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When I was growing up, I encountered a tremendous amount
of anti-Semitism – from adolescent confrontations to
exclusionary clubs and general prejudices. Because of those
experiences, I formed the basic theory that you had better
remember you’re Jewish, because if you don’t, someone
is going to remind you in a way that you’re not going
to like. For me "remembering" means being actively
and overtly Jewish, and part of that proactive attitude includes
an obligation to support Israel.
The founding of Israel and her early actions, military and
otherwise, changed the prevailing perceptions of Jews. The
Jewish people became a nation that was not to be pushed around.
Israel became a source of strength and unity from which every
Jew could draw no matter where they lived – from the
heart of Jerusalem to a town in the Canadian prairies. To
support Israel is to help safeguard the continuity of our
people everywhere.
I also feel a very strong sense of obligation to the Toronto
Jewish community, which has been very accepting of us since
we moved here from Winnipeg. Shortly after I arrived in Toronto,
I gave my first radio interview regarding my new posting.
As I recall, the market closed at four o’clock, and by
fivethirty we had an invitation to a community event. Since
that time, 25 years ago, my wife, Karen, and I have had the
opportunity to participate in various committees and campaigns,
and I am confident and proud that our children will continue
to act in that philanthropic spirit. In addition to the legacy
that we leave through them, I want to ensure firsthand that
our support continues on a perpetual basis.
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