Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, and Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, have issued the following statement in celebration of Jewish Heritage Month:

“May is Jewish Heritage Month and a time to celebrate the Jewish community’s significant contributions to British Columbia’s collective success, social welfare, cultural achievements, politics, growth and prosperity.

“Jewish Canadians have been part of B.C.’s cultural fabric since the first settlers arrived here in the late 1800s, and they have made significant contributions to the province ever since. Unfortunately, reported antisemitic incidents have increased significantly in recent years. This is why it is as important as ever to not only stand up against these unjust acts, but to educate ourselves about the many contributions Jewish British Columbians have made to our province’s diversity and strength.

“Early on, many Jewish people took on leadership roles that changed the course of B.C.’s growth. Leaders like Lumley Franklin, who became the second mayor of Victoria in 1866 and presided over the installation of the telegraph cable linking Victoria directly to England. He also supported the unification of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The two colonies merged during his first year in office. And David Oppenheimer, who was elected the second mayor of Vancouver in 1888. During his tenure, he established the first fire department, a ferry across Burrard Inlet, the streetcar system and Stanley Park.

“Today, we continue to see significant contributions by Jewish communities and individuals in helping B.C. grow and thrive. One concrete example can be found in the Lower Mainland, where the Jewish Community Centre is being redeveloped and expanded to include recreation facilities, a theatre, art gallery, a performing arts school, a youth and senior day centre, and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. It will also provide up to 200 new child care spaces and 500 units of mixed-use housing. The government has provided $25 million for this community-changing project, and we applaud the vision and ambition that is bringing this dream to life.

“This May, we encourage everyone to learn more about the history and contributions of Jewish British Columbians, and to join us in condemning antisemitism in all its forms.”

Learn More:

For more information about the Jewish community in Canada, visit: http://jewishheritage.ca/

For more information about Jewish history in B.C., visit: https://jewishmuseum.ca/exhibits/online-exhibits/

For information about Lower Mainland Jewish community organizations, including schools, synagogues, and cultural and social service organizations, visit: https://www.jewishvancouver.com/