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P6 E Reason for hope at Shalom Village • 5 D I Downtown businesses are adapting • 6 S

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FEBRUARY 2021 | ADAR 5781

Hamilton Jewish NThe voice ofe Jewishw Hamilton s

Outgoing Federation president Jacki Levin, CEO Gustavo Rymbrerg LOOKING and incoming president Howard Eisenberg reflect on the past three years of change and transformation, with an eye to the future and BACK an evolving organization BY WENDY SCHNEIDER HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted enormous hardship on Hamilton’s Jewish community but the current moment has also revealed a resiliency forged by strong leadership, communal cohesiveness and the dedicated efforts of hundreds of volunteers. Research tells us that & connected, trusting and cohesive communities, where people know and care about each other, are more resilient than those that are less connected. That Hamilton’s Jewish MOVING community can recognize itself in this description is due, in no small measure, to the exemplary leadership of Hamilton Jewish Federation CEO Gustavo Rymberg and the organization’s volunteer president, Jacki Levin, who stepped FORWARD into their roles three years ago. HJN spoke with Levin, Rymberg and incoming Federation president, Howard Eisenberg about the accomplishments of these past three years and the organization’s vision for the future.

FIND THE STORY PAGE 4

In my mind,

JACKI LEVIN GUSTAVO RYMBERG HOWARD EISENBERG somebody who’s 50, PAST PRESIDENT CEO INCOMING PRESIDENT 60 even 70 and was previously healthy is INSIDE THIS ISSUE ‘not‘ old, and to see these Nadia Rosa honoured with Order of Hamilton P11 people dying is hard.”

McMaster Jewish Students do not live in fear P14 Dr. Bram Rochwerg P7

A wedding in the family P15 HHS HOSPITAL, JURAVINSKI

Hamiltonjewishnews.com PM AGREEMENT 40007180

JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG GUEST EDITORIAL

How we can teach the Holocaust to children

Dawn Fowler and Associates Martens TD Wealth Private Investment Advice Complete Investment and Estate Planning BRUNDIBAR: THE STORY OF TWO CHILDREN WHO SAVE THEIR VILLAGE FROM EVIL

Last September, I was honoured to receive the 2020 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognized me for directing my Buchanan Park Public School students in a production of Brundibar, a children’s opera written by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása, and performed more than 55 times during the Second World War in Theresienstadt. My students performed an abridged version of Brundibar last June in a production that combined their vocals and illustrations with archival photos of children in Nazi-occupied Europe, and actual footage from a 1944 Nazi propaganda film of children per- forming the opera in Theresienstadt. (Almost all of the featured children and adults were subsequently deported and murdered in Auschwitz.) The general consensus among Holocaust educa- tors is to not teach the Holocaust to children under the age of eight, but I was able to adapt Brundibar to the level of my different classes. Brundibar tells the story of two children who, aided by friendly animals, save their village from the evil and noisy organ grinder named Brundibar. My Kindergarten to Grade 3 music students studied a picture book version of the story, written by Tony Kushner and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. I also taught them songs from the opera. With Grades 4, 5 and 6, I also covered the historical context of the opera. These students watched the 1944 Nazi propaganda film, a con- temporary propaganda film and studied Kathy Kacer’s historical fiction novel, Clara’s War. They also wrote to a Theresienstadt survivor, asking him further questions about the camp and life after the Second World War. I never showed my students any concentration camp images, as I did not want to cause any trauma. When students asked for more details, I would answer in a Proudly serving the simple, straightforward manner or suggest that they discuss Greater Hamilton Area since 1957 their questions with their parents, all of whom were aware their children were studying a Holocaust-related opera. I’ve produced operas at Buchanan Park for 26 years and have never shied away from tragic content. I never “Disneyfied” operas and my tiny Carmens, Aidas and Romeos died on stage. But these operas depicted the death of adults in a fictional set- ting. How could I teach my students about an opera performed by children who were brutally murdered in real life? It’s been my experience that, in exploring what occurred during the Holocaust, children make connections with present-day preju- dices and tragedies. When I asked the children in my Grade 4/5 homeroom class how they would feel if their parents were taken away from them to an unknown destiny, a boy from Syria spoke up. “My father was taken away by men with guns and I didn’t see him for two years,” he told the class. That little boy had never before spoken in class about his own traumatic past, but learning about the Holocaust enabled him to make a connection and share his story. That empowered other students who were new- comers to Canada to share their stories. Life can be difficult and brutal and sometimes the discussions we have in class are heart-breaking. But I believe that children need to learn at a young age that bullying, hate and prejudice are not acceptable. They need to learn this before they reach high Experience the trust, dependability and school, before society has warped their thinking. Through teaching Brundibar, I have learned that despite the accountability that the Richter Group stores Nazi’s efforts to dehumanize Jewish children, their filming of have provided for over 50 years these dear souls actually humanized them for a group of children in 2020. The final words, however, should go to one of my 10-year- old students. “Brundibar teaches us to be kind to others and that working together wins the day. Brundibar is part of the larger picture of Hitler’s terrible plot for power. Brundibar has become more important in history because it tells us to never let it happen Hamilton Hyundai Eastgate Ford Bay King Chrysler CSN Collision Centres again!” 324 Parkdale Ave N 350 Parkdale Ave N 55 Rymal Rd 230 Lansing Drive 905 545 5150 905 547 3211 905 383 7700 350 Parkdale Ave N Dawn Martens was raised in Hamilton by parents who wrote his- hamiltonhyundai.ca eastgateford.com bayking.ca eastgateford.com tory textbooks. She is a remote teacher for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. Martens has an Honours degree in History and Art History from McMaster University, a BEd from the Univer- sity of Toronto, and an MA in History from Western University.

2 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 FEBRUARY 2021

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Nadia Rosa tells her family’s story of survival during the Holocaust during an evening of personal stories by Holocaust survivors at JHamilton in 2019.

COVER STORY and PARTNER S LLP Looking back and moving forward Chartered Professional Accountants 6 INSIDE THIS ISSUE HOW WE LIVE • Audit and Review Engagements 2 Editorial Change, adapt, innovate • Not-for-Proﬁt and 4 Cover Story Charity Engagements 7 5 Local News 6 How We Live • Corporate Tax and FEATURE STORY Reorganizations Perspectives from an ICU doctor 7 Feature Story 11 Special Mentschen 11 14 First Person SPECIAL MENTSCHEN 15 Local Voices A Partner to Grow With Nadia Rosa honoured Brock Whitwell, Partner, CPA, CA, B.Comm FEDERATION NEWS: (905) 549-8463 Ext. 243 • [email protected] 15 8,9,10,12 LOCAL VOICES vine.ca Survival, at what cost?

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HJN EDITOR ADVERTISING Wendy Schneider Wendy Schneider wschneider@ David Sweet, M.P. The Hamilton Jewish News jewishhamilton.org HAMILTON JEWISH and Almut Sweet is published six times a 905-628-0058 FEDERATION PRESIDENT year by the Hamilton Jewish Jacki Levin Federation ASSISTANT EDITOR Abigail Cukier CEO EDITORIAL POLICY Gustavo Rymberg The Hamilton Jewish News DIGITAL EDITOR Proud to support our invites members of the Ben Shragge BOARD MEMBERS community to contribute Janis Criger letters, articles or guest HJN CONTRIBUTORS Mike Dressler Jewish Community! editorials. Steve Arnold, Steven Brock, Howard Eisenberg Written submissions Abigail Cukier, Ben Daniel Hershkowitz must be forwarded by the Shragge, Phyllis Shragge Alice Mendelson deadline indicated in each Adam Norris issue. This newspaper HJN ADVISORY BOARD Arie Pekar reserves the right to edit, Aviva Boxer Josh Rauchwerger condense or reject any Wade Hemsworth Lowell Richter contribution for brevity or Celia Rothenberg Lorne Rochwerg David Sweet, M.P. legal purposes. Georgina Rosenberg 1654 Wilson Street West CONSULTING ART DIRECTOR Peter Smurlick Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0 CIRCULATION John Bullock Jason Waxman 905 648 3850 | DavidSweet.ca 2,000 Laura Wolfson PUBLISHER Hamilton Jewish Federation

HJN Ad - ProudtoSupport-2021-BW-5.2x6.indd 1 FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH2021-01-21 NEWS 3:30 3 PM COVER STORY

Looking back and moving forward CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE Incoming Federation president shares his vision A story of transformation and revitalization through three said Levin, singling out his work as for the coming years years. Now a look at these times past, present and future chair of Federation’s strategic planning committee for special praise. Howard Eisenberg will assume When Jacki Levin re-joined the Federation also moved commu- Rymberg, too, praised Eisenberg the position of president of the Federation board in the spring of nity-wide programming into venues for overseeing a complex process that 2017 after having served on its exec- like the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the resulted in a strategic plan that has Hamilton Jewish Federation at the utive in years past, she could never former Hamilton Spectator building since been adopted by other small organization’s AGM this spring have anticipated that within a few and City Hall, to make unaffiliated Jewish communities. short months she’d find herself as- members of the community feel more “Howard oversaw a process in suming the Hamilton Jewish commu- welcome. It also added a wide range which we set goals and priorities for nity’s top lay leadership position. But of innovative programming, such as a the future based on the strategic plan For anyone who knows then former Federation president, Carl revitalized Holocaust Education Week that the community put together,” he anything about Howard DeLeon, announced his imminent and Jewish book and film festivals, said, “and meeting those goals will be Eisenberg’s background, that move from the community weeks after which did not go unnoticed by the the focus of his presidency.” Those he would one day find him- a search committee (of which Levin community. goals include growing Federation’s self president of a Jewish was a member) recommended hiring “The Community Campaign was annual Campaign, community endow- Federation is not surpris- Gustavo Rymberg as the Hamilton at a low ebb before Gustavo came ment fund, and volunteer base, and ing. Eisenberg was raised in Jewish Federation’s new CEO. Levin in,” said Levin, in contrast to where securing a permanent home for a family steeped in Windsor’s knew that his plans to transform Federation’s annual fundraising cam- JHamilton in the form of some kind of Jewish communal life, owing Jewish Hamilton stood a much better paign finds itself today. community campus. to the fact that his father, chance of success with the support of “This has been a challenging year,” Regarding his and Levin’s part- the late Joe Eisenberg, was someone with intimate knowledge of she continued, “and we were very con- nership, Rymberg said, “I think that that city’s Federation execu- the community. cerned about how the Community we were both very lucky to be start- tive director for 31 years. An immigration Three and a half years later, Campaign would do, but in fact, the ing fresh at the same time ... For both lawyer who moved to Hamilton in the 1980s, Rymberg and Levin’s partnership community, right from the Passover Jacki and me, community came first Eisenberg has always looked back at his serves as a case study of what’s pos- Campaign back in March, really and we were always very focused on formative years that saw Windsor Jewish sible when a Federation CEO and stepped up … They have trusted the bringing the community together and youth spending the majority of their time president enjoy a supportive and col- Federation will do the right thing and on being transparent, so that people at JCC or B’nai Brith Youth programs with laborative relationship. is doing the right thing for our vulner- would know exactly where their dona- great nostalgia. “It’s been a joy, really, working with able population and they’re willing to tions were going.” The same is true for his early years in Gustavo and being a small part of help- support us in doing that.” Rymberg feels immense pride Hamilton, when he was welcomed into the ing our community get revitalized,” Levin went on to list the ways in about what the community achieved B’nai Brith Men’s Bowling League and the Levin told the HJN in early December. which Federation earned that trust. over the last year, mixed with a city’s Jewish softball league. Eisenberg “Gustavo’s aim was to transform the Most notable among them was its part- little regret. Regret that the com- began taking on leadership roles in the community. My job was to facilitate nership with Jewish Family Services munity didn’t come together at Yom community with stints as president of his Gustavo doing his thing.” and the synagogues, which saw vol- Ha’atzamaut and Yom HaShoah; that B’nai Brith lodge and president of the JCC. The revitalization process began unteers from across the community 1,000 Hamilton area high school stu- When the JCC closed its doors, he joined the almost immediately, with Rymberg’s spectrum shop and deliver food pack- dents missed out on Federation’s Federation board, and has risen through the taking action on an idea that had cir- ages to the vulnerable, and strong Student Symposium on the Holocaust; ranks since then. culated within communal circles for committee work by an engaged board that three Hamilton couples and four Eisenberg considers himself “the luckiest decades. The creation of JHamilton of directors who brought forward a local Grade 11 and 12 students missed guy in the world because I am getting men- — which provided a new home for number of new initiatives in the areas out on a cancelled March of the Living tored by two of the best.” the Federation, the JCC, the Jewish of Jewish education and strategic experience. But he also feels pride “It’s such a pleasure to deal with these National Fund and the Beth Tikvah planning. that, despite the trials of the COVID-19 people who are really competent, yet unas- Foundation — brought the dream “We’ve really been very lucky and pandemic, the community’s generosity suming... They take their work very seri- of a Jewish campus in the city closer had a lot of resources on our board. has made it possible for Federation to ously … I have so much to learn, I’m so to reality and ushered in a spirit of One of the wonderful things was when do its work for another year. excited about this.” renewal and collaboration within the everybody on the board wanted to “I really see that the community Eisenberg’s vision for his term is to see the Jewish community. stay on the board … And of course,” understands that Federation is essen- return of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization The last three years have also said Levin, “one of the most impor- tial to the Jewish community,” he (BBYO) to Hamilton and have Federation seen the merging of the Hamilton tant things is that I secured Gustavo said. “We fed the hungry, matched continue its fight against antisemitism. Jewish Federation and the JCC into until 2025. That is one of my great volunteers with our more vulnera- In the meantime, Eisenberg envisions a single entity, a renewed partner- accomplishments.” ble community members, and hosted community programs will continue to be ship between Federation and Jewish At Federation’s AGM this coming excellent Jewish book and film fes- offered virtually “until we’re safe.” Family Services (formerly Jewish May, Levin will pass the mantle of tivals. We tried to make ourselves “What’s been remarkable to observe Social Services), an influx of younger leadership to Federation VP Howard relevant and essential to the commu- during this last eight or nine months is how members into the Federation board of Eisenberg, who has been studiously nity, and we succeeded beyond all our we have been able to keep going during directors, and the formulation of new preparing for his new role. expectations.” COVID … I think we’ve done great.” strategic priorities. “We’re very lucky to have Howard,” In just a few weeks your dog becomes a well-behaved family member!

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4 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 LOCAL NEWS

Fresh hope runs through Shalom Village

After two rough months, residence seems to be emerging from COVID-19 outbreak Levin has promised “The minute through rents charged for the we can let helpers back in, we will apartment units, provincial per BY STEVE ARNOLD is being handled by St. Joseph’s absolutely do that.” diem amounts for nursing home SPECIAL TO THE HJN Healthcare under a three-month Callaghan has said those care and food and the fundraising voluntary agreement. restrictions remain necessary efforts of its supporters. COVID-19, Fresh hope runs through No one knows how the infec- because every time a resident does however, has both raised costs and Shalom Village today—hope that tion got into the home, and it’s a go out, their unit requires deep sliced into revenue because, while the COVID-19 outbreak that killed question that may never be fully cleaning. The lockdown won’t be long-term care beds are full, some 20 residents and sickened hun- answered, Callaghan said. lifted, he added, until 14 days after apartments are going vacant. dreds may soon be ending. “This is part of a global pan- the last active case has been iden- “The long-term care units are Ken Callaghan, who has been demic and long-term care homes tified at the Macklin Street North always pretty full, but some of the CEO of the Macklin Street North aren’t isolated from that,” said complex. apartments are vacant because campus for barely a month, dares Callaghan, noting as many as one- The final ruling will be up to the we can’t show them to potential to voice that hope. His evidence third of all such facilities in the city’s public health department. residents,” he said. “That loss of includes the fact that the number province have been invaded by Hopes of eventually defeating rental income is just another factor of infections is falling with fewer this virus. “We are looking into the outbreak hang now on getting we have to face in dealing with than a dozen active cases remain- each and every area of the home staff and residents vaccinated. COVID.” ing. In addition, the majority of and doing a deep dive into all of The first shots were issued in mid- To meet that challenge in the residents and staff have been our processes to get a handle on January. To date, almost 90 per short term, a special fundraising vaccinated.

PHOTOCOURTESY OF SHALOMVILLAGE this.” cent of residents and 70 per cent appeal has been launched through As promising as those factors Shalom Village CEO, Ken Callaghan The ravages of the disease have of staff have been inoculated with the Shalom Village website. The are, the veteran healthcare leader been especially hard on staff and the Pfizer vaccine. Second injec- longer term fix, Levin said, will warns it’s still too early to relax administrative officer. To fill the residents of the tight-knit Shalom tions, and the first for those too require the provincial government defenses against the deadly virus. gap until a proper search process Village community. Staff, how- sick to be treated earlier, are set to change a model that has left the “We’re on the tail end of this out- was conducted, the board of direc- ever, have been bearing a special for Feb. 2, if vaccine is available. long term care sector chronically break now, but we can’t let our tors asked Hamilton dentist Larry burden. Shipment of the vaccine to underfunded. guard down,” he said. “It just takes Levin to step in. With his dental “Our staff has been working day Canada has been slowed by pro- The province has promised a one slip and it can come back in practice shut down by COVID reg- and night since the shutdown,” he duction delays from Pfizer. The commission to look into the long- and then it’s so hard to get over it ulations, he agreed and launched said. “It has been a really terrible provincial government has said term care home system and Levin again.” an aggressive program aimed at situation for the residents we’ve it will deal with that shortage by said Shalom Village’s leaders will For the first nine months of keeping the virus out. lost and their families, but it has giving the frailest residents of be involved in that effort. the COVID-19 pandemic, Shalom That diligence, however, ulti- also been very hard on our staff.” nursing and long-term care homes “We will contribute to that Village managed to keep the infec- mately wasn’t enough. Through Workers also have access to first chance at second shots while because we want to make sure that tion at bay through a complex set December and January, the virus counselling and other supports having healthier people wait. the government understands how of safeguards that tried to wall the tore through the complex. By the through their employee assistance In addition to its other prob- years of underfunding have helped home off from the virus. The com- end of 2020, it had infected 163 program. lems, the virus has also created to create problems that are appar- plex of 81 apartments and 127-bed people – 72 staff and 91 residents As the battle drags on residents some significant financial worries ent during this crisis,” he said. “Not long-term care facility was closed – and killed 19. By Jan. 22, total have been expressing frustration for the non-profit facility. everything is the fault of govern- to all visitors and residents and infections were 209 – 97 staff and with the lockdown of their home. “Our budget is struggling, as is ment, but a good part of it is. We staff were subjected to twice-daily 112 residents – and 20 had died. Measures currently in force keep the budget of any other long-term want to make sure government checks for symptoms. Apartment Reports, initially released almost those in the apartment complex care facility,” Levin said. “This understands this and makes the residents were confined to their daily but now limited to three from leaving their units to use the makes our financial picture a very necessary changes so we have a units, the dining room was closed times a week, show total infec- communal showers or even to difficult one on a number of differ- higher level of care in our system.” and recreational and other pro- tions peaked at 211 on Jan. 20. The stroll around their floors. Those ent levels.” grams were cancelled. last death was recorded Jan. 3. who rely on the help of essential Levin explained that under When the infection attacked Callaghan took over the top job care workers for daily activities the current model, homes such Shalom Village was without a chief Jan. 4, but day-to-day management are being denied that aid. as Shalom Village are funded

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FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 5 HOW WE LIVE

Change. Adapt. Innovate. These two business owners, severely affected by the pandemic, have adapted and evolved to a changing restaurant and takeout market

BY ABIGAIL CUKIER AND WENDY SCHNEIDER Mark Morgenstern in front of his restaurant HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS renaissance and the positive impact of Joshy’s Good Eats Supercrawl and the soon-to-be-opened GO HAMILTON FARMER’S MARKET station on his thriving business. Today, Who doesn’t feel happy when eating a bagel however, a landscape of shuttered up with lox and a schmear of cream cheese? stores and restaurants stands in stark While this belief is certainly shared by contrast to those halcyon days. And yet, many, it is what led Joshua Charbonneau to Morgenstern is not complaining. Unlike create Joshy’s Good Eats. many of the neighbouring restaurant

Charbonneau cures trout and salmon and HJN owners, he owns his building, and take out offers them up in delicious varieties like Josh Charbonneau of Joshy’s Good Eats and delivery was always a big part of his beet, Maryland Spice, lemon dill and pas- business. trami spice. To complete the experience, he Charbonneau, who moved to Hamilton His neighbours, on the other hand, are also sells additions such as pickled onions, from Toronto 18 months ago. ”The response having “a tough, tough time.” sourdough bagels from General Bread and has been fantastic. There has been huge “All these restaurants are paying a good Pastry on James Street North and cream interest and I have customers who come a dollar for rent,” he said. “If you depend a lot cheese supplied by Elite Dairy in Toronto. few times a week to pick stuff up for their on the wine and beer sales, it hurts if there’s A trained chef, Charbonneau lost his job family.” no dining in ... So if people come to your at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic The pandemic is affecting how he oper- establishment because of the drinks, then and thought he might as well take a chance ates. For example he is selling smaller you’re in trouble.”

on a new business, opening Joshy’s Good packages of fish because people aren’t HJN Morgenstern, in the meantime, is hold- Eats in July. He was five years old when his entertaining now. The holiday season ing his own, thanks to online delivery ser- grandfather taught him how to smoke trout would have normally been a time to go Charred Rotisserie House vices like Uber and Skip The Dishes, which and he has had a passion for it ever since. big, offering party platters, but instead, JAMES STREET NORTH account for a third of his business, while He was even general manager of Schmaltz he responds as needed to the developing Back in pre-COVID times, it was the smell charging up to 30 per cent commission. Appetizing in Toronto, which serves situation. of Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken “I’m not making any money ... but on smoked and cured fish. “Small businesses are suffering. But if that would often lure passersby into Mark the other hand, I’m moving product ... The Charbonneau’s passion is apparent as we figure out how to get through this and Morgenstern’s Charred on bustling James worst you can do is to panic in times like he describes his process for making grav- adjust to what customers need now, for Street North. In fact, that was precisely this. You just have to try and figure out lax. First, he washes the salmon fillet with example the smaller portions, we will get the idea behind Morgenstern’s decision what’s the best way to keep going.” Spring Mill Distillery gin. Then, he makes a through it,” he says. to design his restaurant, which opened The child of Hungarian Holocaust sur- crust from Diamond Brand kosher salt and While he describes his business as a fish in August 2013, with an open kitchen vivors who emigrated to Canada in the brown sugar, which stays on for 72 hours. shop, Charbonneau thought it was impor- as its central feature. It wasn’t unusual, mid 1950s, Morgenstern and his two sibil- He then scrapes off the crust and applies tant to add to the experience with offerings Morgenstern told the HJN back in 2015, to ings spent their formative years on a kib- spice mixes (Pastrami or Maryland), fresh like bagels and cream cheese. see customers pull out their cellphones to butz founded by their parents’ generation. dill and lemon or pureed beet. Charbonneau “When people walk through the market photograph up to two dozen chickens at Resiliency, you could say, is in their blood. then slices it by hand and vacuum packs it. and see the stall, they are shocked and a time roasting over a massive bed of hot That’s why he makes a point of sup- Joshy’s Good Eats now has a stall in the stunned and happy,” he says. “Who doesn’t charcoal. porting local businesses, and encourages Hamilton Farmers’ Market and supplies res- get happy when they eat a bagel and lox? Other popular items on the menu are others to do the same. As for ordering in, taurants and markets in Hamilton, Toronto, Whether it’s a Jewish kid from Pennsylvania Charred’s signature matzah ball soup, bris- Morgenstern says to order take out directly Guelph and St. Catharines. or an office worker from Toronto, a love of ket sandwich and Caesar salad. through his website, which bypasses online “When I started, my idea was, ‘be too this soul food makes people happy. That’s When the HJN last spoke to Morgenstern delivery services, and is an easy way to small to fail.’ If it didn’t work, I could say I important, especially now, to have those in January 2015, he was filled with opti- know you’re helping. tried and just pack up and move on,” says little things that can make you smile.” mism about the James Street North

The Shalom Village Foundation and Shalom Village would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Hamilton Jewish Community, and all of our wonderful supporters, for their steadfast support, donations, and good wishes. Our staff, and most especially, our seniors, are profoundly moved by the generous donations, and outpouring of kindness we have received during these difficult times.

Everyone who lives, works, and volunteers at Shalom Village and the Shalom Village Foundation is humbled and inspired by your generosity and thoughtfulness.

THANK YOU!

6 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 FEATURE STORY

Inside the Juravinski ICU ward Dr. Bram Rochwerg cares for critically ill patients, including patients with COVID-19. JURAVINSKI HOSPITAL ‘We’ve just got to get through these next two to three months.’ Words of an ICU physician on the edge Dr. Bram Rochwerg believes we are all on the verge of the most challenging period in the fight against COVID-19

BY WENDY SCHNEIDER told the HJN, adding that, at most, beneficial in sick COVID patients “There “Yes, it’s a deadly disease, but the HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS his ICU saw only 10 critically ill and that’s run of the mill cortical aren’t a lot majority of people still survive, patients during the spring and steroids,” he said. “Otherwise, it’s even in the high-risk sub groups. For Bram Rochwerg, an inten- summer months. just the normal stuff that we do of drugs that So Donald Trump was proba- sive care physician at Juravinski All that changed by the end of for all patients with respiratory work. You bly going to get better no matter Hospital, the week before November. The number of COVID- failure: good nursing, good vent just support what,” said Rochwerg, adding that Christmas 2020 in his ICU was 19 patients began to shoot up, care, and really just giving the somebody, he thought it was equally likely the most challenging of his six- increasing the pressure of a unit body time to heal on its own.” that President Trump was admit- year career. You could say that already acting at full capacity It can be tough going on get them ted to hospital for side effects Rochwerg, who comes across as due to the backlog of resched- patients, he acknowledged, through it, from the experimental drugs as it affable and exceedingly modest, uled cancer and elective surgeries but drug treatment options for use life support if you need was for the disease. lives and breathes everything re- delayed during the first lockdown. COVID-19 remain limited, as they to, hope that’s enough and Rochwerg is “massively hope- lated to COVID-19. The HJN spoke with Rochwerg in generally are for any virus. ful” that the vaccines are going to When he’s not in the ICU, he’s mid-December, days before the There’s been another change in wait for it to run its course. be effective and is cautiously opti- involved in research relating province announced another lock- the Juravinski ICU over the last Unfortunately, that’s the mistic that this spring, we will to treatment of the disease. He down that would take effect on nine months—the timing of when best we still have. That’s start to see a decline in COVID-19 headed up a team of McMaster Dec. 26. to intubate patients. Rochwerg not to say, you go onto our rates as a result. University researchers who “The last week on service in the said that in the spring, when there Until then, he believes it’s impor- played a direct role in the World ICU was incredibly challenging,” were still so many unknowns, the trial registries and there’s tant that we, as a society, continue Health Organization’s November said Rochwerg. “We’re all feel- common practice was to intubate thousands of clinical trials to make the necessary sacrifices announcement that recommended ing it. The hospital staff are get- patients “a little earlier than we looking at different drugs to minimize deaths, while prior- against the use of the antivi- ting sick, nurses are getting sick normally would,” as a precaution to see if they work, but up itizing education, cancer screen- ral drug touted by U.S. President and everyone’s a little bit more against risk to healthcare working and chemotherapy, surgeries Donald Trump. stressed this time. Everyone’s ers and a well-meaning, but mis- to this point, steroids are and stem cell transplants. Back in March, Rochwerg read trying to rise to the challenges, taken desire for more control over really the only one.” “Everyone’s fatigued. with alarm reports of doctors but inside the walls of the hospital an escalating situation. DR. BRAM ROCHWERG Everyone’s sick of the restric- in Italy and New York City being there’s this increasing recognition “When oxygen levels drop to Associate professor at McMaster tions, of not seeing their friends forced to make life and death deci- that the situation is untenable.” where you have no choice, you put University and ICU site lead, Juravinski and family,” he said. “For young, sions in overflowing ICUs. But There is, however, hope on the them on the ventilator. But we’re Hospital healthy people, the risk of dying despite the pandemic ripping horizon. Aside from the promise not being too proactive with it,” despite being in a high-risk cate- from COVID is low, but the impact through the province’s long-term of mass inoculation, Rochwerg he said, in recognition “that we gory for complications. on our society is huge. In my mind, care facilities, Ontario hospitals said he’s been encouraged by the should just treat these patients One of the drugs President somebody who’s 50, 60, even 70 never saw the surge of COVID-19 positive impact of corticosteroids like everybody else.” Trump took, Remdesivir, as well and was previously healthy is patients last spring that they had in reducing lung inflammation in One area of discussion about as Regeneron, received a lot of not old, and to see these people expected. critically ill COVID-19 patients. which Rochwerg is unequivo- attention, but McMaster research- who’ve had no real past medi- “We cleared out the ICUs. We “With all the research I’ve been cal, relates to the drug regimen ers made a recommendation cal history dying, it’s still super made tons of capacity and then involved with … and so many given to Donald Trump and Rudy against them. The group believes impactful and hard. There is a because of these draconian drugs and interventions that we’ve Giuliani, who seemed to emerge the medications are not effective light, but we’ve just got to get public health measures, we sort investigated, up until this point relatively unscathed from their against COVID-19 and may dis- through these next two to three of dodged the bullet,” Rochwerg there’s only one that’s proven respective bouts with COVID-19, tract from the things that do work. months.”

FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 7 FEDERATION NEWS

8 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 9 JCC PAGE

10 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 SPECIAL MENTSCHEN

Nadia Rosa named to the Order of Hamilton Founding member of the Holocaust Education committee, Rosa has received well- earned recognition for her contributions to building a better community Rosa’s family denounced by informant and arrested by Gestapo BY ABIGAIL CUKIER HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS BY ABIGAIL CUKIER Nadia Rosa speaking Nadia Rosa was born in When Nadia Rosa moved to at a high school Bratislava, Czechoslovakia in Hamilton in 1968, she attended a symposium on the 1938. She lived with her mother Yom Hashoah ceremony and was Holocaust,, an annual and her maternal grandpar- program at Mohawk shocked at the small number of ents in the Bratislava ghetto College that she helped people in attendance. initiate. during the Second World War. She soon joined with a few Her father was a representa- others to form a Holocaust tive for MGM in Eastern Europe Education Committee to help and was in Yugoslavia when the create events and increase aware- Czechoslovakia government ness in the city. In the decades stripped Jews of their civil rights since, Rosa has been instrumental with the Jewish Codex. He could in Holocaust education through- not return home. PHOTOCOURTESY OF NADIA ROSA out Hamilton, speaking about the Rosa’s grandfather’s shop was At the end of May 1945, Nadia Rosa Holocaust, antisemitism, anti- confiscated and handed over to and her mom, Renee Fiala-Beer racism and bullying at schools, people loyal to the government. were reunited with her father, Major churches and other community But, according to the rules, if Alexander Fiala. They are pictured here at a wedding. Rosa was seven organizations. the new people were not able to years old. For her work in educating thou- manage the property, the previous

sands of students and other com- PHOTOBY WENDYSCHNEIDER, HJN owners were given an economic potatoes—the good ones for the munity members, Rosa was exemption. Rosa says this saved Germans and the guards, the named to the 2020 Order of Tikvah, a non-profit social ser- important to preserve this his- their lives. rotten ones for the camp inhab- Hamilton, which recognizes the vice agency for adults with devel- tory, but to help guide future In 1942, most Slovak Jews with- itants. Sometimes, her mom was exceptional voluntary contribu- opmental disabilities, and was an generations. She says when she out the exemption were deported able to steal some potatoes, which tions of individual Hamiltonians active member of ORT Hamilton, speaks to middle school stu- to the death camps in Poland, was strictly forbidden and severely to the building of a better and a charity that aims to trans- dents, she tries to make a connec- among them Rosa’s cousins, Erika punishable, if caught. improved City of Hamilton. form lives through education and tion between the Holocaust and and Imi, and their parents. This was a transit camp, with “It is important because there training. bullying. Rosa’s mom worked in the back- people regularly being transferred are so few of us who can speak “The fact that the city has rec- “I try to bring it to their level,” room of a couturier salon, so Rosa to Auschwitz. From 15,000 chil- for so many of who didn’t make it. ognized one of our survivors, I she says. “I tell them that if they spent most of her time with her dren, only 150 survived. Rosa’s fate I feel an obligation,” Rosa said. “I think it is really meaningful for are bullied or they see bullying, grandparents. When she was six was different because Auschwitz think of the children. That hurts the Jewish community,” says they can choose to be a bystander years old, the family went into was liberated at the end of January more with age, not less. I think Hamilton Jewish Federation CEO or go and tell someone. Because hiding in different places. Rosa 1945. Rosa and her mom were lib- about them and how they died. Gustavo Rymberg. “For her to be this is how it happens.” With was hidden with a family on the erated on May 9, 1945, but many The only thing I can do is speak recognized as a Holocaust survi- older students, Rosa discusses outskirts of town. The family was of their relatives died, including for them.” vor, and for everything that she the order of events that led to the good to her, but Rosa could not Rosa’s grandparents. Among her contributions, Rosa has done for Holocaust educa- Holocaust, including legalized go outside and missed her mother Rosa and her mom eventu- helped create the annual Student tion and antisemitism in the city, I discrimination, isolation, emigra- and grandparents. ally reunited with her father. She Symposium on the Holocaust, a think was really important.” tion, ghettoization, deportation On Christmas Eve 1944, Rosa’s later married Alex and they had a half-day program that includes Rymberg is also grateful for and extermination. mom came to be with her. The daughter. a historical overview of the Rosa’s meticulous archiving of “I tell people that generaliza- next morning, the Gestapo came. Rosa earned her PhD from the Holocaust, survivor testimony materials from speaking engage- tions are dangerous, when you The family had been denounced by Slovak Academy of Sciences. and a question and answer period, ments and various events, includ- say ‘those people.’ We are all an informant. Rosa and the rest of When they moved to Hamilton, as well as the annual teacher’s ing recordings and articles, as human beings,” said Rosa. “I read her family were taken from their Alex became a math profes- seminar on the Holocaust. These well as speeches from every stu- somewhere that the Bible can hiding places to the Sered and sor at McMaster University and events are still going strong, and dent symposium. “This is much of be summed up in one sentence, Terezin concentration camps. Rosa began doing research in the the 22nd annual student sympo- the history of Jewish Hamilton,” ‘Don’t do to others what you don’t During the day, Rosa would go Department of Pediatrics. She also sium was held recently. Rosa has he says. want to be done to you.’ If you go with other children to line up for started on a lifetime of dedication also served on the board of Beth For Rosa, it is not only by that, you can’t go wrong.” food. Her mother worked, sorting to Holocaust education.

Rhoda Katz z”l Holocaust Education Endowment Fund

Rhoda grew up in Toronto to a family steeped in Jewish values and love for the Jewish people. Rhoda believed in giving back to community and helping those less fortunate than herself. She took her philanthropy seriously.

In the Hamilton Jewish Federation's Book of Life, Rhoda recalls becoming one of Hamilton's ﬁrst Lions of Judah and being part of a large group of dynamic and dedicated Jewish women working with a sense of shared purpose on behalf of Jewish charitable causes. Rhoda was a role model of what it means to live generously, and her passing has left a void in our community.

Like their parents before them, Rhoda and Bernie raised their sons, Benjy, Danny and Larry, and their granddaughters Amanda and Jordana, to live generously and give back to community.

May Rhoda's memory be a source of blessing and inspiration to us all.

FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 11 12 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 SPECIAL MENTSCHEN

Helping international students cope with the pandemic

Mac Money coach Terry Bennett helps international students cope with unprecedented levels of stress

BY WENDY SCHNEIDER desperately needed funding. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS “Students weren’t able to get home. They were worried about Moving to a new country their families, trying to finish can be an overwhelming experi- school and they were running out ence for international students of money,” said Bennett. in the best of circumstances. Finding solutions to these issues But when McMaster University was critical and time sensitive. closed its campus and dorms last So Bennett and her colleagues at spring, their stress levels rose Student Affairs spent the next six exponentially. months trying to help students While domestic students may access funding for basic living. have been happy to reconnect “I was basically working 24/7 with family, many international because I was dealing with people students were denied that option in all different time zones. I didn’t due to closed borders or the need have to be, I could have turned off to meet their research and lab my phone, but I just couldn’t,” said requirements. Some graduate stu- Bennett. “I think I was very similar dents lost on-campus or local to lots of other people working at jobs, making them particularly

the school. We just felt that we had PHOTO:WENDY SCHNEIDER, HJN vulnerable. to be there for the students.” Thankfully, McMaster In addition to helping students University was well positioned apply for government support pro- Terry Bennett worked late into So too, is the stress that staff are these students are still paying tui- to help students through a wide grams like the Canada Emergency the night in the early months of the facing. Bennett, for one, has often tion and they still need to be filing range of on-campus support sys- Response Benefit (CERB) and pandemic answering emails from felt overwhelmed by the techno- their taxes. So from that point of tems, including the Mac Money the Canada Emergency Student international students. logical demands of her COVID- view, we’re every bit as busy,” she Centre (MMC), a service provided Benefit (CESB), Bennett and her era responsibilities. “We’re all very said, adding that she has to remind by the university’s Student Success colleagues helped students find tired and overwhelmed by our international students to continue Centre, which equips students with part-time employment, renew learning, although I think we’re to file taxes, as they will eventually financial skills to manage their visas and cope with the challenges really surprised by our ability to return to Hamilton. money and minimize debt. of remote learning. Of particular be creative,” she said. “I don’t think Nearly 12 months into the pan- Terry Bennett is a certified concern, was helping students deal that if anyone had said you’re going demic, there’s no question that credit counsellor, who has been with the anxiety and depression to learn five different platforms sitting for hours in front of her the centre’s on-site money coach from months of social isolation. one day before you had to go on the computer screen has taken its toll since 2018. Before COVID-19, she “The isolation is remarkably dif- platform, that you’d ever be able to on Bennett’s back. But she has no counselled students and ran webi- ficult,” said Bennett. “They’re not do it. And I think that all of us have regrets for how she spent those nars on topics related to finan- seeing their friends. They’re not risen to the challenge.” initial weeks and months. “I just cial literacy. But when Canada able to go out. Some of our stu- Today, Bennett continues to see thought I had to keep doing it, went into lockdown last March, dents don’t have good internet students individually (on Zoom) because these kids had nobody she quickly shifted into over- service. The stresses that these and runs about two financial lit- else. You were their lifeline.” drive, working long hours from students are under have been eracy webinars a week. “Even home to help her students access extraordinary.” though they’re out of the country,

FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 13 FIRST PERSON

McMaster Jewish students do not live in fear

An article published online was intentionally edited to alter educational or Israel-related events the author’s point of view and mislead the reader or social gatherings. I am grateful to the Hillel staff for all they have done to help and to have them as a refer- BY EZRA NADLER ence for any concerns that may arise. SPECIAL TO THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS organization. While the catchy head- McMaster Hillel truly looks out for line of the article may ring true at its students, both on and off campus. An article recently appeared other universities around the world, it Students of all faiths and backgrounds in my name on a website called TheJ. is not the case at McMaster University. have a home at McMaster, regardless ca. The article’s title implied that McMaster’s Jewish community is of the message that some media may McMaster University students live 500+ students strong and students aim to portray. in fear on campus. While the back- walk freely, wearing visibly Jewish I can assure you that most Jewish ground to how the article appeared is and Israeli garb. There have been students are not afraid and take great less relevant, I want to clarify any mis- instances over the years, where I have pride in being Jewish on campus. Just conceptions regarding Jewish life at spoken with anti-Israel activists who last spring, before the COVID-19 lock- McMaster. In my opinion and experi- portray Israel in a negative light or out- down, we held a remarkable “Israeli ence, McMaster is one of the best uni- right deny its right to exist. However, Shuk Day” in the middle of campus, versities for Jewish students. I have never been personally attacked complete with a falafel stand, a Dead As a participant in a fellowship on campus for my opinions and I have Sea spa experience, information about with an American media-monitoring had the opportunity to talk with many the diversity of Israel, and more. This organization, I wrote an essay refut- people whose per- event, along with the ing claims that Israeli society falsely spectives differ “While my experience with other Israel-themed promotes itself as gay-friendly to from my own. A few the J and the monitoring events on campus, attract tourism. Upon the organiza- students and fac- do not reflect fear. tion’s request, I submitted the piece to ulty members have group was disappointing, They reflect the cour- the J. The website published the arti- even expressed how it taught me several age and spirit of cle under my name, before letting me grateful they are to important lessons.” the Jewish and pro- review the final draft, under the head- hear different nar- Israel community at EZRA NADLER line, Jewish And Pro-Israel Students ratives and be able Student, McMaster University McMaster and in the At McMaster Keep Their Heads Low learn from others. I greater Hamilton com- PHOTO:NAME GOES HERE In Fear Of Being Attacked. The arti- have had enriching and mind-opening munity. We keep our heads high with particularly in the area of communi- Ezra Nadler cle included no mention of Jewish stu- conversations with people of all differ- pride, both on and off campus. cations and journalism. Many individ- wants to clarify dent reactions to the pink-washing ent faiths, the majority of whom would While my experience with the J uals and publications, both in print misconceptions assertions. never discriminate against anyone on and the monitoring group was disap- and digital, prioritize their ideas and about Jewish student life at The J refused my request to remove the basis of their religion at McMaster. pointing, it taught me several impor- beliefs, and that of their readership, McMaster. the article after I argued that it did not The tight-knit Hamilton Jewish tant lessons. First, I learned how to (at the expense of the perspectives reflect my original work and that the community is like no other and it has ask for help. I was working blindly and viewpoints of the writers whose headline was misleading. The arti- truly enriched my university experi- with organizations that I knew very work they publish.) My recent experi- cle has caused many Hamilton Jewish ence. I have always felt welcome and little about and was reluctant to ask ence has taught me to be cautious and community members to worry that a part of the warm community here, for advice from the many resources skeptical before naively following the Jewish students may be afraid of ever since Welcome Week in first I am privileged to be able to access instructions of people who may have facing harassment at McMaster. year. Hillel and Chabad, as well as for direction. I have learned that it is little concern or regard for my per- This deeply disturbed me and the greater Hamilton Jewish commu- better to ask for help than to try to do sonal experience or perspective. prompted me to share this story more nity, have all contributed to my amaz- everything independently. broadly, so that community mem- ing experience. McMaster Hillel has I have also discovered that we Ezra Nadler is currently in his third bers are aware of the truth, coming always been there for Jewish stu- cannot always rely on others to year of the Bachelor of Arts and Science from me, and not from any outside dents, whether for Jewish holidays, respect the integrity of our work, program at McMaster University.

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14 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021 LOCAL VOICES

Survival at what cost? A wedding in the family

and wildlife, the stolen lands. But what if dinner, emotional speeches and lively the basic premise of that old dilemma is dancing. It would have been a fabulous false? What if there is no inherent conflict evening, providing fond memories for Miriam among humans, if what seems essential Phyllis years to come. Sager is not so, if there is enough to go around Shragge But then our world changed. COVID- of what we truly need—if only we do not 19 became a global pandemic. We were The decisions about whom to vacci- destroy our world by grabbing more than I debate my clothing options while faced with restrictions on social gath- nate first remind me of a standard ethi- our fair share? my laptop waits for me. Normally, a Zoom erings and the Canada/U.S. border was cal dilemma that used to be thrown at us Our species has evolved to perfectly get-together requires a decent-looking closed to non-essential travel. We had no in my teens: you and a friend have enough suit this planet, and has been gifted with top—preferably one without stains—and choice. We had to cancel the wedding. water for just one of you to survive the the intelligence and resilience to adapt to some comfy leggings that no one can see, I picture the wedding as it was sup- desert hike. What do you do? It was a real- almost any environment, but challenges but this Zoom event will be more demand- posed to be, with family and friends istic example, as dehydration was a real, like surviving on sheer cliff sides and in ing. This particular gathering in June gathered together, smiling, shaking and deadly, danger. While medical ethi- the icy north have been met in commu- 2020 poses the question: What do I wear hands—even hugging! The reception cists wrestle routinely with seemingly im- nity. It is our social group that makes us to my son Ben’s wedding when I’m not would begin with the joyful first note of possible moral dilemmas, I do think that strong in the face of adversity. True safety really there? Hava Nagila, a clue for all to hold hands if we haven’t yet, we would all do well to and well-being lie not in wealth and guns, I’m annoyed. There would have been and circle round and round as they turn our individual attention to the ques- but in closeness with others. Those who no clothing debate had the original wed- danced the Hora. tion of what we would do if there was a have the least know that, and tend to be ding, scheduled for two weeks before, not When we first realized the wedding limited supply of essentials. the most generous. Now more than ever, been ravaged by COVID-19. I would have couldn’t go on as planned, we were horri- Those who are even reasonably well selfish hogging of resources is a myopic worn the long, glittery, form fitting silver fied that all the details discussed and re- off may rarely encounter this question, strategy: no one can survive alone on a gown I bought in December 2019, but it is discussed, all the lists made, and all the except, perhaps, when there is just one dying planet. now neglected and forlorn, residing in a travel arrangements confirmed, would be parking spot left. If that last package of Our culture glorifies individuals who garment bag in my closet, likely its per- out the window. But gradually, we real- toilet paper was not really a matter of life sacrifice themselves to save others, but manent home. When I bought the dress, ized that cancelling the wedding was or death, whence the desperation that can success is still defined, by and large, in my only concern at the time was that it a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of cause us to forget our humanness? Was it individualistic, competitive, material- might be slightly too form fitting and things during our new COVID-19 world. the long-forgotten scarcity of adult atten- istic terms. It is time we stepped away reveal even the tiniest stomach bulge as So the wedding as we envisioned it tion and patience for us as young ones, from this contradiction, and refused to I walked my son down the aisle. Oh well, is cancelled. The ceremony is held in a which occurs even in the most loving participate in harmful worldviews and I told myself, I just won’t eat for 24 hours lovely park in Beverly, Massachusetts. of families? The famines passed down practices. It is certainly uncomfortable before the wedding. Did I jinx the gown’s There are no guests. A lone photographer through generations from long-gone to question our every choice— be it pur- future by having doubts about it? And did is the only witness. The immediate fami- times when humans had to figure out how chases, vacations, how we get around or I exacerbate the doubt by neglecting to lies attend virtually. survive? The wars, poverty and displace- whom we vote for, and I cannot claim to remove the sales tags? The wedding is beautiful. I feel as if I ment that our ancestors may have experi- have mustered the strength of charac- Ben and Yelena live in Boston. The am really there. enced not so long ago? These, or the like, ter to always do what I know is right. But wedding was to be held in May 2020 in When the ceremony ends, I say good- may have formed the underpinnings of even more important than our individual Saratoga Springs, New York, the city bye to my family on Zoom. I realize that the insatiable, irrational drive for secu- choices is what we all do as a world-wide where Yelena grew up. The ceremony was my clothing choice is perfect. I’m glad rity at any cost, in the form of more and community. For a sustainable future, we to be a traditional Jewish service. I would I decided to dress up a bit. My silk-like bigger profits, land, belongings —even may find inspiration in the Indigenous have sucked in my stomach as I escorted blouse looks lovely on screen and my by those who already have more than Dish With One Spoon Wampum agree- my son towards the chuppah. My daugh- chunky silver necklace is the perfect anyone could possibly need. This trend is ment: “Take only what you need, leave ters would have looked glorious in their accessory. And as in all Zoom calls, my driving the human-caused mass extinc- some for everybody else, and keep it bridesmaids’ gowns. As a groomsman, lower half doesn’t matter. No one knows tion we are witnessing. clean.” my other son would have been smartly whether I’m wearing leggings, sweat- Inequitable distribution of wealth and dressed in a conservative well-tailored pants or pajama bottoms. racism have made us oblivious to the Miriam Sager works at the Hamilton Sexual Assault suit. Our guests would have shared our Centre and facilitates sharing circles about climate lives sacrificed for our convenience: the joy as Ben and Yelena joined together as change. Phyllis Shragge is a local writer, mother of five, and dangerous child labour, the devastated a married couple. The ceremony would grandmother of four. forests with their dwellers, both human have been followed by a wonderful

Because knowledge and experience matter.

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FEBRUARY 2021 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 15 THE BACK PAGE

CIBC WOOD GUNDY APEL INVESTMENT GROUP

I am pleased to welcome Yves Apel and his team to the CIBC Wealth Management office of Hamilton.

Yves is an accomplished industry leader who has built a substantial and well respected practice in the GTHA. His passion for client care is unparalleled. Yves is supported by a Private Banker, Financial Planner, Tax and Estate Planner, Insurance Specialist, Foreign exchange specialists, Commercial banking, Private company Transition and Investment Banking, Trust Services, and a Portfolio research group. Welcome to the team Yves! Tom Cosentino Vice President and Branch Manager Hamilton, Ontario

For a confidential discussion, please contact: Yves Apel, Vice President and Investment Advisor 905 523-9433 | [email protected] apelinvestmentgroup.com

CIBC Private Wealth Management consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. “CIBC Private Wealth Management” is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor. 16 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • FEBRUARY 2021