Key Takeaways
- Several Jewish Canadians have been appointed to the Order of Canada, including former Supreme Court justices, Holocaust survivors, and individuals from various fields such as law, energy, music journalism, and philanthropy.
- The appointees include Rosalie Abella, Michael Moldaver, Elly Gotz, Leonard Schein, Alfred Kwinter, Cindy Schwartz, Reesa Greenberg, and Nardwuar the Human Serviette.
- The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s top honors, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.
- The appointments reflect the diversity of the Canadian Jewish community and their contributions to various fields.
Introduction to the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s most prestigious honors, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada. Created in 1967, the Order has recognized over 8,000 people from diverse sectors of Canadian society. Recently, Governor-General Mary Simon made 80 new appointments to the Order, including several Jewish Canadians. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including law, energy, music journalism, and philanthropy.
Appointments of Jewish Canadians
Among the appointees are two former Supreme Court of Canada justices, Rosalie Abella and Michael Moldaver. Abella, who was the first refugee appointed to the Supreme Court, was promoted to companion of the Order of Canada. Moldaver was also appointed companion to the Order, recognized for his distinguished service to Canadian law. Other appointees include Holocaust survivor and educator Elly Gotz, who was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Gotz has been speaking about his experience as a survivor for over 30 years, and has spoken to over 250,000 students.
Contributions to Canadian Society
The appointees have made significant contributions to Canadian society. Leonard Schein, a Vancouver-based film festival founder and operator, was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Schein reflected on his experience as an immigrant to Canada, noting that he felt welcomed and supported. He also emphasized the importance of making it easier for immigrants to come to Canada, citing his own experience of being able to attend graduate school in Canada without significant barriers. Alfred Kwinter, a leading insurance lawyer, was also appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Kwinter noted that his work in legal advocacy is rooted in Jewish beliefs and principles, such as menschlikeit.
Diversity of Appointees
The appointees reflect the diversity of the Canadian Jewish community. Cindy Schwartz, a Montreal artist and founder of Les Muses, was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Schwartz has played a key role in championing diversity across arts and media, and has fostered representation and empowered artists. Reesa Greenberg, an Ottawa-based art historian, was also appointed, recognized for her innovative contributions to art history and museology. Nardwuar the Human Serviette, a Vancouver-based music journalist and radio host, was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Nardwuar, known for his unique personality and interviewing style, dedicated his appointment to his late mother, who taught him about history and the value of research.
Conclusion
The appointments to the Order of Canada reflect the significant contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to various fields. The appointees have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on Canadian society, whether through their work in law, arts, or philanthropy. Their contributions have enriched the lives of others and have made a difference to Canada. As the Governor-General’s media release noted, "The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country." The appointments are a testament to the diversity and richness of the Canadian Jewish community, and demonstrate the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds.
