Print | Ontario Jewish Archives

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio: Joseph Graner, son of Leizer and Chaya Graner, was born in Russian-controlled Ukraine in 1879. He was educated in cheders and emigrated to England in the early twentieth century, where he remained for two and a half years. He settled in Toronto in 1907. He was the founder and first president of the Hebrew National Association and one of the founders of the Kehillah of Toronto. He was on the Board of the United Orthodox Synagogues of Canada, the Hebrew Free School, the Old Folks Home and the Goel Zedeck Synagogue. He was president of the Ukraine Verband of Toronto and Ontario in 1919, and directed the relief campaigns for the distressed. He was also chairman of the Ukraine Orphans' Campaign and was appointed a Justice of the Peace in July 1919. He had three children: Harry, Irwin, and Ida.

Scope and Content: Photograph of exterior of Graner & Company Bankers and steamship agents, Queen St. W., Toronto, n.d. Probably 1920s (perhaps 1910s). Standing in doorway is Joseph Graner.

Repro Restriction: Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Admin History/Bio: Murray Bernard Koffler was born in a four-room flat over his father's drugstore on College Street on 22 January 1924. His parents' names were Leon and Tiana Koffler (née Reinhorn). Murray married Marvelle Seligman, and they had five children: Leon, Theo, Tom, Adam, and Tiana.; Following in his father's footsteps, Murray was educated as a pharmacist and eventually took over the family drugstore when he was twenty-two years old. After making some profitable real-estate investments, he helped to co-found the Four Seasons Hotel chain and created the first self-serve pharmacy in Canada. His entrepreneurial talents led the way to the creation of the giant pharmacy franchise Shoppers Drug Mart.; A world-renowned philanthropist, Murray Koffler’s donations and commitments have helped fund the creation of the Koffler Centre of the Arts, the Koffler Institute of Pharmacy Management, the Canadian Council for Native Business, and the Council on Drug Abuse. He has also held positions on numerous boards and organizations. His tireless efforts and achievements have been recognized with many awards including becoming a member of the Order of Canada in 1977.

Scope and Content: Photograph is of Murray Koffler with his Aunt Anne, outside of Koffler's Drug Store, located at 376 College Street in Toronto.

Repro Restriction: Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.