Local News
Elaine Goldstine hounoured at JNF Gala; Stephen Harper opens up about his deep admiration for Israel
By BERNIE BELLAN It had been over 20 years since the Jewish National Fund had actually held a Negev Dinner in Winnipeg. After having used the Concert Hall as the venue for the annual JNF Gala for many years it was a little strange to be entering into the Convention Centre for this year’s affair instead.
But, it was the Convention Centre that was the setting for this year’s JNF Negev Gala on Thursday, May 11, when outgoing CEO of the Jewish Federation Elaine Goldstine was honoured. The fact that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also present – and engaged in a lively dialogue with interviewer Steven Kroft, added to the interest level for the some 900 audience members who were present. (By the way, although JNF Executive Director David Greaves referred to the sit down between Harper and Kroft as a session between“the two Steves”, I told Greaves that Harper dislikes being called “Steve.” I had read that years ago when he was first introduced to former US President George W. Bush. Bush liked to give everyone a nickname when he met them. Naturally, Stephen Harper became “Steve,” but our former Prime Minister was not tickled by that.)
In speaking about her being chosen this year’s Negev Gala honouree, Elaine Goldstine noted she had “chosen to allocate some of the funds raised tonight locally and I have chosen Shalom Residences” to receive a portion of the funds.
Anyone who knows Elaine would understand how true it was when she said her credo as CEO has been “Never close the door on anyone.”
And, following a lengthy speech from her husband Ian, who went on at some length describing how he and Elaine first met, along with quite a few stories about their lives together, Elaine demonstrated her wit when, in addressing Ian, she said: “We have been on this journey since I was 15 – as you told my entire life story.”
David Greaves introduced former PM Stephen Harper, saying to him: “It takes courage just being a mentsch to stand with those who stand alone. There has not been a friend to Israel like you ever.”
At that point “the two Steves” took their seats on the podium for what became a 35-minute back and forth during which Stephen Harper was at turns eloquent in describing his passion for Israel, insightful when discussing current situations in the world, and occasionally very funny as he related anecdotes from his past.
Steven Kroft began by asking Harper about the time he became the first Canadian Prime Minister to address Israel’s Knesset, in 2014. Kroft suggested “that speech is widely considered to be one of the strongest speeches in support of Israel by a non-head of state. He asked Harper to talk about his strong support for the State of Israel.
Harper responded that “one of the great honours of my life was to see the creation” of the Hula Valley Stephen and Laureen Harper Bird Sanctuary.
Then, Harper added this: “In Canada we don’t name things after living people so many people who visit the bird sanctuary assume I’ve passed away.”
Harper expounded upon how he came to develop such a strong affinity for the State of Israel, explaining that he “grew up in a household that supported Israel.”
But there was more to it than that, he explained: “I had another reason (to support Israel). Israel is a friend and an ally and is a part of the family of democratic nations. Israel faces the same threats as other democratic nations face, but Israel is much closer to those threats.
“Supporting Israel is unequivocally in the interests of this country and should be in the interests of all politicians,” Harper said.
“But I found that just about every politician is a friend of Israel when they’re speaking to a Jewish audience,” he observed.
Steven Kroft asked Harper whether “we should get worked up when Canada supports one of the resolutions at the UN that are critical of Israel?”
Harper answered that “those resolutions are pro forma and they’re not really indicative of what’s going on around the world. In that sense they’re not something to worry about… But what do you do when Western leaders go along with those resolutions? So what. I’m the only one who expressed an honest opinion.”
Kroft asked Harper what he thinks the impact of the Abraham Accords has been?
Harper suggested that the US and other Western countries have distanced themselves from Saudi Arabia – leading to Saudi Arabia broadening relations with China. He observed that “it’s tough for Saudi Arabia to be an ally of the Western world because we do nothing but criticize them.”
Harper noted a comment that had been made to him by an Arab diplomat, with reference to the behaviour of Western governments: “You sell off your friends and buy off your enemies.”
As far as the Abraham Accords are concerned though, Harper suggested that the leaders of the Arab countries that signed on to those accords (Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Morocco) are interested in bringing their countries “into the modern world.” (Sudan seems to be going through a reversion to civil war, however, something that plagued that country for years. It will be interesting to see whether whoever emerges on top is going to want to remain in the Abraham Accords.)
Harper added this observation about the role that China is now playing in the Middle East: “The Chinese have been a real brake on Iran. They (the Chinese) want them (the Iranians) to live up to the accords they recently signed with Saudi Arabia.”
Yet, at the same time, Harper had this to say about Iran: “I worry more about Iran than any other country in the world because they believe in developing nuclear weapons so that can use them and Allah will come to their aid.”
Kroft asked Harper about “judicial reform” in Israel and whether what’s been happening with moves to weaken the judiciary have affected Israel’s credibility ? He also asked what advice Harper might have for Canadian Jews who want to express their opinions on Israeli government policy?
Harper responded: “Regardless what one thinks of what is going on in Israel today, one should be supportive of Israel…Only in Israel could you give a 100% pro-Israel speech (as Harper did when he addressed the Knesset in 2014) and be heckled by both the right and the left (in the Knesset).”
At that point Harper told a story that was very funny – and was based on a true experience that he had in 2017, after he was no longer Prime Minister.
He was in Australia and one evening he went to a bar with another former prime minister, John Howard, who had been PM of Australia. Who should walk in but another former prime minister, this time Bibi Netanyahu?
That led Harper to tell this joke, based on the conversation he had with Howard and Netanyahu that evening. (He explained that he was changing the story somewhat, substituting the Prime Minister of Great Britain for the Prime Minister of Australia):
Three former prime ministers gather together at a bar.
The former PM of Canada says: “I was prime minister of a country that had 30 million people.”
The former PM of Great Britain says: “I was prime minister of a country that had 60 million people.”
The former PM of Israel says: “I was prime minister of a country that had 8 million prime ministers!”
Kroft turned to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He asked Harper “What is Putin like?”
Harper said that he had called for Russia’s expulsion from the G8 in 2014 when Russia first invaded Ukraine and seized Crimea.
He continued: “I’ve met many leaders, many businesspeople, many celebrities, but the one person – of all the people I’ve met, who I’m asked to say what he’s like, is Putin.
“It’s because he’s a real life Bond villain…But whenever he came to a meeting and walked into the room he was always extremely well prepared. In many ways he’s very impressive, but he’s also a very evil person.”
Harper went on to say that he hates “when people compare democratically elected leaders with dictators.” He said that, back in 2008, when George W. Bush was President of the US, he and Bush were “prepared to bring Ukraine into NATO, but others weren’t…The failure to do that,” he suggested, “led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“There is strength through deterrence,” he added.
“How is it (the war in Ukraine) going to end?” Kroft asked.
“What enough people don’t understand,” Harper responded, “is that Ukrainians are prepared to fight to the last man. They know that the moment they give up they’re going to get slaughtered.”
He also noted that the Government of Canada “should be very proud” of the support it’s given Ukraine. “We did a large amount of the training of their army,” Harper noted.
However, Harper predicted that the war “will go on for a very long time. Putin understands that if he’s not the strongest man in Russia, then he’s a dead man.”
Kroft turned to the subject of anti-Semitism, asking “How is it different today?”
Harper suggested that anti-Semitism was increasing even as far back as when he was Prime Minister. “The fragmentation, the polarization” in society have been contributing factors, he observed, along with the spread of hate on social media.
Nonetheless, he said that he was “optimistic about it (a decline in anti-Semitism) in the long term, but it’s exposed to us the complexity of public opinion. Social media has unleashed a voice that was always out there…What worries me more,” he suggested though, “is the rise of global jihadism.”
Further, Harper said that what “worries me the most is the anti-Semitism that has come out of the left – out of academia, that had led to the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanctions) movement.
“The difference is that it (anti-Semitism on the left) tends to make anti-Semitism intellectually respectable. Let’s be under no illusion what it really is…
“By any standard of freedom, of democracy, and of justice, Israel is one of the freest countries in the world.”
And then, with a reference to the protesters who were outside the Convention Centre protesting against the Jewish National Fund, Harper said: “The people outside are not protesters, they’re haters.”
That’s about as unbiased a report that I could write about what Stephen Harper had to say at the Negev Gala. Did I agree with everything he said? No, but the audience sure loved it.
Local News
Winnipeg Jewish Theatre breaks new ground with co-production with Rainbow Stage
By MYRON LOVE Winnipeg Jewish Theatre is breaking new ground with its first ever co-production with Rainbow Stage. The new partnership’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof” is scheduled to hit the stage at our city’s famed summer musical theatre venue in September 2026.
“We have collaborated with other theatre companies in joint productions before,” notes Dan Petrenko, the WJT’s artistic and managing director – citing previous partnerships with the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts in Montreal, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre in Toronto, Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon and Winnipeg’s own Dry Cold Productions. “Because of the times we’re living through, and particularly the growing antisemitism in our communities and across the country, I felt there is a need to tell a story that celebrates Jewish culture on the largest stage in the city – to reach as many people as possible.”
Last year, WJT approached Rainbow Stage with a proposal for the co-presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Rainbow Stage management was really enthusiastic in their response, Petrenko reports.
“We are excited to be working with Winnipeg’s largest musical theatre company,” he notes. “Rainbow Stage has an audience of more than 10,000 people every season. Fiddler is a great, family-oriented story and, through our joint effort with Rainbow Stage, WJT will be able to reach out to new and younger audiences.”
“We are also working to welcome more diverse audiences from other communities, as well as newcomers – families who have moved here from Israel, Argentina and countries of the former Soviet Union.”
Helping Petrenko to achieve those goals are two relatively new and younger additions to WJT’s management team. Both Company Manager Etel Shevelev, and Head of Marketing Julia Kroft are in their 20s – as is Petrenko himself.
Kroft, who is also Gray Academy’s Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, needs little or no introduction to many readers. In addition to her work for Gray Academy and WJT, the daughter of David and Ellen Kroft has been building a second career as a singer and actor. Over the past few years, she has performed by herself or as part of a musical ensemble at Jewish community events, as well as in various professional theatre productions in the city.
Etel Shevelev is also engaged in a dual career. In addition to working full time at WJT, she is also a Fine Arts student (majoring in graphic design) at the University of Manitoba. Outside of school, she is an interdisciplinary visual artist (exhibiting her work and running workshops), so you can say the art world is no stranger to her.
(She will be partcipating in Limmud next month as a member of the Rimon Art Collective.)
Shevelev grew up in Kfar Saba (northeast of Tel Aviv). She reports that in Israel she was involved in theatre from a young age. “In 2019, I graduated from a youth theatre school, which I attended for 11 years.” In a sense, her work for WJT brings her full circle.
She arrived in Winnipeg just six years ago with her parents. “I was 19 at the time,” she says.
After just a year in Winnipeg, her family decided to relocate to Ottawa, while she chose to stay here. “I was already enrolled in university, had a long-term partner, and a job,” she explains. “I felt that I was putting down roots in Winnipeg.”
Etel expects to graduate by the end of the academic year, allowing her to focus on the arts professionally full-time.
In her role as company manager, Shevelev notes, she is responsible for communications with donors, contractors, and unions, as well as applying for various grants and funding opportunities.
In addition, her linguistic skills were put to use last spring for WJT’s production of “The Band’s Visit,” a story about an Egyptian band that was invited to perform at a cultural centre opening ceremony in the lively centre of Israel, but ended up in the wrong place – a tiny, communal town in southern Israel. Shevelev was called on to help some of the performers with the pronunciation of Hebrew words and with developing a Hebrew accent.
“I love working for WJT,” she enthuses. “Every day is different.”
Shevelev and Petrenko are also enthusiastic about WJT’s next production – coming up in April: “Ride: The Musical” debuted in London’s West End three years ago, and then went on to play at San Diego’s Old Globe theatre to rave reviews. The WJT production will be the Canadian premiere!
The play, Petrenko says, is based on the true story of Annie Londonderry, a young woman – originally from Latvia, who, in 1894, beat all odds and became the first woman to circle the world on a bicycle.
Petrenko is also happy to announce that the director and choreographer for the production will be Lisa Stevens – an Emmy Award nominee and Olivier Award winner. (The Olivier is presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognize excellence in professional London theatre).
“Lisa is in great demand across Canada, and the world really,” the WJT artistic director says. “I am so thrilled that we will be welcoming one of the greatest Jewish directors and choreographers of our time to Winnipeg this Spring.”
For more information about upcoming WJT shows, readers can visit wjt.ca, email the WJT office at info@wjt.ca or phone the box office at 204-477-7515.
Local News
Rising Canadian comedy star Rob Bebenek to headline JCFS’ second annual “Comedy for a Cause”
By MYRON LOVE Last year, faced with a federal government budget cut to its Older Adult Services programs, Jewish Child and Family Service launched a new fundraising initiative. “Comedy with a Cause” was held at Rumor’s Comedy club and featured veteran Canadian stand-up comic Dave Hemstad.
That evening was so successful that – by popular demand – JCFS is doing an encore. “We were blown away by the support from the community,” says Al Benarroch, JCFS’s president and CEO.
“This is really a great way to support JCFS by being together and having fun,” he says.
“Last year, JCFS was able to sell-out the 170 tickets it was allotted by Rumor’s,” adds Alexis Wenzowski, JCFS’s COO. “There were also general public attendees at the event last year. Participants enjoyed a fun evening, complete with a 50/50 draw and raffle. We were incredibly grateful for those who turned out, the donors for the raffle baskets, and of course, Rumor’s Comedy Club.
“Feedback was very positive about it being an initiative that encouraged people to have fun for a good cause: our Older Adult Services Team.”
This year’s “Comedy for a Cause” evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25. Wenzowski reports that this year’s featured performer, Rob Bebenek, first made a splash on the Canadian comedy scene at the 2018 Winnipeg Comedy festival. He has toured extensively throughout North America, appearing in theatres, clubs and festivals. He has also made several appearances on MTV as well as opening shows for more established comics, such as Gerry Dee and the late Bob Saget.
For the 2026 show, Wenzowski notes, Rumors’ is allotting JCFS 200 tickets. As with last year, there will also be some raffle baskets and a 50/50 draw.
“Our presenting sponsors for the evening,” she reports, “are the Vickar Automotive Group and Kay Four Properties Incorporated.”
The funds raised from this year’s comedy evening are being designated for the JCFS Settlement and Integration Services Department. “JCFS chose to do this because of our reduction in funding last year by the federal government to this department,” Wenzowski points out.
“Last year alone,” she reports, “our Settlement and Integration Services team settled 118 newcomer families – from places like Israel, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Each year, our program supports even more newcomer families with things like case management, supportive counselling, employment coaching, workshops, programming for newcomer seniors, and more.”
“We hope to raise more than $15,000 through this event for our Settlement and Integration Program,” Al Benarroch adds. “The team does fantastic work, and we know that our newcomer Jewish families need the supports from JCFS. I want to thank our sponsors, Rumor’s Comedy Club, and attendees for supporting us.”
Tickets for the show cost $40 and are available to purchase by calling JCFS (204-477-7430) or by visiting here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/jcfs-comedy-for-a-cause. Sponsorships are still available.
Local News
Ninth Shabbat Unplugged highlight of busy year for Winnipeg Hillel
By MYRON LOVE Lindsay Kerr, Winnipeg’s Hillel director, is happy to report that this year’s ninth Shabbat UnPlugged, held on the weekend of January 9-11, attracted approximately 90 students from 11 different universities, including 20 students who were from out of town.
Shabbat UnPlugged was started in 2016 by (now-retired) Dr. Sheppy Coodin, who was a science teacher at Gray Academy, along with fellow Gray Academy teacher Avi Posen (who made aliyah in 2019) – building on the Shabbatons that Gray Academy had been organizing for the school’s high school students for many years.
The inaugural Shabbat UnPlugged was so successful that Coodin and Posen did it again in 2017 and took things one step further by combining their Shabbat UnPlugged with Hillel’s annual Shabbat Shabang Shabbaton that brings together Jewish university students from Winnipeg and other Jewish university students from Western Canada.
As in the past, this year’s Shabbat UnPlugged weekend was held at Lakeview’s Hecla Resort. “What we like about Hecla,” Kerr notes, “is that they let us bring in our own kosher food, it is out of the city and close to nature for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.”
The weekend retreat traditionally begins with a candle lighting, kiddush and a traditional Shabbat supper. Unlike previous Shabbats UnPlugged, Kerr points out, there were no outside featured speakers this year. All religious services and activities were led by students or national program partners.
The weekend was funded in part by grants from CJPAC and StandWithUs Canada, along with the primary gift from The Asper Foundation.
Kerr reports that the activities began with 18 of our local Jewish university students participating in a new student Shabbaton – inspired by Shabbat Unplugged, titled “Roots & Rising.”
In addition to Shabbat Unplugged, Hillel further partnered with Chabad for a Sukkot program in the fall, as well as with Shaarey Zedek Congregation and StandWithUs Canada for a Chanukah program. Hillell also featured a commemoration of October 7, an evening of laser tag and, in January, a Hillel-led afternoon of ice skating.
Coming up this month will be a visit to an Escape Room – and a traditional Shabbat dinner in March.
Kerr estimates that there are about 300 Jewish students at the University of Manitoba and 100 at the University of Winnipeg.
“Our goal is to attract more Jewish students to take part in our programs and connect with our community,” she comments.