Jewish war vets’ memorial to be restored

By Bulletin Staff –

Martin Maxwell points to friends on the monument who died in action. David Grossman photo

The federal government announced a contribution of up to $5,300 to restore the Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial, which is erected in memory of Jewish Canadians who fought during the Second World War and later conflicts.

“Our Government is committed to encouraging Canadians, young and old, to remember and honour Veterans and the brave service men and women who serve our country,” said Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs. “Local war memorials, such as the Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial, acknowledge and reflect the appreciation for our Veterans of current and past generations.”

“I commend the members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 for their dedication to honouring Veterans,” said Joe Oliver, Member of Parliament for Eglinton–Lawrence. “Helping community groups restore local memorials is one way our Government is working to ensure young Canadians and their families will learn about and remember the achievements and sacrifices of our Veterans.”

Members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 (General Wingate) will add two new structures to the existing Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial in the Mount Sinai Cemetery. The current monument commemorates Jewish Canadians who fought during the Second World War and later conflicts. The new structures will commemorate those Jewish Canadians who lost their lives during the First World War.

Funding for this initiative is provided through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Through this program, the Government of Canada works in partnership with community groups and local organizations to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring our nation’s heroes are conserved to the highest standard of care and dignity.

Applications to the Cenotaph/Memorial Restoration Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding. For more information, visit veterans.gc.ca.