From the Desk of Edna LeVine

This spring virtual programs continued to be offered in Atlantic Canada as we entered another COVID-19 lockdown. As summer progressed, with many people fully vaccinated, Nova Scotia moved into Phase 4 of the pandemic re-opening schedule, and the focus shifted to organizing in-person events in Halifax, in accordance with the NS Health guidelines, as well as continuing to offer virtual programs.

David Korn participated in a virtual book launch of his memoirs on May 2, as part of a series of Holocaust survivor testimony, published by the Azrieli Foundation. The opening program for Holocaust Education Week (HEW) on November 1 will feature an in depth talk with David Korn, followed by a book signing and reception. This program is presented in partnership with the Azrieli Foundation and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Through our HEW student outreach program David will share his story with junior high and high school students. The program will be streamed to schools in Atlantic Canada, registration is required, and students must complete a classroom assignment prior to attending. Please contact me to register. The complete HEW program schedule will be posted on HolocaustEducation.ca and shared in our AJC newsletter.

We were excited to support Liberation75, to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation from the Holocaust. This event was organized in Toronto, with participating organizations from across Canada, and presented virtually from May 4 – 9. Survivor testimony, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and film screenings, were live-streamed. Many of the programs were recorded and are available to view for free, as part of a Virtual Holocaust Library: www.liberation75.org.

One of the films presented during Liberation75, Cheating Hitler: Surviving the Holocaust, featured three Canadian survivor stories, including Maxwell Smart. Maxwell’s journey of survival was published by the Azrieli Foundation (From Chaos to Canvas), and his 2018 presentation in Halifax riveted us with stories of the frightful years he spent alone, hiding in the woods. One of his most captivating stories recounted how he and Janek crossed a frigid river to rescue a baby girl from the arms of her dead mother—the entire family had been gunned down by Nazi soldiers. This experience haunted Maxwell and he decided to whole-heartedly seek answers to the identity of the baby, and to find the family of Janek, who died of hypothermia shortly after rescuing the baby. “Cheating Hitler” follows Maxwell on his quest as he travels to Israel to meet Yad Vashem researchers, discovers the identity of the baby, and connects with Janek’s surviving relatives, a truly heartfelt journey.

Limmud FSU Labs Atlantic Canada is a grassroots year-long program, with the aim of building local Jewish community leaders. It continues to be a pleasure to support Halifax based program initiator Yulia Elgin. For an update on this inspiring program please refer to the article on page 29 in this magazine.

Out of the Cold, a Halifax-based community organization that provides shelter and meals during the winter months to people who are homeless or precariously housed, received additional funding to continue to operate during the summer. The spring COVID-19 lockdown disrupted their regular deliveries of hot meals and baked goods, however, our community members rallied, and we regrouped to meet their needs.

Our 8th annual Atlantic Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) November 18 – 21, will offer moviegoers in Atlantic Canada the opportunity to view international films virtually, and in theatres in Halifax. Cineplex Cinemas will host our opening night film, and on Saturday night, at Pier 21, we will watch a film and delight in a gala celebration. Our modest festival offers us the opportunity to share our values and culture with the broader community while providing programming that would otherwise not be available in our area. Please see the inside back cover of this magazine, or AJFF.ca, for information on how you can support the 2021 festival.

Wishing you and your family a sweet year filled with good health and peace, Shana Tova.