Features
Anita Jacobson: The return of the native (sort of)
By GERRY POSNER Flexibility is an important quality as chiropractor Martin Gurvey (about whom you can read at http://www.jewishpostandnews.ca/8-features/836-martin-gurvey-a-very-flexible-guy) has demonstrated, but then in another related way, so has Anita Jacobson. You might say that Anita is to Occupational Therapy as Martin is to Chiropractry.
Anita has had, as has Martin, careers in both Manitoba and Ontario and, in both cases, has had considerable success in her chosen profession. As well, aside from her work, Anita Jacobson can make a claim that very few, if any, ex -Winnipeggers can make – more on that later.
Anita is the daughter of Bill Bulstein and Ida Cristall. Her origins are legitimately north end Winnipeg. They include going to Winnipeg Beach every summer, BB Camp and volunteer work at the Logan Neighbourhood House. It was there that she developed her social conscience and, as she says “the learning of the use of self as a therapeutic tool in treating people.”
Anita chose to enter the Faculty of Occupational Therapy in its second year of life at the University of Manitoba. Upon graduation, she entered the work force and her career, over a span of over 45 years, took off. Jacobson can rightfully say that she has risen to the top in her chosen field. And if she won’t say it, I will.
Following her obtaining a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree, then a Master’s Degree in Health Education from the University of Manitoba, Anita was invited to be a sessional lecturer in the Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation at the University of Manitob,a which she did for eight years. Later, Anita was a lecturer in the Department of Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto. Along the way, she received awards from the Y.W.C.A. in 1983 and 1984 as Manitoba Woman of the Year.
In the management category, Anita earned her honours with a serious devotion to her work, starting with 23 years from 1964-1987 at the Health Sciences Centre as a clinician in Mental Health and ending as the Director in the Occupational Therapy Department – covering four separate hospitals. Giving all of that up and moving to Toronto in 1987 was a major decision for Anita, who took her three children, Perry, Darryl and Lori with her at a time when they were all quite happy in Winnipeg.
Anita came to Toronto cold, seeking more challenges, really knowing no one except a sister who lived there. No matter how you slice it, this was a bold move, yet Anita carved out a career and life for herself and kids that was both enriching and satisfying.
Anita’s professional work in Toronto has been extensive and varied. She has been a consultant on several occasions to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care at Toronto East General Hospital, St. John’s Rehab Hospital and St. Elizabeth Health Care. She was also involved with the Women’s College Hospital and at the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington.
Possibly her most important position was as the Practice Resource Liaison of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario ( COTO), the regulatory body of the profession. Her positions as Director of Services in the areas of hospital, community and in-home services prepared her for this position. In that capacity she was responsible for writing and developing standards and regulatory policies for Ontario occupational therapists as well as providing advice to the public and OTS on regulatory practice issues.
On top of all of that, Anita has volunteered her time and energy right from her days in Winnipeg. Some readers might remember Anita as mayor of the Israel Pavilion at Folklorama in 1983 and 1984. Anita even had her daughter Lori selling bagels on a stick at the age of four at Folklorama. Anita also has had volunteer experience with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Skills Unlimited and the Mental Health Programme Services in Toronto. In each of those roles, she served on the Boards of Directors.
With all that Anita has achieved in her professional life, Anita is quite clear in her gratitude to the Health Sciences Centre, where she she found openness among various disciplines working together in innovative treatment models. She says, “As a teaching hospital, there were students from the diverse disciplines who worked with the range of staff and we learned from each other… We have to thank Drs. Harry Prosen, Bill Bebchuk, Chiefs of the Department of Psychiatry, and the psychiatrists who valued the skills and contribution of the multidisciplinary staff and who promoted teamwork.”
Now, I mentioned Anita has yet another claim to another unusual kind of fame. It’s true that she moved away with her children at a critical time in their lives. Both sons, Perry and Darryl, completed B.Sc. degrees at the University of Toronto, with Perry graduating in medicine and Darryl in law in Manitoba and both ending up earning M.B.A.’s from Western University in London, Ontario. How rare is that?
Even more unusual is that Anita’s daughter Lori made just as big a decision as her mother did in 1987 when Lori chose a few years ago, following her obtaining a B.A. at York University, to return to Winnipeg as a full time resident. It is in Winnipeg where Lori works as a manager in Human Resources. Do you suppose it was the selling of bagels at age four that drew her back? You could argue that Lori’s return to Winnipeg was a form of pay back from Anita to the city of her roots. Whatever the cause, Lori’s presence in Winnipeg is just another key reason for Anita to make trips (when it becomes feasible) to the city and to renew her many friendships there.
Features
Famous Gambling Scandals and Controversies: Allyspin Casino Opinion
The gambling industry is full of scandals and controversies. There are various cases of fraud and manipulation schemes. That is why it is very important to pay attention to reliable gambling sites like Allyspin online casino, which follows the rules of responsible and safe gambling for its fans. Research shows that more than one trillion dollars are bet worldwide every year. That is why it is very important to be able to distinguish safe and reliable sites from fraudulent ones.
Casino Fraud and Money Laundering
Honest and secure gambling websites like Allyspin casino are careful not to fall victim to scammers. However, many sites are often targets for money laundering and fraud. Due to the large volume of transactions and cash flow, it is difficult to track all the directions of the flow of funds.
Among the largest scandals, the Crown Resorts in Australia stands out. An investigation showed that the casino was used to launder millions. Macau casino networks have also been involved in high-profile scandals. Thus, the region has faced close attention due to allegations of organized crime and laundering billions of dollars through betting. In addition, there are many money laundering cases in Las Vegas casinos.
There are many different methods of money laundering in online casinos. For example, fraudsters use chip dumping, cashing out winnings. Also, structuring is used by entering small amounts that are difficult to track over time.
Gambling Industry Reforms after Scandals
Sites like Allyspin casino do everything possible to prevent such scandals. Thus, the latest security measures and solutions are actively implemented:
Advanced fraud detection based on artificial intelligence. With the help of modern algorithms, monitoring of suspicious behavior when placing bets is simplified.
Strict identity verification protocols. Users need to confirm their identity before being able to withdraw funds.
Secure data using blockchain. Modern online casinos use cryptocurrency payments and blockchain in order to reduce the risks of unauthorized access to transactions.
Responsible gaming programs are also actively implemented. Online casinos offer the option of self-exclusion, as well as provide full support to players. All this allows you to minimize possible risks in the process of gambling and ensure the transparency of payment transactions.
The Future of Casino Security and Fraud Prevention
Large sites like Allyspin casino continue to expand, introducing enhanced security and fraud prevention tools. In the near future, such unique features will be available:
Fraud detection systems based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Automation of processes helps to detect any fraudulent facts much faster compared to traditional methods.
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency payments help not only simplify payments for users, but also reduce the risks of unauthorized transactions.
Biometric and multi-factor authentication. Thus, users undergo unambiguous identification, which reduces the risk of account use by fraudsters.
Cybersecurity plays an important role in online casino gambling. Modern sites implement the latest mechanisms to combat fraud, ensure fair gaming process and fully protect honest players.
Features
Canada Is Failing Its Students on Holocaust Education — Here’s What Must Change
By EMILY (surname withheld by request) We received the following article from a third-year Health Sciences student at Western University, who wrote that as “a Jewish student, I have seen firsthand how Holocaust education in Canada is falling short and how that failure is contributing to fear, misinformation, and rising antisemitism on campuses like mine.”
Despite curriculum requirements, Holocaust education in Canada is alarmingly inadequate. A recent survey found that nearly one in five young Canadians believe the Holocaust has been exaggerated. This highlights a dangerous gap in historical understanding, leaving students vulnerable to misinformation, denial, and rising antisemitism. If Canada is serious about combating hate, it must take Holocaust education far more seriously.
When asked whether Holocaust education in Canada is lacking, Professor Hernan Tessler-Mabe, historian and coordinator of Jewish Studies at Huron University, did not hesitate: “You are 100 percent correct.”
While most provinces claim to include Holocaust education in their curricula, the programming and implementation of curriculum tends to be inconsistent and inadequate. A student’s understanding of one of history’s greatest atrocities depends heavily on where they go to school, which teacher they have, and whether their school offers substantive instruction. The result is misinformation, denial, and rising antisemitism.
Avoiding Holocaust education allows dangerous myths and conspiracy theories to spread unchecked. Without an understanding of the Holocaust and the centuries of antisemitism that preceded it, students are ill-equipped to identify modern antisemitism in the world around them. This antisemitism manifests into everyday conversation, online spaces, and political discourse.
To address this crisis, Canada must act with urgency in three key areas. These include consulting experts, confronting difficult material, and properly training educators.
First, schools and provincial governments must consult those who specialize in Holocaust history and education. “It is the most important thing,” Dr. Tesler-Mabé, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Jewish Studies at Huron University says. He points out, “You cannot just throw it into a general history class and assume it will be taught well. You need people who understand both the history and how to teach it.”
Second, we must accept that the subject is deeply disturbing and cannot be made comfortable. Dr. Tesler-Mabé iterates, “We have to accept that parts of this will be traumatic or triggering.” “Obviously it depends on grade level, but if students do not feel disturbed by it, they will not understand it. That discomfort is part of the learning.”
Third, teachers must be prepared. Many educators may feel unequipped to teach this material and either gloss over it or skip it altogether. Training programs and partnerships are essential. In Ottawa, the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship (CHES) works to connect schools with survivor testimonies and support resources, but broader reach and investment are needed.
Dr. Tesler-Mabé explains, “We have to teach the teachers, especially now that we are losing survivors. That raises a whole new concern. How do you teach something this heavy, this complex, without first hand testimony? Educators need the tools, the background, and the sensitivity to do it well.”
Some may argue that Canada already does enough in this area. After all, Holocaust education is present in some curricula, and many students visit Holocaust museums or hear from survivors. But occasional exposure is not enough. The widespread prevalence of Holocaust denial and the proliferation of antisemitic conspiracy theories underscore significant shortcomings in current systems designed to combat such misinformation. A 2022 report by UNESCO and the United Nations, in collaboration with the World Jewish Congress, found that 16.2% of Holocaust-related content on major social media platforms either denied or distorted fundamental facts about the Holocaust. A standardized, rigorous, and mandatory approach is the only way forward.
Holocaust education is not just about history, it is about safeguarding the future and combating antisemitism in modern manifestations. When students understand how propaganda, scapegoating, and dehumanization led to one of history’s darkest chapters, they are better equipped to recognize and reject hatred in all its forms. Without a solid foundation in Holocaust education, antisemitism continues to fester, not just in online spaces, but within universities, workplaces, and public discourse. We are already seeing the consequences of unchecked Holocaust denial and rising antisemitism, from bias in professional spaces to hostility on university campuses. As a Jewish student at Western University, I have seen fear take hold among my peers. Friends who once wore Stars of David or spoke openly about their heritage now hesitate to do so. I have also begun to question whether it is safe to express my identity. With the last generation of Holocaust survivors passing, the responsibility to preserve their stories and the lessons they teach rests with all of us. If we do not confront this crisis at its root, we risk allowing history to repeat itself in new and dangerous ways.
Canada is failing its students. In doing so, it is failing the promise of Never Again. The question is not whether we should strengthen Holocaust education, but why we have not already.
Features
Anna Kaplan one of Winnipeg’s youngest personal trainers
By MYRON LOVE It is always uplifting to read (or, from my perspective, to write) about people who have been able to reinvent themselves – and even more so when such an individual can use her own transformation to inspire others. Such is the case with Anna Kaplan, a young (21) personal trainer whose passion for physical fitness grew out of personal troubles as a teenager.
“I had a feeling of being excluded,” says the daughter of Kevin and Roxanne Kaplan. “I was afraid that I was missing out. I was losing friends. I had developed some bad habits and was at a real low point in my life – at rock bottom.”
At 18, Kaplan determined to change her life. She began working with a personal trainer and going to the gym. She also changed her dietary habits.
“Before long, I was feeling better mentally and physically,” she recalls.
Two years ago, wanting to help others struggling to improve their lives, Kaplan opened A Plus Fitness. On her Facebook page, she notes that “When you sign up for online training with A Plus Fitness, you’re not just getting a workout plan — you’re getting full access to our all-in-one training app designed to support your transformation every step of the way.”
Kaplan started A Plus Fitness strictly as an online business for which she developed her own app. “I started building my client base initially by contacting friends and acquaintances via a social media platform to see what interest there might be out there,” she says.
With demand for her services growing, about a year ago she began working with clients in person out of a gym on Portage Avenue. In just two years, she reports, business has grown to the point where she has had to hire a second trainer.
“I work with people ranging from 18 to 65 plus,” she says. “The number of clients has tripled in the last year and I have been able to help over 100 clients to get into shape and change their lives.”
The reviews have been outstanding with many giving the young fitness trainer a 5 out of 5 rating. Says one client: ”I’ve been training with Anna for a while now, and it’s been an amazing experience! She really takes the time to understand my goals and pushes me in the best way possible. Since working with her, I feel stronger, more motivated, and more confident in my workouts.”
Adds another: “Over the past year, A Plus Fitness has completely transformed my approach to working out, helping me tone my body and build strength in ways I never thought possible. Anna’s guidance and personalized training plans have made a huge difference in my progress, pushing me to achieve results faster than I expected.”
Kaplan feels good that among those she has been able to help have been her own mother, Roxanne Kaplan, who says that ”I’ve always had some sort of fitness routine in my life. I followed along with the fitness videos with the weights that were recommended – I’d go through phases but never stuck to it. With Anna’s coaching and sticking to her program, I see muscle definition that I’ve never had before. I feel better, more confident, and well rested.”
Kaplan further points out that, in additions to helping people through her business, she is also community minded. “I have helped with several fundraising events in the Jewish community,” she reports.
Most recently, she helped raise money for the Reid Bricker Mental Wellness Fund in memory of a relatively young member of our community who struggled with mental health for several years before committing suicide 10 years ago. The fund aims “to increase the availability of mental health supports and education across the province while ensuring that individuals and families facing mental health challenges receive the support they need when they need it the most.”
Next for Anna Kaplan and A Plus Fitness is to open her own location at some point in the next few years.
Readers can contact Anna at 204 391-5832 or mail her at admin@aplusfit.ca.
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