellen

Geographic Access

Toronto

Kensington Market

Original Format

Digital videocassette

Copy Format

DVD

Source

Oral Histories

In this clip, former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman remembers playing as a child at the Minsk Shul in Kensington Market.

Name

Michele Landsberg

Number

OH 294

Subject

Religion

Families

Buildings

Interview Date

Aug. 2006

Quantity

1

Interviewer

Ellen Scheinberg and Aviva Heller

Total Running Time

60 min.

Conservation

Copied November 2006

Use Restrictions

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Biography

An award-winning columnist, staunch feminist, and tireless activist for social justice and progressive causes at home and abroad, Michele Landsberg was a well-known and prominent Torontonian during the mid-to-late twentieth century. According to a biography posted by the University of Windsor where Landsberg was a distinguished visitor in women's studies in October 2003, her "zest for wanting to change the world has its roots in her childhood: growing up as a Jewish girl in 1950s Toronto, where sexual stereotyping and objectification were rampant and overt antisemitism was acceptable." As a result, Ms. Landsberg tackled a wide-range of related issues, often grounding her columns in events, places, and issues of particular interest to Torontonians.

Born on 12 July 1939, Ms. Landsberg attended Toronto public schools, spent time on a kibbutz in Israel, and graduated from the University of Toronto with honors in English language and literature in 1962. She was dissuaded from pursuing a master's degree by her male professors and instead became a reporter at the Globe and Mail newspaper and launched a remarkable career as a journalist and writer. In addition to freelance and full-time stints with the Globe and Mail (1962–1965; 1985–1988), Chatelaine magazine (1965–1971), and the Toronto Star (1978–1983; 1989–2003), Ms. Landsberg frequently appeared on television and radio and wrote three best-selling books. She garnered awards, including the first National Newspaper Award for column-writing, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the 2002 Governor-General's Award in Commemoration of the 1929 Persons Case, and received honourary degrees from several Canadian universities. She also served on the boards of many community organizations, such as CARAL (Canadian Abortion Rights League) and Opportunity for Advancement.

After her retirement from the Toronto Star in 2003, Ms. Landsberg planned to pursue other writing projects and to spend more time at home in her garden and with her family: husband Stephen Lewis, three grown children, and two grandchildren. In September 2005, she was acclaimed as the new Chair of the Women's College Hospital Board when the Hospital ended its partnership with Sunnybrook Hospital.

Material Format

moving images

Name Access

Anshei Minsk Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Landsberg, Michele

Scheinberg, Ellen

Heller, Aviva

Geographic Access

Toronto

Original Format

Digital videocassette

Copy Format

DVD

Source

Oral Histories

Canadian author and journalist Michele Landsberg provides recollections of attending the Minsk Synagogue with her grandfather in the 1940s.

Name

Rita Tate

Number

OH 368

Subject

World War, 1939-1945

Poland

Polish underground

People's Army

Concentration camps

Antisemitism

Jewish ghettos

Interview Date

8 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 referece DVD (WAV file)

1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Shayla Howell

Total Running Time

45:40 seconds

Notes

This interview is part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/search?query=rita+tate

Biography

Rita was born in Vienna, Austria on 10 January 1932. Rita served in the Polish underground with the People's Army as a courier in the Armia Ludowa. Rita and her mother became involved in the Polish resistance and following the capture of her mother by the German Gestapo, Rita was placed in a Catholic orphanage located near the Warsaw Ghetto. Rita maintained a non-Jewish identity throughout the war. Rita’s mother who was murdered as a Polish political prisoner in Aushwitz, received a posthumous medal for being a war hero.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Poland

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

2:05: Rita was born in Vienna, Austria on 10 January 1932. Her father was Austrian, and her mother was Polish, 3:10: Rita served with Army Ludova, the People’s Army of Poland, underground resistance. Rita explains there were 2 factions: the Land Army (which was antisemitic) and the much smaller Army Ludova (a left-wing faction supported by Communists in Russia and not antisemitic). 4:37: Rita explains how her mother and she became involved in the resistance movement. Rita explains that they had excellent counterfeit documents, her mother had a job, and they had a place to live. 6:55: Rita describes how she and her mother escaped from Lvov, where they had been living in squalor with her mother’s extended family. 8:32: Rita recounts an incident involving hiding in the home of a Polish woman. She and her mother miraculously escaped capture by German soldiers and trained police dogs. 13:50: Rita and her mother escape to Tarnow, Poland, where they have a friend. Rita explains how the friend, a young man, was able to acquire Polish documents for them, rent an apartment for them, and find a job for her mother at the German Club. 15:44: Rita recounts an incident involving police coming to their building. She explains how her mother had prepared her for this event and how she was familiar with Catholic prayer and practice. 19:50: Rita explains how her mother introduced the idea of getting involved in the underground resistance. She and her mother went to Warsaw to join the Army Ludova. 22:21: Rita describes her job as a courier with the resistance at the age of ten years from October 1942 to March 1943. Rita would deliver messages that were written on small pieces of paper that were braided into her hair. 24:09: Rita explains how her mother was taken by the Germans in March 1943 and how she evaded capture. She was taken into the home of a woman who was involved in the other branch of the Polish resistance. Rita’s mother had been arrested and sent to a German Gestapo prison in Warsaw, Pawiak. 31:46: Rita was placed in an antisemitic Catholic orphanage, located next to the ghetto. 32:41: Rita ran away from the orphanage. 33:41: Rita’s mother was murdered in Auschwitz as a Polish political prisoner. Her mother did not give any information. 35:52: Rita recalls how the resistance fighters celebrated the victory of the Red Army defending Stalingrad. 39:39: Rita maintained a non-Jewish identity throughout the war. After the war, she found a maternal aunt. Together, they moved to Silesia. When they attempted to secure official documents, they were advised by the secret police to never disclose that they were Jewish. 43:00: Rita explains that after the war, there were several pogroms carried out by Poles against surviving Jews (e.g., Kielce). 44:50: Rita’s mother received a posthumous medal for being a war hero.

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Roy Waisberg

Number

OH 369

Subject

Canada--Armed Forces

World War, 1939-1945

Interview Date

9 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 reference DVD (WAV file)

1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Marie Eve Deleris

Total Running Time

23:57 seconds

Notes

This interview is part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/search?query=waisberg

Biography

Roy Waisberg born in Toronto in 1920. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force with 409 squadron as an airplane electrician from 1941 to 1945. Stationed overseas in various cities in Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany, Roy married his wife Hila while serving in Europe. Hilda came to Canada as a war bride.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Belgium

France

Germany

United Kingdom

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

00:00: Roy served in the RCAF with the rank of aircraftsman, second class. 00:21: Roy was born in Toronto and lived in the Queen and Broadview area. His parents immigrated to Canada from Russia circa 1904. 00:59: Roy briefly addresses his Jewish upbringing. 1:46: Roy explains why he enlisted. 2:56: Roy discusses other Jews who served with him. In particular, he mentions (?)Wunch and Norman Layton (formerly Leibowitz). Norman later became president of General Wingate Branch and is buried in that section of the cemetery. 5:08: Roy comments that Jews in his squadron were treated well. He did not follow kashrut. 620: Roy shares some memories. 7:30: Roy lists the countries in Europe in which he was stationed. He points out that Normandy was a war zone. He describes his duties as an electrician in the ground crew. 9:02: Roy mentions his contact with civilians while overseas and continues to list locations where he served. 11:40: Roy recalls when the war was over. 14:21: Roy discusses how he met and married his wife while he was serving in Europe. His wife, Hilda, came to Canada after the war with other war brides. 18:04: Roy explains that his wife adjusted well to Canada. He discusses how they brought his mother-in-law to Toronto and how they cared for her. 19:43: After the war, Roy worked in his father’s business selling lighting fixtures and electrical parts. 22:25: Roy discusses his involvement in Jewish life (e.g., attending synagogue daily).

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Carl Dubin

Number

OH 370

Subject

Canada--Armed Forces

World War, 1939-1945

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Interview Date

9 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 reference DVD (WAV file)

1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Shayla Howell

Total Running Time

37:08 seconds

Notes

This interview is part of The Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on May 13, 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/1052:carl-dubin/

Biography

Carl Dubin born in 1922. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1941. Posted to the 404 Coastal Command Squadron in Wick, Scotland, Carl’s squadron was assigned to protect the North Atlantic. As navigator of various aircrafts, Carl participated in the D-Day invasion and was discharged in February 1945.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Scotland

North Bay (Ont.)

Kirkland Lake (Ont.)

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

00:25: Carl Dubin was born in 1922 in Stolin, Belarus. He came to Canada at age two. 00:47: Carl offers his reasons for enlisting in the air force. 1:38: Carl explains that his father, who was fluent in German, would listen on short wave radio to Hitler giving speeches. This served as a strong motivator for Carl to enlist. 2:16: Carl lived in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He describes the process of enlisting. He travelled to a recruitment depot in North Bay in 1940 but was sent home because there were too many recruits. He was called back in 1941 and was sent to the Manning Depot in Brandon, Manitoba. 3:50: Carl explains that the Canadian government was not ready for an influx of recruits (e.g., Carl did not have a complete uniform). 4:28: Carl was sent to a navigation school in Rivers, Manitoba. 4:40: Carl explains that he could not be a pilot due to poor eyesight. At the beginning of the war, entrance to pilots was very strict but grew more lax as the war progressed. 5:21:Carl was sent to Burford, Ontario to # 5 Service Flying Training School. Carl was posted overseas. He sailed out of Halifax on the ship, Louis Pasteur to Bournemouth, England. He was posted to #404 Coastal Command Squadron in Wick, Scotland. He was then posted in the Shetland Islands. 6:52:Carl’s squadron served to protect the north Atlantic. He describes the squadron’s responsibilities and the area they covered. He explains the significance of the area. 9:55: Carl was a navigator. He lists the types of aircraft: Bristol Blenheims, Bristol Beaufighters, and Mosquitoes. Carl describes the positioning of the pilot and navigator. 12:06: Carl reflects of some of his good memories from his time overseas. 13:05: Carl describes ally losses from friendly fire due to lack of identification on Allied planes. In preparation for D-Day on June 6, “invasion stripes” were painted on the aircraft as identification. 14:42: Carl explains that the task of his squadron was to protect the invasion fleet that was sailing from England to Normandy. 15:05: Carl recalls an incident involving three Allied squadrons successfully attaching German destroyers. 17:07: Carl continues to describe the invasion and recalls with awe the enormity of the invasion fleet. 19:10: Carl recounts an incident where one of the engines from his aircraft was hit by a German anti-aircraft flyer. 19:42: Carl highlights the D-Day invasion as one his most memorable operations. He notes that the Luftwaffe had lost their strength by this time. 21:36: Carl recalls antisemitism in the Canadian Air Force. He cites the example of Syd Shulemson to illustrate antisemitism. Syd, despite being one of the most highly decorated air force men, was never promoted beyond flight lieutenant because he was Jewish. 23:06: Rabbi Eisendrath from Holy Blossom served as a padre of the RCAF. There were few Jews where Carl was based. There was no celebration of Jewish holidays or practices. 24:48: Carl was discharged and sent home in February 1945. No longer had need to patrol the shipping in the Atlantic. 25:23: Carl recalls V-E Day in Kirkland Lake and the impact of the war on Kirkland Lake. 27:05: Carl’s father was a veteran of the Russian-Japanese War in 1905 and the First World War. He was captured and served as an interpreter in the prisoner camp. Carl recalls that one of the prisoners was Ernest McMillan, who later became the conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 29:38: Carl speaks of the impact of the war on his life. 30:24: Carl offers his impressions about the Allied response to the Holocaust. 32:42: Carl describes the accuracy of the canons on the fighter air craft. 33:47: Carl calls attention to Syd Shulemson as being the most highly-decorated Jewish pilot and an inventor. 34:39: Carl’s wife refers to “the boys from Major Street”: several Jewish men who lived on Major Street who died in the Second World War. 35:50: Carl reminisces about meeting and dating an admiral’s daughter.

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Martin Maxwell

Number

OH 385

Subject

World War, 1939-1945

Interview Date

10 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 reference DVD (WAV file); 1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Sam Gojonovich

Total Running Time

26:55

Notes

This interview is part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/search?query=maxwell

Biography

Martin Maxwell born in Vienna in 1924 was transported to England as part of the Kindertransport project. Martin enlisted in the British Air Corps in 1942 and served as a glider pilot in the British Army. Stationed in Europe, Martin was involved in the D-Day and Arnhem campaigns. He was imprisoned as a Jewish prisoner of war in Hanover, Germany and in 1948 participated in the war crimes commission in Washington D.C.

Material Format

moving images

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

.25-1.06: Maxwell, born in Vienna, was one of 10,000 children to be transported to Great Britain as part of the Kindertransport project. 1.07-2.03: Maxwell discusses his service as a glider pilot in the Air Corps of the British Army. 2.04-4.00: Maxwell discusses his participation as a glider pilot in the D-Day operation. 4.01-5.08: Maxwell provides a brief description of his training as a fighter pilot. 5:09-5.30: Maxwell discusses an incident involving his evacuation via submarine from Europe back to England. 5.35-7.12: Maxwell discusses his involvement in General Montgomery’s Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in Holland. 7.13-7.52: Maxwell discusses an injury he suffered during his participation in Operation Market Garden. 7.53-8.35: Maxwell discusses the armistice which allowed the dead and wounded, including Maxwell, to be moved from the field to a hospital. 8.36-9.00: Maxwell describes an incident that occurred while he was held at SS barracks in Appledorn. 9.01-10.11: Maxwell describes his imprisonment as a Jewish prisoner of war (POW) in Fallingbostel, a camp near Hanover, Germany. 10.12-11.15: Maxwell relates a humorous incident that occurred during his imprisonment in POW camp 11.16-13.10: Maxwell describes the sixty-fifth anniversary of the liberation of Holland. 13.11-13.33: Maxwell discusses photographs taken during the sixty-fifth anniversary. 13.34-14.09: Maxwell talks about his motivation for joining the army. 14.10-14.22:Gojonovich is formulating his next question. 14.23-15.22: Maxwell recalls an antisemitic incident he experienced during his service. 15.23-15.55: Maxwell discusses the eighty Jewish paratroopers buried in the cemetery at Arnhem. 15.56-17.20: Maxwell discusses the events that led to his participation in the War Crimes Commission held in Washington, D.C. in 1948 17.21-18.09: Maxwell discusses his present day work with war veterans and Holocaust education. 18.10-20.42: Maxwell relates the story of a chance encounter with a young girl at Bergen Belsen. 20.43-22.00: Maxwell talks about the honour he received in Holland when he was presented with the torch of freedom.

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Isaac Benjamin Kanter

Number

OH 390

Subject

Canada--Armed Forces

World War, 1939-1945

Interview Date

14 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 reference DVD (WAV file)

1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Sam Gojonovich

Total Running Time

14:53 seconds

Notes

This interview was part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/search?query=kanter

Biography

Isaac Kanter was born in 1917 and served with the Royal Canadian Army as a gunnery sergeant from 1939 to 1946. Isaac was stationed in Europe and involved in the Normandy and Oldenburg campaigns.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Normandy (France)

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

00:45: Isaac served as a gunner in the Normandy Campaign during the Second World War. 00:58: Isaac explains how he joined the army. 1:48: Isaac briefly describes the job of a gunner. 2:21: Isaac recalls a disaster that took place on an airfield in Normandy. 5:40: Isaac describes the type of gun – 25 lb. gun-how (Howitzer) with different charges. 6:40: Isaac emphasizes the need to be on the job twenty-four hours a day. 8:38: Isaac mentions that he was aware of one other Jewish officer who was captured and executed because he was Jewish. 9:28: Isaac did not recall any incidents of antisemitism. 9:35: Isaac describes some of his responsibilities as a gun position officer. 11:47: Isaac reports that the war had no impact on his connection to Judaism.

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Hyman Arlin

Number

OH 393

Subject

Canada--Armed Forces

World War, 1939-1945

Interview Date

14 Jun. 2010

Quantity

1 reference DVD (WAV file) 1 archival DVD (WAV file)

Interviewer

Stephanie Markowitz

Total Running Time

27:33

Notes

This interview was part of the Memory Project event held at Lipa Green on 13 May 2010 in partnership with the Historica Dominion Institute.

http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/1113:hyman-arlin/

Biography

Hyman Arlin was born in 1924. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a tank gunner with the Canadian Artillery from 1942 to 1946. Hyman was stationed in Europe and was involved in the liberation of the Netherlands and the occupation of Germany.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Germany

Netherlands

Original Format

DVD

Transcript

00:15: Hyman was born in Bailystok, Poland in 1923. He came to Montreal with his family at age two. 00:59: Hyman explains why and when he moved to Toronto. 2:04: Hyman explains that while his father, a teacher of “cantors and rabonim,” was Orthodox, the family home was quite liberal. 2:58: Hyman explains his reasons for enlisting in the army at age nineteen in 1942. He completed basic training in Camp Shiloh, Manitoba, where he learned to drive a tank and took a course in signaling. 4:39: Hyman went overseas and was stationed in England at Camp Borden. He explains he met his future wife there. They were married two years later. 5:41: Hyman served in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He was part of the occupation of Germany. 6:04: Hyman recalls the voyage overseas and to Camp Borden. He learned to drive a tank. 7:01: Hyman recalls his first time he saw action in Holland near the end of the war. 7:34: Hyman remained for six months after the war to serve in occupied Germany. 7:50: Hyman returned to Canada in May 1946. Betty, his wife, arrived in September 1946. 8:18: Hyman shares an anecdote from the war. He describes his regiment being saved by other Canadian troops when they were surrounded by three companies of Nazi paratroopers. 9:36: Hyman recalls an incident when he briefly served as an interpreter in charge of repatriation of Austrian prisoners of war in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. 11:45: Hyman’s three brothers and brother-in-law served in the Canadian army. 12:09: Hyman relates an anecdote involving meeting up with one of his brothers in Brussels. 15:14: Hyman reports that he did not encounter any direct antisemitism while serving in the army. 17:37: Betty speaks of the her family’s evacuation from London. 19:04: Hyman relates how he and Betty met and courted. He describes how he snuck out of camp to visit her. 21:40: Following the war, Hyman returned to Montreal. He worked as a grocery clerk in 1946. In 1947, he opened his first grocery store. 22:35: His first child was born five years later. 24:49: Hyman relates that he was the youngest of eleven children. He describes the demands of running a small grocery business. He notes that, because of time constraints, he was not involved in the Jewish branch of the Canadian Legion until he moved to Toronto.

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Percy Skuy

Number

OH 416

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

12 May 2015

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

1 hr. 19 min.

Use Restrictions

NONE

Biography

The child of Latvian immigrants to South Africa, Percy grew up in the small town of Vryheid, South Africa with his parents and two siblings. Years later, when asked what the population of Vryheid was, Percy’s mother replied, “Forty Jewish families.” Those families formed a tight-knit community that was able to support not only a synagogue and a rabbi, but a Talmud Torah school and a butcher’s shop with a kosher section.

At seventeen years old, Percy began an apprenticeship to become a pharmacist. He qualified in 1954 and worked for a year before leaving South Africa to travel the world. He never planned on visiting Canada, but found himself in Toronto for a stopover and ended up liking the city so much he decided to stay. In 1959, Percy became the first South African pharmacist registered in Ontario.

Percy met his first wife, Frances Goodman, in 1960 on a blind date and married her that same year. Together, they had two children: Beth (born in 1961) and David (born in 1963). In 1961, Percy began his thirty-four-year career with Johnson and Johnson Corporation, taking on a number of roles in the company during that time. In 1977, Frances passed away. Two years later, he married his second wife, Elsa Ruth Snider.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Percy is the founder of the only museum devoted exclusively to the history of contraception. The museum is located at the Dittrick Medical History Centre in Cleveland, Ohio.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Skuy, Percy, 1932-

Geographic Access

Canada

Europe

Israel

South Africa

United States

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:30 Percy was born in 1932 in Vryheid in northern Natal, South Africa.

00:41 Percy's parents emigrated from Latvia to South Africa in 1929.

00:53 Percy discusses his parents and their early lives in South Africa and the Jewish community in Vryheid.

04:10 Percy discusses his family's practice of Judaism while growing up.

05:02 Percy's father ran a small business. Later he worked with his brother-in-law to run a mill. At age fifty-nine, his father was killed in an automobile accident.

06:00 Percy discusses his mother. Percy has two siblings: an older brother, Max, and a younger sister, Rita.

07:19 Percy shares some of his childhood memories.

09:29 Percy was involved in the Habonim youth movement.

11:27 Percy reminisces about the establishment of the State of Israel.

13:23 Percy discusses his impressions of apartheid. He discusses his relationships with Black men and women.

15:15 Percy discusses his involvement with an anti-apartheid group.

17:19 Percy shares a story that illustrates his opposition to apartheid. His parents were not politically active.

19:06 Percy discusses how he became interested in pharmacy and the training for pharmacists.

21:21 Percy describes his two years of travel following graduation from pharmacy.

26:58 Percy relates how, en route to a pre-arranged job in the Arctic, he serendipitously secured a job with Glaxo as a medical sales representative on a stop-over in Toronto.

29:49 Percy describes his sales route.

30:46 Percy explains how he became the first South African registered pharmacist in Ontario.

32:31 Percy describes some of his early social/business pursuits in Canada.

34:12 Percy married his wife, Francis, originally from Sudbury. She graduated from the University of Toronto in nursing.

34:26 Following travel to Europe, Israel and South Africa, Percy and Francis decided to return to live in Canada.

35:35 Percy discusses the importance of maintaining family connection despite distance.

36:41 Percy describes the slow trickle of relatives who emigrated from South Africa. He notes that he has no close relatives remaining in South Africa and comments on the disappearance of the Jewish community in Vryheid.

38:39 Percy discusses some of the challenges he faced integrating socially into the Jewish community.

40:36 Percy explains how he became involved with working for the company Ortho.

45:15 Percy explains the factors that guided his integration into Canada.

47:08 Percy discusses his involvement in the Jewish community in Toronto.

48:30 Percy contrasts his own upbringing with how he raised his own children in Toronto.

52:00 Percy discusses his grandchildren.

52:26 Percy is the founder of a museum of the history of contraception. He explains how he developed an interest in the history of contraception and how he collected artifacts.

58:18 Percy describes his work history, his involvement in professional committee work, and his pursuits following his retirement in 1995.

1:00:11 Percy explains how he found a permanent location for the museum at the Dittrick Museum at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

1:02:50 Percy married Elsa in 1979. He discusses their range of hobbies.

1:03:38 Percy discusses the three documentaries he created. The topics included the formation of the Jewish pharmacy fraternity, the history of Jewish pharmacists in Canada, and the extracurricular involvement of Jewish pharmacists in Canada.

1:06:47 Percy addresses some of the issues faced by South African Jewish pharmacists who integrated to Canada.

1:09:20 Percy lists the languages he speaks.

1:10:00 Percy reminisces about his mother. He recalls his mother's relationship with their family servant.

1:13:14 Percy describes his training in pharmacy in South Africa.

1:15:27 Percy shares stories about their family's Black servants.

1:17:40 Percy reminisces about the opportunities that came his way since his arrival in Canada.

Source

Oral Histories

Becoming Canadian

The History of Contraception

40 Jewish Families

Not Long Before the Police Arrived

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

Name

Hilton and Shirley Silberg

Number

OH 419

Subject

Business

Immigrants--Canada

Families

Occupations

Interview Date

3 Sep. 2015

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

1 hr. 34 min.

Biography

Hilton and Shirley were born in Durban, South Africa in 1951. Although both were involved in the Habonim youth movement, the two did not meet until their first year in pharmacy school. After getting married and serving a brief stint in the military, Hilton left with Shirley on a trip overseas that included Europe and the United Sates, but whose ultimate purpose was the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Upon arriving in Montreal, the couple decided Canada would be a good place to live. By that point, they had resolved that they did not want their children to internalize the racial norms of apartheid South Africa. Cementing their decision was the fact Shirley’s sister was accepted into Canada shortly after the two returned to South Africa.

Hilton and Shirley’s immigration to Canada was complicated by the fact they were regarded by the government as students, not full-fledged pharmacists. When they came to Canada in August 1977, they therefore had to qualify as pharmacists, which they did by attending university while holding down full-time jobs as pharmacy technicians. Once certified, they moved to Dundas, where they opened a series of pharmacies and raised their children.

In 2007, the couple sold their Day Night Pharmacy chain to Rexall Pharma Plus. In 2014 Hilton and Shirley relocated to Toronto and now spend their time between Toronto and Vancouver to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Silberg, Hilton, 1951-

Silberg, Shirley, 1951-

Geographic Access

Dundas (Ont.)

Durban (South Africa)

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Original Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:38 Shirley was born in Durban, South Africa in 1951.

00:44 Shirley discusses her family history. Her maternal grandparents came to Durban in early 1800s from England. They married in South Africa. Her paternal grandparents came to Durban from Lithuania in the late 1800s. They married in South Africa. Her father was a physician specializing in physical medicine; her mother worked as his secretary.

03:31 Shirley describes her privileged early home life.

04:26 Shirley attended Hebrew day school.

05:06 Shirley describes her education and involvement in sports.

07:28 Shirley attended the Habonim youth movement.

08:13 Shirley discusses her early memories of politics and apartheid.

09:57 Shirley describes the impact an overseas trip to Europe and Israel had on her.

12:34 Shirley explains that she and Hilton considered immigrating to Canada and Israel. Her sister had immigrated to Canada and her brother had immigrated to England.

13:31 Hilton and Shirley attended the pharmacy school in Durban.

14:48 Hilton and Shirley married and moved to Johannesburg. Hilton completed mandatory service in the army.

15:37 Hilton was born in Durban on 26 October 1951. He discusses his family history. His maternal grandparents came from Lithuania. His mother was born in South Africa. His father's family came from Lithuania. His father was born in Lithuania. Hilton shares a story about his paternal grandmother's voyage from Lithuania to Pretoria with five children. When his parents were married they moved to Durban in the mid-1950s.

17:46 Hilton discusses his parents. His mother was an occasional secretary. His father was initially a tool and diemaker. Later, he worked in business. Hilton notes that his father was a semi-professional football player.

20:30 Hilton explains that his mother had a strong Jewish identity, but was not religious.

21:06 Hilton discusses his education in public school and Hebrew school.

21:58 Hilton reminisces about his childhood.

23:25 Hilton discusses how he and his sister became competitive ballroom dancers.

25:50 Hilton discusses his bar mitzvah training.

27:02 Hilton was active in the Habonim youth movement.

27:31 Hilton shares his impressions growing up under apartheid. He discusses discrimination, restrictions, and censorship.

30:33 Hilton discusses his mandatory military service.

36:22 Hilton and Shirley discuss how they met and dated.

37:45 Hilton discusses some of the factors that triggered the couple's decision to leave South Africa.

43:07 Hilton and Shirley describe how they struggled to accumulate money before leaving South Africa.

44:12 Hilton describes the efforts made to secure work and a visa for entry into Canada.

48:31 Hilton and Shirley describe the sentiments that surrounded their departure from South Africa.

49:40 Hilton and Shirley arrived in Canada on 25 August 1977.

50:30 Shirley shares anecdotes about her first experiences with household chores.

54:20 Hilton and Shirley discuss their few acquaintances/contacts when they first arrived in Canada.

55:40 Hilton explains how his outlook has changed since he moved to Canada.

57:41 Shirley describes the challenges of juggling work and pharmacy classes at the University of Toronto. Hilton and Shirley share some examples of cultural differences between Canada and South Africa.

1:01:05 Hilton and Shirley worked as pharmaceutical technicians.

1:03:53 Hilton explains how they became partners in a pharmacy in Dundas, Ontario. Hilton and Shirley discuss how they settled in and were welcomed into the Jewish community.

1:10:05 Hilton and Shirley brought Hilton's two sisters, brother, parents, and Shirley's mother to Canada.

1:11:02 Hilton explains the circumstances that led to a split with his partners. He changed the name of the pharmacy from Amherst Pharmacy to Hilton Pharmacy. He describes the growth of the business.

1:18:00 Hilton describes the expansion and success of the business to five pharmacies.

1:20:12 Hilton discusses his involvement in the Jewish and secular communities in Dundas.

1:20:57 In 2007, the business was purchased by Rexall.

1:21:33 Shirley explains the circumstances that prompted their move to Toronto via Vancouver.

1:23:55 Shirley describes a return visit to South Africa with her two youngest children.

1:25:22 Hilton reminisces about a family trip to London and South Africa in 1980.

1:27:08 Hilton describes his discomfort during a visit to Durban, South Africa in 1986.

1:28:40 Shirley relates an anecdote that occurred during their family trip to South Africa.

1:30:46 Hilton reflects on how much he appreciates being in Canada.

1:32:50 Shirley identifies becoming Canadian citizens as a turning point in their new life in Canada.

Source

Oral Histories

https://vimeo.com/230208590

Immigration Tribulations

Who Has Left Over Matzah Balls?

The First Midnight Store

Name

Lorraine and Alan Sandler

Number

OH 420

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

Jews--Zimbabwe

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

12 May 2015

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

1 hr. 30 min.

Use Restrictions

Partially closed.

Biography

Lorraine, the daughter of European immigrants to Africa, was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe) where she grew up with her three siblings. For his part, Alan was born in Cape Town, South Africa where he grew up a single child, his only brother passing away at a young age.

Alan first met Lorraine while on vacation in Bulawayo with some friends. The two dated while Alan was doing his accounting exams and Lorraine was attending teacher’s college. They married in Bulawayo after dating several years.

After their honeymoon, Alan and Lorraine began their new life in Cape Town, where they started their family. One incident in particular prompted the couple to seriously consider leaving South Africa: Their eldest son requested to attend a movie with his nanny, which would have been illegal under apartheid.

Not seeing a future in South Africa, the family looked to immigrate. Initially, Lorraine wanted to make aliyah, but Alan felt the language-barrier would be an obstacle to finding work. Eventually, they made their way to Toronto where they attended a Shabbat dinner that persuaded them that Jewish life could flourish in Canada.

The family—Alan, Lorraine, and their two sons—arrived in Canada on August 5, 1976. Unlike many subsequent Jewish South Africans who came to Toronto, the family chose to live downtown, enrolling their children in Jewish day school. Both Alan and Lorraine took on leadership roles within Toronto’s Jewish community. Alan is a founder of the South African Jewish Association of Canada and was president of the UJA Federation of Toronto. In turn, Lorraine was chair of both the Women’s Campaign and the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre. Today, their children are married and Alan and Lorraine are proud grandparents.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Sandler, Alan

Sandler, Lorraine

Geographic Access

Bulawayo (Rhodesia)

Cape Town (South Africa)

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:09 Lorraine's maiden name was Weinstock. Her mother came from Lithuania. Her father came from Poland.

00:38 Lorraine describes her parents' histories and their respective journeys to Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe).

04:56 Lorraine describes her parents' courtship and decision to marry. Together they saved enough money to bring Lorraine's aunt to Rhodesia. Lorraine's father was a carpenter; her mother was a seamstress.

06:48 Lorraine describes her parents' early years together. Initially, they lived outside of Bulawayo, where her father worked for a mine. Lorraine's two older siblings, Mickey and Fay, were born there.

07:47 Lorraine's parents moved to Bulawayo. Her father and a partner started a lumber business, which flourished over time. Lorraine describes the business.

08:51 Lorraine was born. Her younger sister, Sheila, was born five years later.

09:11 Lorraine explains how despite financial struggles, life was good. She cites the weather, education, sports, friends, and fruit trees.

10:08 Lorraine describes the critical role Habonim played in her life.

11:09 Lorraine describes the Jewish community in Bulawayo. She addresses the important role the synagogue played in their lives, especially the Friday-night service.

12:30 Lorraine explains that her parents spoke Yiddish at home with one another and English with the children. The children were able to understand Yiddish, but not speak very much of it.

13:10 Lorraine attended Hebrew school but learned very little Hebrew. She learned Hebrew vocabulary at Habonim.

14:00 Alan's maternal great-grandfather came to South Africa from England. His maternal grandmother and her three sisters and four brothers were born in Cape Town. His maternal grandfather came to South Africa from Germany in 1908.

14:54 Alan's paternal grandparents came from Lithuania with other members of their shtetl. His grandparents tried (unsuccessfully) to farm. Alan explains how his father's four sisters enabled the only brother to attend university. Alan's three younger sister and father were born in South Africa. His oldest aunt was born in Lithuania.

16:35 Yiddish was not spoken. The majority of Cape Town's Jewish community came from Lithuania at the turn of the century. English was spoken at home. Alan learned Afrikaans and French at school.

17:50 Alan describes the vibrant Jewish community in Cape Town. he notes that there has been a Jewish presence in Cape Town since 1652 with the arrival of the Dutch.

19:30 Alan recalls that the meeting place for Jewish children in Cape Town was Muizenberg Beach.

19:58 Alan explains the reasons he did not have a strong Jewish education. In contrast, his Zionist education was very strong.

21:05 Alan explains that his father developed Zionist leanings while in university and he grew up in a Zionist household. He recalls meeting David Ben-Gurion and fundraising events for Israel.

22:42 Alan shares memories from his bar mitzvah. He recalls that he did not have a close connection with synagogue, but was actively involved with Zionist and Jewish community needs.

25:22 Alan contrasts the Jewish community in Cape Town with Toronto.

28:05 Alan's father was an accountant. He notes that in the 1930s and 1940s the large accounting firms did not hire Jews. The situation changed after the war as Jews became more affluent.

30:35 Alan and Lorraine describe how they met and dated.

36:20 Alan and Lorraine discuss their wedding.

38:40 Alan shares an anecdote about his aufruf (calling to the Torah) before his wedding.

40:30 Lorraine discusses their early years of marriage living in Cape Town. She discusses her and Alan's active involvement in the Jewish community.

43:17 Lorraine identifies an incident that served as a trigger for their decision to leave South Africa.

44:22 Alan discusses the inception and practice of apartheid in South Africa. He describes his personal dissonance with the situation.

47:26 Both Lorraine's father and Alan's parents supported their decision to South Africa.

48:40 Alan explains that the only people who were leaving South Africa were forced to leave because of their political activism or Zionists making aliyah. Lorraine wanted to move to Israel.

50:09 Alan and Lorraine discuss their exploration of English-speaking countries in 1974. They explain the factors that facilitated their decision to choose Toronto.

54:08 Alan discusses the financial implications of leaving a "blocked-currency state."

54:38 Alan explains his reasons for not going to Israel.

55:34 Alan discusses the sequence of events that delayed their departure until August 1976.

57:07 Lorraine discusses their difficult circumstances upon arrival in Toronto. She explains why they chose to settle in the Bathurst-Eglinton area and their decision to buy a house.

1:02:07 Alan discusses his initial involvement with the Toronto Jewish community and how he attempted to promote the needs of new Jewish South African immigrants.

1:04:00 Alan explains how he was able to integrate into a new country.

1:04:22 Once Lorraine started to run Holy Blossom Temple's preschool, she felt less isolated.

1:04:38 Alan describes the shock of a Canadian winter.

1:05:14 Alan discusses the impact of the influx of Jews from Montreal during the same period.

1:11:50 Alan describes their involvement in the Toronto Jewish community.

1:13:00 Lorraine cites her reasons for reaching out and persevering despite the obstacles.

1:14:28 Alan compares his experience to other Jewish families who remained in South Africa. He contrasts himself as an immigrant to the majority of immigrants who leave their home country.

1:16:28 Alan discusses the success of the next generation, more specifically their own children.

1:17:58 Lorraine discusses her career as a Jewish educator in early childhood education in Toronto.

1:21:24 Lorraine discusses her volunteer work in the Jewish community.

1:23:04 Alan comments that the establishment of Leo Baeck Day School was a direct result of the success of Holy Blossom Temple's preschool.

1:24:39 Lorraine displays and discusses some family mementos: heirloom candlesticks and some photographs.

1:27:38 Alan describes some family photographs and shares some family anecdotes. He discusses some of the barriers to Jews at university when his father was a student and some of the successes of Jewish students.

1:30:09 Alan and Lorraine share a photograph of their children, their spouses, and grandchildren.

Source

Oral Histories

Teacher of Teachers

It

Impact of Habonim

A Reconnaissance Mission

Name

Brenda and Colin Baskind

Number

OH 423

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

16 Jul. 2015

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

1 hr. 52 min.

Biography

Brenda met Colin on a blind date while attending teacher’s college in Johannesburg. The two dated for one year before getting married at the Pine Street Shul in 1967. Together, they raised three children—Stacey, Alana, and Cliff—and helped bring up the nephew of their maid, whom they regarded as family.

Around 1976, Colin and Brenda began thinking about emigrating as a result of the country’s worsening political situation. At first, their daughter was unwilling to move, but after a riot broke out at her university, she declared she had had enough. Initially, the family considered moving to Australia, but soon settled upon Canada, immigrating in 1987. Although they found the prospect of starting over intimidating, they received a warm welcome from both the South African Jewish community and the larger community.

Brenda and Colin purchased a khaloupe (a fixer-upper) that they transformed into a beautiful home, planting trees in its large garden. Brenda found employment with Holy Blossom Synagogue while Colin became president of the Southern African Jewish Association of Canada. In their free time, they took up running, a hobby that introduced them to many friends. By 2015, they had participated in eleven marathons.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Yiddish

Name Access

Baskind, Brenda, 1944-

Baskind, Colin, 1941-

Geographic Access

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Port Elizabeth (South Africa)

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:13 Brenda (née Bebrow?) was born 29 October 1944 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Brenda discusses her parents’ divorce and the death of her brother from polio in 1956.

01:25 Brenda explains the reasons her mother sent her to boarding school in Grahamstown.

02:12 Brenda’s father drowned in the ocean in Port Elizabeth at age eleven.

03:41 Brenda’s mother worked as a bookkeeper in Johannesburg.

03:50 Brenda discusses her limited Jewish education and practice while living in Grahamstown.

05:40 Brenda reminisces about her experience at boarding school.

06:43 Brenda discusses how she was able to cope while dealing with her parents’ divorce, followed by the deaths of her brother, father, and grandmother.

07:36 Brenda’s maternal grandparents and great-grandmother were from Russia. They were observant Jews.

09:12 Brenda moved to Johannesburg at age eighteen to attend teacher’s college. She describes living with her great-aunt, great-uncle, and cousin.

10:21 Brenda describes how she met her husband, Colin.

11:37 Colin was born on 20 April 1941 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He lived with his parents and younger sister.

12:03 Colin reminisces about his early years. He discusses his friends and interest in sports.

13:50 Colin’s father was a butcher. His mother assisted his father.

14:18 Colin discusses the high quality of his education.

15:32 Colin’s father practiced Orthodox Judaism.

16:26 Colin discusses his Jewish education. He reminisces about his bar mitzvah.

18:43 Colin describes how he helped with his father’s business.

20:21 Colin’s father was born in Lithuania at age 11. His mother was born in Latvia. Both came to South Africa in the 1920s.

21:39 Colin attended university in Johannesburg.

23:21 Colin discusses work experience.

25:12 Colin and Brenda reminisce about their initial meeting, courtship, and marriage.

29:30 Colin and Brenda’s eldest daughter Alana was born.

29:36 Colin and Brenda discuss their close relationship with their nanny and her family. They describe the living conditions for nannies in general.

33:23 Colin and Brenda recount how they helped raise the baby of their nanny’s sister.

36:50 Brenda’s mother remarried a third time.

39:18 Brenda discusses her work as a nursery school teacher in Johannesburg and Toronto.

41:06 Colin and Brenda explain the reasons that triggered their decision to emigrate. They describe the Soweto riots in 1976.

45:08 Colin explains how they chose and were accepted to immigrate to Canada. Colin and Brenda discuss the distinct advantages of living in Canada relative to South Africa and Australia.

52:33 Colin only considered leaving South Africa after his parents passed away.

53:10 Colin and Brenda discuss their children’s points of view about leaving South Africa.

55:23 Colin and Brenda describe how they got ready for the move to Canada. They discuss what they were and were not allowed to bring out of South Africa.

57:27 Colin explains how some South Africans left the country without going through the steps of formal immigration.

57:26 Brenda describes her fears concerning the move and explains the reasons some of her friends have remained in South Africa.

1:00:04 Brenda shares early memories of moving to Toronto: buying a house and a car.

1:03:09 Colin and Brenda contrast the quality of living between Johannesburg and Toronto.

1:05:04 Colin and Brenda discuss how they formed their early social connections.

1:07:46 Colin discusses how he maintained interest in sport, both as a participant and as a spectator. Sport was another means of making friends.

1:10:0 Colin volunteered with the Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) for five years and became involved with the Southern African Jewish Association of Canada (SAJAC).

1:10:40 Colin discusses his involvement with SAJAC.

1:12:44 Brenda and Colin discuss some of the language and cultural challenges they encountered when they arrived in Canada.

1:16:17 Colin and Brenda discuss the achievements of their children.

1:20:42 Colin and Brenda discuss their daughter Stacy’s decision to be a single mother. Brenda discusses their involvement with baby Lily’s care and their decision to buy a house with private quarters to share with Stacy and Lily.

1:28:18 Brenda discusses two trips back to South Africa to care for her mother in 1998.

1:32:28 Brenda discusses the changes she noted in South Africa during her visit.

1:34:43 Colin discusses his volunteer work with JIAS, SAJAC, Jewish Family & Child (JF&CS) and JVC. He explains his desire to enable others to prepare themselves for and find work.

1:43:33 Colin discusses some of the challenges faced by his sister.

1:46:50 Colin and Brenda share their views on the current and future situation in South Africa.

Source

Oral Histories

The Way Things Were

A khaloupe!

A Scholarship Based on Need

Name

Ivor Simmons

Number

OH 425

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

9 Feb. 2016

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

OH 425 part 1: 21 min.

OH 425 part 2: 20 min.

OH 425 part 3: 21 min.

OH 425 part 4: 1 min.

OH 425 part 5: 2 min.

OH 425 part 6: 4 min.

Biography

Born in Bloemfontein, South Africa’s judicial capital, in 1937, Ivor had a pleasant childhood alongside his two brothers. Because his family lived on the “wrong side” of Naval Hill (the other side was considerably more Jewish), he counted both Jews and non-Jews among his friends. This did not mean he lacked for Jewish culture: Ivor participated in a Jewish youth movement and was sent to a nearby cheder ahead of his bar mitzvah, which he celebrated in the communal hall. Unfortunately, the cheder teacher, a European immigrant who spoke halting English, was not the best teacher and Ivor finished his education with only a partial ability to read Hebrew.

As a young man, Ivor studied chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town. He worked in South Africa for a time before leaving to go to London. At the time he left, he did not have plans to live outside South Africa, but he ended up meeting several Canadians in England who encouraged him to give Canada a try. Obtaining work without any great difficulty and finding the locals friendlier than those in England, he decided to make Canada home.

Ivor worked in marketing for a time before coming to the conclusion that he wanted to be his own boss. With a loan from his father-in-law, he purchased a small company, which he ran for twenty-seven years. He looks back on those years fondly on account of having overcome a number of obstacles along the way and treated his employees fairly. In 1997, he sold his business and decided to devote his time to travel and volunteering.

Ivor and his wife have three children, all of whom live in Canada. They also have several grandchildren.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Simmons, Ivor, 1937-

Geographic Access

Bloemfontein (South Africa)

Cape Town (South Africa)

England

Sasolburg (South Africa)

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

Part 1:

00:25 Ivor was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1937. His maternal grandparents' birthplace was Russia. His paternal grandfather was born near the Lithuanian/Latvian border. His paternal grandfather travelled to England and in 1886 moved to South Africa. His paternal grandmother came to South Africa from Cardiff.

02:24 Ivor's maternal grandfather was a jeweller in Cape Town. He remarried after Ivor's maternal grandmother died. The grandfather and second wife died in a vehicular accident in the 1920s.

03:45 Ivor discusses his parents: how they met and married. Ivor's father ran a printing company and his mother was a music teacher with an interest in the arts. Ivor's mother was involved in Jewish communal affairs.

05:55 Ivor discusses his two younger brother, both of whom moved to Sydney, Australia.

09:20 Ivor describes his youth in Bloemfontein.

10:34 Ivor participated in a B'nai Brith youth movement and attended cheder until age thirteen.

12:05 Ivor had a bar mitzvah in the communal hall.

13:24 Ivor discusses his education and extracurricular activities while he attended Grey College, a boys' school in Bloemfontein. Although Afrikaans was taught in school, Ivor did not gain fluency in Afrikaans until he worked in an oil refinery in Sasolburg.

15:40 Ivor describes his Jewish education.

16:20 Ivor discusses his family's religious and cultural observance.

17:47 Ivor shares his perspective on the impact of politics in South Africa on the Jewish community and on him personally.

19:40 Ivor discusses his reasons for leaving South Africa and how he decided to move to Canada. He found a job with Union Carbide in Toronto and decided to stay.

Part 2:

00:20 Ivor shares his first impressions of living in Toronto and addresses the ease of transition for him.

02:57 Ivor arrived in Toronto on 2 June 1963 after having spent one month in Montreal.

03:40 Ivor discusses the small South African community in Toronto at that time.

05:40 Ivor discusses his family's reaction to his decision to move to Toronto. His parents remained in South Africa. Ivor describes his parents' lifestyle.

08:45 Ivor describes his professional education and career. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town. He discusses his work history in South Africa, England, and Canada.

13:20 Ivor discusses how he met his wife. He discusses his family: his two sons and one daughter. Ivor discusses his daughter's career.

Part 3:

01:15 Ivor discusses the adoption of his two sons. Ivor discusses the children's education.

06:15 Ivor's mother came to visit regularly. His father came for several visits. Ivor and his family visited South Africa.

07:35 Ivor discusses how his family celebrated Jewish holidays.

08:24 Ivor discusses his wife, Renee.

09:08 Ivor discusses the similarities between Renee's family and his family with regards to Jewish practice and values and their Jewish practice in their home.

11:10 Ivor discusses his limited participation with any organizations within the South African Jewish community in Canada.

12:10 Ivor offers reasons why it would have been difficult to raise his children had they been living in South Africa.

13:40 Ivor discusses some of his family visits to South Africa and the impressions of the children.

15:36 Ivor offers his impressions of current day South Africa.

18:16 Ivor comments on the ease with which he integrated into Canada.

19:06 Ivor discusses his volunteer involvement following his retirement and his personal interests.

Part 4:

00:00 Ivor continues to discuss his personal interests.

Part 5:

00:00 Ivor fondly reminisces about his extended family in Cape Town: his mother's sister and her husband, his mother's brothers, their wives and children, and his father's twin cousins.

Part 6:

00:00 Ivor continues to reminisce about extended family.

02:42 Ivor discusses his pleasure in travel since his retirement.

Source

Oral Histories

What was planned as just a short trip...

Watching What you Say in South Africa

Name

Richard Stern

Number

OH 426

Subject

Immigrants--Canada

Occupations

Interview Date

23 Feb. 2016

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

OH 426 part 1: 22 min.

OH 426 part 2: 22 min.

OH 426 part 3: 21 min.

OH 426 part 4: 1 min.

OH 426 part 5: 4 min.

OH 426 part 6: 3 min.

OH 427 part 7: 10 min.

OH 428 part 8: 2 min.

Use Restrictions

Waiting for Richard to sign waiver.

Biography

The firstborn twin (he insists he and his brother are not competitive), Richard grew up in the small town of Muizenberg in an old house on the seafront with his parents and four siblings. Born in 1937, Richard’s childhood was untainted by apartheid, which came into effect eleven years later in 1948. As a child, he played with children of colour on his grandfather’s farm; by adolescence, those same childhood friends were obliged to call him "Boss" on account of his race.

After completing high school at Kingswood College, a Methodist boarding school five hundred miles from where he grew up, Richard returned to Muizenburg where he worked on a farm before going back to school to obtain a diploma in agriculture. Around this time, he had a small mishap working at a winery. He had been warned not to fall asleep while the grapes were fermenting; sure enough, he did just that and the next morning the winery found itself with ten thousand gallons of vinegar.

Richard gained more experience in different wineries after completing a tour of Europe with the National Union of South African Students. He stayed in England and worked at a winery located under the Tower of London and later at wine farms in Bordeaux and the Champagne region of France. While in Europe, his twin brother told him about agriculture in Israel, which prompted him to go there. It was in Israel that he met his first wife with whom he had three children.

Richard worked at several jobs in Israel and opened three of the first Supersol supermarkets there. He also served in the Israel Defense Forces. Eventually though, he decided to come to Canada, which he did with his family in 1963. In Ottawa, he operated a supermarket for a short time before going to work for the head office of Loeb. Through this position, he got to see a good deal of Canada and developed a sense of its geography and a feel for its people.

In the early 1970s, Richard made a living as his own boss in a brokerage business before the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce recruited him to market Canadian grocery and alcohol products. It was while working for the department that he became a Canadian citizen.

Today, Richard is retired and married to Doris. They have four children and eight grandchildren. He considers himself a Canadian Jew, but retains a strong affection for South Africa and its natural beauty. Since leaving, he has been back to South Africa between twenty and thirty times with Doris.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Stern, Richard, 1937-

Geographic Access

Cape Town (South Africa)

England

France

Israel

Muizenberg (South Africa)

Ottawa (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Transcript

0Part 1:

00:00 Richard was born in Muizenberg, South Africa on 5 January 1937. He was the first of a set of twins.

00:57 Richard discusses his grandfather's business in Cape Town.

01:38 Richard reminisces about his childhood in Muizenberg. He shares memories about school, after-school activities, and his school performance.

04:06 Richard discusses his siblings: Robert, Maxwell, Peter, and Jean.

06:11 Richard studied viticulture. He describes the challenges he faced realizing his dreams after leaving his country and support system.

08:37 Richard reminisces about growing up in Muizenberg.

09:30 Richard discusses Jewish life and education in Muizenberg.

10:23 Richard discusses his bar mitzvah.

11:11 Richard describes the history of his parents' home.

12:07 Richard recalls his family celebrating Jewish holidays.

12:42 Richard discusses his affiliation with the Second Muizenberg Jewish Boy Scout group and camp.

13:15 Richard notes that his father was a leader in the Habonim youth movement, but did not want his children to participate in Habonim.

14:18 Richard discusses his father's involvement with the scouting movement in Cape Town. His father was involved in Jewish communal affairs. He describes his father's involvement with an entertainment group.

15:59 Richard discusses the make-up of the Jewish community in Muizenberg.

16:30 Richard shares stories involving his personal relationships with Black or "coloured" Africans. He relates an incident that occurred during his first work experience.

19:40 Richard discusses the changes that arose with the introduction of apartheid in 1948. He refers to the risks associated with political involvement against the government.

22:09 Richard discusses Klingswood College, the boarding school he attended.

Part 2:

00:00 Richard continues to reminisce about attending boarding school. There were about twelve Jewish students.

03:42 Richard mentions the Sharpeville massacre.

04:12 Richard describes the student mix at Kingswood College. He describes exemptions made for Jewish students as well as mandatory church services.

06:33 Richard describes his pursuits after graduating from Kingswood College. He describes working on farms and vineyards. He earned a diploma in agricultural science from the College of Agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch. He relates stories from his college years.

11:44 Richard speaks of his travels and work experience in England, France, and Israel after graduating from college.

14:19 Richard speaks of his contact with Israel's first ambassador to Canada, Michael Comay, and his first marriage to Michael's daughter, Jill. They had two children.

15:49 Richard discusses his decision to remain in Israel and his early work experience in Israel.

17:22 Richard describes suffering from jaundice while completing his army training in Israel.

18:14 Richard was in Canada for six months and then returned to Israel.

18:18 Richard describes some of the challenges he encountered as manager of some of the newly-opened chain of Supersol supermarkets in Israel.

21:26 Richard discusses his decision to apply for immigration to Canada.

Part 3:

00:00 Richard discusses the breakup between the Bronfsmans and Bert Loeb.

00:58 Richard describes his ten years of work for Loeb's in Ottawa.

02:50 Richard opens up a brokerage business in 1971.

03:11 Richard describes how and why he was approached by the government of Canada to work in industry, trade, and commerce.

03:57 Richard explains how he became a Canadian citizen.

04:45 Richard describes his involvement in marketing alcoholic beverages and grocery products on behalf of the government of Canada.

06:01 Richard discusses his post chairing Canada-Israel agreements.

06:29 Richard describes the events that led to his wife and children returning to Israel in 1967. He notes the likelihood of his moving back to South Africa had his wife not decided to return to Canada.

07:06 Richard discusses his attachment to South Africa and offers his impressions of the country.

11:37 Richard praises the liberal political position taken by Jews in South Africa.

12:30 Richard discusses his ancestry. His paternal and maternal grandfathers came from Germany to South Africa. His paternal grandmother came from New York. He tells some stories about his grandparents.

14:42 Richard muses about his lack of awareness of different Jewish groups while growing up.

16:50 Richard discusses his identity as a Canadian Jew.

18:30 Richard discusses some of his philanthropic support.

19:55 Richard recalls memories about his grandparents.

Part 4:

00:00 Richard displays and describes two photographs of himself and his siblings.

Part 5:

00:00 Richard displays a photograph of the opening of the Voortrekker monument commemorating the Afrikaner scouting movement. Richard discusses his involvement with the movement and his attendance at the opening of the monument.

01:45 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of his school cadets band.

03:03 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of his rugby team.

03:49 Richard displays a photograph of himself and his brother-in-law, Yochanan, while serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Richard discusses how Yochanan was killed in the Golan Heights in 1967.

Part 6:

00:00 Richard displays and discusses a plaque that was present to his grandfather, Max Sonnenberg, for his service in parliament for twenty years.

01:38 Richard displays and discusses a book that was written by his grandfather.

Part 7:

00:00 Richard discusses his work with Agriculture Canada as director of processed food and later director of international marketing. He took early retirement in 1990.

01:23 Richard displays and discusses a photograph from the International Dairy Congress in 1994. He shares a story about Stephen Lewis, who was a guest speaker.

03:14 Richard displays and discusses a photograph of Richard presenting a cheque to the deputy minister of agriculture repaying the grant for the Dairy Congress.

04:12 Richard displays and discusses a photograph that related to his work with the sheep council in 1997.

05:44 Richard displays and discusses a photograph that related to his work with the cervidae industry.

06:50 Richard displays and discusses a trophy honouring his father for his contributions to the Community Chest Carnival. Richard shares some stories related to the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg that was started by his father.

09:56 Richard displays and discusses a program relating to the re-opening of the Masque Theatre in 1999.

Part 8:

00:00 Richard displays and discusses a photograph from his parents' wedding.

Source

Oral Histories

Scouting

Racism?

Name

Ismé Bennie

Number

OH 429

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

26 Apr. 2016

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

OH 429 part 1: 21 min.

OH 429 part 2: 21 min.

OH 429 part 3: 21 min.

OH 429 part 4: 9 min.

Biography

For someone who went on to become an influential figure in Canadian broadcasting, it is perhaps surprising to learn that Ismé Bennie grew up without television. Born in Vereeniging, South Africa in 1940, Ismé knew from a young age that she wanted to travel. After graduating from Wits University in 1960, she moved to London, England, which is where she saw television for the first time.

Although happy in London, Ismé decided to return to South Africa after two years, mostly as a result of her parents’ urging. While participating in the production of an American documentary about South Africa, she met a Canadian man who lived in the United States. In 1964, she moved to Los Angeles to be with him and eventually the two moved to New York, where they lived for five years.

Ismé’s partner eventually grew unhappy in New York and decided to return to Canada. At the time, many young men were making their way to Canada in order to dodge the draft. Ismé followed their guide about entering Canada. Upon arrival, she completed the questionnaire with flying colours and was allowed to stay.

Once in Canada, Ismé quickly put together an impressive resume, holding senior positions at CHUM and CTV. She has been honoured by the Canadian Film and Television Production Association with a Personal Achievement Award in 1990 and a Jack Chisholm Award in 1995. In 2003, Women in Film and Television – Toronto recognized her with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

In 2010, Ismé left CTV in order to focus on freelance writing. In 2015, she published a memoir of her childhood entitled White Schooldays: Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Bennie, Ismé, 1940-

Geographic Access

London (England)

Los Angeles (Calif.)

New York (N.Y.)

South Africa

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

Part 1:

00:24 Ismé was born in South Africa in 1940.

00:36 Ismé immigrated to Enland in 1962. She shares some of her memories from her stay in London. She explains how her views of apartheid changed.

02:40 Ismé discusses her personal and political reaction when she returned to South Africa in 1964.

05:09 Ismé discusses her job with a news magazine in South Africa.

06:48 Ismé discusses her involvement with the production of a film.

08:15 Ismé explains how she met and followed a man to the United States in 1965. She discusses his influence on her intellectually and politically.

10:43 Ismé outlines her first years in North America, initially in Los Angeles, then in New York, and finally in Toronto.

12:32 Ismé explains how she prepared for her move to Canada and discusses her initial arrival in Canada in December 1969.

15:56 Ismé shares her first impressions of Toronto.

18:02 Ismé discusses the friends she made in Toronto.

19:42 Ismé discusses her involvement with her local residential association.

Part 2:

00:00 Ismé discusses her impressions of Canadians' views of South Africa.

01:11 Ismé discusses her process of integration into and adjustment to Toronto.

03:10 Ismé explains that she had minimal contact with other South Africans when she arrived in Toronto. She suggests that her circumstances differed from other South African immigrants.

06:42 Ismé discusses her Jewish life growing up in South Africa.

09:45 Ismé discusses her involvement with the Jewish Genealogical Society in Toronto due to her personal interest in genealogy.

10:57 Ismé discusses her pursuit of her family history.

14:24 Ismé graduated from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. She discusses the efforts of an alumni group in Toronto.

16:11 Ismé discusses her successful career in broadcasting.

Part 3:

00:00 Ismé continues to discuss her career in broadcasting.

01:46 Ismé discusses her current work involvement as a consultant and writer.

03:16 Ismé discusses challenges she has faced as a woman and as a Jew.

06:50 Ismé discusses people who have influenced her in her professional life.

08:31 Ismé discusses some of her most rewarding professional achievements.

10:28 Ismé discusses her avid, longstanding interest in reading.

12:07 Ismé discusses her family and friends in South Africa and how she has maintained connection with them.

16:10 Ismé discusses her impressions of recent visits to South Africa.

19:23 Ismé discusses the challenges her sister would face if she considered immigration to Canada.

Ismé considers the notion of moving back to South Africa.

Part 4:

00:00 Ismé continues to discuss the notion of living in South Africa.

01:30 Ismé recalls some of her memories of South Africa.

05:40 Ismé discusses the process of pursuing her Canadian citizenship.

Source

Oral Histories

Toronto Fashion

A Very Loose Jewish Background

Welcome to Canada

Two South Africas

Name

Avis Osher and Robbie Osher

Number

OH 436

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

12 Jul. 2016

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

OH 436 part 1: 12 min.

OH 436 part 2: 11 min.

OH 436 part 3: 22 min.

OH 436 part 4: 13 min.

Biography

Like many South Africans, Avis and Robbie are descendants of Latvian and Lithuanian immigrants to South Africa. Each had two siblings, attended public school, and went on to attend Wits University. Avis became an occupational therapist and Robbie a chartered accountant. They have three daughters.

Avis and Robbie began thinking about leaving South Africa as early as 1969, but a combination of family and financial considerations kept them there until 1996, the year they immigrated to Canada.

Robbie ran a successful accounting practice in South Africa for thirty years. On arriving in Canada, he decided he wanted a career change and eventually transitioned into the role of chief financial officer of a Toronto company. A competitive squash player in South Africa, he continued winning titles at the provincial and national levels in Canada. It was largely through squash that he integrated into Canadian society.

Avis worked in a variety of hospitals and schools, taught at Wits, and ran a successful practice in Johannesburg. She re-qualified to register in Canada and after occupying different positions now works in her own practice.

They are proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. They both agree that through their professional and personal dedication, they have given back to their adopted country.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Osher, Avis

Osher, Robbie, 1939-

Geographic Access

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

Part 1:

00:14 Avis was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Avis provides a brief family history. Her mother, Rae Mer, was born in Zamel, Lithuania. Her father, Sollie Burde, was born in Grodno, Belarus. She discusses the circumstances of various relatives.

01:45 Avis explains why her father came to South Africa in 1932.

02:55 Avis hypothesizes how her parents met and married in Johannesburg. Avis had one sister, Hessie, and one brother, David.

04:25 Avis describes her experience growing up.

06:38 Avis explains that she went to work in the family factory when she finished school. She discusses her mother's role in the business.

07:44 Avis discusses her family's involvement with the Jewish community and their practice of Judaism.

10:50 Avis describes the path she took to become an occupational therapist. She describes her first work placement.

Part 2:

00:00 Robbie was named Robert Percy Osher at birth. Robbie was born in Johannesburg in 1939.

01:02 Robbie discusses his childhood. He discusses his social life, interests, and education. Robbie graduated from accounting and qualified as a certified public accountant (CPA) in Israel. He received a degree in accounting in the United Kingdom and a certified management accountant (CMA) degree.

04:01 Robbie discusses the reasons for considering and then rejecting the idea of moving to Israel in 1969. Robbie discusses his Jewish education and his family's practice of Judaism.

05:34 Robbie provides a brief family history. His mother was born in 1912 in Latvia. She came to South Africa at age eight with her family. His father was born in 1911 in ?Killem, Lithuania. His father was a tailor.

07:40 Robbie explains that his family had Black servants. He discusses segregation.

Robbie discusses his reasons for deciding to leave South Africa in 1969. He discusses multiple applications for emigration: Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Their daughter, Dorit, immigrated to Canada in 1986. Robbie explains how he and Avis immigrated to Canada in 1990 after settling their business affairs.

Part 3:

00:17 Avis discusses the dilemmas she struggled with when she and Robbie considered leaving South Africa.

01:35 Avis describes the challenges her family encountered when they attempted a move to the United States in 1976.

03:50 Avis describes her response when her mother suffered a heart attack when Avis was aged eight. She explains how she was not inclined to leave her mother.

05:17 Avis discusses expectations for her daughters.

05:49 Robbie discusses the reasons for remaining in South Africa.

08:00 Robbie discusses his passion for and achievement in squash, including six medals at the Maccabiah Games in 1985, 1989, and 1993.

10:50 Robbie explains how playing competitive squash in Canada was a way of integrating into Canadian society. Robbie discusses his accomplishments in squash since he arrived in Canada.

12:03 Robbie discusses his work since he arrived in Canada.

12:50 Avis explains how they were able to get some money out of South Africa despite state financial restrictions.

15:00 Avis shares some stories from her experience working with Black African patients and staff. She discusses hierarchies and inequities in care and equipment.

18:33 Avis and Robbie provide examples to show racism and the separation of white, Black, and coloured individuals in South Africa.

21:20 Robbie relates an example from his own experience to highlight the practice of racism and injustice in South Africa.

Part 4:

00:00 Avis discusses her relationship with their family nanny.

02:30 Robbie describes what they brought with them from South Africa to Canada.

04:30 Robbie and Avis discuss the reaction of their friends and relationships when they decided to leave.

08:26 Avis discuss the life pursuits of their three daughters: Dorit, Shira, and Susan.

11:05 Robbie and Avis discuss factors that contribute to their feeling and identifying as Canadian.

Source

Oral Histories

Overcrowding in Black Hospitals

What We Left Behind

An Icon at the Club

Name

Nicole Cohen

Number

OH 422

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

18 Nov. 2015

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

OH 422 part 1: 22 min.

OH 422 part 2: 18 min.

OH 422 part 3: 4 min.

OH 422 part 4: 10 min.

Biography

Nicole “Nicky” Cohen moved to Canada from Johannesburg when she was five years old. Thereafter, her family went back several times. Her last trip back as a child was at age twelve. It is from these trips that she has her earliest memories of South Africa.

In 2008, Nicky returned to South Africa with her husband and children for a cousin’s wedding. While back, they visited the apartment where Nicky’s mother had grown up. As luck would have it, they made the acquaintance of the maid taking care of the apartment and who turned out to be the daughter of Nicky’s own nanny, Ruth. Ruth met with the family several times and the two sides stayed in touch for many years.

Ruth has since passed away, but Nicky hopes to return to South Africa with her husband and children in the near future.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Cohen, Nicole

Geographic Access

Cape Town (South Africa)

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Soweto (South Africa)

Thornhill (Ont.)

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

Part 1:

00:30 Nicole "Nicky" Cohen outlines her family history. Her great-grandparents came from Lithuania. Her paternal grandfather was born in Cape Town and her paternal grandmother was born in Johannesburg. Her maternal grandmother was born in Namibia. He maternal father and step-father were born in Germany and immigrated to South Africa in the 1930s.

01:40 Nicole discusses the birthplaces of her family. Her parents, Nicole, and her older brother were born in Johannesburg. Her younger brother was born in Toronto.

02:08 Nicole, aged five, immigrated to Canada with her parents on 19 March 1977.

02:23 Nicole recalls few memories from living in South Africa but shares some memories she gleaned from return trips and photographs.

03:37 Nicole recalls that her family would take four-to-six-week trips to South Africa every two years from 1977-1984.

04:52 Nicole's mother was a physiotherapist and her father was a travel agent.

05:30 Nicole explains why her parents decided to emigrate from South Africa.

06:58 Nicole discusses the maid (i.e., nanny), Ruth, from her childhood.

10:55 Nicole recalls other South African family friends they maintained when they moved to Toronto.

11:34 Nicole discusses living arrangements when her family came to Toronto. Her family settled in Thornhill.

13:15 Nicole discusses her education.

14:00 Nicole discusses the challenges of adjusting to a Toronto winter.

15:42 Nicole fondly recalls return visits to South Africa with her family.

16:45 Nicole describes attending a cousin's wedding to South Africa in 2008, twenty-four years after her last visit. She discusses the trip.

21:06 Nicole discusses the high crime rate in Johannesburg. She cites some specific examples.

Part 2:

00:00 Nicole continues to discuss the high rate of crime in Johannesburg. She discusses driving through shanty towns in Cape Town and Soweto.

02:05 Nicole recalls visiting the apartment where her grandmother had lived. She discusses some of the security enforced by gates and guards. She shares an anecdote involving her family's maid, Ruth. She describes how she reconnected with Ruth and her daughter while visiting her grandmother's former apartment.

13:00 Nicole expresses a desire to return to South Africa.

13:55 Nicole discusses relatives who remain in South Africa. She notes her father's first cousin and daughter who live in Johannesburg. She discusses where other relatives are currently living.

Part 3:

00:00 Nicole discusses the close relationship between her family and their maid, Ruth. She describes how her family supported Ruth and her family.

01:20 Nicole explains how her parents and grandmother remained in contact with Ruth even after her grandmother immigrated to Canada. She recalls an anecdote involving her family arranging for Ruth to visit Toronto when she was temporarily working with a South African family in New York in the late 1980s.

02:54 Nicole discusses the difficulty her father encouraged when he initially attempted to immigrate to Canada in 1976. She cites a fictitious letter of employment for her father that enabled her family to immigrate. The letter is on file in the archives.

Part 4:

00:00 Nicole describes photographs. Some of the photographs were taken during former and recent trips to South Africa. Some photographs include images from shanty towns, Soweto, Sun City, relatives, Nicole's grandmother's apartment, etc.

Source

Oral Histories

A Big Part of my Life

Name

Elfreda Levine and Alec Levine

Number

OH 442

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

9 Feb. 2017

Interviewer

Miriam Borden

Total Running Time

OH 422 part 1: 37 min.

OH 422 part 2: 9 min.

Biography

Alec and Elfreda met when they were young teenagers. Elfreda was friends with Alec’s sister, and the two would play tennis together. Despite meeting at a young age, Alec and Elfreda did not begin dating until they were in their early twenties. They married in 1958 and subsequently had three children. It was largely on account of their two eldest children that they emigrated. Their eldest son had emigrated first, initially settling in Saskatchewan, while their daughter emigrated shortly thereafter, making a home in the United Kingdom. Their youngest son chose to remain in South Africa.

Following the birth of their granddaughter in Saskatoon, Alec and Elfreda began making regular trips to Canada. As time went on and crime continued to rise in South Africa, Alec and Elfreda’s children started to encourage their parents to move to Canada. This they did in 1999, arriving in Toronto in the cold month of October. While the ice and snow initially made for a new and exciting experience, they quickly got over it.

Arriving in their sixties, Alec and Elfreda initially struggled in their new country, but they soon found work and made friends. Making this process somewhat easier was the fact that the two enjoyed exploring the different areas of the city via subway, an activity they keep up to this day. Alec and Elfreda also continue to follow developments in South Africa—in part because one of their sons lives there—but now think of themselves as Canadians.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Levine, Alec

Levine, Elfreda

Geographic Access

Cape Town (South Africa)

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Saskatchewan

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

00:40 Elfreda discusses her family's immigration to South Africa. Her maternal grandparents came to Cape Town from Riga, Latvia via London. Her paternal grandfather came to South Africa in his teens and settled in ?Aliwal North.

02:14 Alec discusses his family's immigration to South Africa. His parents were married in Riga, Latvia. His maternal grandfather came to South Africa. During the period of 1930-1936, he brought his five daughters and their husbands to South Africa.

03:30 Elfreda describes Jewish life in Aliwal North. She explains why the Jewish population declined over time.

05:08 Elfreda recalls travelling by train to cities for holidays and how she and Alec met during holiday.

06:41 Alec describes his Jewish life growing up in Johannesburg.

07:48 Elfreda continues to discuss Jewish life while growing up in a small community.

09:13 Alec and Elfreda discuss Jewish youth groups and camps.

10:35 Elfreda discusses her academic path: two years of nursing in Cape Town and commercial bookkeeping in Johannesburg.

12:13 Alec discusses his career path: architecture for two years then joining the family plumbing business.

13:00 Alec and Elfreda married in 1958.

13:24 Alec describes his limited involvement in politics in South Africa. Their daughter became involved with the African National Congress (ANC) while she attended university.

14:55 Elfreda shares her memories from her childhood. She recalls the impact of apartheid following the rise of the nationalists in 1948.

16:13 Alec and Elfreda discuss having household staff in their homes while growing up and after they were married.

19:50 Elfreda describes a party she held for her family's maid when she retired.

21:17 Alec and Elfreda explain when and why their two older children emigrated from South Africa. Their youngest son remained in South Africa.

22:49 Alec and Elfreda discuss the factors that contributed to their decision to immigrate to Canada.

25:13 Alec describes some incidents of violence he personally experienced in Johannesburg.

25:58 Alec and Elfreda describe their feeling about leaving South Africa and the challenges of immigrating at a later stage of life (e.g. upgrading their work skills, finding work, making new friends).

28:33 Alec and Elfreda share some of their earliest memories of moving to Canada.

30:35 Alec discusses his early efforts to find work in Canada.

33:52 Elfreda discusses her involvement with the Jewish community, notably the South African Jewish community since their arrival in Canada.

35:49 Elfreda discusses how their willingness to explore Toronto has helped with their integration.

Part 2:

00:34 Alec and Elfreda describe the response from family and friends in South Africa to their decision to leave.

02:25 Alec and Elfreda came to Canada in October 1999. Their son, Mark, came in 1986.

02:50 Alec and Elfreda discuss the easier experience of integration by their son's family compared to their own.

03:49 Elfreda relates a family story. Mark settled in a small town in Saskatchewan when he arrived in Canada. He discovered that relatives of Elfreda had settled in a small neighbouring community in 1906.

5:00 Elfreda discusses their identity as Canadians.

Elfreda discusses their ongoing connections with South Africa.

07:30 Elfreda notes that they did not experience culture shock as they settled in Canada.

Source

Oral Histories

Not the Way to Live

Afrikaners Dominated Politics

Leaving your Heart in South Africa

Name

Charna Galper

Number

OH 448

Subject

Immigrants--Canada

Synagogues

Camps

Musicians

Yiddish language

Yiddish literature

Interview Date

15 Aug. 2018

Quantity

1 MP4 file

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

1:42 minutes

Biography

Charna Galper was born in 1921 in Bershet, Ukraine and immigrated with her family to Toronto in 1923. Charna grew up and lived in the Kensington Market area until 1955, when she moved north of the downtown core. Charna attended Landsdowne Public School and Harbord Collegiate, where she graduated as a legal secretary. She was a member of Hashomer Haztair and attended its summer camp at the Stroud, Ontario location. Charna married Abe Galper in 1947. Abe's career as a musician allowed them to travel to New York, Israel, and China. Charna has volunteered for Circle of Care and today spends her time pursuing her interest in Yiddish and attending programs at the Baycrest Centre.

Material Format

moving images

Geographic Access

Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Transcript

0:40: Charna born in 1921 in Bershet, Urkaine, tells the story of how she her parents and siblings fled Ukraine for Canada. Sponsored by Joe and Philip Finkler her mother’s brothers, the family arrived in Toronto in 1923. 3:24: Charna describes the living conditions of the family’s first home at 237 Beverley St., Fitzroy Terrace in the Kensington area and Grange Ave. 4:55: Charna talks about her elder sister’s contracting diphtheria and the resulting quarantine her family had to endure 5:2: Charna talks her parents first home at 210 Robert St. and the family’s move to Albany Ave. 6:15: Charna describes in detail the family’s living conditions prior to their move to 210 Robert St. 7:15: Charna talks about some of the challenges her parents faced when they first came to Toronto. She describes the hardships her father endured working as a carpenter during the depression 9:40: Charna talks about Joe and Philip Finkler as instrumental in helping her parents buy the house on Robert St. in 1926, the year her brother Shloime was born 10:00: Charna recalls some memories of the Robert St neighborhood, a closely knit Jewish immigrant community with Yiddish spoken as the primary language and her experiences at the Landsdowne Public school 11:40: Charna recalls her grandmother as being a wonderful davener 13:00: Charna talks about the details of the Robert St. house mortgage 14:1: Charna talks about her first job working for Harry Grainer as a legal secretary and later with Lou Rasminsky, the first Jewish governor of the Bank of Canada. 15:33: Charna recalls the area around Rasminsky’s storefront at 418 Spadina Ave. Spadina was filled with many businesses, egg stores, Hyman’s bookstore and Goodmans on the corner of Oxford, “we all knew each other, it was a leibedik velt. 16:00: Charna talks in more detail about her job as a legal secretary for Lou Rasminsky 18.45: Charna describes her daily walk to Harbord Collegiate 19:30: Charna talks about not having enough money for carfare and riding the bus for free 20:33: Charna talks about her best friend Rose Ruskin 21:35: Charna talks about how as a child she was spoiled by her older sisters Nechama and Ethel 22:04: Charna talks about helping with the household chores 22:15: Charna describes family laundry day on Sunday. We had laundry tubs in the backyard, my sisters and I had scrubbing boards and my mother was good at wringing, it was a team effort 22:46: Charna talks about the Kosoys who owned a home laundry at Borden and Harbord St. They had what was called wet wash, they would bring the clean laundry back to us wet and we would hang it to dry. 23:27: Charna talks about getting their first refrigerator 23:41: Charna describes their first refrigerator 24:01: Charna describes their icebox and Katz the iceman who came once a week to deliver ice 24:44: Charna talks about buying groceries on credit 25:37: Charna talks about why her parents wanted her to go to school rather than working in a factory 25:50: Charna talks about helping with the shopping in Kensington market 26:05: Charna talks about going to Kensington market on Thursday morning to buy a big carp, bring it home, put it in the tub until Friday morning when her grandmother would kill it and turn it into gefilte fish 27:33: Charna describes her own gefilte fish recipe 28:35: Charna recalls going to the market on Friday to buy a live chicken for Shabbat and taking it to the Schoichet on Major St. to be killed and plucked 29:03: Charna describes how to hold a live chicken 29:23: Charna describes bargaining for goods in the market 30:41: Charna recalls the pickled crabapple treats from a delicatessen located at Dundas in Kensington Market 32:04: Charna recalls Tryman’s family run grocery store on Baldwin St., Little Eaton’s on Kensington that sold Eaton’s castoffs, Hyman’s bookstore on Spadina Ave that sold office supplies, religious books and had a registry for bar-mitzvahs and weddings. 34:45: Charna describes her brother Shloime’s bar-mitzvah held at their Robert St. home and catered by her grandmother 35:42: Charna recalls about the days when her grandmother was a caterer in Russia and also in Toronto 37:12: Charna describes her grandmother’s cooking 37:49: Charna talks about her grandmother as a very orthodox woman who wore both a sheitel and kerchief 38.22: Charna talks about the family’s traditional observance of Shabbos and Jewish holidays, the Russian Shul on Centre St, and her grandmother’s cooking for Rosh Hashanah 40:36: Charna talks about the Russian Shul’s move to Markham St. and describes its interior 42:39: Charna talks about Joe and Philip Finkler’s connection with the Kiever Shul 43:42: Charna talks about her grandmother’s passing in 1939 44:04: Charna talks about her sisters Elsie and Nechama 45:35: Charna talks about her surprise birthday party in celebration of her 95th year 46:08: Charna talks about her sister Nechama’s move to Palestine 46:34: Charna talks about her father in-law’s move to Palestine in 1930 47:30: Charna talks about her involvement with Hashomer Hatzair 49:24: Charna talks about Hashomer Hatzair’s summer camp locations in Keswick, Stroud, Parry Sound, and Lake Ooty in Perth, Ontario 50:25: Charna describes her camp experience at the Stroud location 52:05: Charna talks about accompanying her husband Abe, a clarinet teacher to camp Hashomer Hatzair in Perth, Ontario 52:59: Charna talks about her past and present affiliation with schlichim coming to Toronto 53:45: Charna talks about her affiliation with Pioneer Women, now known as Na’amat 54:32: Charna tells the story of how she met her husband Abe in 1947 57:18: Charna describes her first date with Abe 57:43: Charna talks about walking with Abe to the Tivoli theatre at Victoria and Shuter. “Who used cars, who used streetcars, we walked. On the way back I got the most terrible blisters, I was with new shoes, with high heels.” 58:26: Charna continues to describe her first date with Abe 59:01: Charna describes the inside of the Tivoli theatre 59:49: Charna talks about City Dairy where she and Abe went for ice cream on their first date. City Dairy was located at Spadina Crescent near College St. 1:00:36: Charna explains why she and Abe decided to get their marriage license in May 1948 1:02:08: Charna talks about the attraction she and Abe had for one another 1:02:42: Charna talks about her wedding held in the family’s backyard at Albany Ave. in August of 1948 1:04:47: Charna describes her wedding cake and how she preserved it in a tin box until her 25th wedding anniversary 1:06:04 Charna talks about her first apartment with Abe at College and Crawford 1:06:52: Charna talks the period following her marriage and her mother’s stroke 1:07:45: Charrna talks about her first pregnancy and birth of Batsheva in November 1949 1:07:54: Charna talks about moving into her parent’s home on Albany St. 1:09:25: Charna talks about thinking of buying their own home 1:10:16 Charna talks about why they waited a year before moving into their own home. She explains everything she needed was close by the house on Albany, including Starkman’s and Honest Ed’s. 1:11:28: Charna describes their first house as it looked when they moved in 1955 1:12:14: Charna talks about the shifting demographics of the neighborhood from primarily Gentile to Jewish 1:12:40: Charna talks about the neighborhood Daysbury public school her children attended 1:12:55: Charna talks about how life became easier for them when Abe’s work with the symphony increased from 26 weeks to 42 weeks a season 1:13:34: Charna talks about the death of her mother before the move to their own home and her father who moved in with them 1:13:50: Charna talks about Abe’s music students and his work with the Conservatory 1:14:26: Charna talks about her 2 youngest children attending the Bialik School 1:14:59: Charna gives the ages of her 5 children, Batsheva 69 years old, Chaya 68 years old, Devora 64 years old, Penina 56 years old, and Yanke 55 years old1:16:03 1:14:60: Break in interview as Charna speaks with her daughter Devora 1:17:40: Charna talks about Abe’s relationship with her parents 1:18:07: Charna talks about Abe’s career as a musician 1:19:02: Charna talks about Abe playing for the Israel Philharmonic in 1962 and their thoughts about making Aliyah 1:19:39: Charna talks about their return from Israel to Toronto, his work with the conservatory and some of his music students 1:20:36: Charna talks about Abe’s medical condition 1:20:51: Charna talks about how she and Abe worked as a team 1:21:11: Charna talks about accompanying Abe to New York when he played with the New York Philharmonic 1:22:08: Charna talks about Abe’s work following his heart attack 1:22:22: Charna talks about Abe giving a master class in Israel for Israeli clarinetists 1:24:00: Charna talks about Abe’s experience playing with the Palestine Symphony 1:26:25: Charna talks about how she came to know famous people such as Frank Shuster, John (Louie) Wayne, Sylvia and Ben Lennick, and pianist Leo Barkin 1:29:14: Charna talks about musicians from Israel who moved to Toronto 1:31:08: Break in conversation as Charna gets up from her chair 1:31:57: Charna talks about her children being what is most important to her 1:32:41: Charna talks about her son Jacob’s 25th wedding anniversary 1:33:15: Charna talks about her current interest in Yiddish, going to the Baycrest program and meeting interesting people 1:36:13: Charna talks accompanying Abe to China during a 3 week master class program 1:40:17: Charna talks about the evening’s upcoming anniversary party and invited guests 1:42:00: Charna talks about her service volunteering for Circle of Care and the Jewish elderly 1:42:33: Charna talks about learning to drive her first car, a blue and white chevy with wings

Source

Oral Histories

Name

Colleen "Chips" Klein and Paul Klein

Number

OH 444

Subject

Canada--Emigration and immigration

Jews--South Africa

South Africa--Emigration and immigration

Interview Date

13 Mar. 2017

Interviewer

Lisa Newman

Total Running Time

OH 444 part 1: 7 min.

OH 444 part 2: 7 min.

OH 444 part 3: 37 min.

OH 444 part 4: 2 min.

Biography

Although they both grew up in Jewish neighbourhoods, Chips and Paul met for the first time at Margate, a decidedly non-Jewish seaside resort on South Africa’s southern coast. Chips’ grandmother, who was with Chips at the time, scouted the area for Jewish men, which is when she spotted Paul. Convinced the two were bashert, she indulged in a little matchmaking, with the result that Paul phoned Chips when he returned home. While they did break up at one point, Chips’ grandmother’s judgment was vindicated when the two married at Cyrildene Shul in Johannesburg a few years later.

When their children were three and five years old, the couple made the decision to immigrate to Canada. Paul, an engineer by training, was transferred to Guelph. There, the family joined the local synagogue and enrolled their children in public education. It was while living in Guelph that Chips and Paul became involved in work combating antisemitism. Growing up in Jewish communities, neither had encountered much antisemitism, but living in a small town they were forced to come to terms with being different.

Once their children were grown up, Chips and Paul moved to Toronto, purchasing a house in Thornhill in order to be close to the South African community. Both Chips and Paul are involved in Jewish education through their local synagogue and remain active in a variety of sports. In addition to their faith, sport is one of the ways they stay in touch with their grandchildren, which is why Chips says, “As long as we’re able, we’re going to keep doing it.”

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Klein, Colleen

Klein, Paul

Geographic Access

Guelph (Ont.)

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Thornhill (Ont.)

Toronto (Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Copy Format

Digital file

Transcript

Part 1:

00:00 Chips discusses the areas in Johannesburg where she was born and raised.

01:30 Chips discusses her education. She attended King David School. She notes that her parents may have been founding members of King David.

02:37 Chips discusses her career in dance as a dancer and as a teacher in her own dance school.

05:22 Chips describes growing up in South Africa. She discusses her family's warm relationship with their servants.

06:20 Chips mentions her own political involvement as a teenager in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She explains why and her husband decided to leave South Africa.

Part 2:

00:00 Paul discusses his parents' arrival to South Africa. His father fled from Berlin in 1937. His mother fled from Frankfurt, Germany in 1936. His father served in the British army during the war.

01:34 Paul explains why his father did not join a synagogue. Paul did not have a bar mitzvah. He recounts an incident that he attributes to his connection to Judaism.

02:55 Paul explains that having Jewish friends only became an issue for him when he started dating.

03:20 Paul explains that his father's fellow workers were secular German Jews.

03:40 Paul discusses his limited Jew upbringing. He discusses how and why he started to learn about and practice Judaism.

05:02 Paul has one sister living in Montreal. He discusses other relatives, some of whom survived the Holocaust.

06:30 Paul discusses how he met Chips.

Part 3:

00:00 Chips discusses how she met Paul.

00:48 Chips and Paul describe how they reconnected with Chips when Paul graduated from engineering.

03:49 Paul discusses their early marriage. He explains the factors that contributed to his decision to leave South Africa and immigrate to Canada. He expresses satisfaction with their decision to come to Canada.

05:25 Chips notes their children's positive comments about growing up and living in Canada.

05:56 Paul discusses his professional career.

07:30 Chips discusses their friends' and relatives' reactions to their decision to leave South Africa. They left in 1975. Chips' and Paul's parents immigrated to Canada around 1981.

09:18 Paul describes his parents' reaction to their decision to emigrate.

10:14 Chips discusses her parents' comments about leaving South Africa.

10:49 Chips and Paul discuss their return visits to South Africa. Chips describes her children's impressions of South Africa.

12:45 Chips discusses their early time in Canada. They first came to Guelph. She discusses establishing a Jewish home/environment for their children.

13:42 Paul recounts antisemitic incidents while living in Guelph.

15:20 Paul discusses their involvement with a program out of Lipa Green focused on assisting small Jewish communities. He comments on the program's success. Paul served as vice-chair.

16:50 Paul discusses the impact of the program on his children. He describes their strong connection to Israel.

17:37 Chips and Paul explain the program and how it was implemented.

18:46 Paul discusses his involvement with the synagogue in Guelph and in Toronto.

20:39 Paul explains why they decided to move to Thornhill in 1991. They belong to a synagogue on Green Lane.

21:33 Paul explains that the company he worked for in South Africa transferred him to Canada.

22:32 Chips discusses her community involvement including participation in Hadassah-WIZO and participation in the synagogue.

23:26 Chips discusses the creation of a business. She discusses her involvement in a women's inventors project. Chips mentions that she and Paul run a business together.

25:47 Chips describes her involvement in the development of a book to assist women with the patenting and marketing of products. She describes a federal government initiative that she was involved in to develop a book for the government to help women entrepreneurs. She also assisted with the development of a books for teachers and Girl Guides geared toward female inventions.

27:52 Paul discusses an acclaimed dance program that Chips was involved with South Africa.

30:22 Chips and Paul discuss their involvement in Jewish education. Chips spearheaded an adult education program for women and men. Paul discusses his involvement teaching Parshat HaShavuah.

35:45 Chips discusses her family's involvement in sport, including marathons and skiing.

36:47 Paul ponders the question of feeling Canadian.

Part 4:

00:34 Chips comments on when she first considered herself Canadian.

02:02 Paul mentions a National Film Board documentary about Jews in small communities and their inclusion in the film.

Source

Oral Histories

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Always a Stranger

Antisemitism in Canada

Small Town Life

Name

Anne Stein

Number

OH 450

Subject

Arab-Israeli conflict

Beauty operators

Canadian newspapers

Immigrants--Canada

Jewish neighborhoods

Refugees

Revisionist Zionism

United States--Politics and government

Interview Date

10 Dec. 2018

Interviewer

Naomi Raichyk

Total Running Time

1 hr. 25 min.

Biography

Anne Stein was born in Ostrowitz, Poland in 1919. She immigrated to Canada in 1936 and worked as a hairdresser in Toronto's Kensington Market. She married her husband in 1941. After the war, she had two children, the first born in 1945 and the second in 1950. It was in the 1950s that Anne moved to the Cedarvale area of Toronto. Anne continued to be involved in the Jewish community after the move.

Material Format

moving images

Language

English

Name Access

Abella, Irving, 1940-2022

Betar

Beth Sholom Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Clinton, Hillary Rodham

Hebrew Men of England Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Jabotinsky, Vladimir, 1880-1940

King, William Lyon Mackenzie, 1874-1950

Klein, Naomi, 1970-

Obama, Barack

Shaarei Tefillah (Toronto, Ont.)

Stein, Anne, 1919-

Trump, Donald, 1946-

Geographic Access

Augusta Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Chicago (Ill.)

Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)

Israel

Poland

Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Original Format

Digital file

Source

Oral Histories