Features
Yvonne Singer, a Toronto artist who was saved by Wallenberg as an infant, is still on a voyage of self-discovery
By RON CSILLAG
As an artist herself, Yvonne Singer can well appreciate the esthetic merits of the open-air monument to Swedish Second World War hero Raoul Wallenberg that was unveiled over the summer at Churchill Park in Hamilton, Ont.
Though she had not, as of this writing, personally viewed the installation, dubbed “Be:longings,” Singer spoke admiringly of the 10 bronze-cast suitcases dispersed along a gravel path adjacent to the Hamilton aviary. She knows Simon Frank, one of the project’s three creators, and is aware that suitcases have been a potent symbol of the Holocaust.
“I like the fact that the suitcases are scattered,” Singer, a well-established visual artist and teacher in Toronto, said in an interview over lemon tea in her sun-drenched kitchen. “I think the imagery and symbolism are very effective in conveying the idea of displacement and emigration.” The old-timey valises evoke not just Wallenberg, Singer noted, but all victims and survivors of that terror-stricken era.
The outdoor project is also “minimal, which I like. I don’t like public sculptures that scream at you or are clichéd.”
Singer connects to the installation on a whole other level. The 78-year-old resident of Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood is Wallenberg’s goddaughter. She was born on his bed.
It’s a Hollywood-worthy tale that evolved over time, in a series of eye-popping twists, turns and coincidences—all amid Singer’s own personal voyage of self-discovery.
The backstory is its own blockbuster: The non-Jewish scion of a wealthy Swedish industrial and banking family, Wallenberg, then just 32, was recruited by the U.S. War Refugee Board and dispatched to Budapest to assist and rescue as many Jews in the Nazi-occupied Hungarian capital as possible. He arrived in July 1944, just as the Nazis had shipped some 440,000 Jews from the countryside to Auschwitz. They now set their sights on the Jews of Budapest.
Accorded diplomatic status, Wallenberg famously set off on a frenetic pace. He designed, printed and distributed thousands of the famous “Schutzpass”—an official-looking document that placed the holder under the protection of the neutral Swedish Crown. He also scoured the city for buildings to rent, finding 32, and crammed in as many souls as possible. The “safe houses” flew the yellow-and-blue Swedish flag and were declared protected by diplomatic immunity.
Known for his bluster and bravado, his greatest coup came when he persuaded Nazi commanders to call off the liquidation of Budapest’s Jewish ghetto, with its 70,000 inhabitants. The number of Jews Wallenberg is said to have rescued peaks at 100,000. In any event, he is credited with saving more Jewish lives during the war than any single government.
By January 1945, the Red Army was laying siege to Budapest, and Wallenberg was taken into custody, supposedly on suspicion of being a U.S. spy. He promptly vanished into the gulag. A Soviet report in 1956 stated he had died in July 1947 of a heart attack in Moscow’s notorious Lubyanka prison, but supposed eyewitness sightings and stories of contact with him from former inmates continued well into the 1970s.
In 2012, the diaries of a former head of the KGB, discovered in the walls of his Moscow home, stated there was “no doubt” that Wallenberg was “liquidated” in 1947.
But back to Singer.
On the night of Nov. 3, 1944, a desperate Tibor Vandor, who worked for Wallenberg as a courier and liaison to the underground, needed help for his wife, Agnes. She was in labour and had been turned away from Budapest’s hospitals, which barred Jews. Wallenberg allowed the couple to use his own room, while he slept in the corridor.
The next morning, he was called in to see a newborn girl. Asked by the grateful parents to name her, Wallenberg chose Nina Maria Ava (Nina was his half-sister’s name, Maria his mother’s). The couple changed the first name to Yvonne, and Wallenberg agreed to be the child’s godfather.
Singer knew nothing of this until she was 34 years old.
It was October 1979 when she read an article, reprinted from a U.S. newspaper, in the Toronto Star about Wallenberg’s plight. The story included a reference to Singer’s unusual birth taken from a Hungarian book on the Swedish hero written after the war. The baby with the Toronto connection, the parents, the godfather—were all there, mentioned by name.
When she read the piece, “I burst out crying,” she told the Star after contacting the paper. Her story spilled forth a week later in a large Saturday Star article headlined “Swedish hero saved my life: Metro woman.”
Singer is still struck by “the incredible coincidence of it all. Here I am in Toronto in 1979, reading the paper… it boggles the mind. I could have easily gone through life not knowing the story. Suddenly, I had a connection to this man, who sounds like he was fascinating.”
Her parents had not told her the story. And there was another missing piece of the puzzle: their Jewishness.
At war’s end, the Vandors went to Switzerland and Holland before settling in Montreal in 1949, where the parents shed their Jewish identities, doubtless seeking to forget. Tibor Vandor even became an elder in the United Church.
“I always pressed them for more information, and they always refused,” even following the revelations in the Toronto Star, Singer recalled. “They told me very, very little.” Her parents never revealed being Jews. Their silence encompassed “anything to do with the war. They were just not forthcoming.”
Singer graduated from McGill University and went on to teach English and French at local high schools. She converted to Judaism to marry her husband, Ron Singer, a theatre director and educator, in 1966. A few years later, a cousin in England recalled being a flower-girl at Yvonne’s parents’ wedding, which she said took place in a synagogue. The parents denied it but their daughter believed it.
Singer’s feelings of alienation as an immigrant child would evaporate on discovering that she had been born Jewish, whether the knowledge came from a cousin or the Toronto Star. “I felt like I’d come home, part of a history that goes back thousands of years. I no longer felt rootless.”
The Singers moved to Toronto in 1971, where Yvonne later began a prolific art career in various media and teaching visual arts at York University. Raising three daughters and a busy life meant there was little time to get involved in the Wallenberg file (though she was pleased when he became Canada’s first Honorary Citizen in 1985 and when Canada Post issued a stamp commemorating Wallenberg a decade ago).
It’s little surprise that Singer’s art has explored themes of identity, history and memory. The outsider status she felt in her early life “is what made me think about ways of expressing that, either through language or visual imagery. So you go to what you know when you’re an artist.”
In 2016, the Swedish government declared Wallenberg officially dead, but to Singer, that offered no finality. “From what I learned, the Swedish government is not exempt from blame for trying to get Wallenberg out. I cannot reconcile the fact that [Wallenberg’s family] could not exert any kind of leverage over the Russians to find out what happened to him.”
In Judaism, being a godparent carries little or no religious obligation. Singer considers the godfather connection to Wallenberg an honour, “but I’m also very sad that I never met him. I think he would have been a fascinating person to talk to. The story is just very, very tragic.”
The grandmother of nine sighed. Over the decades, the story for her was obviously very personal, “and I was still processing it. Maybe I’m still processing it, for a long, long time.”
A version of this article originally appeared in the Hamilton Jewish News. It is reprinted with the author’s permission.
Features
Gamification in Online Casinos: What Do Casino Online DudeSpin Experts Say
Gamification is one of the trends in modern game development. The technology allows players to interact with in-game elements and complete various tasks to earn additional rewards. Sites like casino online DudeSpin are eager to explore new technologies. Canadian players are particularly drawn to gamification for the opportunity to test their skills and have fun. Various development approaches allow for the implementation of much of this functionality already at this stage of development.
Core Elements of Gamification
Gamification is a technology that implements various elements to increase player attention. This mechanic not only attracts new users but also increases the time spent playing. This method rewards the most active players and also uses interactive elements that evoke certain associations and habitual actions.
Gamification elements include:
Achievement systems. Players earn special points and rewards for achieving certain goals. For example, unlocking a new level awards points and free spins on slot machines.
Leaderboards. Competitive rankings increase player attention and encourage active betting. Furthermore, healthy competition between participants improves their overall performance.
Progressive mechanics. Players consistently achieve higher results, which unlock additional privileges. Constant progression creates the effect of maximum engagement and attention to the user’s personality.
Challenges. Special quests and daily missions help players feel needed, and a structured goal system encourages active betting.
Sites like casino online DudeSpin utilize all these components to make players feel part of a unified, evolving system.
Psychological Appeal of Gamification
The key to gamification’s success is that every player wants to feel special and appreciated. A reward system stimulates dopamine, which creates additional rewarding gameplay experiences. This is how sites like casino online DudeSpin retain a loyal audience and build a strong community.
Stable player progress serves as a motivation to continue betting and unlocking new achievements. Furthermore, a certain level on the leaderboard provides an opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with others at your level. Personalized offers enhance the effect of this uniqueness, encouraging more active betting in games. Structured goals and achievements help players manage their time spent active, focusing only on activities that truly benefit them.
Canadian Perspective on Gamified Casino Experiences
Canadian casinos are using gamification techniques for a reason. They’re developing a legal and modern market that appeals to local audiences. Furthermore, operators like casino online DudeSpin operate in compliance with local laws, which fosters trust.
Another reason for gamification’s popularity is the localization of content. All games, prizes, and tournaments are tailored to the local market. A loyal community communicates in a clear language and interacts according to audience preferences.
Many casinos also integrate responsible options to help players manage their deposits and avoid overspending. This structure makes gamification attractive.
Finally, gamification is already a traditional element of gameplay in Canadian casinos, attracting new audiences and increasing loyalty among existing ones.
Technology evolves alongside new opportunities, and operators strive to offer the best benefits to their most active players. This interaction makes gamification a viable solution for gamblers. Leaderboards, achievements, and adaptive features are particularly popular with Canadian users due to their personalization.
Features
Staying Safe Online: How to Verify Phone Numbers and Emails in a Digital World
In today’s connected world, communication happens instantly. Whether through phone calls, text messages, or email, we receive information faster than ever before. While this connectivity brings convenience, it also increases exposure to scams, fraud, and misinformation. Communities that value strong social ties, philanthropy, education, and global connection—such as Jewish communities worldwide—are particularly active online, making digital awareness essential.
One practical way to stay safe is by verifying unknown phone numbers and email addresses before responding. Modern lookup tools now make this process quick and accessible.
Why Phone and Email Verification Matters
The Rise of Digital Fraud
Across North America and beyond, online fraud has become more sophisticated. Scam calls may impersonate:
- Charitable organizations
- Financial institutions
- Government agencies
- Community leaders
- Family members in distress
Similarly, phishing emails often appear legitimate at first glance, using familiar names or logos to gain trust.
Before replying, donating, clicking links, or sharing sensitive information, verification can prevent costly mistakes.
Common Scenarios Where Verification Helps
1. Unknown Calls Requesting Donations
Many people are generous and active in charitable giving. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes exploit this generosity. If you receive a call asking for contributions to a cause, verifying the phone number can help confirm legitimacy.
2. Suspicious Emails About Account Access
Emails claiming urgent action is required—such as password resets or banking alerts—are common phishing tactics. Looking up the sender’s email can reveal whether it is associated with known fraud reports.
3. Online Marketplace Transactions
When buying or selling items online, verifying the contact details of the other party reduces the risk of fraud.
4. Reconnecting with Old Contacts
Sometimes you receive a message from someone claiming to be an old friend, colleague, or distant relative. A quick lookup can confirm whether the contact information aligns with public records.
Introducing ClarityCheck
One of the tools designed to simplify this process is ClarityCheck. The platform allows users to search for information associated with phone numbers and email addresses, helping individuals make informed decisions before responding.
What Makes ClarityCheck Useful?
Quick Searches
Users can enter:
- A phone number
- An email address
The system then aggregates publicly available data and digital signals connected to that contact detail.
Easy-to-Understand Results
Rather than overwhelming users with technical data, the platform presents results in a structured format, making it easier to interpret findings.
Privacy-Conscious Approach
The service focuses on organizing publicly accessible information, helping users assess risk without intrusive methods.
How Phone Number Lookup Works
When a phone number is entered into a lookup service, several types of information may be identified:
| Data Category | Possible Insights |
| Carrier Information | Type of line (mobile, landline, VoIP) |
| Geographic Indicators | Area code origin |
| Spam Reports | Previous complaints or flags |
| Digital Footprint | Public listings linked to the number |
This information can help users determine whether a number is likely legitimate or potentially fraudulent.
For example, a donation request from a number flagged repeatedly for spam activity would be a clear warning sign.
How Email Lookup Enhances Security
Email addresses often reveal patterns that help identify risk.
Key Signals in Email Verification
- Domain age and reputation
- Presence in public databases
- Links to known scam reports
- Associated online profiles
For instance, an email claiming to represent a large institution but using a newly created domain may warrant caution.
Verification adds a layer of confidence before you respond.
Community Safety and Digital Responsibility
Strong communities rely on trust. However, trust must be balanced with vigilance in digital spaces.
Protecting Elders and Vulnerable Individuals
Older adults are often targeted by phone and email scams. Sharing tools and knowledge about verification can significantly reduce risk.
Encouraging family members to:
- Verify unknown callers
- Avoid sharing financial details immediately
- Consult trusted relatives before responding
can prevent emotional and financial harm.
Practical Steps Before Responding to Unknown Contacts
Here is a simple checklist:
- Do not click links immediately.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Verify the phone number or email address.
- Contact the organization directly using official channels.
- Report suspicious activity when necessary.
Verification tools like ClarityCheck fit naturally into step three of this process.
Benefits Beyond Fraud Prevention
While safety is the primary goal, phone and email lookup services can also offer other advantages.
Reconnecting with Confidence
In globally connected communities with family members across countries, unexpected messages are common. A lookup can confirm whether a contact aligns with publicly available information before continuing the conversation.
Professional Due Diligence
For professionals—whether in law, business, education, or nonprofit leadership—validating contact information before engaging in partnerships or transactions adds credibility and reduces risk.
Supporting Charitable Integrity
Legitimate charitable organizations depend on trust. When individuals verify contacts, it discourages impersonation scams that damage the reputation of authentic nonprofits.
Digital Awareness in 2026 and Beyond
As artificial intelligence tools become more advanced, scam attempts may look increasingly realistic. Voice cloning, AI-generated emails, and automated phishing campaigns are becoming more common.
Verification tools help counteract these threats by:
- Identifying patterns linked to fraudulent activity
- Aggregating public signals into accessible reports
- Providing clarity before emotional decisions are made
Digital literacy is no longer optional—it is part of responsible community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to look up phone numbers and emails?
Yes, when using services that rely on publicly available information and comply with data protection regulations.
Can lookup tools guarantee accuracy?
No tool guarantees 100% accuracy. Results should be used as guidance, combined with personal judgment.
Should verification replace common sense?
Absolutely not. It should complement cautious behavior and independent confirmation.
Final Thoughts
Community strength is built on trust, generosity, and connection. In a digital era, protecting those values requires thoughtful use of technology.
Verifying unknown phone numbers and email addresses before responding is a simple but powerful step. Whether preventing fraud, safeguarding charitable giving, or reconnecting with old contacts, tools like ClarityCheck help individuals move forward with greater confidence.
Digital awareness is not about suspicion—it is about clarity.
Features
Methods of Using Blockchain on Gambling Sites: Explained by Robocat Casino
The world of online gambling is changing and chasing new tools to entertain visitors. Players demand more transparency, faster payouts, and complete control over their money, making traditional casinos seem outdated. Modern websites like Robocat Casino utilize blockchain technology, which is the digital foundation for everything from crypto transactions to provably fair games. If you’re unfamiliar with how casinos use blockchain, we’ll cover it below.
What is Blockchain in a Casino?
Blockchain is a system that records data in a way that cannot be altered. The technology operates using a decentralized ledger shared across multiple computers. Every transaction is recorded in the ledger, which is regularly updated and accessible to all participants.
These properties are useful for gambling sites like Robocat Casino. The digital ledger processes every bet and prevents alteration. As a result, every action is transparent, and players have no doubt about the website’s integrity.
All transactions occur on a decentralized ledger, so there is no central authority that could interfere. This ensures complete anonymity. This privacy has led to an increasing number of players choosing to bet at crypto casinos.
How is This Technology Used in Gambling?
There are several ways users might encounter blockchain technology at sites like Robocat Casino.
- Provably fair games. Traditional online casinos have always been criticized for their fairness, as players doubt whether the odds are truly in their favor. Blockchain technology eliminates this uncertainty. Systems with provably fair games use cryptographic algorithms and publicly accessible hashes to control the outcome of each spin or draw. This limits backend manipulation and ensures transparency between the website and the user.
- Greater anonymity and lower KYC (know your customer) requirements. Not all crypto casinos eliminate the KYC process, but many are more lenient than casinos that exclusively accept fiat transactions. Some sites allow you to play with just a wallet address, without the need for identification documents.
- Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. With blockchain technology, you can forget about the five-day wait for funds to appear in your gaming account. When working with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, deposits and withdrawals are almost instantaneous. Interacting with cryptocurrency goes beyond speed. It offers low transaction fees and 24/7 global availability.
- Smart contracts. These are self-executing contracts based on the blockchain. In casinos, they can automate everything from loyalty bonuses to jackpot payouts. Such procedures require no human intervention, eliminating the risk of errors.
- Tokenized loyalty systems. Casinos can issue their own tokens as rewards. This is a cryptocurrency that can be sold or spent on the website. This approach creates real economic value for loyalty programs and motivates users to choose the casino.
The evolution of blockchain will lead to an expanded role at Robocat Casino and other gambling websites. Experts expect the use of decentralized applications (dApps) to increase. These operate on blockchain networks, rather than on a single server, and ensure complete decentralization of casinos. The absence of intermediaries or regulatory bodies will provide players with greater transparency.