Features
Annamie Paul, candidate for leadership of the Green Party, had a surprising Winnipeg connection – unknown to her until recently
By GERRY POSNER
Imagine my surprise when I picked up a very recent edition of the JP&N and I saw an article on the very woman, Annamie Paul, I had just been asked to interview by Bernie Bellan. (Bernie’s reason for his wanting me to interview Annamie – even though the paper had just published an article about her, had to do with a Winnipeg connection – about which Annamie was probably unaware.)
With this second article, you might think that the JP&N was “ pulling” for her – but, rest assured, it’s only because something in that first article about Annamie certainly caught my attention – and it wasn’t just that Annamie is both Black and Jewish!
This fall there will be an election for a new leader of the Federal Green Party. That election might not stir up much interest yet in Manitoba and beyond, but for Winnipeggers, there are two candidates who have a real connection to the city.
Firstly, most Winnipeggers will recall former mayor Glen Murray. Well, take note that Glen is indeed running hard to be elected to be the new leader.
But secondly, Annamie Paul has a Winnipeg connection through the rabbi who converted her to Judaism: the late Rabbi Jim Diamond. (Read on to find out how Annamie came to be associated with Rabbi Diamond.)
Annamie Paul is likely setting an historical record just by running. First of all, even though there have been other females in Canada run and indeed get elected to Parliament, none of these candidates was at the same time, Black and Jewish. The voter will recognize the Black part, but the Jewish aspect of Annamie is perhaps not as well known as it should be, though Annamie is far from shy about disclosing her Jewishness. In short, Annamie represents diversity, which is a policy for which she ardently advocates.
Let me be clear from the outset that Annamie is not just entering this race to be the political version of Drake or Sammy Davis Jr. This woman has, as they say in the musical world, the ‘chops” to be the leader. Take a look at her background and you have to be amazed. She is to start off a lawyer, having graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Laws and who has since dedicated her career for the most part to public affairs. Her work background includes time spent working for the Canadian Mission to the European Union, providing advice to the International Criminal Court and later acting as the Executive Director of the Barcelona Policy Action Plan. Moreover, she has served as a Director for a leading conflict prevention NGO in Brussels. It ought not therefore be a surprise that this woman speaks fluent English, French, Catalan and is an intermediate speaker of Spanish (also a smattering of Hebrew).
Aside from all that, Paul ran in the 2019 election as a Green candidate – against none other than the Finance Minister, Bill Morneau. She finished fourth out of a group of eight. But, she resisted the pleas of many of her supporters to pick an easier riding. The fact is that Paul is not one who is easily fazed by difficult challenges.
One of those difficult challenges was her becoming Jewish. This was not something that just happened. Annamie had long been interested in Judaism and had an early exposure to Jewish families, growing up in Toronto. She even attended Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties as a youngster. Thus, her connection to Judaism was real. When she studied at Princeton University to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs over 20 years ago, she made the decision to convert to Judaism.
It was at Princeton, over a two-year period, that Paul made a connection with a rabbi whose roots were genuine north end Winnipeg – as in Boyd, Luxton and Rupertsland Avenues. This rabbi was none other than the late Rabbi James Diamond – a man whom, I might add, was my first cousin – and a beloved cousin to be sure. Oddly, over the year of Paul’s studying under Rabbi Diamond, the fact that he was a Canadian never came up in conversation, she told me.
Rabbi Diamond was the head of the Center for Jewish Life at Princeton for close to 10 years after a career in the rabbinate with Hillel, first at Indiana University, then later at Washington University in St. Louis. Diamond had done other conversions, but this conversion was likely his first and only Black Canadian woman.
And, he did not go easy on Annamie. Even though Jim used to describe himself as a Conservative rabbi with an Orthodox bent, he tried to give to Annamie, as she wanted, a more complete Orthodox instruction which would allow her entry into the Orthodox world if she required it.
She had to appear of course in front of a Beit Din, a panel of three learned men, who quizzed her on aspects of Judaism. Of course, she completed her conversion process with her immersion in a Mikveh. Annamie did it all and she gives Rabbi Diamond total credit for instilling in her this love for Judaism. She says he was responsible for her ability to read Hebrew, her desire to keep a kosher home, and ensuring that her sons had a Jewish education.
In fact one of her sons, Malachi, now 20, was born in Princeton. Both boys celebrated their Bar Mitzvahs – Malachi in Barcelona, and Jonas, in Toronto. Her husband of 24 years, Mark Freeman, a lawyer specializing in human rights, and Annamie, have carved out a real Jewish life for themselves. For Annamie Paul, Judaism speaks to her of values that she holds dear to her, particularly the humanism of the faith and its concern for the welfare of others.
Now, the Green Party has had its share of critics, as do all political parties. One area of concern for Jews is the attitude of the party re Israel. Annamie was clear to me that the Green Party in no way is a supporter of the BDS movement. Where the Green Party stands with respect to the settlements is uncertain, but clearly Paul is cognizant of the issues involved. What Paul is not afraid to do is to be a critic even of her own party if she thinks it has strayed off its platform. She is trying to push both her own party and indeed the whole country to reflect a more diverse and inclusive character.
On the one hand you would have to say that Annamie Paul is a long shot to be elected leader and yet, when you consider her path from nowhere to the present, her determination to embrace her Judaism and the causes that she has pursued with passion, I suggest that Canada would be well served with Annamie Paul as the head of the Green Party. My cousin Jim Diamond would be behind her all the way.
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.
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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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