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David Genser: Art is both a love of his as well as a business for him
By GERRY POSNER I am betting that many readers will remember the big furniture store on Portage Avenue – Genser’s. That store and indeed there was more than one of them at certain times, was well known in the Winnipeg for several decades.
The store began with Morris Genser and later his three sons, Lawrence, Harold and Percy, all prominent in the community and who grew the business, ultimately making Genser’s Furniture one of the largest furniture stores in Western Canada. The Genser brothers, aside from their business careers, also were accomplished musicians well known in the musical world, forming what was known as the Genser Trio. And, most significantly, the brothers were all very involved in the community in various endeavours. Just as an example, Percy Genser was at one time the Vice- President of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club, President of the Manitoba Theatre Centre and active in the WSO and Glendale Country Club.
Well, it appears that the Genser genes remain strong in the philanthropic and community areas, with David Genser, son of Percy and wife Esther. David grew up as the middle child of three kids, (sisters Carol and Roberta). He graduated from Kelvin High School and later attended McGill University. from where he graduated in 1962, also where he met his wife Joan (formerly Kellnor). Subsequently, he obtained an MBA from New York University at the Stern School of Business. David did return to live in Winnipeg with Joan for about nine years, but in 1972 the couple left the city for Toronto. They later moved to Boston – in 1976, where David and Joan have essentially remained for most of their lives.
Genser’s work has been in the insurance world. He’s carved out a niche specialty in art insurance, with clients spread around the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Even at 80, David Genser is still very active in his business, known as Genser Insurance, located in Needham, Massachusetts. He is now fortunate to have a son to whom he can hand on the business, also a grandson in university who may be a possible addition to the Genser team.
What likely precipitated his start in and allowed for the continuation of Genser’s business career in the art field for over 35 years now, was a very deep interest in art by both Joan and David. They are serious collectors of art, with a passion to buy that which they love and that passion has brought them to become owners of a major collection of contemporary art. A recent edition of the Palm Beach Art and Culture Magazine in Florida, where the Gensers have a home, features many pieces in the Genser art collection, now totalling over 350, including over 100 in their Palm Beach home.
David and Joan’s desire to continue to grow their collection continues unabated. The story of their immersion in the art world is fascinating. Genser will tell you that it was in Winnipeg where he began his involvement in the arts. He was on the Board of Governors of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and was also involved with MTC, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Junior Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony.
David Genser also continues the Genser family tradition of significant involvement in charitable and organizational work. Whereas his father Percy was busy with the Bombers and MTC, and his grandfather Morris Genser and his uncle Harold were past presidents of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, David has devoted a large part of his time and energy to the American Friends of Museums in Israel, which he presently serves as chairman. He is also the chairman of the Palm Beach Opera and is on the Board of Governors of Israel Cancer. Moreover, he is a past member of the Boston Ballet and a past chairman of the American Friends of the Tel Aviv Museum. It is true that David’s ancestors had a musical inclination, but David has taken the interest in the arts into art and museums. Still, the theme of giving back to the community is the same. David says that his parents were a great influence on him and he quotes his mother Esther who, right up until her death at 95, reminded David “to keep doing and to keep giving.”
David and Joan have two children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in the Boston area. How lucky are they to be so close to family in this day. Even with his family all settled close together and all his time away from Manitoba, David does say he never forgets his Winnipeg links – filled with wonderful memories (not so much the cold winter days of January). And, that made me wonder if any of the Genser art pieces had a scene from Winnipeg in winter. Sure enough, it turns out that for his 70th birthday, Joan gave her husband a small coloured drawing from an acclaimed artist originally from Winnipeg, Marcel Dzama, of a wintery scene featuring Winnipeg. David Genser will never forget his roots.
Features
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
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ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
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Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.