85 years ago, Canada joined with its Western Allies and declared war on Nazi Germany. At the time, all that the West knew about Naziism and Anti-Semitism was that the Jews in Germany and Austria were persecuted just because they were Jews. Jews and non-Jews alike knew that war was coming and the Jews had a special reason to seek haven somewhere else in the world. Canada and the United States were preferred destinations but neither of them were prepared to allow the Jewish immigrants into their countries. Mackenzie King, the Prime Minister of Canada famously said that None Were Too Many. That did not stop the Jewish sons and even some of their daughters from volunteering to serve in the war effort. Our community gave prodigiously to that war effort. Fortunately, only two of our sons did not come back but the rest did.
These two fancy documents display the names of ALL those from Congregation B’nai Israel in St. Catharines that served. These have hung proudly in the mezzanine of the sanctuary for 75 years almost. You can click on the picture and enlarge it to enable you to read it better.
After their return, the Canadian Government wanted to acknowledge the effort of their returning servicemen in some way. Communities were enabled to purchase special rings to give and they were presented in a ceremony attended by most of the congregation. This picture can also be enlarged. You will note that when the picture was taken the Bima was not yet moved to the back wall. It was still positioned immediately below the Star of David in the ceiling.
