“He died so Jewry should suffer no more.”
These are words on a Canadian Jewish soldier’s tombstone in Normandy which inspired author and faculty member Ellin Bessner to explore the role of Canadian Jews in the war effort.
Some 17,000 Canadian Jews chose to enlist in the war effort, and during our observance Ellin tells us some of their stories. She also interviews Jewish veteran Morris Polansky and Gordon Lindsay, nephew of a fallen Jewish Second World War pilot.
This year’s ceremony took place off-campus at the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch 10.
Ellin Bessner’s website: ellinbessner.com
Video production crew: Gabriela Salon, Devin Williamson and Jordan Bilas