1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

Tru e H e ro e s
Tribute Gala
October 30, 2014
“
“
...And I shall give them
in my house and within
my walls a memorial
and a name…
that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 56:5
Tru e H e ro e s
Tribute Gala 2014
Righteous
Among the Na†ions
“
Whoever saves a life,
it is considered
as if he has saved
an entire world.
”
Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:8
In 1953, the Israeli Parliament passed a law that established Yad Vashem, The
Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, as the sole entity
authorized to bestow the “Righteous Among the Nations” title on behalf of the
State of Israel. Since that time, this title has become not only a symbol of gratitude
to individuals who aided Jews during the Holocaust, but also a synonym for the
highest act of civilian heroism and human solidarity.
Righteous Among the Nations are non-Jewish individuals who risked their own and
their families’ safety and lives in order to rescue one or several Jews from the threat
of death or deportation during the Holocaust without exacting monetary
compensation or other rewards. The Righteous Among the Nations serve as a
beacon of light in the darkness of the Holocaust, when moral values collapsed and
Jews were denied basic human rights. They were people of great courage who
stayed true to their moral compass, taking extraordinary risks to rescue Jews when
others stood by or actively collaborated with the Nazis.
A person recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations is awarded a specially
minted medal bearing his or her name, a certificate of honour, and the privilege of
having his or her name added to those on the Wall of Honour in the Garden of the
Righteous at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. The award ceremonies take place in Israel
and throughout the world. Since its inception, Yad Vashem has recognized, on
behalf of the State of Israel, more than 25,000 individuals from 50 countries around
the world as Righteous Among the Nations.
The Righteous Among the Nations have bequeathed to us an example par
excellence to emulate. The fact that some found the courage to become rescuers
despite the difficult and frightening potential consequences demonstrates that the
freedom to choose does exist, that doing the right thing is not beyond one's
capacity, and that, even in the midst of opposing forces, it is still possible to act
with moral conviction and integrity.
The True Heroes Tribute Gala affords us the opportunity to demonstrate our deepest
RIGHTEOUS LEOKADIA JAROMIRSKA,
POLAND, WITH SURVIVOR SHIFRA KOZER
gratitude to the brave souls who make up the singular ranks of the Righteous
Among the Nations.
Message from the
Canadian Society for Yad Vashem
It is our privilege to invite you to participate in the 2014 True Heroes Tribute Gala,
where we will pay tribute to exceptional individuals whom Yad Vashem has
recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. This honour, along with the Yad
Vashem medal and certificate, will be posthumously bestowed on behalf of the
State of Israel on the Canadian descendants of the Righteous honourees in
recognition of their forebears’ courage and moral fortitude in risking their and their
families’ lives to rescue Jews from the threat of death during the Holocaust.
FRAN SONSHINE
NATI ONAL CHAIR
In the utter darkness and desolation that prevailed during that tragic period, the
Righteous Among the Nations were a beacon of light who pierced the apathy,
indifference, and abject cruelty that characterized the mainstream. When most
nations and people either collaborated with the Nazis or turned a blind eye to the
deportation and murder of Jews, the Righteous Among the Nations stood apart in
their humanity and courage.
The lessons conveyed by the Righteous Among the Nations are among the most
important ones disseminated by Yad Vashem and the Canadian Society for Yad
Vashem. Yad Vashem is world-renowned as the universal guardian and imparter of
the Shoah’s (Holocaust’s) legacy and the protector of human values, standing at
the forefront of Holocaust commemoration, education, documentation, and
research.
YARON ASHKENAZI
EXECU TI VE D IRECT OR
We are honoured to be at the helm of an organization that is charged with
implementing the mission of Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, in Canada, raising financial
support for Yad Vashem’s initiatives and disseminating the universal lessons of the
Holocaust across Canada through commemorative and educational initiatives on
the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
Proceeds from the True Heroes Tribute Gala will be used to support the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem’s many educational and commemorative activities. One of
these inititatives having a huge impact is the recruitment and sponsorship of
educators from across Canada to participate in the Educators’ Seminar at the
International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem. At the Seminar,
educators are provided with innovative pedagogical tools, technologies, and
resources for keeping the Holocaust and its lessons relevant to Canadian students.
By employing their new skills and resources in their classrooms and communities,
these educators have an indelible impact on countless numbers of Canadians.
With great appreciation for your support and friendship, we would be honoured to
have you join us at the True Heroes Tribute Gala.
Together, let us remember the past and shape a brighter future marked by greater
tolerance, compassion, and understanding for all humankind.
Message from
Ed Sonshine and Fred Waks
“They are remembered always, in our hearts, in our prayers, and, most
importantly, in our resolve. Never again.”
—THE RT. HON. STEPHEN HARPER, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, JANUARY 21, 2014, AT YAD VASHEM
As Chairs of the True Heroes Tribute Gala, it is our great privilege to lend our support
to honour Righteous Among the Nations who rescued Jews from the threat of
death with remarkable heroism and strength of spirit during the darkest epoch in
modern history.
ED SONSHINE
DI NNE R CO-C HAIR
The Righteous Among the Nations demonstrate the pinnacle of human compassion
and moral integrity in a world beset by madness and the total collapse of the universal
standards of morality. Indeed, the designation of “Righteous Among the Nations” has
become a revered worldwide term of honour bestowed solely by Yad Vashem on
behalf of the State of Israel, one that denotes a singular form of human heroism.
While the acts of the Righteous Among the Nations were extraordinary, the individuals
themselves were otherwise ordinary human beings who came from all walks of life.
It is precisely their humanity that touches us and allows them to serve as role models
for us to emulate. The Righteous Among the Nations convey hope and optimism,
and the promise that evil can be overcome and injustice defeated with a resolute
mind, a compassionate soul, and the courage to take action. Simply put, the
Righteous Among the Nations teach us that every individual can make a difference.
FRED WAKS
DI NNE R CO-C HAIR
Tragically, the scourges of bigotry, racism, and intolerance are still with us. The
Canadian Society for Yad Vashem is dedicated to creating a more tolerant, just,
and compassionate society by disseminating the universal lessons of the Holocaust
to multicultural audiences across Canada. Among the most powerful and
inspirational lessons are those that arise through the stories of the Righteous
Among the Nations.
These lessons transcend the time period of the Holocaust. They continue to
resonate powerfully today and, we believe, are particularly relevant in Canada, a
multicultural mosaic representing a multitude of languages, ethnicities, religions,
and affiliations—a beautiful mélange that holds both the ideal of peaceful
coexistence and the realpolitik of the inherent challenges.
The words “Never Again,” which our prime minister wrote on that historic day he
visited Yad Vashem, ring out to us from the highest echelons of our land. These
words resonate within the recesses of the Jewish people’s consciousness and act as
a clarion call that drives the mission of the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem.
We invite you to share an inspirational evening with us and, by supporting the
Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, dedicate yourselves to making the world a better
place for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
Education:
A Catalyst for Creating a Better World
For six decades, Yad Vashem, The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance
Authority, in Jerusalem, has been dedicated to Holocaust education, remembrance,
documentation, and research.
Yad Vashem’s commitment to Holocaust education is carried out through its
International School for Holocaust Studies. In 2013, more than 300,000 educators
and students from dozens of countries around the world and officers and soldiers
of the IDF participated in seminars and programs at the School.
In a multicultural society such as Canada, differences can lead to prejudice and
inequality. In fact, over the past few years, the number of hate crimes in Canada has
risen significantly, with the majority of them being directed against Jews. In addition,
other minorities are facing increasing discrimination, and terrorists’ acts continue to
have devastating effects in many corners of the world. Therefore, imparting the
lessons of the Holocaust is all the more crucial today.
As we learned from the Holocaust, being apathetic bystanders to injustices can
have catastrophic repercussions. Informed educators have the unique opportunity
and responsibility of instilling in young minds the values of tolerance and
compassion for all individuals and the importance of upholding Canada’s precious
democratic values.
To carry out its mission of conveying the Holocaust’s vital lessons to Canadians, the
Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, one of the largest societies among Yad Vashem’s
28 representative bodies worldwide, has sponsored in the past several years more
than 170 educators from across Canada to attend the Educators’ Seminar at Yad
Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies. There educators learn
innovative pedagogical practices and obtain appropriate tools and resources for
teaching Canadian students about the Holocaust and its lessons. With their passion
to teach the Holocaust reinvigorated, these educators bring back to their schools
and communities the knowledge and skills they gleaned at the Seminar, thereby
affecting thousands.
Yad Vashem and the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem fervently hope that our
educational initiatives, which impart the universal lessons of the Holocaust, will help
to create a more compassionate society that actively strives to uphold the values of
human rights, equality, and justice for all people.
In the Words of Canadian
Graduates of the Educators’
Seminar at the International
School for Holocaust Studies
at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
Despite all my academic learning at Oxford, Yale and
the University of Toronto, it is this experience—of
seeing the museum at Yad Vashem and participating
in the Educators’ Seminar—that has deepened my
commitment to Holocaust education and
scholarship....
—DR. CAROLYN KAY, PROFESSOR
TRENT UNIVERSITY, PETERBOROUGH, ON
I could read another hundred books on the
Holocaust, but that wouldn’t give me the
introspection that visiting Israel procured me.
—MARTIN DESTROISMAISONS, TEACHER
COLLÉGE ST-LOUIS, BROSSARD, QC
Travelling to Israel in order to learn more about the
Holocaust has been a real thrill. I will definitely
integrate this experience in my work on Holocaust
education at the museum.
—SABRINA MOISAN, EDUCATION COORDINATOR
MONTREAL HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTRE, MONTREAL, QC
This experience surpassed all of my expectations....
My experiences are three-fold: academic and
intellectual; emotional and spiritual; and social and
experiential. Yad Vashem does a spectacular job of
combining these aspects....
—DANIELLE ZAGAR, TEACHER
SAMUEL ROBERTSON TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MAPLE RIDGE, BC
I stand in awe of those who survived so courageously.
—LARRY J. MIKULCIK, TEACHER
WILLIAM DERBY SCHOOL, SASKATOON, SK
Teaching the Holocaust through Art not only exposes
students to both history and the fundamentals of Art,
but, more importantly, it teaches acceptance and
tolerance of others.
—NADIA KMET, TEACHER
ÉCOLE STANLEY KNOWLES SCHOOL, WINNIPEG, MB
Tribute Gala
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Includes:
Sponsorship Includes:
• Premium seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes Gala
• Prominent seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes Gala
• Recognition as a “Heroism” sponsor in all eventrelated media, including the following:
• Recognition as a “Spirit” sponsor in all event-related
media, including the following:
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Premium placement of a full-page colour
advertisement in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• Placement of a full-page colour advertisement
in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
• Sending of 2 Canadian educators under the sponsor's
name to the Educators' Seminar at the International
School for Holocaust Studies with full scholarship at
Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
• Sending of 1 Canadian educator under the sponsor's
name to the Educators' Seminar at the International
School for Holocaust Studies with full scholarship at
Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem office
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem office
• “Infinity,” a sculpture (25 cm X 25 cm X 25 cm) by
artist and curator Bosmat Niron symbolizing the
infinite impact of the Righteous’ courageous actions
on future generations
• “Infinity,” a sculpture (25 cm X 25 cm X 25 cm)
by artist and curator Bosmat Niron symbolizing the
infinite impact of the Righteous’ courageous actions
on future generations
• A set of The Encyclopedia of the Righteous Among the
Nations (10 volumes), a Yad Vashem publication
• A set of The Encyclopedia of the Righteous Among the
Nations (10 volumes), a Yad Vashem publication
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Memorial Cave
at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Memorial Cave
at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
• A Yad Vashem book entitled Yad Vashem: 60 Years of
Remembrance, Documentation, Research, and Education
• A Yad Vashem book entitled Yad Vashem: 60 Years of
Remembrance, Documentation, Research, and Education
Heroism
Spirit
$100,000
$75,000
Sponsorship Includes:
Sponsorship Includes:
• Prime seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes
Tribute Gala
• A table with seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes
Tribute Gala
• Recognition as a “Hope” sponsor in all event-related
media, including the following:
• Recognition as a “Bravery” sponsor in all event-related
media, including the following:
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Placement of a full-page colour advertisement
in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Placement of a full-page colour advertisement
in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem office
• A set of The Encyclopedia of the Righteous Among the
Nations (10 volumes), a Yad Vashem publication
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Memorial Cave
at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
• Acknowledgement on a plaque in the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem office
• A set of The Encyclopedia of the Righteous Among
the Nations (10 volumes), a Yad Vashem publication
• A Yad Vashem book entitled Yad Vashem: 60 Years of
Remembrance, Documentation, Research, and Education
Hope
$50,000
Bravery
$25,000
Sponsorship Includes:
Sponsorship Includes:
• A table with seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes
Tribute Gala
• A table with seating for 10 guests at the True Heroes
Tribute Gala
• Recognition as a “Courage” sponsor in all
event-related media, including the following:
• Recognition as a “Valour” sponsor in all
event-related media, including the following:
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem website with
hyperlink to sponsor’s website
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
− the video screen at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Table signage depicting sponsor’s name
and logo at the True Heroes Tribute Gala
• Placement of a full-page colour advertisement
in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• Placement of a half-page colour advertisement
in the True Heroes Tribute Gala book
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
• A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount
Courage
Valour
$18,000
$10,000
A historic visit from
The Prime Minister of Canada
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
The Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper (third from left), stands in the Hall of Remembrance
at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, on January 21, 2014, after laying a wreath in memory of the 6 million Jews who
were murdered during the Holocaust. The visit to Yad Vashem was made during Prime Minister Harper’s historic
visit to Israel. Standing with the Prime Minster of Canada are (from left to right) Chair of the Yad Vashem Council
Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, First Lady of Canada Mrs. Laureen Harper, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu,
First Lady of Israel Mrs. Sara Netanyahu, and Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev.
National Chair,
Canadian Society
for Yad Vashem
Board of Directors,
Canadian Society
for Yad Vashem
Fran Sonshine
Renee Bleeman
Gillian Horwitz
Bruce Kent
Mark & Anne Mandell
Israel Mida
Barry Pascal
Jeff Ross
Fran Sonshine, NATIONAL CHAIR
Joe Gottdenker, VICE-CHAIR
Louis Greenbaum, VICE-CHAIR
Harry Kichler, VICE-CHAIR
Miguel Singer, TREASURER
Naomi Azrieli
Renee Bleeman
Harry J.F. Bloomfield
Risa Drimmer
Thomas Hecht
William Hechter
Dora Kichler
Israel Mida
Faye Minuk
Ellen Smoskowitz
Howard Sokolowski
Stephen Tile
Fred Waks
Liora Yakubowicz
Barry Zagdanski
Executive Director,
Canadian Society
for Yad Vashem
Board of Governors,
Canadian Society
for Yad Vashem
Dinner Co-chairs
Ed Sonshine
Fred Waks
Dinner Benefactor
Gottdenker Family
Foundation
Dinner Sponsor
TD Canada Trust
Dinner Ambassadors
Yaron Ashkenazi
Steering Committee
Felicia Posluns
Irit Shay
Beth Singer
Liora Yakubowicz
Nelly Zagdanski
Sara Zagdanski
Leslie Dan
Rouhama Danto
Joel Dimitry
Sydney Gangbar
Linda Rechtsman
Hank Rosenbaum
Helen Rosenbaum
Founders of the Canadian
Society for Yad Vashem
Peter Silverman z”l
David Smuschkowitz z”l
Tribute Committee
Irving Abella
Leonard & Susan Asper
Paul & Pamela Austin
Henry & Barbara Bank
Jeanne Beker
Bill & Dana Bell
Ron Bernbaum & Renee Bleeman
Nani & Austin Beutel
François Blanc & Naomi Azrieli
Reuven Blum
Lisa Borsook
Morley Brown & Glennie Lindenberg
Jerry & Hilda Cohen
Richard & Clara Cooper
Leslie & Anna Dan
Rouhama Danto
Stephen & Karen Diamond
Joel & Judy Dimitry
Daniel & Risa Drimmer
Betty Eisenstadt
Anita Ekstein
Lou & Brenda Fields
Russell Fleischer
Arnold & Lili Friedman
Jeff Friedman
George Friedmann
Raymond & Rhonda Gelgoot
Michael & Libby Gold
Joe & Lori Gottdenker
Herman & Marya Grad
Jerry & Carole Grafstein
Irving Granovsky
Alan Greenberg
Mark & Pearl Gryfe
Robert & Edie Harlang
Tom & Riva Hecht
William & Linda Hechter
Jay & Barbara Hennick
Victor & Elena Hoffstein
Ellis & Sharyn Jacob
David Kassie
Bruce & Joëlle Kent
Harry & Dora Kichler
Warren & Debbie Kimel
Harry & Iris Kohn
Igor & Bonnie Korenzvit
Helene Korn
Robert Lantos
Dale & Robin Lastman
Joseph Lebovic
Bruce & Marilyn Lubelsky
Joseph Mapa
David & Faye Markowitz
Ashi Mathur
Albert & Esther Michaels
Israel Mida & Laura Walsh
Barbara Miller
Harley Mintz
Michael Paisley
Michael Paterson & Gail Asper
David & Barbara Peltz
David & Felicia Posluns
Hank & Helen Rosenbaum
Harry & Malka Rosenbaum
Jeff & Bonnie Ross
Jeff & Honey Rubenstein
Alex Schnaider
Bonny Silver
Ernest & Helen Singer
Miguel & Beth Singer
Howard Sokolowski & Linda Frum
Ed & Fran Sonshine
Harold Spring
Fred & Bryna Steiner
Howard & Carole Tanenbaum
Larry & Judy Tanenbaum
Stephen Tile
Fred & Linda Waks
Jay & Debbie Waks
Tommy & Sasha Weisz
Charles & Libby Winograd
Barry & Nelly Zagdanski
Ian & Sara Zagdanski