I contacted UJA with a deep desire to give back to the Jewish community through a bequest in my will, and to do so in a way that honours the generations who came before me. This legacy is dedicated to my parents, Alfred (Fred) and Bernice, and to my bubby and zaidy, David and Jenny, whose unwavering dedication, support, and guidance helped strengthen Jewish life in St. Catharines and shaped my own journey here in Toronto.  

I also hold in my heart the memory of my other bubby and zaidy, Joseph and Rosa, who were taken from us in the concentration camp in Šabac, Yugoslavia. Remembering them is both an act of remembrance and a commitment to ensure that their lives, and the lives of so many others, are never forgotten.

My father, born in Vienna, Austria, was among the first Kindertransport children and arrived at Whittingehame Farm School near Edinburgh, Scotland, in January 1939. There, he met other young refugees and formed friendships that endured throughout his lifetime. He never forgot his Jewish heritage. After witnessing the destruction of his synagogue—the place where his parents were married and where he celebrated his bar mitzvah—he was inspired to write a book at just 16 years old, titled FATE.  

He came to Canada in 1949 as a professional electrical engineer and went on to work for 21 years with the St. Lawrence Seaway. He married my mother in St. Catharines, where her father served as president of Congregation B’nai Israel for more than a decade. I remember, as a young child, watching my father regularly donate to the State of Israel through the synagogue. He was the “go-to” person for any electrical work needed there, while my mother was deeply involved with B’nai Brith Women, serving as financial secretary for their district.  

We grew up immersed in Jewish life—taking Hebrew classes, attending Jewish camps, celebrating our bat and bar mitzvahs, and socializing with other synagogues in Toronto—eventually building our own lives and families here in the city.  

Both of my parents carefully preserved documents, photographs, and articles that captured important moments in Jewish history. I felt a responsibility to share these materials with the Toronto Holocaust Museum so that future generations might better understand why it is so vital to preserve and protect our Jewish heritage.  

By donating to UJA, I am also supporting children and orphans, Jewish Family and Child Service—including camp scholarships, sports programs, and other initiatives that help level the playing field. I am proud to be part of the Jewish community here in Toronto and hope to inspire other Jewish families to do the same.