Local News
Manitoba Métis Federation decisively votes down anti-Israel resolution
By MYRON LOVE On May 2, 2023, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the Vickar Automotive Group and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev signed a Donor Pledge Agreement to establish a partnership for research, education and culture exchange. The partnership aims to promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the Red River Métis community and the academic community in Israel. The collaboration will focus on research in areas such as health, environment, and social issues, as well as educational and cultural programs. The partnership will also involve the sharing of resources and expertise.
On Saturday, October 19, at its Annual General Assembly, which was held at Assiniboine Downs, the 4,000 MMF delegates resoundingly beat back an anti-Israel resolution that called upon the MMF Assembly to vote to tear up the agreement with Ben Gurion University – referencing the Pope’s recent criticism of Israel and the usual laundry list of false charges against Israel – war crimes, violation of international law, genocide, apartheid, etc.
The two petitioners also charged that BGU builds the bombs that the Israeli air force is dropping on Gaza and practices “water apartheid.” They further threw in a demand that longtime MMF President David Chartrand write a letter to the Government of Israel and the Government of Canada demanding a ceasefire.
To his great credit, Chartrand answered back forcefully, even angrily at times. He spoke about his visit to BGU last year. He commented on how what once was desert is now green. He noted that the agreement with BGU stands to provide the Red River Métis with many benefits – with exchange programs, underwritten by the Vickar Group – will expose young Red River Métis to a different society and bring here BGU personnel and technical expertise of benefit to local Métis communities.
As to the resolution, the MMF president began by emphasizing that Ben Gurion University “has nothing to do with this war.”
Chartrand then pointed out that the words in the resolution that were attributed to the Pope were not accurate. He noted that this is both a land war and a religious war. While expressing sympathy for the suffering on both sides, he condemned the Palestinian terrorist groups who use women and children as human shields.
Chartrand angrily denounced the two petitioners – with their standard Palestinian clothing accessories – for not presenting the General Assembly members with all the facts. He further excoriated those “pro-Palestinian” activists who burned a Canadian flag at an anti-Israel protest in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago.
“I understand and respect where you are coming from,” Chartrand told the petitioners. ”We are prepared to help rebuild Gaza when this war is over. We are a democracy and you are free to submit this resolution. But, right now, there is nothing the Manitoba Métis Federation can do about the situation.
And, Chartrand added, “I am not going to write any letter to the Government of Canada or the Government of Israel.”
Larry Vickar and Gustavo Zentner, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs representative in Winnipeg, attended the MMF General Assembly as observers.
“I applaud David Chartrand’s leadership at the Assembly,” Zentner observed. “The resolution was one-sided and ill-founded. President Chartrand has shown a keen understanding of the concept of the Jewish People’s indigeneity to the land of Israel. In his response, he delivered a clear message to the anti-Israel activists at the General Assembly.”
Zentner reported that he and Larry Vickar attended the launch of the MMF’s AGA and participated in government presentations and networking. “The MC recognized us amongst the government, elected officials, and MMF partners,” he noted. “This was a result of Larry’s tremendous record of working with MMF and President Chartrand.”
He added that “we were briefed on the motion and were able to provide insights and a narrative to support the MMF and President Chartrand. We already have tangible actions and steps in motion which Chartrand and two of his MMF cabinet ministers are aware of.”
Zentner noted that CIJA’s outreach to the Red River Métis is part of the national Jewish organization’s ongoing efforts to build bridges with different levels of government as well as other communities.
“The Jewish people, the people of Israel and the Red River Métis have much in common,” Zentner observed. “We are both indigenous people living on our native land – with shared values. We have much we can learn from each other.”
He further spoke of planned educational and cultural exchanges between the Red River Metis and Israel’s southernmost university. “Israel is a world leader in technology in many areas,” he noted, “technology that Israel is always ready to share with partners worldwide.”
Local News
Thank you to the community from the Chesed Shel Emes
We’re delighted to share a major milestone in our Capital Campaign, “Building on our Tradition.” Launched in November 2018, this campaign aimed to replace our outdated facility with a modern space tailored to our unique needs. Our new building is designed with ritual at its core, featuring ample preparation space, Shomer space, and storage, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our community during times of need.
We’re grateful to the nearly 1,000 generous donors who contributed over $4 million towards our new facility. A $750,000 mortgage will be retired in November 2025, completing this monumental project in just seven years.
We’re also thrilled to announce that our Chesed Shel Emes Endowment Fund has grown tenfold, from $15,000 to $150,000, thanks to you, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s FundMatch program, and Million Dollar Match initiative in 2024. Our fund helps ensure that everyone can have a dignified Jewish funeral regardless of financial need.
As we look to the future, our goal remains to ensure the Chevra Kadisha continues to serve our community for generations to come. Our focus now shifts to replenishing our savings account and growing our JFM Endowment fund.
We’re deeply grateful for your support over the past several years.
It’s our privilege to serve our community with care and compassion.
With sincere appreciation,
Campaign cabinet: Hillel Kravetsky, Gerry Pritchard, Stuart Pudavick,
Jack Solomon, and Rena Boroditsky
Murray S. Greenfield, President
Local News
Winnipeg Beach Synagogue about to celebrate 75th anniversary
By BERNIE BELLAN (July 13) In 1950 a group of cottage owners at Winnipeg Beach took it upon themselves to relocate a one-room schoolhouse that was in the Beausejour area to Winnipeg Beach where it became the beach synagogue at the corner of Hazel and Grove.
There it stayed until 1998 when it was moved to its current location at Camp Massad.
On August 2nd members of the synagogue will be holding a 75th anniversary celebration.
As part of the celebration anyone who is a descendant or relative of any of the original members of the first executive committee (as seen in the photo here) is invited to attend the synagogue that morning.
If you are a relative please contact Abe Borzykowski at wpgbeachshule@shaw.ca or aborzykowski@shaw.ca to let Abe know you might be attending or for more information about the 75th anniversary celebration.
We will soon be publishing a story about the history of the beach synagogue, which is something I’ve been writing about for over 25 years.
Local News
Vickar Family cuts ribbon on new Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre
By MYRON LOVE In the words of Larry Vickar, the Shaarey Zedek’s successful Dor V’ Dor Campaign “is not only a renewal of the synagogue but truly a renewal movement of Jewish life in our community.”An integral part of that renewal movement was the creation of a daycare centre within the expanded synagogue. On Monday, June 23, Larry and Tova Vickar cut the ribbon, thereby officially opening the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre in the presence of 100 of their family members, friends and other supporters of the project.
The short program preceding the morning ribbon-cutting began with a continental breakfast followed by a welcome by both Fanny Levy, Shaarey Zedek’s Board President, and Executive Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze. In Elbaze’s remarks, she noted that Larry and Tova wanted their family (including son Stephen and family, who flew in from Florida) and friends at the event to celebrate the opening of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre, “not because of the accolades, but because, as Larry put it, he hopes that their investment in the congregation will inspire others to do the same.”
“When Larry and I spoke about what this gift meant to him and the message he wanted people to take away,” she continued, “I couldn’t help but connect it to the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi whose book – Age-ing to Sage-ing – changes the whole way we look at the concept of ageing and basing it on our ancestral teachings.”
She explained that his concept of “Sage-ing” is based on three key ideas – Discover your meaning and purpose; accept our mortality and think about the legacy you want to leave.
“Larry spoke about these exact concepts when we met,” she said.
Elbaze also noted the presence of Shaarey Zedek’s newly-arrived senior Rabbi Carnie Rose, former Rabbi Alan Green, and area MLAs Mike Moroz and Carla Compton.
Larry Vickar expressed his great appreciation for all those in attendance. “Tova and I are deeply moved to stand here with you today for this important milestone in our community”, he said. “We are grateful to be surrounded by all of you, the people we care about, our family and friends… you who have touched our lives and played some part in our journey.”