Periodicals Dept.,
Provincial Library, Victoria, B. C.
i
llilll
ifllHIIMIUMnHHUIMIIIMMIIIHIHIIItl
Vol. xn. No. 31
Eleventh Ave. and Oak St.
! i .t
mmm services at
Att CONGREGATIONS iLAST TUESDAY NIGHT
Prayers for the svm.a^o of the Allied invasion were onerea oy members of Vancouver Lodge, B'nai B'rith, the Ladies' Auxiliary, and members of the Jewish Commiuiity, at the regular meeting of the lodge held Tuesday night.
The spiritual meeting was under the guidance of Rabbi E. M. Levy of Beth Israel Congregation who conducted the services. In his prayer, Rabbi Levy reminded the gathering of the horrible suffering the men of all nations were enduring over the seas, and reminded his listeners to put their faith in God. Following his prayer, Rabbi Levy read two chapters of the Book of. Psalms, and members of the audinece were able to recite Kaddish in memory of those departed.
After the services the regular meeting of the order was held, at which time Brother Albert O. Koch, on behalf of the order, presented to Master Bobbie Chess, son of Brother I. W. Chess, and to Teddy Matoff, son of Brother Conrad Matofif, books of Jewish literature upon their reaching Bar-Mitzvah age.
A short interesting talk upon the work of the General Monash Branch of the Canadian Legion, the first ' Je\^rish branch of the legion to be organized in Canada, was given by Mr. J. Wilder of Winnipeg, delegate to the Dominion Convention of the legion held in Vancouver. Other delegates welcomed to the lodge were Hy Robbins and J. Gorevich, also of Winnipeg.
The president announced that at the next regular meeting, to be held Tuesday, June 20th, P.P. Brother J. B. Jafle, will submit his report on the Supreme Lodge Convention, held recently In New York "'City.
It was also announced that the annual convention of District No. 4, which was to have been held next month in Sacramento, had been
A. J. FREIMAN, PAST ZIONIST PRES, DIES IN OTTAWA
ULLt
7ANC0UVER, B.C., FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1944
10c per Copy; $2.00 per Year
, •*iiiieeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii|i
Editorial
OTTAWA, June 5,-A. J. Preiman, president of the Canadian Zionist Association since 1919, and prominent in many other Jewish organizations, died suddenly Sunday afternoon, June 4, while attending the service at the Synagogue.
Mr. Freiman was considered to be one of the most outstanding members of the Jewish community in Canada and was known from one end of the Dominion to the other for his public service and benefactions. His wife died several years ago.
Mr. Preiman, a native of Lithuania, was 64. One son and two daughters survive.
Prime Minister King, in a tribute, said the death of Mr. Freiman was "a great loss to the Jewish community of Canada and to the Dominion itself."
cancelled owing to wartime restrictions.
Cotnmufiity Cemetery and CmtapeS
A special meeting of the Congregation Schara Tzedeck will be held on Sunday, June 11th to confirm the recommendations of the Executive Committee that the Administration of the Schara Tzedeck Cemetery and Chapel be placed under a community heading with leaders of the community assuring the Schara Tzedeck financial assistance to a certain extent thereby making possible the building of a new Synagogue in a civic location more accessible to the Orthodox Worshippers.
Some of the more essential elements of the understanding agreed upon are:
1. Both institutions will continue to be administered in a strictly Orthodox manner.
2. The actual Administration will be directed, equally, by all of the Congregations in the city.
3. That if any surplus of money should accrue after providing a reserve for actual and proper Administration needs, then the surplus will be apportioned and made available for worthy Jewish needs.
This is truly an effort toward harmony and progress within the community and for this effort Mr. A. Wosk, president of Congregation Schara Tzedeck, and his executive are entitled to the plaudits of all groups.
To the B'nai B'rith who offered the services of their Arbitration Committee, led by Mr. Bernard Isman, great praise is due for their assiduous work toward the culmination of this agreement.
Sunday, June 11th will be a memorable day for the Vancouver Jewish Community and it is hoped, and confidently expected, that all voting members will attend to assure passage of the recommendations.
Vancouver is truly moving forward.
S. E. Schwisberg, Co-Pres. Can, Zionist Organization, To Address Mass Meeting
Plain Talk
By AL SEGAL
We Accuse
By AL SEJGAIi
A gentleman brings to me the opinion that our handling of anti-Semitism and anti-Semites is no good at all. In fact, he says, you really can't call it handling, since we don't handle them; they handle us. We think we put up a proper resistance when in reply to anti-Semites we present pleadings in defense.
What have we done that we need defense? What is our sin as a people? When we defend ourselves we dignify abysmal perjurers.
The gentleman thinks that it is about time we began to handle anti-Semitism and anti-Semites; to handle them so that to be an anti-Semite will become a shameful identity: to handle them with the disgust with which you might handle maggots bred in the foul offal of a garbage can.
I find that the gentlman's mind runs with my own in thus: Do I defend myself against the guttersnipe who may throw mud at me? I may take him by the scuff of the neck and let him squirm in my hand awhile and then drop him back into the gutter.
Should I plead innocent before the false witness of the perjuring anti-Semite: "Oh, my dear fellow, you have me all wrong. I really try to be a very decent person. I am born to an inheritance of the teachings of prophets and sages. I stood at the foot of Sinai when the Commandments were given."
No. I shall not degrade myself by speaking to this individual about myself. The distortion of his mind could reflect to his senses no truth, nothing decent, nothing of good repute. It is a mind like those twisted mirrors that reflect people so hideously in the penny arcade.
It is about time to make clear who's on trial—the Jev/s or these (Continued on Page 4) See PLAIN TALK
Services were also held the same evening at Congregation Schara Tzedeck, with Rev. N. M. Pastinsky and Rev. J. Spiro officiating, and at the Beth Hamidrosh B'nai Jacob, with Rabbi Ch. B. Ginsberg officiating.
Canadian Hadassah Cables $50,000 for Refugee Children in Palestine
MONTREAL—Mrs. A. Raginsky, president of the Hadassah Organization of Canada, announces that Canadian Hadassah is cabling a further remittance of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the rescue of additional groups of refugee children from Europe and their rehabilitation in Palestine through the Youth Aliyah movement.
PERETZ HIRSHBEIN FAMOUS JEW. AUTHOR TO LECTURE JUNE 24
The Vancouver Jewish Community is very fortunate in being visited by the famous author, columnist and lecturer, Mr. Peretz Hirshbein, on Saturday, June 24th.
All members of the community who heard Mr. Hirshbein speak in Vancouver two years ago will be looking forward to this literary treat again, and will no doubt bring many friends.
The subject of his lecture will be "The Prophets in the Light of World Occurrences Today," and there are few men of letters that are more capable than Mr. Hirshbein in presenting this all-interesting and all-embracing subject.
Mr. Hirshbein has spent some time in Hollywood, where he has done some scenario writing. He will, of course, be remembered by many for that famous play, "The Green Meadows," presented on both the English and Jewish stage.
Alwajitj a champion of the broad masses, the entire community should avail themselves of this opportunity to learn from his great fund of knowledge of the Jewish peoples the world ovei', most of whom he has visited on his many tours throughout the world.
Watch next issue of the Bulletin for further aiuiouncement.
SAMUEL E. SCHWISBERG Co-President, Canadian Zionist Organization
Statement by Canadian Jewish Congress on Criminal Attempt To Burn Synagogue in Quebec
A storm of indignation has arisen throughout the country over the criminal attempt to burn the newly-erected Synagogue in Quebec City. The private assurances alleged to have been given by the Hon. Leon Casgrain, the Attorney-General of the province to a Jewish delegation, will meet with approval.
Whilst the Jewish community appreciates the statement attributed to Mr. Casgrain that "this province is one where freedom of worship exists in its complete form," it is regrettable that those sentiments are apparently not shared by many influential citizens of this province, and certainly not by the majority of the civic authorities of Quebec City.
The Jewish community of Quebec City comprises about one hundred (100) families. Since 1932 they have endeavored to obtain permission to erect a synagogue where they might worship the religion of their fathers. Every conceivable obstacle was utilized to obstruct their laudable efforts, until finally in 1943 the city council psissed a by-law to expropriate the land purchased by the Jews whereon to erect their house of worship. This by-law has been attacked in the courts and the issue is still to be tried. In the meantime, while the building was being constructed, mass meetings were permitted to take place, where anti-Jewish feelings were aroused, to the knowledge of the authorities, civic, provincial and clerical, meetings even staged at the
time when Churchill, Roosevelt and other dignitaries of the United Nations met in Quebec to plan their fight against Fascism, Nazism, etc.
Strange to say, not one word of public protest or public expression of disapproval has yet been uttered by any responsible member of the Provincial Government, or of the prevailing clergy condemning these anti-religious acts. Is there any wonder that irresponsible persons have gained the impression that they are free to resort to acts of violence against a small Jewish community?
Many of our Jewish residents of Quebec have in the early 1890's and 1900's fled from European oppression, and have come to our province to enjoy freedom of worship unmolested. They have conducted themselves as loyal, industrious law-abiding citizens. Many of their sons are now fighting in Europe so that we in Canada may likewise enjoy this freedom of worship. When these brave warriors return (if their lives are spared) will they be satisfied with mere empty sentiments, without concrete evidence of sincerity? We wonder.
The broken windows of the Quebec synagogue will be replaced; the charred walls will be repaired. In the meantime, the very right of the congregation to worship in their new synagogue is still being contested in the courts by the city council of Quebec, and this at the expense of the citizens. Indeed, a strange example of worship and racial tolerance.
23 JEWISH REFUGEE FAMILES ARRIVED \H CANADA
The second group of Jewish refugees from Spain and Portugal' consisting of 23 families including 15 children and 11 single men has arrived safely in Canada after a harrowing experience with a German submarine which caused the death of one of the refugee children in addition to two members of the crew.
Because of this incident and because many of the refugees have relatives in Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States, it has been decided to settle all the members of this group in Eastern Canada, and not to send several of the families to Winnipeg as was originally intended.
Arrangements are being made, however, for a group of 20 to 25 families of the next group of refugees to be sent to Winnipeg and Western Canada for placement, and homes and other housing accommodation are urgently required for them upon their arrival. While some of the families consist of husband and wife only, the majority include one or two children. AH who can offer suitable accommodation, which, should be available by the end of June, are requested to communicate immediately by phone or letter with the office of the Canadian Jewish Congress, 402 Confederation Life Building.
The Canadian Jewish Congress also requests all persons in Western Canada who have relatives or friends among the refugees now in Spain and Portugal to communicate their names and addresses and other information to the office of the Canadian Jewish Congress in Winnipeg, so that arrangements may be made to include them if possible among those to be brought to Canadau
JOHN DOWER Western Vice-President Zionist Organization
CAN. LEGION ELECTS RABBI S. SACKS TO DOMINION COMMAND
At the 10th convention of the Canadian Legion, now assembled in Vancouver, the resolution was unanimously approved, electing Flight-Lieut. Rabbi Samuel Sacks of Toronto to the office of Honorary Chaplain to the Dominion Command of the Canadian Legion.
Among the out-of-town delegates were Mr. Joseph Wilder, president of the Monash Branch of the Canadian Legion in Winnipeg, and Mrs. Wilder; Mr, Henry Robbins, secretary of the Monash Branch, and Mr. Charles Gurewitch, also of Winnipeg.
Mr. Samuel E. Schwisberg, prominent Montreal attorney, and co-president of the Zionist Organization of Canada, will address the Jewish community of Vancouver on Sunday evening, June 18th, at 8.00 p.m., in the Mayfair Room of the Hotel Van-jcouver.
Mr. Schwisberg, who is appearing under the auspices of the United Palestine Appeal Committee, is a very eloquent speaker and a profound student of the Zionist movement in all its aspects. He was vice-president of the Canadian Zionist Organization from 1938 to 1944, and is also a past Supreme Nassi of the Zionist Order Habonim.
Mr. Schwisberg represented Canada as a delegate to the World Zionist Congress in Prague in 1933, visited Palestine thereafter, and made a very thorough study at that time of the Yishuv.
Mr. John Dower, vice-president of the Western Division of the Zionist Organization, will appear with Mr. Schwisberg on behalf of the United Palestine Appeal. Mr. Dower's contagious enthusiasm and organizing ability have done much to further the cause of Zionism in Western Canada B'nai B'rith Council.
A social for all Zionist groups in the city will be held at the Commun-v^-^ "Jtonda.';;, June 19thj
1?>44, at &.15 p.in.
Executive meeting of the Vancouver Zionist Organization will be held at the Community Centre on Monday, June 12th, at 8 p.m.
VANCOUVER JEWISH WAR VETER.ANS ORGANIZE
The formation of a Jewish branch of the Canadian Legion British Empire Service League has been organized in Vancouver at a meeting held Tuesday evening at the Service Centre. Mr. J. Wilder, president of the General Monash Branch of Winnipeg, was accorded the privilege to speak at the B'nai B'rith meeting where a good number of veterans were present.
Later in the evening the Veterans met and elected temporary oflScers to further organize with the object of obtaining a charter.
All Jewish ex-Servicemen who have served in the British, Canadian or any of the Allied Armies of the past and present wars are invited to attend a meeting to be held at the Community Centre on Monday, June 19, at 8.00 p.m., where plans will be completed and temporary officers will submit their report.
CALENDAR
Friday^ June 9:
8.00 p.m.—Beth Israel Services. Saturday, June 10:
9.00 a.m.—Beth Israel Services. Sunday, June 11: 7.30 p.m.—Service Social. 7.30 p.m.—Library. Monday, June 12: 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Red Cross. 7.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.—Business
Group Red Cross. 8.00 p.m.—Zionist Executive Meeting.
Tuesday, Jane 13:
10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Red Cross. Thursday, June 15:
8.00 p.m.—Jewish National Alliance Friday, June 16:
8.00 p.m.—Beth Israel Services. Saturday, June 17:
9.00 a.m.—Beth Israel Services. Sunday, June 18:
7.30 p.m.—Service Social.
7.30 p.m.—Library. Monday, June 19:
10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Red Cross.
7.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. — Business Group Red Cross. Tuesday, June 20:
10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Red Cross. 8.00 p.m.—B'nai B'rith. 8.00 p.m.—B'nai B'rith Ladies. Wednesday, June 21:
Cemetery Board Meeting.
Presentation of Golden Book Certificates Highlight Of Zionist Evening
At the Shavuoth Celebration held< at the Centre on Monday evening, May 29ih by ail Zionist groups and sponsored by the Jewish National Fund Committee, presentation of Golden Book Certifieates took place.
Mr. Max Freeman, local President of the Zionist Organization, called on Mr. K. Katznelson, Chairman Jewish National Fund, to present Certificates to Dr. and Mrs. W. Morris, ..Mr. and Mrs. H. Toban and Mr. and Mrs. D. Nemetz.
Mr. Ben Pastinsky presented Golden Book Certificate to his parents. Rev. and Mrs. Pastinsky, which was inscribed by the Men's Mizrachi Organization and friends.
Rev. Pastinsky presented such Certificate to his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Gould. Mr. Max Freeman presented the Golden Book certificates to Mr. and Mrs. A. Wosk, Mr. and Mrs. J. Morris and Mr. and Mrs. Flader.
Mrs. E. M. Levi, president of Hadassah, made the presentation of a Certificate in the Golden Book, honouring Mrs. Leah Resnick. Mr. H. Osovsky presented G. B. Certificate to Mr. B. Victor on behalf of the Poali Zion organization and friends.
Presentation of additional Certificates in the Golden Book included Mr. and Mrs. E. Gold, Mr. and Mrs.
D. Chertkow, Mizrachi Ladies' Organization, Pioneer Women's Organization and a Bar Mitzvah Certificate to the son of Mr. and Mrs. Slobin.
Contributions to the enjoyment of an unusually interesting evening included selections on the violin by two B.B.C. artists, Misses N. Polsky and Ferber; vocal selections by Miss Ethel Waterman, and duet by Rosalie and Merili Rothstein and recitation by Miss Phyllis Toban.
Rabbi Levi and Rabbi Ginsburg: extended greetings on the occasion' and M. Waterman on behalf of the United Palestine Appeal gave a few remarks.
Mrs. Leah Resnick on behalf of Hadassah presented a cheque in the amount of $1,500.00 for the coming U.P.A. Campaign.
The slncerest thanks and appreciation is herewith extended to Hadassah, Mizrachi and Pioneer Women for their assistance by way of arranging the beautiful tables and special baking in keeping with the spirit of Shavouth celebration and to those members who so generously donated these refreshments.
REMEMBER—SUNDAY, JUNE 11 —NATIONAL FUND BOX COLLECTIONS.