By MYRON LOVE After a life journey of over 40 years – with stops in Israel, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Kitchener, Gayle Charach has finally found her artistic voice back in her hometown – a voice she is looking forward to sharing with the community as part of this year’s upcoming JFest Winnipeg (November 1-9).
 
Charach will be sharing the spotlight with three other local Jewish artists – Dimitri Melman, Dmitry Kirshner, and Ashley Segal – each with their own distinct approach to art. The exhibit – entitled “Structure and Imagination” – will kick off with an opening reception on Sunday, November 2, from 3:00-5:00 – in the Rady JCC Adult Lounge.
 
The daughter of Barney and the late Ruth Charach, Gayle aspired to pursue a career in the fine arts from an early age.  Her parents, she recalls, were concerned about the precariousness of earning a living as an artist.  In deference to them, following graduation from Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate, Charach enrolled in  a program for Hebrew teachers at York University.
 
Her teaching career included a year teaching Hebrew in Saskatoon and several years teaching Hebrew in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.  In between the two, she served throughout the 1980s as the old YMHA’s co-director of Youth Services.  About 25 years ago, she changed careers and became a sales trainer aimed at enabling technology sales reps to improve their results.
 
The latter career, it turned out, was quite volatile in terms of longevity.  After four times becoming a casualty of mass layoffs, Charach fell victim to serious burnout.
 
“I came back in 2020 during the pandemic to look after my aged parents,” she recalls.  “Between the move and the layoffs, I also needed to heal and figure out what I wanted to do with my life.”
 
Charach took an online course in 2023 which encouraged her to return to her original passion – art.
 
“Art became my medicine,” she notes.  “I found my joy again.”
 
She took a course in making collages. “I am a tactile learner,” she observes.  “Producing collages helped me wrap my head around important artistic concepts.  I know that if you do something over and over again, you keep getting better at it.   I committed to creating 100 collages in 100 days on Instagram (@gfc.art).”
 
But Charach found that that wasn’t enough. So she began adding written components to her art – which she then curated to music.
 
“When I found my joy, I rediscovered my artist’s voice,” she concluded.
 
Last July, Charach recalls, she was contacted by Amy Karlinsky, the Rady JCC’s volunteer art adviser, who invited her to participate in something called “Structure and Imagination”. 
“Amy had seen some of my stuff and was particularly interested in how I was using art as a vehicle for story-telling,” Charach says.
 
Karlinsky is a long time art educator as well as a consultant. “I am passionate about the visual arts,” she says, noting that she has previously organized several “ART at the ZEDEK” exhibits highlighting the works of local Jewish artists at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue..
 
Of the other artists participating in “Structure and Imagination”, Karlinsky points out that each has their own distinct medium.  Dimitry Melman   (of whom I have written about in the Post in the past) creates beautiful mosaics that, in the words of “Structure and Imagination” curator Hanna Ferris, “turn pure form into dynamic visual poetry”.
 
Dmitry Kirshner is a talented photographer who captures landscapes and fine art who, Ferris observes, “excels in transforming the familiar into the abstract”.    
 
Ashley Segal is a modern abstract artist whose works, Ferris says, “radiate playful energy and intuitive linework”.  Her custom work can be found in the homes, offices, and galleries of Winnipeg and beyond.
 
“Together,” she adds, “the artists represent various points of connection between structure and imagination,” Ferris adds.
In addition to the four artists being exhibited, JFest invites readers to sign up for artist Ruth Livingston’s workshop, “Scribal Hebrew Blessings in Watercolour.”  According to the JFest website, Livingston “will guide you step-by-step as you craft a personalized Hebrew house blessing framed by an abstract watercolour background either for your own home or a heartfelt gift for someone near and dear to you”.
The visual arts are not the only pleasures available for JFest attendees.  The festival kicks off on Saturday, November 1, with an exclusive performance by Keren Peles, one of Israel’s most popular female performing artists and a multiple award winner.  She will be on stage at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre in Garden City.
A second Israeli import will be Hadar Maoz, who brings 2,500 years of Jewish-Persian tradition to life with a modern twist.  Hadar, who will be appearing at the Berney Theatre on Tuesday, November 4, according to the JFest website, “blends sacred drumming, chanting, and the ancient Tar instrument with blues, groove, and electronic beats for a performance that’s both spiritual and electrifying”.
Also on tap is a program called “The Jewish Soul of Rock and Roll”  – on November 6th – also at the Berney Theatre – featuring Winnipeg’s own  Flatland Famous Band performing the greatest hits of  Jewish rock legends, from Geddy Lee to Bob Dylan.
The festival also includes two movies: “The Ring” – on November 3 – featuring Israeli comedian and actor Adir Miller in a moving, multi-generational story –  based on his real-life experience involving a journey to Hungary to find a mysterious ring that saved his Holocaust-survivor mother’s life; and “Bad Shabbos” –  on Saturday, November 7 – a comedy involving a Shabbat dinner, family introductions  and murder.
Rounding out JFest will be a Shabbat supper (November 6) in the multipurpose room featuring  an evening of music, stories, crafts, and community led by award-winning children’s entertainer Dr. Marky Weinstock.
Readers seeking more information about JFest can contact Laura Marjovsky at 204 477-7539 or lmarjovsky@radyjcc/com 

By MYRON LOVE There have been very few – if any – Western leaders who have been more supportive of Israel and the Jewish people than Stephen Harper.  On Wednesday, September 10, Canada’s former prime minister (2006-16) was the guest of honour at B’nai Brith Winnipeg’s gala evening in celebration of B’nai Brith’s 150th anniversary.
In a fireside chat with media personality Ben Mulroney, Harper demonstrated that he continues to maintain his moral clarity.
Two hundred B’nai Brith supporters showed up at the Fort Garry Hotel to celebrate the longevity of Canada’s oldest human rights organization. The discussion between Harper and Mulroney was preceded by about 90 minutes of fine dining and shmoozing.  The formal program began with Dr. Ruth Ashrafi, B’nai Birth Canada’s Winnipeg Regional Director, reciting a prayer for the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
Ashrafi introduced B’nai Brith Canada COO Judy Foldes and Jay Harris, Chair of B’nai Brith Canada’s Board, – who were both in town for the event – along with Simon Wolle, BBC’s new CEO, who is replacing the late and much appreciated Michael Mostyn.
Just before Harper and Mulroney began their conversation, Mulroney  spoke with Jay Harris via video about the organization’s storied history and ongoing wrap-around services.  Mulroney highlighted B’nai Brith’s long record of fighting antisemitism  and advocating for human rights and its many programs aimed at bringing people together and  helping the needy – not only in the Jewish community but in the broader community as well.    
Stephen Harper congratulated B’nai Brith on its 150th anniversary and praised the organization for its unflinching efforts in pushing back against antisemitism and fighting for human rights.
“I really grieve for the Jewish people” he continued.  “I understand how tough it is out there right now. When I took strong stands in support of Israel as prime minister, I always believed that the great majority of Canadians supported my positions.  They were just quiet about it.  While the loudest voices get all the attention,  I still believe that most Canadians still quietly support Israel and understand that not only is Israel a democratic sates and an ally, but also that the Jewish people in Canada have made such a disproportionate contribution to our business life, charitable life, and public service. So just know that you are widely appreciated across the country.”
Following some discussion on the assassination of young American conservative leader Charlie Kirk a couple of weeks ago, the dangerous state of public discourse in the United States and concomitant worsening situation in that regard in Canada as well, Harper commented that “I just hope that people on both sides of the border will begin to pull back and can engage in vigorous arguments without ostracization, cancellation and assassination,” he said.
In response to a question from Mulroney about what is driving antisemitism in Canada, Harper suggested that “we have allowed certain institutions to make antisemitism – framed a certain way – socially and politically acceptable.  After the Second World War,” he noted, “we, as a society, agreed that what we considered far right ideology– the idea that dividing people into categories – with some groups considered  superior to others –  and the people in inferior groups could be discriminated against, marginalized and, ultimately, killed – was socially and politically unacceptable – beyond the pale. 
“But we have permitted in our universities and media the idea to germinate far left ideology, but that is the mirror image of the far right – that people can be divided into oppressors and oppressed – and that the oppressors can be ostracized, marginalized and killed.  This is rampant in academic institutions – institutions that we overwhelmingly fund with public money – given on the basis that they represent free and democratic values such as individual, human dignity and small l liberal values. This should not be acceptable”
“This is not just about the Jews,” he added. “It is an entire intellectual framework and people who propagate it should be defunded and removed from their posts.   My father taught me that antisemitism, no matter from the left or the right, is the first sign of a political movement and a society going to a dangerous extreme,” Harper said.
Mulroney observed that anti-Israel, antisemitic groups can never be propitiated. (Ed. note: I had to look up the meaning of “propitiated.” Here’s what I found:
Mulroney continued: “We have the most pro-Palestinian government in our history, yet we still see protests popping up in front of government ministers’ homes.”
In response to Mulroney’s questions, Harper pointed out the long-standing and close friendship between Canada and Israel (at least up until this current federal government).  “There should be no question that Israel has the right to exist,” he stated, “and every country should be fighting terrorism.”
In response to a question about why Canada should support Israel, Harper noted that it is not about geopolitics or religion, it is a matter of basic common sense.  “Israel and Canada are both free and democratic countries,” he pointed out.  “The friends of Israel are friends of Canada. The enemies of Israel are enemies of Canada – who are also intent on destroying Canada.  If the leaders of a country don’t get that, I don’t know what they understand about international affairs. To me, it is distressing that you have to explain this to so many world leaders.”
Mulroney asked Harper about the worldwide condemnation of Israel for “escalating the conflict by taking out Hamas leaders in Qatar. 
“This not escalation,” Harper said. “This is de-escalation. By taking out Hezbollah, Israel has made Lebanon a better place. And the subsequent fall of Assad in Syria has made Syria a better place – although the jury is still out on that.  The Israeli and American bombing of Iran has made the world a safer place.
“When I was prime minster, I was in virtually daily battles with the people in Canada’s Foreign Affairs department who wanted to oppose Israel,” he recalled.  “It was just so ingrained.  I saw it in a lot of other Western foreign affairs departments.” 
One of Israel’s challenges, Harper pointed out, is that while there are 50 Muslim states (not all of them hostile to Israel ) in the  world and 25 Arab states, there is only one Jewish state.  He recalled that, “Too often, diplomats see their responsibility not in representing the interests of their home countries but rather, representing the global community.
“With so many more Muslim and Arab states, he observed, “it is all too easy to go along with the consensus to get along.”
Harper noted that in many of his meetings with foreign leaders, they privately agreed with him – but they didn’t want to fight the media and the academic establishment, so they just went along.  “That is not leadership,” he said. “And leaders who don’t support Israel are jeopardizing their own countries’ future.”
Turning to the political situation in Canada, Harper was strongly critical of the Trudeau government which, he said, left Canada in a really bad place.  He is hopeful that Mark Carney, our current prime minister, will adopt many of the policies that Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre is proposing, and make the necessary changes. If not, he noted, there will be a change in government.
In closing, Ruth Ashrafi thanked Earl and Cheryl Barish, the honorary gala co-chairs, noting how much their generosity and leadership has enriched both our Jewish and the wider community at large.  

By BEN CARR, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre Winnipeg South Centre is a diverse community. It is blessed to be the home of people from all different faiths, ethnicity, culture, and identity. I try to honour and celebrate that diversity as often as I can. For example, I published a message on my social media account this week wishing Jewish Canadians a peaceful Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Sitting in the public responses to that post was the following, written by a constituent of mine: “there is certainly a lot that Zionist Jews have to atone for” it reads. “I doubt any god or future humanity will absolve you…of your crimes.”

This was not written by an A.I. bot or someone far away, it came from a person who lives in my neighbourhood. I added it to the list of antisemitic messages I have received since being elected, which include the likes of “you dirty Jew,” “Hitler should have finished his job,” and “you will get yours, Jew.”

Instances of antisemitism have been on the rise for years, but recently they have worsened at an increasingly alarming rate. In the past few weeks alone, we have seen Canadian streets littered with swastikas and graffiti that say “fu*k Jews”, a woman in Ottawa wearing a Star of David necklace stabbed at a grocery store in the Kosher aisle, patrons entering events at the Jewish Community Centre in Winnipeg told that “Hamas is coming for you”, and social media platforms rampant with Jew hating rhetoric and threats of violence, just to name a few.

On Wednesday, several Jews in Manchester, U.K. were murdered at their Synagogue on Yom Kippur. What happened there is no longer unimaginable in Canada.

What is the result of all this hate? Out of fear for their safety, Jews in Canadian cities are taking down their mezuzahs (a religious symbol that sits atop the doorway entrance of a home). Young Jewish students are hiding their Star of David necklaces on university campuses due to harassment. Parents are living with anxiety when they drop their kids off at a Jewish daycare, school, or religious event. Synagogues are hiring police officers to protect congregants.

A significant reason for the rise in antisemitism stems from people’s views on the conflict in the Middle East. Most disturbing is that many are unable to reject antisemitism in its most basic forms, and instead, create a false association between those acts of hate and the conflict itself.

It was extremely wrong and racist to hold Muslims accountable for the actions of a select few terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks or the Oct 7th attacks. It is equally wrong to hold Jews accountable for the violent actions of a settler in the West Bank or hateful speech uttered by government officials in Israel.

We do not target or blame Chinese, Syrian, Iranian, Sudanese or Congolese Canadians for human rights violations, unjust laws, or controversial actions advanced by the leaders of those countries. Why do we continually see, and accept, that Jews are being held accountable for the decisions of the Israeli government? The inability to disassociate the Jewish people from a foreign government is breeding antisemitism at historic rates.

We have reached a point in society where a standalone comment on social media condemning a terrorist attack on Jews, or even the mere acknowledgement of a Jewish holiday, cannot exist without some response that draws a connection to the Middle East, and by implication, suggests Jews everywhere are at fault. For example, I commonly see replies to a post referencing an antisemitic incident met with something along the lines of “Israel is committing war crimes.”

It perplexes me as to how people do not see prejudice in this. What does the death of a Jewish person in the U.K or the stabbing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, simply because of her Judaism, have to do with what Benjamin Netanyahu or Hamas militants decide thousands of miles away?

During the Second World War, our country held Japanese and Italian Canadians responsible for events in their country of origin and declared them guilty by association by virtue of their heritage. That was wrong. Too many Canadians are repeating that mistake with how they view the Jewish community today.

If we want to talk about the Middle East, as we should, and must, let us do so, but without holding our views in relation to it up as some type of justification or distraction from the very real and growing threat Jews in Canada are facing.

As the 2nd anniversary of the Oct 7th attacks approach, regardless of your views on the conflict, let Jewish Canadians express their grief without having to bear the burden of things outside of their control. Empathize with them, just as we do with those who grieve the loss of innocent Palestinian lives, without conflating it with support for Hamas.

Let us all stand up against antisemitism. It is dangerous and it needs to stop.