Have you ever thought about taking up self-defense classes, but hesitated to take the leap? Maybe you were unsure where to start or whether it would truly make a difference.
Well, we invite you to be inspired by one family’s journey into the world of Krav Maga at The Y, and how it not only brought them closer together, but how it helped bolster both a sense of self and a sense of community.
But first, a brief primer on Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed in Israel designed with the aim of swiftly and efficiently neutralizing threats. Drawing inspiration from boxing, wrestling, judo, and karate, it emphasizes instinctive movements and counterattacks. But perhaps most importantly, Krav Maga is designed specifically to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels, fostering both physical strength and mental resilience, which can then be applied to challenging situations out in the real world.
“We had been searching for a Krav Maga program for a while,” says Judy Hagshi, whose family of five, including husband Glenn Nashen, their two daughters (ages 20 and 23), and son (age 15) all currently meet each Monday for Krav Maga at the Y.
“I wanted my daughters, one of whom lives outside the house, to feel safe and comfortable on campus,” Judy continues. “And it’s turned out to be such a confidence booster, for all of us. Immediately, the first thing we learned was how to hold yourself, how to walk, and right away, it made you feel like, Okay,I’m in control.”
Eventually, the family found itself immersed in a welcoming community of people from all walks of life. And while initially it was all about learning self-defense techniques, the family quickly discovered what amounted to an incredible bonding experience.
Indeed, what truly sets The Y’s Krav Maga program apart is the sense of community it fosters. “In our classes, we found people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to learn and grow. There’s something special about seeing families train together, cheering each other on, and supporting one another through every drill. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences,” says Judy.
“There are times where before a session, we’ll feel a bit sluggish from the day,” she continues. “But as soon as we step onto that mat, that energy shifts. There’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air, knowing that we’re about to challenge ourselves and learn something new. And after each session, we leave feeling energized and empowered, ready to take on whatever comes our way.”
“What keeps us coming back to The Y isn’t just the quality of the instruction or the effectiveness of the techniques,” says Judy. “It’s the sense of belonging and support that we find here. Despite diverse backgrounds and skill levels, we come together as one community, sharing our energy and learning from each other.”
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of fallen police officer, Sgt. Maureen Breau. This officer dedicated her life to serving and protecting the community, with 20 years of service in the Quebec Police Force, but tragically, her life was cut short in the line of duty.
We all grapple with the reality of such a senseless loss. The bravery and sacrifice of police officers often goes unnoticed, but in times like these, we are reminded of the immense risk that they face each and every day to keep us safe.
As we come to terms with this devastating loss, we must also take a moment to honour the life and legacy of Sgt. Maureen Breau. She made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community, and her dedication will never be forgotten.
To Sgt. Breau’s family, friends, and colleagues, I extend deepest condolences. All Quebecers should pledge to honour the memory of this brave officer by continuing to support and appreciate the hardworking men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect us all.
C’est avec le plus grand tristesse que nous déplorons la perte de la sergente Maureen Breau, une policière qui a consacré sa vie au service et à la protection de la communauté, avec 20 ans de service au sein de la Sûreté du Québec. Sa vie a été tragiquement interrompue dans l’exercice de ses fonctions.
Nous sommes tous confrontés à la réalité d’une perte aussi insensée. La bravoure et le sacrifice des policiers passent souvent inaperçus, mais des moments comme celui-ci nous rappellent les risques immenses qu’ils courent chaque jour pour assurer notre sécurité.
Alors que nous nous remettons de cette perte dévastatrice, nous devons également prendre un moment pour honorer la vie et l’héritage du sergente Maureen Breau. Elle a fait le sacrifice ultime au service de la communauté, et son dévouement ne sera jamais oublié.
À la famille, aux amis et aux collègues de la sergente Breau, j’offre mes plus sincères condoléances. Tous les Québécois devraient s’engager à honorer la mémoire de cette brave policière en continuant de soutenir et d’apprécier les hommes et les femmes des forces de l’ordre qui mettent leur vie en danger pour nous protéger tous.
This Remembrance Day marks 100 years since the end of hostility in World War I, the War to End All Wars.
This week we also mark 80 years since Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, which notoriously was the beginning of what became known as the Holocaust, or Shoah.
Sergeant George Nashen, Royal Canadian Air Force, 1944
My father, George Nashen, 95, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from December 1942 to April 1946 and was stationed at RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London, England for nearly three years. Luckily, he was not called up to the front lines. But his buddies were. Some never returned.
My father enlisted in December 1942 with several of his friends from Baron Byng High School, and was shipped off for two months of basic training in Toronto where the RCAF had taken over the CNE Fairgrounds. From there he was stationed at the Rockcliffe Airbase in Ottawa from February until August 1942 and then to Halifax where they boarded the Queen Mary cruise ship that had been commandeered to transport troops.
“We were 26,000 troops and 1,000 crew members crammed into the ship for the four day crossing to London, England,” my father told me. “There were 54 troops to a room and we took turns sleeping, 27 at a time slept on the hammocks lined up three high in nine columns,” he said. “It was so uncomfortable and there were so many disturbances that I chose to sleep in the hallways and stairwells. But the ship would list from one side to the other every seven minutes as it curved to avoid sailing in a straight line to escape any pursuing German U-boats. I remember the empty Coke bottles rolling bake and forth in the halls and hitting the walls preventing any rest there as well,” my dad said.
RCAF Aircraftsman 2nd Class, George Nashen (1943)
“In London, we slept in the Canadian Legion Hall until we could find an apartment,” my dad reminisced. There were no barracks in the city as they couldn’t chance losing so many soldiers in a targeted German bombing raid. “One night a bomb fell right outside the Legion Hall and blew in the doors and windows. As the glass flew and the ceiling collapsed I immediately rolled under my bed to take cover,” he said. “I yelled out to my buddy, Mel Nicol. ‘Are you alright Nic?’ Mel Nicol was real joker and responded, ‘I’m not sure, I’m looking for my leg’. Of course, he was just fine,” George said.
George and Mel eventually rented an apartment at Queens Gate Gardens about a 30 minute walk from Harrods, where the RCAF set up their administration and accounting division. We often joke that my father served in women’s lingerie during WW II, in reference to the department in Harrods where the Accounting Office was located. They were paid $2.50 per day subsistence allowance for their lodging and another $1 for food.
As an Aircraftsman 2nd Class they received $1.30 per day. Dad used to send $10 per month back to his Mom in Montreal to save for him. Upon his return, three-and-a-half years later he had saved up about $300.
George Nashen in front of the Cote Saint-Luc cenotaph in Veterans Park 2012
One night they were awakened by a bomb blast and heard that the nearby hospital was hit. Mel and George raced over to offer their assistance only to find out that 30 babies had been tragically killed. “It was the saddest day of my life,” my father said.
Back at Harrods he was busy taking care of Airman Pay Accounts to ensure each of the troops received their salary. Daily Routine Orders were meticulously entered for the tens of thousands of airmens’ accounts, all manually, of course.
My dad lost his best friend in battle. “Jay Singer was like a brother to me,” my father recounts. “Jay and I were inseparable from kindergarten through Baron Byng High School. Jay was an air force pilot from the age of 19. His plane went missing while laying mines in the Baltic Sea on June 15, 1944. Jay was just 22 year’s old when he died in service. I’ll never forget him.”
Jay Singer
My father endured the bombardments and hardship of everyday life in London but fortunately was safe relative to so many others. The thick, dark clouds that hung over the city many nights from fog made it impossible to see right in front of you. My father recounts as he would feel his way along the walls of the buildings on his way home, counting off the number of doors and turns in the road to find his way home.
One night a bomb fell at a pub just outside of Harrods and some Londoners were killed. The next day, a young Princess Elizabeth, came by to visit and offer her support. My father watched excitedly from the window as the future Queen made her way along the street.
My father returned home in April 1946.
Three generations of Cote Saint-Lucers: George, Glenn and Jeremy Nashen 2013
Each year, I ask dad to take out his medals and his beret and to teach my own kids what it meant to serve Canada as a soldier. They listen in amazement at his stories of 70 years ago, as they reflect on their lives in the best country to live in, Canada.
WWII veteran George Nashen, 93, deposits the wreath on behalf of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 at the Cote Saint-Luc Cenotaph in Veterans Park. Accompanied by his grandson Cory, son Jeff and vCOP Phil Mayman. (Photo: Darryl Levine, CSL).
Each year on Remembrance Day, I salute my dad, and all those who served, who paid the ultimate price, who sustained injury and who were lucky to return just like George. His bravery and commitment, and theirs, to stand on guard, to liberating those who had their freedom taken from them so many years ago, to keeping Canada glorious and free, shines like a beacon to my kids and our entire family.
With my dad on Remembrance Day (Jewish General Hospital, 2014)
We’re proud of his accomplishments and grateful to still have him, and my mother, as our bridge between our past and our future.
George and Phyllis Nashen at their 95th and 90th birthday party (June 2018)
C’est un peu ironique que je sois ici aujourd’hui, représentant mon père et ma famille à cause d’un cheval qui est mort il y a presque 90 ans! Mon oncle Boris était un colporteur qui partait de Montréal et allait de village en village. Il a ouvert La Maison Boris, un magasin général sur la rue Principal de St. Leonard D’Aston en 1928. Quelque 20 ans plus tard, mon père revenait de son service dans les Forces aériennes du Canada. Ayant suivi une formation en comptabilité générale, mon oncle Boris et mon père ont commencé Nash Shirt Limited à l’étage supérieur de cet édifice, qu’ils ont éventuellement acheté, puis la piste de quilles voisine et un troisième édifice attenant, ainsi la vieille gare et quelques autres maisons. Au fil des ans, ils ont employé plusieurs centaines de personnes de la ville et des villes voisines, environ 230 employés à leur apogée. Même les femmes de la région travaillaient comme couturières à la maison. La ville se débrouillait plutôt bien pendant ces années, et pratiquement toutes les familles étaient liées d’une manière ou d’une autre au travail effectué dans ces locaux. En effet, il a été dit que Saint-Léonard « habillait le Canada ».
Monsieur Boris et Monsieur Georges, comme ils étaient affectueusement surnommés, ont toujours eu une merveilleuse relation de travail avec leurs employés. Boris était tellement respecté qu’à sa mort, en 1970, presque tous les employés sont montés à bord d’autobus pour se rendre à Montréal et assister à ses funérailles.
L’entreprise a continué de croître et de prospérer. Mon frère Stan a rejoint la compagnie et passait la semaine ici à l’usine. Ensuite, mon frère Barry a également rejoint le bureau de Montréal. En tant qu’étudiant adolescent, je passais plusieurs semaines chaque été à m’entraîner ici, en compagnie de mon ami, Marcel Alie, qui conduisait le camion, allait chez toutes les couturières et faisait toutes les courses. Marcel est aussi celui qui m’apprenait un bon français de campagne. Apres mes études de l’Université j’ai commencé a travaillé aussi pour Nash Shirt. Oh, les merveilleux souvenirs!
Mon père, qui a maintenant 94 ans, se souvient avec beaucoup d’affection de ses années à Saint-Léonard D’Aston. Pendant toutes ces années, de 1948 jusqu’à la fermeture de l’usine en 1983, il avait à ses côtés Marcelle Hébert, son adjointe de confiance. Il garde de bons souvenirs de plusieurs habitants de la ville qui travaillaient dans cet édifice et fabriquaient des chemises et des jeans vendus dans les magasins populaires d’un océan à l’autre, des uniformes pour les policiers, des jeans pour les ouvriers et portés plus tard par une jeune génération d’adolescents et de jeunes adultes. Les gens qui ont travaillé dans cet édifice pendant plus de 35 ans ont réellement habillé tout le Canada.
Au nom de mes parents, M. Georges et Mme Phyllis, de mes frères et de toute notre famille, nous saluons les résidents de la ville et des villes voisines, et tous ceux qui s’efforcent de préserver la mémoire de cet endroit merveilleux. Que cette communauté et ses merveilleux résidents continuent de prospérer pendant de nombreuses années. Longue vie à Saint-Léonard d’Aston.
We are so fortunate to still have many veterans with us and honoured to be able to mark Remembrance Day and VE Day commemorations with them. Veterans Park in Cote Saint-Luc has been a gathering spot to remember and to honour those who served and the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in such a wonderful country and in a free and democratic society.
Sergeant George Nashen, Royal Canadian Air Force, 1944
My father, George Nashen, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed at RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London, England for nearly three years during WWII. Luckily, he was not called up to the front lines but his buddies were.
My dad lost his best friend in battle. “Jay Singer was like a brother to me,” my father recounts. “Jay and I were inseparable from kindergarten through Baron Byng High School. Jay was an air force pilot from the age of 19. His plane went missing while laying mines in the Baltic Sea on June 15, 1944. Jay was just 22 year’s old when he died in service. I’ll never forget him.”
Jay Singer
Le parc des Vétérans, une parcelle de terrain située juste derrière l’hôtel de ville et la bibliothèque, se prête particulièrement bien aux activités du jour de la Victoire en Europe et du jour du Souvenir. Nous sommes vraiment chanceux d’avoir encore avec nous autant d’anciens combattants et de pouvoir marquer ces occasions en leur compagnie.
Mon père, George Nashen, a servi dans l’Aviation royale canadienne et a été affecté au Quartier général à Londres, en Angleterre, pendant près de trois ans au cours de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Heureusement, il n’a pas été appelé en première ligne, mais ses copains étaient.
Mon père a perdu son meilleure amie dans la bataille. “Jay Singer était comme un frère pour moi», mon père raconte. “Jay et moi étions inséparables depuis la maternelle jusqu’à Baron Byng High School. Jay était un pilote des forces aérien à partir de l’âge de 19 ans. Son avion a disparu tout en jetant des mines dans la mer Baltique le 15 Juin 1944. Jay était juste 22 de ans lorsqu’il est mort en service. Je ne l’oublierai jamais.”
Each year, I ask my father to take out his medals and his beret and to teach my kids about what it meant to serve Canada as a soldier. They listen in amazement at his stories, at what must sound like a very strange concept, as they reflect on their lives in the best country to live in, Canada.
Remembrance Day ceremony at the Jewish General Hospital (2014)
I salute my dad, today, Remembrance Day, once again. His bravery and commitment to stand on guard, to liberating those who had their freedom taken from them so many years ago, to keeping Canada glorious and free, shines like a beacon to my kids and our entire family. We’re proud of his accomplishments and grateful to have him, and my mother, as our bridge between our past and our future.
George Nashen in front of the Cote Saint-Luc cenotaph in Veterans Park on VE Day 2012
Watch & Share: Safer cycling ranks high on my plans. I started the CSL Cycles route and lanes which I want to expand. I introduced the very first municipal helmet law in Canada!
Regarder et partager: Le cyclisme en sécuritaire occupe une place importante dans mes plans. J’ai lancé le program Cycle CSL. J’ai initié la toute première loi municipale sur le casque de vélo au Canada!
Watch and share: What do Dr. Mitch Shulman (CJAD and MUHC), fmr. Quebec Minister of Revenue Lawrence Bergman and Dr. Marc Afilalo (JGH) have to say about the Cote Saint-Luc elections?
Regardez et partagez: Le Dr Mitch Shulman (CJAD et CUSM), ancien ministre du Revenu du Québec, Lawrence Bergman, et le Dr Marc Afilalo (HGJ) se prononcent sur les élections à Côte Saint-Luc. Écoutez ce qu’ils ont à dire.
Watch and share: The history of CSL goes way back. Cool to see old photos from our neighbourhood from the 50s and 60s. But fascinating to see photos from 80 and 100 years ago. I started the CSL Historical Society to collect photos and memorabilia that we can share online and in our CSL Public Library. Please send in your really old family shots on our streets and in our parks to Memories@CoteSaintLuc.org.
Regardez et partagez: Il est tellement intéressant de voir de vieilles photos de notre quartier des années 50 et 60. C’est fascinant de voir des photos daté de 80 et 100 ans. J’ai commencé la société historique de CSL pour recueillir des photos et des souvenirs que nous pouvons partager en ligne et dans notre bibliothèque. S’il vous plaît envoyez nous vos vieux photos de vos fammilles dans nos rues et nos parcs à Memories@CoteSaintLuc.org.
Watch and share: CSL Emergency Medical Services has always been my passion. I’ve responded to many hundreds of calls through the years, performed CPR 125 times and I take enormous pride in this life-saving service. I was awarded the Governor General’s Award for more than 20 years in EMS. In my next mandate as City Councillor I plan to continue to grow this unique volunteer organization to help save lives and come to your assistance rapidly.
Regardez et partagez: CSL Services médicaux d’urgences a toujours été ma passion. J’ai répondu à plusieurs centaines d’appels au cours des années, j’ai fait la RCR 125 fois et je suis très fier de ce service qui sauve des vies. J’ai reçu le Prix du Gouverneur général pour mes plus de 20 ans dans le SMU. Au cours de mon prochain mandat, à titre de conseiller municipal, je prévois continuer de faire croître cette organisation bénévole unique pour aider à sauver des vies et à venir rapidement à votre aide.
Watch and share: I have pushed for increased investment in upgrading our playgrounds. Imagination Park, in District 6 at the ACC, is unique and fun. I am advocating for an exciting renewal of our older park equipment to keep our youngsters active, playing outdoors.
Regardez et partagez: J’ai poussé pour augmenter les investissements et la modernisation de nos terrains de jeux. Imagination Park, dans le district 6, est unique et amusant. Je plaide en faveur d’un renouvellement de notre ancien équipement de parc pour que nos jeunes restent actifs et jouent à l’extérieur.
The Torjman family on Melling Avenue welcomes Cllr. Glenn J. Nashen to their house, offers their support in the upcoming election
In a comical twist as my door to door campaign continues I had a chance encounter with a lovely family living on Melling Ave. The Torjman family, originally from Paris, is happy to begin a new life in their new home and overjoyed to be able to practice their Judaism in peace and security.
I welcomed the grandparents who were visiting from France for the holidays. “Why don’t you come and move to Cote Saint-Luc as well'” I suggested to them.
The number of families that I have met who emigrated from France in the last number of years was impressive. Cote Saint-Luc is a magnet for people relocating from many countries, and with different religions and mother tongue. Almost all indicate that they are so pleased with their new community.
Welcome to Cote Saint-Luc. And thank you for your support to the Torjman family!
N
C’était un peu plus que drôle que j’ai rencontré une belle famille sur l’avenue Melling. La famille Torjman, originaire de Paris, est heureuse de commencer une nouvelle vie dans leur nouvelle maison et ravi de pouvoir pratiquer leur judaïsme dans la paix et la sécurité.
J’ai souhaité la bienvenue aux grands-parents de France que nous visitons pendant les vacances. «Je vous invite à vous déplacer ici et à vivre parmi nous à Cote Saint-Luc», leur ai-je dit.
Le nombre de familles que j’ai rencontré qui ont émigré en France au cours des dernières années a été impressionnant. Cote Saint-Luc est un atout pour les personnes déménagées dans de nombreux pays et avec différentes religions et langue maternelle. Presque tous indiquent qu’ils sont tellement satisfaits de leur nouvelle communauté.
Bienvenue à Cote Saint-Luc. Et merci pour votre soutien à la famille Torjman!
Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and I meet up with Whitehorne resident Shalom Zobin
The response we’ve received at the doors is overwhelmingly positive. The mayor has been making his way through every district of Cote Saint-Luc while I work my way through District 6. It’s wonderful to meet so many residents, to hear their concerns and to answer their questions. I wish I could meet each and every one of my constituents but understandably not everyone is home when I pass by. However, more than ever we are all connected be it by phone, email, social media or by other means.
We are so happy to hear that the vast majority of residents are very pleased with life in Cote Saint-Luc, with city services and programs and indeed with the Administration and Mayor and Council.
Some residents have very local concerns about situations on their block and these need to be addressed, street by street. Much has to do with slowing down traffic. While we’ve made several improvements, say residents, such as lowering speed limits and traffic calming measures, more needs to be done. Working together with our traffic engineers and local police we will find new solutions to meet the challenges in keeping our residents safe.
Please reach out to us by phone, email or on Facebook. Mayor Brownstein and I are pleased to respond to any questions and we look forward, with your support on November 5, to continuing to serve you and to keep you safe.
N
La réponse que nous avons reçue aux portes est extrêmement positive. Le maire a fait son chemin dans tous les districts de Cote Saint-Luc pendant que je continue mon travaille dans le district 6. C’est formidable de rencontrer tant de résidents, d’entendre leurs préoccupations et de répondre à leurs questions. J’aimerais rencontrer tous les résidents de district 6, mais, de façon compréhensible, tout le monde n’est pas à la maison quand je passe. Cependant, plus que jamais, nous sommes tous connectés par téléphone, courrier électronique, médias sociaux ou autre moyen.
Nous sommes tellement heureux d’apprendre que la grande majorité des résidents sont très satisfaits de la vie à Cote Saint-Luc, avec les services et les programmes de la ville et même avec l’Administration et le Maire et le Conseil.
Certains résidents ont des préoccupations très locales concernant les situations sur leur rue qui doivent être abordées, rue par rue. Ont parle beaucoup de ralentissement du trafic. Bien que nous ayons fait plusieurs améliorations, disons les résidents, tels que l’abaissement des limites de vitesse et les mesures d’apaisement de la circulation, il faut faire plus. En collaboration avec nos ingénieurs de la circulation et la police locale, nous trouverons de nouvelles solutions pour relever les défis de la sécurité de nos résidents.
Veuillez nous contacter par téléphone, par courrier électronique ou sur Facebook. Le maire Brownstein et moi-même sommes ravis de répondre à toutes les questions et nous espérons, avec votre appui le 5 novembre, de continuer à vous servir et à vous garder en sécurité.
Des décennies d’expérience comme bénévole aux services d’urgence, dirigeant professionnellement les préparatifs dans des situations de désastres à l’Hôpital général juif, 18 ans à Urgence Sante…Votre sécurité est ma préoccupation première.
À titre de conseiller responsable de la protection civile, j’ai dirigé le comité des services d’urgence de la ville qui gère les SMU, la sécurité publique et les mesures d’urgence et qui assure également la liaison avec les services de police et d’incendie. J’ai lancé à CSL le premier programme au Québec de Citoyens en patrouille. Aujourd’hui, je dirige 90 bénévoles qui patrouillent notre ville et nos parcs, jour et nuit. J’ai assumé un rôle de leadership dans la planification des mesures d’urgences lors d’importantes inondations, d’incendies graves dans bien d’autres cas urgents. Avec trente cinq ans d’implication auprès des services d’urgence de CSL, je suis la personne la mieux qualifiée pour vous représenter durant les moments éprouvants.
EXPERIENCE IN KEEPING YOU SAFE:
Your safety at home and around CSL has been my priority. With decades of experience as a leader in Emergency Medical Services and founder of volunteer Citizens On Patrol, championing Public Safety and Disaster Readiness, Police, Fire and Ambulance issues and overseeing emergency measures at the Jewish General Hospital I have ensured that CSL is the safest place on the Island of Montreal. My focus is on your safety.
I was there for you during major emergencies including the Ice Storm and am always preparing the city for the next disaster. Recognized by the Governor General with over 35 years of involvement in CSL emergency services I am the most qualified to represent you at the most challenging of times.
Nashen Notes 
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