Jewish War Veterans of Canada: A living history

by Dr. Joseph Levy

Introduction

Although we are a Jewish Veterans group, we commemorate all of Canada's military history because Jews were, are, and will continue to be a proud part of the military of this country. We function as a Jewish Veterans Association with all rights to operate independently, to recognize and assist the State of Israel in any way possible, and to include ourselves in the celebration of all Jewish holidays and religious events. We also aim to educate younger generations about the involvement of Jews militarily in the history and development of Canada.

Canadian Jews have defended Canadian territory even before the Dominion of Canada existed. Aaron Hart served in Wolfe's army under General Amherst in 1759, and settled in Montreal as one of the first Canadian Jews. Sir Alexander Shoenberg captained the ship that brought reinforcements to Quebec City for the battle of the Plaines of Abraham in the same year.

Jews continued to defend Canada valiantly in the war of 1812 and in the 1837 rebellion. During WWI, 4000 Canadian Jews enlisted in the various defense forces. One hundred were killed, many were wounded, and 84 received decorations for bravery.

The Second World War commenced on September 2, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, and Canada joined her Allies to defend democracy around the world.

For Canada and Jewish Canadians, the Second World War was the Jewish community's most sustained war effort ever. During WWII, Jews who served in all areas of the war effort responded in the most inspiring, dedicated, and honourable fashion. This website has been undertaken in great part to remind Canadians of the tremendous sacrifice that Canada's Jewish community made toward the WWII effort. As one war veteran explained: After the war we walked around town with dignity, and proud to be Canadians.

Out of a Canadian Jewish population of approximately 167,000 Jewish men, women and children, 16,883 volunteered for active service in the army, air force, and navy. There were an additional 2,000 Jews who enlisted, but who did not declare their Jewish identity in order to avert danger if captured by the Nazi forces (CJC, 1948). Of the 16,883 who served, 196 won military decorations, 500 were buried with stars of David on graves scattered over 125 cemeteries, and thousands returned home with serious physical and mental wounds.

Click here to view an Enlistments Table of Jewish War Service.