Local News
New documentary about David Matas chronicles his long career as a tireless advocate for human rights
By BERNIE BELLAN David Matas has achieved world-wide recognition for his life-long work advocating on behalf of repressed minorities throughout the world. Yet, as the same time as he is probably one of the most famous – and successful individuals working in the area of human rights, his unassuming and low key style would often belie the success he has achieved.
Now, in a new documentary film, titled “The Justice Hunter,” written and produced by Israeli-born Winnipegger Yolanda Papini-Pollock (who, many readers may also know is the founder and driving force behind the advocacy group, Winnipeg Friends of Israel), viewers are given the opportunity to see Matas’s life chronicled in a very interesting – and often revealing manner.
Papini-Pollock has produced other films centering around the subject of human rights, including “Never Again: A Broken Promise,” which drew upon the experiences of survivors of four different genocides (the Holocaust, Rwandan, Indigenous and Yazidi genocides); “Get Over It: A Path to Healing,” about the health crisis facing Canada’s Indigenous communities; and ‘Painful Truth: The Falun Gong Genocide,” which tells the story of the Chinese government’s horrible record of persecution – and often, execution of practitioners of Falun Gong. Stemming from Papini-Pollock’s documentary about the persecution of practitioners of Falun Gong, she developed a particular interest in telling David Mata’s story in some detail, since no one has done more to fight antisemitism and to bring to light China’s abysmal record of persecution of the Falun Gong than David Matas.
“The Justice Hunter,” however, conveys Papini-Pollock’s growth as a documentary movie-maker. Whereas “A Broken Promise” relied primarily upon interviews with four different subjects, “The Justice Hunter” uses a much faster-paced style of movie-making. Interspersing short snippets of interviews with such individuals whose lives have become interconnected with David Matas over the years, such as lawyer and former Canadian Minister of External Affairs Irwin Cotler, the film also features the voice of David Matas himself offering observations about various aspects of his career. As well, the film also includes footage showing in some detail how the Chinese government have been complicit in the persecution of the Falun Gong, along with an interesting segment explaining how Israelis had become prime recipients of organs harvested from executed Falun Gong members until that practice was exposed by Matas and he late David Kilgour, former Member of Parliament, in a book titled “Bloody Harvest,” which was published in 2005.
The film is narrated by Leah Ross, a former lawyer and student of Matas’s herself – now a music educator with the Winnipeg School Division. Ross offers her own observations about Matas’s career and how inspiring he has been to law students such as herself. In one touching scene, a group of friends gather to celebrate Matas’s 80th birthday. As the attendees at the party sing “Happy birthday,” Matas recalls the famous opening line of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” which, he suggests, is a fitting description of his career fighting for human rights around the world.
One especially interesting insight that Matas offers at one point is how he has been able to remain somewhat detached from all the many legal battles in which he has been immersed. He notes, for instance, that while he was subject to occasional antisemitism growing up in north end Winnipeg, his family did not experience the Holocaust, and thus, he did not carry any personal baggage when he began to invest time into dealing with others who had been undergoing persecution.
In addition to focusing on Matas’s long battle of behalf of Falun Gong practitioners, in which he worked together with David Kilgour, to expose the horrible Chinese government practice of executing Falon Gong prisoners so that their organs could be harvested, the film also depicts other battles Matas has waged, on behalf of Wiegers in China (who are Muslim), and Tamils (in Sri Lanka).
Late in the film, we meet Hannah Taylor, another young Winnipeg lawyer, who has also been inspired to work with Matas, helping him to research and prepare briefs for various international bodies around the world. (Although the film doesn’t mention it, Taylor herself achieved quite some renown when, as a very young girl here, she started something called “The Ladybug Foundation,” to help Winnipeggers experiencing homelessness.)
But perhaps as well known as Matas’ work on behalf of repressed minorities in all areas of the globe has been Matas’s efforts to combat antisemitism. As legal counsel for B’nai Brith Canada, Matas’s work investigating Nazi war criminals in Canada is also explored in the film. Snippets of interviews with Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada, and Alan Yusim, former Midwest Regional Representative for B’nai Brith Canada, reveal just how extraordinary Matas’s contribution to fighting antisemitism in Canada has been for many years now.
I asked Yolanda Papini-Pollock what led her to want to make a film about David Matas’s career?
She answered: “The idea for this film came from Professor Emeritus Maria Cheung, with whom I previously collaborated on Painful Truth: The Falun Gong Genocide. In that project, we interviewed David Matas about his groundbreaking research into the forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The Falun Gong community deeply appreciated David’s tireless efforts to expose these atrocities and wanted to create a tribute to honour him. Professor Cheung along with JadeRose Film and TV productions approached me with the idea, and I was delighted to take it on, as I greatly value David’s work in human rights and his contributions to not only the Jewish but also to communities across Canada and around the world.”
Papini-Pollock says it took her about a year to make the film.
I asked her though, where it might be seen?
She says “B’nai Brith Canada is planning a screening on December 17 in Winnipeg to honor David Matas’ contributions as their senior legal counsel. They also intend to host a screening in Ottawa in February.” The film can also be viewed at https://www.ntdfilms.com/the-justice-hunter/
(I would think “The Justice Hunter” would fit well into the program schedule of a network such as Vision TV, which I’ve contacted to suggest it ought to consider airing the film).
In addition to the film, “The Justice Hunter,” Papini-Pollock has also produced a picture book by the same name, intended for grade school children. She explains that “The idea for the book came to me during the production of the film. As I learned more about David, I felt it was important to share his story with young children as well. David expressed a desire for the film to inspire others to take up human rights work, and I realized that introducing his story to children could be impactful. The challenge, however, was to present his work in an age-appropriate way—something that could inspire without overwhelming or frightening young readers. Crafting a story that balanced these elements was both a struggle and a rewarding experience.”
Papini-Pollock adds that “The book is now available for purchase on various digital platforms, including Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble, in both soft cover and digital formats. Christine Melnick from Sharing the Magic of Literacy has shown interest in distributing it to schools and remote communities.”
Local News
UNVEILING for the headstone of Velimir Kon (Sept. 18, 1950-June 27, 2025)
A true mensch and person of many talents and profoundness, Dr. Velimir (Shlomo) Kon is deeply missed and loved by his family and friends. Known for his warmth, kindness, integrity and love of learning and teaching, Velimir continues to inspire all who knew him and his memory warms our hearts and souls. Velimir is deeply missed.
You are invited to helps us remember and honour our beloved husband and father who passed away almost a year ago.
We, Branka, Deborah and Lea Kon, wish to inform our relatives and friends of the unveiling of a headstone dedicated to his loving memory on FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 at 11:00am at the HEBREW SICK CEMETERY (2605 McPhillips Street) followed by lunch at the Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg – Jewish Learning Centre (1845 Mathers Avenue). Please come say a l’chaim in his honour.
In Memoriam
1st Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Dr. Velimir (Shlomo) Kon who passed away June 27, 2025, 12 Days in Tammuz.
⁃ Forever and deeply loved and missed by his wife of over 50 years, Branka, and daughters Deborah and Lea Kon. Velimir brought joy to our lives with his boundless kindness and gentleness, irrepressible humour, great intellect and love of people, tikun olam and Judaism. Not a day goes by that we do not mention Velimir and feel his presence with us. Our lives are not the same without him and we deeply miss and cherish him. We can never forget his presence that was larger than life, yet also his humility and thoughtfulness. A gentleman to the very core, Velimir was respected as a scientist, academic, professor, researcher, and later as a teacher and mentor. He always endeavoured to make every place he worked and live at better and was able to bridge many cultures. He was Abraham of his generation and made many personal sacrifices; giving up status, position and privilege in order for his family to have a better and peaceful future. May his memory always be a blessing. He left us at only 74 years young and we wish we had had more time together. Indeed, to know him was to love him.
Local News
Younger Jewish talents continue to shine in their respective categories at annual Winnipeg Music Festival
By MYRON LOVE A number of younger members of our community were repeat stars at the most recent (108th annual) Winnipeg Music Festival – which takes place annually in March. Among the repeat Jewish singers and musicians in the ranks of high achievers this year were” Yale Rayburn-Vander Hout, Gregory Hyman, Alex Schaeffer, Juliet Eskin, Noah Kravetsky, and Lyla Chisick.
Vocalist Yale Rayburn-Vander Hout, the oldest of this year’s group of Jewish repeat winners, was competing in his fifth straight festival, where he continued to build on his accomplishments in previous festivals. This year, the 20-year-old son of Samantha and Peter finished first in two musical theatre categories – songs from musical theatre productions between 1965 and 1999, and shows from the past 26 years. Yale sang “I’m Allergic to Cats,” from the 2016 musical “The Theory of Relativity,” and “Suppertime,” from the 1967 musical, “You’re a Good man, Charlie Brown.”
The former Gray Academy student is currently enrolled at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music in the Choral program. Yale says that he is hoping to get into the performance track in the fall with the goal of earning a degree in Classical Voice Performance en route to pursuing a career in musical theatre.
As reported previously, Gregory Hyman is a multi-faceted artist who can do it all. The 18-year-old son of Hartley and Rishona Hyman is a singer/songwriter/musician (guitar) who records and performs under the stage name, GMH. His versatility shone through once again in his eighth Music Festival, in which he registered first-place finishes for vocal performances in both “Popular and Contemporary Music” and “TV and Movie Music “categories.
Gregory notes that he was also recommended to compete in the provincial finals in June. The St. John’s-Ravenscourt student (and soon-to be) graduate continues to be busy on stage. In January, he headlined a sold out solo show at Sidestage on Osborne featuring some of his new material. In March, he released an album of his newest songs. Readers can check out his latest compositions on any of the music streaming platforms as well as his own social media (thegmh) on Instagram.
Gregory also continues to host his own podcast: “Talk and Rock with GMH – now in its fifth season – in which he interviews various people in the music business across Canada.
While Gregory says that a musical career is his “dream,” he reports that he is hedging his bets and considering different potential career opportunities. Come September, he will be enrolled at the University of Manitoba in a University One program, which will allow him to select from a variety of courses that can count toward a degree.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Schaeffer won first place this year in the “Musicals Prior to 1965, 16 Years and Under” category with “Try Me” from “She Loves Me,” and was runner-up in the “Musicals 1965 to 1999, 16 Years and Under” category with “On My Own,” from “Les Misérables.” For the son of Marc Schaeffer and Kae Sasaki, this was his fifth year competing in the festival.
The Grant Park High School student made his big stage debut three years ago as Kurt von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” followed by playing Michael Hobbs in “Elf the Musical” this past winter at the Royal MTC.
Alex recently performed in Grant Park High School’s production of “Something Rotten!” This summer Schaeffer can be seen again at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, where he will be appearing in a production staged by Rem Lezar Theatre.
Rounding out the voice winners is Lyla Chisick. The daughter of Daniel and Baillee was competing in her second music festival. This year, she scored Gold performances in the “Vocal Solo,” “Manitoba Composers,” and “TV/Movie Musical, 12 and under” categories.
Lyla reports that she began taking voice lessons from Jessica Kos-Whicher three years ago. She says she regularly takes part in the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Family Service and has sung at several community events. Lyla adds that she is already looking forward to next year’s music festival.
Nate Kravetsky and Juliet Eskin competed in the festival as musicians rather than singers. Juliet, 16, plays the viola, and is also is the violist in the Assiniboine String Quartet. In this, her fifth go-round at the festival, Juliet, the daughter of the musically talented Kelly Robinon and Josh Eskin, had first place finishes in the “Viola Solo, level 8,” “Baroque or Classical Concerto,” and “Romantic Composers” categories.
Juliet originally took up the violin – adding the viola a couple of years after. She also just finished performing in the Grant Park High School production of “Something Rotten!”
Nate Kravetsky is currently in Grade 5 level piano. He studies with Erica Schultz and has been taking lessons from her since age 5.
Nate competed in three categories at the Winnipeg music festival: “Baroque,” “Sonata,” and “Contemporary/own choice.”
His own choice selection was the theme from his favourite video game, “Hollow Knight.”
Nate, who is in Grade 7 at Gray Academy, is also preoccupied preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah.
We look forward to the continued musical success off Yale, Gregory, Alex, Nate, Juliet and Lyla, and what new talent may be unveiled at next year’s Winnipeg Music festival.
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Local News
Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada’s Archivist and Curator Stan Carbone retires
By MYRON LOVE Stan Carbone, a long-time friend of our Jewish community and fixture at the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada (JHCWC) for the past 25 years, retired last week. His last day of work was May 13.
Most recently, he was the JHCWC’s Director of Programs and Exhibits.
“For the past 25 years, the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada has been an integral part of my life,” Carbone said. “I have made a lot of friends in the Jewish community, and I hope to maintain those friendships.”
Carbone’s own history reflects the immigrant experience. He arrived in Canada in 1960 as a three-year-old with his mother and sister, from San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria in southern Italy. His father had come a few months earlier. Initially, the family settled in Fort Rouge which, at that time, had a substantial Italian community. Within a couple of years, they had relocated to East Kildonan to be closer to where his father’s two sisters and their families lived.
He earned a BA Double Honours in History and Political Studies at the University of Winnipeg, followed by an MA in History at the University of Manitoba, from where he graduated in 1981.
In 1993, he was hired at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature (as it was then called) as Curator of Multicultural Studies.
“I always enjoyed doing research,” he said.
His first project for the JHCWC came in 2000, the year after the organization was formed through the amalgamation of the Jewish Historical Society, the Ed and Marion Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada and the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre.
Marim Zipursky had approached the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature looking for a curator to organize a JHCWC exhibit featuring Jewish music and musicians in Winnipeg,” Carbone recalled. “I didn’t know much about Jewish music and musicians, but I was familiar with the Jewish Historical Society – which preceded the JHCWC. I was really impressed by its extensive archives, and I was intrigued by the Jewish community’s history and the wide range of subject materials in the archives.”
The next year, when a position opened at the JHCWC, Carbone applied.
“I have been here ever since,” he said.
Over the past quarter century, Carbone has been involved in bringing to fruition several interesting exhibits. He mentions the synagogues display, a history of the YMHA, and the current exhibit highlighting the important role of women’s organizations. The exhibit that was closest to his heart though was “A Stitch in Time,” a look at how Jews contributed to the development of the garment trade in Winnipeg. Both of his parents worked in the garment industry.
The exhibits though are just one facet of the JHCWC’s focus, Carbone noted. He mentioned how the organization contributed to the publication of Allan Levine’s “Coming of Age: A History of the Jewish People of Manitoba.”
There have also been several compilations over the years of talks that the JHCWC has organized. These are known as the “Jewish Life and Times,” consisting to date of ten volumes.
Carbone further pointed out the organization’s commitment to Holocaust education and the numerous initiatives that have brought that subject to greater public attention.
The organization’s genealogical component, he reported, draws numerous queries from people all over the world.
One particularly interesting project that Carbone spoke about is an ongoing cooperative partnership with Gray Academy. For the past 10 years, the JHCWC has been loaning photos from the archives to the school’s art program, allowing the students to make drawings based on the photos.
“It has been a wonderful program which has given the students a better understanding of local Jewish history,” he said.
“During my time here, we have worked with numerous Jewish and non-Jewish organizations,” Carbone added. “It helps to build bridges between the Jewish and other communities.”
In retirement, Carbone is looking forward to doing more travelling with Anna, his wife of 40 years. They were scheduled to leave for southern Italy on May 16.
He will also continue to be busy in his role as Italy’s vice-consul here, helping fellow Italians and others in Winnipeg.
And he is excited about having more time to spend on his own genealogical and historical research. He has already published two books: “Italians in Winnipeg: an Illustrated History,” and “The Streets Were Not Paved With Gold: A Social History of Italians in Winnipeg”.
A future project which he is seriously considering is a study of the history of Jewish life in Calabria.
He is also working on a family tree.
“I may be retired,” he said, “but I will still be available from time to time to help out if needed.”