Opinion
News that Etz Chayim is up for sale raises a whole host of questions
By BERNIE BELLAN While the news that Etz Chayim Congregation was putting their synagogue building up for sale would not have come as a total shock to actual members of the congregation (who had been kept informed by their board of plans to do that), it certainly took thousands of other members and former members of our Jewish community by surprise.
Rather than wait to publish the news that the Etz Chayim was being put up for sale in our print newspaper – which I prefer to do rather than break a story on this website, I thought it important to post the news on this website that the Etz Chayim was being put up for sale as soon as we had official confirmation that was the case. However, when Myron Love told me that there was an actual for sale sign out in front of the building and I asked him to verify that (Myron lives much closer to the synagogue than I do), he reported back that there was no sign up yet. So, I said to him: We can’t run a story unless we get official confirmation from Etz Chayim Congregation spokesperson Avrom Charach that the building is indeed for sale.
Still, when Myron did get that official confirmation from Avrom I decided to go ahead and post the story to our website – and, at the same time, post something to Facebook as well. However, I could hardly have anticipated the incredible reaction that Facebook post received: Over 10,000 people have seen that post to date. No doubt, many more individuals who didn’t actually see the Facebook post were also informed of the news, which makes me wonder a few things:
1. Why are individuals so surprised that the Etz Chayim is being put up for sale?
For years now various boards of that synagogue have wrestled with the problem what are they going to do with their synagogue building? The vast majority of the remaining congregants don’t live north any more. In hindsight, one wonders whether the failure to merge the Shaarey Zedek and Etz Chayim congregations, when former Jewish Federation CEO Bob Freedman was hired in 2014 to sound out the possibility of doing exactly that, is going to come back to haunt the members of Etz Chayim?
2. Where would the congregation move – even temporarily?
Apparently the board is scouting possible venues that might be suitable for the congregation – including churches. But, considering that Avrom Charach made clear in his discussions with Myron Love that the congregation would want to relocate to an area that is much closer to the majority of the Jewish population here – and that would be somewhere south, I’m not sure how many potential sites there might be that would fit the bill. Still, I’ll leave that to the board of Etz Chayim to figure out.
3. Wouldn’t the Asper Campus have been the perfect site for a brand new synagogue that would have served both the Shaarey Zedek and Etz Chayim congregations?
When Bob Freedman was working on the possibility of a merger between Winnipeg’s two largest congregations, the campus was mooted as an ideal location for a new synagogue. There’s room on the grounds, there’s ample parking, and it’s right in the heart of where the majority of Winnipeg’s Jewish population lives.
At that time what we heard was there was an incompatibility between the cultures of the two congregations. But couldn’t there have been some sort of accommodation made in terms of having two separate sanctuaries? As many of us who are familiar with the painful negotiations that were conducted under the aegis of Jack London when the Bnay Abraham, Beth Israel, and Rosh Pina congregations were negotiating a merger back in the early 2000s, the issue that also led to the deal coming asunder was nothing more than high holiday seating.
Isn’t it just typical of our community that the issue of who would be given a more prominent seat during the high holidays almost led to the collapse of that merger back then? And yet, as someone who has heard stories for years of how offensive various moves by certain congregations – such as allowing men and women to sit together (heaven forbid!) were to certain diehard congregants, I can well understand how certain moneyed individuals would be outraged if they were forced to be relegated to a seat that would be considered of lesser prestige than another seat in a synagogue.
4. This is a point that’s been noted by members of congregations not just in Winnipeg, but in cities throughout the world: How much do individuals really care now about their physical surroundings when they’re participating in worship services?
As is noted in an article from the JTA in the Sept. 28 print edition of our paper about synagogues adjusting to the “new normal – whatever that is”, it’s not at all clear what the long term effects that Covid will have on synagogue attendance going forward. Even if the virus does diminish to the point where congregants who have been staying away from in-person services might want to consider going back to a synagogue, has the Zoom experience been rewarding enough for many individuals such that they simply won’t want to return to a synagogue building – except perhaps on the odd occasion?
And, with synagogue attendance having been on the decrease for years, what does that portend for future attendance at synagogues?
As others have suggested to me, what with the Shaarey Zedek being closed for renovations for up to two years, what is the likelihood that it will have a similar membership once the renovations are completed? Will many of the members simply drift away? Of course, there will likely be an initial interest in seeing what the newly revamped synagogue will be like, but in the fast paced world in which we are now all living, will there simply be a burst of attendance at the new synagogue, only to be followed by a huge drop off?
I well remember that is what happened with Gray Academy when it first opened 25 years ago. In its first year the school was bursting at the seams, as there were so many students who were eager to attend a brand new school. But, it didn’t take long for enrollment to start declining after that initial year when so many students were so curious to experience what they anticipated would be something new and exciting.
5. Who would want to buy the Etz Chayim synagogue?
If the current occupants have decided that it’s simply not worth it to invest in their building – for a variety of reasons, who out there would be interested in buying the synagogue? Certainly there is potential for redeveloping the acreage upon which the Etz Chayim sits – ideally for multi unit housing similar perhaps to the Rosh Pina Housing Co-op, but I also well remember that when the old Y.M.H.A. was abandoned once the new Asper Campus opened, there was much talk of another group taking it over as a community centre. Nothing ever came of that and the land upon which the Y.M.H.A. was located still remains a parking lot. I’m no real estate expert but to place a value on the Etz Chayim of something in the neighbourhood of $10 million which, according to Avrom Charach, is what it’s worth – well, that does seem to be wildly out of proportion to what property in that part of town is going for.
Again, it reminds me of the ridiculous situation in which the Gwen Secter Centre found itself not that long ago, when the owner of the building, the National Council of Jewish Women, demanded $1 million for the Gwen Secter Centre to remain in its current location, or else the centre was going to have to vacate the premises. Who else on earth would have come close to offering $1 million for that building? Have you taken a look at the adjoining shopping centre – where the parking lot seems to be mostly vacant at any given time? Let’s be honest: the north end is hardly what it used to be and property values have plummeted relative to other parts of the city.
Still, I’ll leave it to the board of the Etz Chayim to figure things out. I’m sure they’ve thought of all the contingencies.
But, to return to that Facebook post which I mentioned earlier – I was struck by the outpouring of nostalgia that my having posted that the Etz Chayim was now up for sale elicited. There were so many comments from individuals who had such warm memories of the old Rosh Pina synagogue – either because they were married there perhaps or had a bar mitzvah there.
Isn’t that just typical of Winnipeg Jews though – and former Winnipeggers – to wax nostalgic about the way things used to be, and lament the passing of an era?
Of course, The Jewish Post & News thrives on nostalgia and I’m complicit in fostering the rosy-hued lens through which so many individuals look back upon Jewish Winnipeg’s history. Sure, I still harbour a great attachment to the institutions with which I grew up, including synagogues, schools, community centres, and camps, but I’m realistic enough to know that those were all associated with a much more robust and cohesive Jewish community that is our current one.
I’m not sure what the future holds for our Jewish community here, but it is certainly evolving so rapidly that it’s really hard to know just what defines this community any more. But that’s a subject for much debate – and one about which I’m sure we’re going to be hearing quite a bit more once the census figures for our Jewish population are revealed in November – and I predict the figures are going to be very disappointing to community leaders.
Features
Did the Jewish Federation’s stepping in to force the firing of BB Camp co-executive director Jacob Brodovsky lead to the further alienating of many young Jews from the community?
(June 8, 2024) Introduction: We received the following email from a young Jewish Winnipegger re the BB Camp controversy, which we’ve reported on extensively on this website. We thought it important to post the email as a separate piece rather than as an add-on to an article in which we printed other emails from readers expressing their disappointment at what happened to Jacob Brodovsky, the former co-executive director of BB Camp:
Dear Mr. Bellan,
Thank you for once again cutting through the noise with your April 23rd column, “What the sordid BB Camp affair says about our community.” Your clarity and courage in calling out our rush to judgment and our narrowing definition of “Jewish identity” are deeply appreciated, especially by those of us who feel increasingly alienated in Winnipeg.
I also want to share a troubling observation about one of the loudest voices attacking Jacob Brodovsky: theJ.ca. Their articles—bylines like “Ron East” or “TheJ.ca Staff”—are, in fact, almost entirely generated by artificial intelligence. They contain no verifiable sourcing, frequently hallucinate details, and appear to be little more than a far-right newsletter running smear campaigns under the guise of “journalism.” The entire BB Camp series reads like an AI trained on extremist talking points, regurgitated daily to bully our community into silence.
As a young Jew in Winnipeg, I—and many of my peers—are horrified by the transformation we’re witnessing. What was once a warm, progressive community is now dominated by:
Bigots and Bullies: Parents threatening to pull their kids unless the camp bows to extremist demands.
Florida-style Republican Judaism: A narrow, intolerant ideology portrayed as the only “true” Jewishness.
Collapsing Leadership: Our Jewish Federation leaders, including Jeff Lieberman, have shown they lack the vision or backbone to navigate this crisis.
We stand at a dangerous inflection point. Our community is on the verge of a total and irreversible fascist takeover—an outcome no amount of regret or retrospective apologies can undo.
Please consider reading firsthand accounts from community members who have bravely spoken out:
I know this letter is anonymous and won’t be published, but I hope you see it as proof that many of us are desperate for ethical, forward-looking leadership. Thank you again for using your platform to remind us what Jewish community should mean: diversity of thought, compassion for all people, and the moral courage to call out extremism—no matter where it comes from.
This was NEVER a community of far-right Israelis. This is a shame beyond words.
With gratitude and urgency,
A Concerned Young Jew in Winnipeg
Post script: We had heard from many different sources (who all asked to remain anonymous) that the Jewish Federation’s decision to force the BB Camp board to fire Jacob Brodovsky came as a result of pressure from one or more big donors to the Combined Jewish Appeal. We sent an email to Jeff Lieberman, asking Jeff whether the Jewish Federation’s decision to force the resignation of Jacob Brodovsky as co-executive director of BB Camp came as a result of a donor (or donors) to the Combined Jewish Appeal threatening to withdraw their donation(s) this year unless Jacob were fired. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to learn that Jeff did not bother responding to my request for information.
The Jewish Federation used to advertise elections to its board in The Jewish Post & News for many years, but no longer does so (in the Jewish Post). Instead, it submits a slate of new appointees to its board to members of the current board to be rubber stamped. Is it any surprise that the donors who contribute the most money call the shots for the Federation (which is as its always been. The only difference is the Jewish Federation and the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council before it used to operate with a patina of democracy. Sadly, that is no longer the case.)
We would urge anyone on the Federation board who could give information about what led the board to force the resignation of Jacob Brodovsky to contact us. We would give full anonymity, as we have to the writer of the above letter.
-Bernie Bellan
Local News
Is It Alberta’s Turn to Regulate Online Gambling? Looking at the Possibilities
Online gambling and betting in Canada is booming, with each province allowed to regulate its own space. Ontario, Canada’s most populated province, turned two this year after leading the way in April 2022. In what should motivate Alberta and other provinces, Ontario is already reaping the rewards, generating $100 million annually in gambling revenue. Will the local administration in Alberta do what is needed?
Talks have been rife that Alberta is considering going the Ontario way by having an open-licensing system. In July 2023, the minister for Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, issued a mandate to make this province a hub of online sports betting and gambling.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently asked Nally to cooperate with indigenous partners and other stakeholders to develop an online gaming strategy. The main focus will be on revenue generation and responsible gambling. In light of this, Nally said Alberta’s primary focus is becoming a “leading hub for iGaming” with streamlined regulations and low corporate taxes. Such conditions should position Alberta to become a leading iGaming destination.
A few weeks ago, the minister attended the ICE international gaming conference held in London. Together with Ontario’s Attorney General, Doug Downey, and other stakeholders, Nally participated in a roundtable discussion regarding the status of iGaming in Canada. CDC Gaming Reports also revealed that the discussion highlighted the success of iGaming in Ontario and how Alberta can emulate this success story.
Looking into the Alberta Budget 2024, it’s evident that state monopoly could soon give way to Canadian casinos to thrive in the province. Alberta took the first baby steps towards a more liberal gambling sector after setting aside $1 million for gambling. This budget will support the looming review of the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act and supporting Regulation. The idea is to review the entire regulatory framework to find more funding ways for Alberta charities and community projects.
Major operators like BetMGM, PointsBet, and PokerStars have since hired lobbyists to ensure commercial operators become a reality in Alberta. Speaking to investors and industry analysts in March this year, PointsBet CEO Sam Swanell tipped Alberta and British Columbia to legalize online betting soon. He noted that this could provide the much-needed expansion of that TAM.
Alberta is yet to take full advantage of online gambling despite being the country’s fourth-largest province, with around 4.3 million people. Smaller markets in North America, such as West Virginia and Connecticut, are already benefiting from commercialized online gambling. The good news is that noises about legal online gambling are getting louder in Alberta. It’s just a matter of when the government will make the announcement.
What Next for Online Gambling and Betting in Alberta?
Including a $1 million gambling review budget is definitely a step in the right direction. However, there’s still much to do to end Alberta’s long-standing gambling status quo. But at least the budget opens the door for further discussions and reforms regarding iGaming in Alberta. That discussion has been underway, although the momentum has increased in the last year or so.
As it stands, PlayAlberta.ca is the only regulated online gaming platform in Alberta. It’s a government-run website operated by the AGLC (Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis). Besides casino games, this website provides sports betting and lottery-style gaming experiences. The legal sign-up age on PlayAlberta.ca is 18 years.
For Albertans who prefer more gambling freedom, the government doesn’t restrict anyone from joining offshore operators. Most gaming sites operating in Alberta are licensed in Curacao, the UK, and Malta. Compared to PlayAlberta.ca, these websites provide a more extensive variety of games, rewards, and general experience.
In conclusion, it’s just a matter of when Alberta will introduce an open-licensing market. This approach has proved to be a success elsewhere, especially in Ontario. A recent Ipsos report in Ontario revealed that only 13.6% of the residents prefer to gamble on offshore websites. Alberta could soon follow this path, although there’s much work to do to realize this dream.
Opinion
Hamas savages make no distinction between Israeli Jews, Arabs
By MYRON LOVE I remember many years ago attending a presentation by Simon Wiesenthal, the world’s leading Nazi hunter, during which he made the point that the focus of Holocaust education should not be on the number six million – the number of estimated Jews who were murdered – but rather on the 12 million martyrs – including other targeted groups such as the Roma, people who were gay, the mentally and physically handicapped and the many great many Slavic people who were also murdered. After the Jews, the Slavs were next on the list.
By focusing strictly on Germans killing Jews, he observed, it became too easy to make it out to be only Germans versus Jews – thereby making it easier for Holocaust deniers and absolving the other European peoples who were complicit in the killings.
Similarly, while we naturally mourn our Jewish brethren who were so horribly slaughtered on October 7, we need to also bear in mind that Hamas made no distinction in its murderous rampage between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs or between Israelis and foreign workers.
In a posting for The Gatestone Institute on November 30, Israeli-Arab journalist Khaled Abu Toameh noted that he Hamas terrorists who attacked Israel on October 7 did not slaughter Jews alone. The terrorists also murdered and kidnapped scores of Muslim citizens of Israel, including members of the Bedouin community. The terrorists’ murder spree made zero distinction between young and old, Muslim and Jew.
“Scores of Arab Israelis were wounded, murdered or taken prisoner,” he reported.
One such brave individual was 23-year-old Awad Darawshe, an Arab-Israeli paramedic who was on duty at the music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, which was among the first locations under attack. When the medical staff on site were ordered to flee, he insisted on remaining behind to treat the wounded.
Abu Toameh suggests that the paramedic thought that because he was Arab, he could reason with the killers. He was murdered nonetheless.
Another courageous Arab-Israeli that the writer noted, 50-year-old Abed al-Rahman Alnasasrah, was murdered by Hamas terrorists when he attempted to rescue people from the music festival. He was married and a father of six children.
Fatima Altallaqat, 35, from the Bedouin village near Ofakim, was murdered while working with her husband near the city of Ofakim in southern Israel. She was a mother of nine children, the eldest nine years old.
Abu Toameh quotes her husband as saying: “We’re a religious Muslim family and she wore the traditional headdress of a devout woman. It is inconceivable they [Hamas terrorists] could not see who was inside [the car]. They were five meters away from her as they passed.”
Forty bullets were fired into her.
Abu Toameh further cites the comments of Suleiman Zayadneh, brother and uncle, respectively, to four of the Arab-Israeli hostages, who describes himself “as proud to be a Palestinian and Muslim”.
‘The people who came to shoot and kill — they know nothing of religion,” the writer quoted Zayadneh as saying. “These [Hamas] people came and killed left and right.”
Abu Toameh went on to reference the words of Nuseir Yassin, a video blogger with 65 million followers. Two days after the massacre, he wrote: “I realized that… to a terrorist invading Israel, all citizens are targets. More than 40 of them [the murdered] are Arabs. Killed by other Arabs. And I do not want to live under a Palestinian government. Which means I only have one home, even if I’m not Jewish: Israel…. So from today forward, I view myself as… Israeli first. Palestinian second. Sometimes it takes a shock like this to see so clearly.”
Abu Toameh reported that “there have been many storie about reciprocal inter-communal generosity and heroism in the aftermath of this national tragedy, and they create hope for the future”.
He quoted a statement by the Darwashe Family:
“We are very proud of Awad’s actions… This is what we would expect from him and what we expect from everyone in our family — to be human, to stay human and to die human.”
Abu Toameh also quoted Ali Alziadna, four of whose family members were kidnapped, as saying that he was “touched by the outpouring of support” by other Israelis.
“People from all over the country have come to hug and support our family,” Alziadna said. “The entire nation is one family now.”
Abu Toameh pointed out that many Arab citizens of Israel serve as IDF officers and policemen, risking their lives for their fellow Israelis. Many are serving at the front lines, saving lives.
Undoubtedly, Abu Toameh suggested, one of the objectives of the Hamas massacre, in addition to slaughtering as many Israelis as possible, was to thwart normalization between Israel and Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Hamas may also have aimed to damage relations between Jews and Arabs inside Israel.
”The terror group was, without doubt, hoping that we would witness another cycle of violence between Jews and Arabs inside Israel, similar to that which erupted in May 2021,’ Abu Toameh posited. “Then, Hamas succeeded in inciting a large number of Arab citizens of Israel to take to the streets and attack their Jewish neighbors and Israeli police officers.
“This time, however, the Arab-Israelis have not heeded the calls by Hamas. One reason is that Arab-Israelis saw, with their own eyes, how Hamas terrorists make no distinction between Jews and Muslims.
“Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated that it cares nothing for the well-being of Arabs and Muslims. From their luxury homes and hotel rooms in the safety of Qatar and Turkey, Hamas leaders give the orders to attack Israel and then sit back and let the world weep over the destruction they wrought upon their own people.
“On October 7,” Abu Toameh concluded, “Hamas metaphorically shot itself in the foot by showing the world, with unfathomably ghoulish pride, by way of Go-Pro cameras and other self-documentation, that it has neither a religious nor a secular-humanist set of values. Perhaps the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should look at the Arab citizens of Israel and note how they enjoy equal rights, democracy, freedom of speech and a free media. If Palestinians wish to live well, like the Arab-Israelis, this is the time for them to get rid of Hamas and all the terror leaders who, for seven decades, have brought them nothing but one disaster after another.”
It is too bad that so many gullible fools in our Western societies refuse to open their eyes to the truth.