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Part 2 of the story of Winnipeg’s Machalniks: 20 young men who volunteered to fight for the fledgling State of Israel in 1948
Ed. introduction: Elsewhere on this site we have the first part of a story (https://jewishpostandnews.ca/features/in-1948-20-young-jewish-men-from-winnipeg-went-to-palestine-to-fight-for-the-fledgling-jewish-state) that had been written by my late brother Matt in August 1989. In that first part Matt described going to a gathering of ten individuals from Winnipeg who had volunteered to serve in the Haganah when Israel found itself under attack by seven Arab armies in May 1948, upon Israel’s declaration of statehood. Machal was an acronym for the Hebrew “Mitnadvei Hutz La’aretz” (volunteers from outside the country). That gathering, at what was then the General Monash branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, was the first time that Winnipeg Machalniks had been honoured by any organization in Winnipeg.
Here is part 2 of that story:
Seventeen-year-old, Jack Hurtig served as chief tactical officer of the “Bomb Command” at Ramat David, near Nazareth.
Among other duties, Hurtig was in charge of equipping planes for bombing runs.
“It was like getting aircraft from a scrapyard,” he says. The men in charge of getting planes for Israel’s pledging air force bought whatever they could get all over the world. “We took rusted fence posts, and tied them to the underside of the wing. It was the only air force I know that used fence posts to hold bombs.”
“There were so many encounters,” Hurtig recalls “….Event after event. The air force started as a disorganized group of individuals under very poor direction. In two to three months, it became a first class fighting outfit.
“Anyone from air forces in Arab countries came from wealthy families. They had no desire to die. For the Jewish men and women, it was a matter of survival.”
Jack Olfman, another Winnipeg Machalnik, was 32 when he left for Israel in October 1948.
His younger brother, Mickey, had left Canada in May to join the Haganah.
Jack Olfman had served as a wireless operator and air gunner during World War II.
In Israel, he was based in Akir, south of Rehovot, on the northern edge of the Negev.
“They needed ground wireless men to pass on messages between military camps and take down weather forecasts. The forecasts were all in code.
“ I just passed it on to somebody in the code room and he would decipher it.”
One of Olfman’s most vivid memories is visiting his brother, stationed about 15 miles east of Safed.
To reach him, about 100 yards from the Syrian guns, Jack had to climb a steep hill.
“I got up about 40 feet, and couldn’t see a path any more. It was covered with weeds. The path was mined, but I kept on going. Right on top was my brother on a mule, carrying water. And there was this American kid sitting on a rock, reading a comic book, with a rifle across his knees.
“I said: ‘This is how you’re guarding against the Syrians!’ “ Olfman recalls. “I thought it was very comical.”
The other Machalniks have other colourful memories – like encounters with Ben-Gurion, and gathering in an office the Canadian Zionist Federation ran on the Tel Aviv beachfront to enjoy cans of Chicago Kosher corned beef and pick up mail from home.
But when they returned to Winnipeg after the war, they met with a subdued reaction from the Jewish community.
Olfman recalls gathering at the Peretz School, where he and a few other Machalniks showed off souvenirs they brought back from Israel. But few Winnipeg Jews showed up, apart from some friends and relatives.
Aside from last month’s dinner at the General Monash Branch, the Machalniks can’t recall anyone holding a ceremony to honour the approximately 20 Winnipeggers, including five gentiles who volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence.
They note that several other Canadian Jewish communities have held such events. “The boys aren’t hostile,” but it’s a strange thing one local Machalnik says. “It has been sad that to be honoured by Winnipeg’s Jewish community you have to give some money.”
Bob Freedman, executive director of the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council says “if the community has never honored Mahcalniks, I would simply have to assume it was an oversight.”
Willie Fisher, Freedman’s wife’s first cousin, was one of 2 Winnipeg Machalniks who was killed fighting for Israel in its first war.
“It was nice that Jewish war veterans did something” to honor the Machalniks, Freedman continued.
But, he wonders, what would be the most proper way to recognize them further, four decades later without embarrassing them?
Still, Freedman concludes, “I think something should be done in a tasteful manner.”
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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.