Local News
PARIM Board forces out principled president-elect who called out Dr. Gem Newman for valedictory address to U of M med students
By BECKY CHISICK Past Secretary and President-elect of the Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba (PARIM), Dr. Matthew Bzura, is a man of courage and admirable ethics. I spoke with Dr. Bzura and gained insight into what led him to voice his concerns and then file an official complaint against Dr. Gem Newman, valedictorian for the class of 2024 at the Max Rady School of Medicine.
Dr. Bzura detailed his time working with a senior internal medicine resident who asked him if he was Jewish (due to his “look”). When Dr. Bzura inquired why the senior resident asked that question, the response he received was “All Jews want to do internal medicine in Manitoba”, just one example of the many false assumptions made about Jews.
He explained to me that as the son of Roman Catholic immigrant parents from Poland, the feelings of discrimination, disrespect, and alienation resonated with him. He did not speak up at that time and said, “It still haunts me”. Dr. Bzura feels strongly that it is important to denounce voices that divide and alienate.
On May 23, 2024, Dr. Bzura spoke out on social media, expressing his disappointment over the valedictorian address at the Max Rady College of Medicine’s 2024 graduation ceremony, and exposing Dr. Gem Newman’s antisemitic social media posts – dating back to 2018. Dr, Bzura then lodged a formal complaint against Dr. Newman with the college’s office of professionalism.
While Dr. Bzura was flooded by supportive comments from the Jewish community, the weeks that followed became more and more concerning. Following Dr. Bzura’s complaint, a complaint was filed against him. The complaint came from Dr. Matthew Thiessen, president (now past president) of PARIM -the same colleague and friend that sent him messages encouraging Dr. Bzura to run for president of PARIM…. the same colleague who sent him supportive messages following his post on May 23!
Dr. Bzura’s decision to communicate via social media and written letters arose from his own will and interest, which resulted in many people reaching out to him, offering support.
He went on to note that “I then reached out to the Jewish community and spoke with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). “They gave me the support I needed and some history of what the Jewish community has been going through. I was not aware of the magnitude of antisemitism right now. CIJA is well organized and equipped to assist in these circumstances.”
Dr. Bzura became the president-elect of PARIM in March 2024, effective July 1, 2024. In the June 24 board meeting called by PARIM leadership, the decision was passed to strip Dr. Bzura of his duties as secretary (his board position at that time). PARIM’s legal counsel was present, yet Dr. Bzura was denied the right to have his own counsel there. Paul Edwards, Dr. Bzura’s lawyer, said that “he was treated very poorly” and referred to PARIM’s actions as “a relentless effort to remove him”.
On July 9, 2024, Dr. Bzura wrote An Open Letter to PARIM Members and Stakeholders formally announcing his resignation as president and detailing the events that led to his decision.
I asked him why he chose to resign rather than fight the decision? Dr. Bzura said there were simply more important topics for PARIM to resolve, and dragging out the appeal process would have infringed on valuable time.
After a short nine days as president, there was no hint of resentment in his voice, which speaks to Dr. Bzura’s character. “If I made one resident in our (Manitoba residents and interns) community not feel alone, then I have done my job.”
Dr. Charles Bernstein, president of the newly created Jewish Physicians of Manitoba (JPAM), said, “Jewish and non-Jewish physicians are bewildered as to what evolved with Dr. Bzura and PARIM.” Dr Bernstein added that “actions taken by PARIM seem appalling and need to be addressed. As physicians it is our role to not make others feel uncomfortable”.
PARIM has done the opposite in this case – by not allowing Dr. Bzura the right to have his counsel present, and providing no credible explanation as to why he was being stripped of his duties as secretary – six days before his term was set to expire.
Following the valedictorian speech on May 16, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, in partnership with CIJA have been in communication with leadership at the University of Manitoba and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
“Earlier this year, we started working with Jewish physicians to support the launch of their organization (JPAM) and to elevate their advocacy efforts and reach. This is a sign that the community must get involved against rampant and systematic discrimination against our community and the Jewish values we embrace,” said Gustavo Zentner, Vice-President of CIJA, Manitoba & Saskatchewan.
Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, stated, “The Jewish Federation and its advocacy agent, CIJA, are constantly engaged at all levels in fighting against Jew-hatred and the singling out of the state of Israel. Having launched the CIJA role five months ago, we are seeing pivotal support to community organizations and allies across Manitoba as we fulfill the federation’s mandate to protect Jewish life in Winnipeg.”
A joint release by CIJA and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg was emailed to the community on July 11 stating:
The Jewish community has a long history of building and contributing to the medical profession in Manitoba. This has been recorded in history and recognized by the government and medical institutions in Manitoba, across Canada, and around the world.
It is concerning to see that PARIM has allowed a process against someone taking a moral stand that highlighted how deeply divisive a speech like the one given was and how profoundly it affected a minority community.
We thank Dr. Bzura for his decision to stand up and speak out against such a one-sided speech.
Gustavo Zentner added, “There is hard work ahead of us. We are fighting an evil and organized global movement designed to single out and intimidate the Jewish community. This is the time to undertake meaningful actions and engage in open dialogue with people at work, school, and social circles. We are working with our governments, universities, business groups and allies to ensure we are well represented. We will not accept being boxed and shunned from living freely and expressing our Jewish identity in all aspects of life in Canada.”
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.”
Local News
New Israeli restaurant opens in River Heights
By BERNIE BELLAN (July 6, 2025) It’s been a long time since our community has been able to welcome the opening of a restaurant that specializes in Israeli food.
That void is now filled with the opening of The Green Falafel, at 1833 Grant (corner of Centennial – next to the Subway), which opened its doors (to huge crowds) on Monday, July 7.
(owners Ariel & Elena Maudi second and third from left)
The restaurant is the fulfillment of a dream long held by the husband and wife team of Ariel and Eden Maudi, who have been living in Winnipeg the past 11 years.
Ariel, who was born in Israel and grew up in Beer Sheva, says that he worked in telecommunications in Ramat Gan for several years. He adds though that he had always dreamed of owning his own falafel stand in Israel, but life was difficult there and he decided to come to Canada as a tourist to see whether there were any opportunities here for him, Eden and their two young children.
Eden, who was born in Russia and moved to Israel with her family in 1996, stayed behind with the two kids, who were both pre-schoolers, while Ariel tested the waters in Canada first.
Ariel says he came to Canada as a tourist in 2013. His first stop was in Toronto, where he acquired his 1st class driver’s license. At the end of 2013 he moved to Winnipeg where he began working as a truck driver. Soon he found himself employed as a successful sales person at Vickar Nissan where, he says, he once achieved the status as the top car sales person in Canada. After working at Vickar Nissan for a number of years, Ariel began working as an installer for Bell MTS.
Meanwhile, Eden began working at a Walmart, later at the Costco on Regent.
But, when the opportunity to move into a space that had been previously occupied by another restaurant, but which had closed, became available, Ariel and Eden decided to open their own Israeli restaurant in an area that hadn’t seen Israeli food served since the controversial closure of Bermax Café in 2019.
The Maudis say that they will be serving a variety of Israeli dishes – all vegetarian, and that they will be fully kosher.
The “green” in Green Falafel, by the way, Ariel Maudi explains, comes from the cilantro and parsley that are added to the chickpeas. In addition, their pitas will be coming from Israel and will be baked fresh daily.
The Green Falafel is open from 10-8 Sunday – Thursday and 10-4 on Friday. (Closed Saturday).Delivery will be available through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Call 204-557-7837 for information.
Local News
Previews of shows with Jewish performers at this year’s Fringe Festival July 16-27
For show dates and venues go to winnipegfringe.com
By BERNIE BELLAN As has been our custom for many years now we try to find shows that have either Jewish performers or themes that would have particular appeal for Jewish audiences. Many of the Jewish performers at this year’s festival have been here before, but several are new. In no particular order here are blurbs about the shows we’ve found that fit the criteria I’ve just described. (By they way, if we’ve omitted a show that should be included in our list there’s plenty of time to get added to this post. Just drop me a line at jewishp@mymts.net.)
You’ve Been Served: A One-Woman Show About Divorce, Cults, and Coming of Age at Midlife
Noemi Zeigler
You are hereby summoned… to laugh, cry, and maybe belt out a Streisand number in solidarity. You’ve Been Served is a raw and riotous solo comedy by writer-performer Noemi Zeigler. It all begins when Noemi is served divorce papers on top of a garbage bin lid while taking out the trash—an undignified start to a full-blown midlife unraveling.
At 50, still clinging to her dream of becoming a singer, she falls under the spell of a music producer slash self-help guru, joins a spiritual cult, and, instead of landing a record deal, she lands in jail. Behind bars, with help from her long-buried inner child, she begins to reclaim her voice and her power. Turns out, dreams really do come true—just not the way she expected.
The show features vividly drawn characters—including a manipulative cult leader, a toxic ex-husband, and a jail guard named Roach who shares Noemi’s obsession with the fashion of Charlie’s Angels (the ‘70s TV version, of course.)
With salsa dancing, twerking, and a belting rendition of Don’t Rain on My Parade, Zeigler dives into abandonment, reinvention, and self-rescue. As she confronts perimenopause, she discovers it’s not the end—it’s the new puberty. The show touches on grief, sexuality, and spiritual confusion, but Noemi’s childlike optimism asks: What if your breakdown is actually your breakthrough?
You’re good for nothing… I’ll milk the cow myself
Written & Performed by Natacha Ruck
France, 1981: The first socialist president is about to be elected and young Natacha is ready to implement her own political platform. But first, she has to take down the schoolyard bully,emasculate the rules of French grammar and make off with grandmother’s chocolate.
If you think you know the limits of Jewish mothers, evil grandmothers and transcontinental lovers, meet Natacha Ruck’s family. This true tale of three generations of women, facing three world wars, is equal parts hilarious, shocking and zany.
A One Human Being, Potentially Comedic Performance of Beauty and the Beast NEW WORK!
Written & Performed by Alli Perlov
Be our guest! Local high school drama teacher Alli Perlov is back for a tale as old as time. Can she sing? Not really. Can she act? That’s debatable. Will you laugh? Oh… probably.
Perlov plays dozens of characters, some human, some animal, and many objects, in a comedic exploration of Beauty and the Beast.
In an homage to this brilliant musical adventure, through witty commentary and unstoppable energy, Perlov aims to entertain an audience that isn’t forced to be there like her students.
Hockey Sticks and Beaver Pie
Written & Performed by Melanie Gall
Take a trip around Manitoba. From the 30,000 ft. St. Adolphe snow maze to the Narcisse snake dens! After all, where else holds both the title of Slurpee Capital of the World and the Guinness Record for the most people simultaneously howling like wolves?
Deanna Durbin, Terry Jacks and Burton Cummings are among the many homegrown stars, and Hockey Sticks features their music along with original songs and the stories that make this province unique.
Starring Melanie Gall from past shows Piaf & Brel, Ingenue and Toast to Prohibition
Nerohilarity Exposed
Produced by Adam Schwartz
We all sometimes feel exposed, whether that’s as a fraud or a pretender.
The performers of the award-winning Neurohilarity show, Danielle Kayahara (Laugh Out Loud CBC), Carole Cunningham (Yuk Yuks, The Debaters), Adam Schwartz (Winnipeg Fringe) and Rollin Penner (Yuk Yuks, CBC, Rumors, Winnipeg Comedy Festival), apply a comedic spin to the experiences that make us feel insecure, stripping away the emotional weight with nittygritty jokes and stories that will have you laughing uproariously.
Brilliantly awkward.
A Lesbian in the Kitchen
Willow Rosenberg
Professional lesbian Willow Rosenberg takes you on a journey through the centuries, superstitions and tablespoons of her lifelong passion for baking in this spiritual successor to 2024’s Jenny Award-nominated A Lesbian in a Bear Store.
Whether you have a favourite spatula, bake once or twice a year, or live in constant fear of being told to “just fold it in”, this one-woman show about family, joy, tradition (but make it gay),
Judaism, comfort, home (but make it gayer*), love, chemistry and magic is for you!
*Who’re we kidding, it’s all gay!
Eleanor’s Story: An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany
Written & Performed by Ingrid Garner
(Ed. note: Although Ingrid Garner isn’t Jewish, we thought the theme of this show might have a special appeal for Jewish readers.)
Based on Eleanor Ramrath Garner’s best-selling memoir, this 16x internationally award-winning adaptation – performed by her granddaughter, Ingrid Garner – details Eleanor’s youth as an American caught in Second World War Berlin.
Punctuated with humour and accompanied by cinematic sound and video, Garner embodies her ancestors in this coming-of-age odyssey, delivering an account of war that is more relevant than ever.
Reviewing The Free Press 2
Benji Rothman
The Winnipeg Free Press has run amok, reviewing each and every Fringe show over the past two decades without consequence or recourse. Now, it’s their turn… again.
In this refurbished work that debuted at last year’s Winnipeg Fringe, Benji Rothman once again takes the Winnipeg Free Press to task. In this (mostly) new, (hopefully) hilarious 45-minute show, Rothman dives deep into their past and exposes their faulty journalism, imbalanced reporting and, of course, embarrassing typos.