Rabbi Moshe Nachshen, born 150 years ago

Zaida Moishe Nachshen, 1940

Rabbi Moshe Yosef Nachshen z”l, my great-grandfather, was born on this day, 150 years ago. He was one of the most esteemed and great Boyan Hassidim. To mark this occasion, I am posting this tremendous historical accounting, as written by my late cousin, Gary Nachshen z”l. (Z”l signifies of blessed memory).

Gary writes: When I started looking into the Nachshen family history many years ago, Issie Nachshen mentioned to me a couple of times that Zaida Moishe had been a devoted follower of the Boyaner rebbe, one of the leading Hasidic rebbes. Issie gave me the address of the Ruzhin/Boyaner yeshiva in Jerusalem, and when I was in Israel in 1999, I walked in off the street and introduced myself as a great-grandson of Moishe Nachshen. I received a royal welcome, and spent some time talking to one of the rabbis at the yeshiva (Rabbi Schlesinger) who remembered Zaida Moishe very well.

The yeshiva folks put me in touch with the Boyaner movement’s principal representative in Toronto, Philip Heller, and I have met with him and other members of the Boyaner community on a number of occasions since then. In December 2007, I met at Philip’s house with two rabbis from the yeshiva, and I showed them a document which was folded into one of Zaida Moishe’s books that I inherited from my Zaida Jack. The document turned out to be a letter written by the prior Boyaner rebbe to Zaida Moishe in 1967, which was apparently of great historical interest to the rabbis, so I provided them with a copy. I spoke to them about my wish to commemorate in some way the longstanding link between him and the Boyaner movement, and last month I received the attached article, originally written in Hebrew by Rabbi Berel Rabinowitz.

This is a priceless document, with precious information about the life and times of Zaida Moishe and some of our other ancestors in the 19th and 20th Centuries. There are some intriguing references to “memoirs” which he apparently prepared and which are supposedly held at the yeshiva in Jerusalem. I am presently attempting to learn more about these, and if possible arrange for translation into English.

I would like to express my profound appreciation to Issie for bringing the Boyaner link to my attention and thereby rescuing this critical part of our family’s past from near-historical oblivion. Hopefully this account will help bring Zaida Moishe’s memory back to life for some of us and shed some light on our collective past.

Gary Nachshen

May 2008

Zaida Moishe Nachshen, 1927

The Hasid

Rabbi Moshe Yosef Nachshen z”l

The Hassid – one small word, yet it embodies entire worlds. Exalted worlds, hidden worlds, worlds full of Jewish purity, which are hidden deep in the heart, and the blazing fire burning in their great and overflowing hearts only rarely bursts out. This was the glorious and splendid persona of the Hassid, Rabbi Moshe Nachshen z”l, one of the greatest and most esteemed of the Boyan Hassidim. In the following article we focus on the strong connection Rabbi Moshe had as a Hassid with the house of Ruzhin and Boyan, which illuminated its splendor on his prominent and exalted character.

The History of Hassidism

Around the year 5500 (1740), the Baal Shem Tov, the holy Rabbi Yisrael from Mezhbizh (1690-1760) illuminated his light. The Baal Shem Tov began to spread the light of Hassidism throughout the cities of Podolya and Volyn in the Ukraine. The establishment of the Hassidic movement brought about a revival among the Jews of the Diaspora, which had been in a state of darkness. Hassidism shook off the dust, which had been accumulating on the Jews of Europe. With its blazing fire it warmed and revived the Jews of that period, who awoke to a new life full of purpose and happiness in serving G-d and fulfilling the mitzvoth. Hassidism emphasized the connection to the tzaddik, a holy man, a lofty and valued persona, who perfected himself with Torah and service of G- d, who acted as guide and shepherd to his flock, he was a rebbe to them and they were his Hassidim. His consistent, warm and fatherly guidance protected them from the hardships of the time, and instilled a Spiritual purpose into their everyday lives. The connection with the other Hassidim, their shared conversations about their rebbe, strengthened Judaism during those turbulent days. The sweet and ancient aroma of those days has not disappeared, the great and blessed influence of Hassidism can still be observed today.

Students gathered .and united around Rabbi Yisrael, the Bail Shem Tov, who were famous for their greatness in Torah study, holiness and righteousness. They gave Hassidism a deep and lofty spiritual dimension. The veteran Hassidim, filled with Torah, obtained for themselves a lofty way of life in the light of those great lights of Hassidism.

The father of the dynasty, the Maggid of Mezritch

The holy Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch (1695-1773) was one of his greatest and most famous students. With the passing of the Baal Shem Tov on Shavuos 5520 (1760), the scepter of leadership was passed to his student, the Maggid of Mezritch. During his days, Hassidim spread throughout Europe and arrived in Poland, White Russia, and beyond. Illustrious students found shelter in his shade, including: Rabbi Mendel from Vitepsk, who emigrated to the holy land and established a Hassidic presence, Rabbi Elimelech from Lizhansk, Rabbi Shneur Zalman from Liadi, author of the Tanya and father of the Chabad dynasty, Rabbi Menachem Nachum from Chernobyl, author of the ‘Meor Einayim and father or the Chernobyl dynasty, and many other Torah and Hassidic luminaries.

Majestic Hassidism

A direct descendent of the Maggid of Mezritch, Rabbi Yisrael from Ruzhin (1797-1851) established and was the father of the majestic dynasty of the house of Ruzhin-Boyan. The Rebbe from Ruzhin was the son of Rabbi Shalom of Pogrebishche (1727-1803), the son of Rabbi Avraham Hamalach (1740-1778), the son of the Maggid of Mezritch.

Rabbi Yisrael from Ruzhin innovated with his wondrous personality the regal path of Hassidism. The Rebbe from Ruzhin reinvigorated Diaspora Judaism and helped it withstand the difficulties of the cruel reign of Russian Czar Nicholas I, who ruled in Russia and Poland, the centers of Eastern European Judaism and Hassidism in those days. This difficult period is mainly known for the “Cantonist” decrees, where young Jewish children between the ages of eight and twelve were snatched from their mother’s arms and sent to be reeducated among the farmers in remote Russia. The farmers abused these young children and forced them to work long hours in terrible conditions. After a while, when their Jewish past had become a dim memory, they were drafted into the Russian army for twenty-five years.

The rebbe from Ruzhin, as a young leader who began to lead his flock at the age of seventeen, was accepted as one of the leading Jewish figures of that time. Thousands – tens of thousands – marched after him, were connected to him with all their hearts and souls, and loved him with all their hearts and might. He was a father, a spiritual leader, and a shepherd to his flock. The rebbe from Ruzhin, a tall leader, who despite his young age, stood at the forefront of the battles of Israel and influenced the Jews with his holiness and pure spirit.

Partial view of the palace of the Ruzhiner Rebbe in Sadigura (Wikipedia)

Ruzhin

The Rebbe began his leadership in the town of Skvira where he established his courtyard. Soon afterward the Rebbe moved to nearby Ruzhin where he established a magnificent court and to this day he is known as the Rebbe of Ruzhin.

Thousands of Hassidim traveled to Ruzhin from all over Russia and the Ukraine, to visit the rebbe’s court, to become enflamed by this great man, and to learn the way of life from him. His gentle and noble way served as a sign and wonder to them. They were his dedicated Hassidim and were prepared to give everything they had to him.

The Sadigura synagogue in Sadhora (Wikipedia)

Sadigura

The rebbe of Ruzhin in his high position as leader of Israel, suffered greatly at the hands of Czar Nicholas 1, who feared that the rebbe of Ruzhin wanted to be king of Israel. In 5698 (1838), the Rebbe of Ruzhin was arrested and sent to the infamous Kiev prison. The rebbe sat in jail for two years until it became clear that he was unjustly accused. In 5700 (1840) he was released from jail. Czar Nicholas did not want to leave him alone and continued harassing him and limiting his movements. The rebbe therefore decided to escape from Russia and in 5702 (1842) he settled in Sadigura near Tchernovitz the capital of Bukovinia, which was then under Austrian rule. The rebbe rebuilt his court in Sadigura, which became a monument of splendor. The many Hassidim who remained in Russia did not spare any effort to cross the border, to visit the rebbe’s court and to take shelter in his shade.

After the passing of the rebbe of Ruzhin in the city of Sadigura on the third day of Cheshvan 5611 (1851), his son Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Friedman, known as the old rabbi from Sadigura or the rabbi from Sadigura, took over the leadership of the court and of the Hasidim. During his days Ruzhin and Sadigura Hassidism grew and became one of the largest Hassidic courts of that time. The community of Ruzhin and Sadigura Hasidim encompassed thousands of Jewish families in Russia, Poland, Galitzia, and Eastern Europe.

Home of the first Boyaner Rebbe, the Pachad Yitzchok, in Boyan (Wikipedia)

Boyan

After the death of the rebbe from Sadigura, his son Rabbi Yitzchak Friedman, known as the “Pachad Yitzchak”, and who had settled in the nearby town of Boyan, took over the leadership. Thousands of Hassidim continued to stream towards Rabbi Yitzchak, especially the Hassidim from Russia who were known for their high spiritual levels, and therefore spared no effort to cross the Russian border and arrive in Boyan to visit the holy rebbe’s court.

The Hassidic Nachshen Family

The glorious Nachshen family was considered among the Rebbe of Ruzhin’s closest Hassidim. The patriarchs of the family were Hassidim in all their heart and soul, they belonged to the lofty echelon of Hassidim, a world that encompassed holiness and purity, devotion to tzadikim, following in their paths and learning their ways. The members of this impressive family merited in an additional closeness with the rebbe.

The Skver synagogue in Skvyra, which was restored in 2004 (Wikipedia)

The Nachshen family was from the town of Skvira, the first town where the Rebbe of Ruzhin began the leadership of his Hassidic court. The people of this town were caught up by the holy enthusiasm of the rebbe in his noble behaviour and holiness, and were his devoted Hassidim. Through the generations the people of this town were counted among the Hassidim of Ruzhin, Sadigura and Boyan. The enthusiastic passion to belong to the rebbe’s court was passed from father to son; the Rebbe’s holy words and behavior were a way of life for them; and at times they would make the holy journey to the rebbe.

Skvira, that forsaken, neglected Ukrainian town, is known to this day as a bright page among the Boyan community due to the Hassidim who lived there and provided much from their lofty spiritual characters to Ruzhin and Boyan Hassidism and their wonderful connection to the Ruzhin and Boyan rebbes.

The Hassid Rabbi Tzvi from Skvira

The Nachshen family, a special and noble family, was counted among the honored families in the town. The grandfather, the famous and exalted Hassid Rabbi Tzvi – the son of the Hassid Rabbi David from Skvira – was considered one of the great Hassidim of the rebbe of Ruzhin, and he merited extra closeness with the rebbe. The grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi, was an impressive figure of Torah knowledge, and an enthusiastic and clever Hassid of the rebbe of Ruzhin. He would walk every Friday from Skvira to Ruzhin to spend Shabbat in the shade of the holy rebbe of Ruzhin. When the rebbe settled in Sadigura, Rabbi Tzvi would make the long journey to Sadigura. When the rebbe of Ruzhin passed away, Rabbi Tzvi was among the Hassidim of his son, the rebbe of Sadigura. When Rabbi Tzvi reached old age, the Rebbe of Sadigura passed away and his son Rabbi Yitzchak filled his place in the nearby town of Boyan, the older Rabbi Tzvi made an effort to make the long journey from Skvira, which was near Kiev in central Ukraine to Boyan, to greet the young rebbe, the “Pachad Yitzchak”, who was the new leader of the Hassidim.

The Hassid Rabbi Hertz Nachshen from Skvira

Rabbi Tzvi’s son-in-law was the Hassid Rabbi Yisrael Yehuda (Hertz) Nachshen zt”l, from the Hassidic family in Skvira, who was connected, as were all the people in the community, to the holy rebbe of Ruzhin. Rabbi Yisrael was a true Hassid like his father-in-law, he was an exalted personality who had Hassidism strongly coursing through him, and he himself served as an example to many as a man with distinguished qualities and noble behavior. Rabbi Hertz was a dedicated Hassid who each year would spend the high holidays far from his city; he would travel to Sadigura to spent the holidays with the rebbe. After the passing of the Rebbe of Sadigura, he, like his father-in-law and all the people in his community, became loyal Hassidim of his son, the “Pachad Yitzchak” who had moved to nearby Boyan, and he would travel to him as well until his later years to celebrate the holidays with the Rebbe from Boyan. This family tradition, which began in the days of the grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi, continued with his son-in-law Rabbi Hertz Nachshen, and with his grandson Rabbi Moshe Nachshen who spent all the holidays with the Rebbe in the town of Boyan and afterwards in New York.

We know of other family members such as the Hassid Rabbi Eliyahu Nachshen, brother of Rabbi Hertz Nachshen, who was also a Ruzhin-Boyan Hassid. He owned a valuable set of Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, which were written by the expert scribe Rabbi Leib Sofer from the city of Sde Lavan in Russia. Rabbi Leib Sofer was a holy man and the tefillin that he wrote were considered very valuable. The Rebbe of Ruzhin himself purchased a pair of tefillin from Rabbi Leib Sofer for the Bar Mitzvah of his son, Rabbi Avraham Yaakov, who later became famous as the Rebbe of Sadigura. In time the tefillin were inherited by Rabbi Moshe Nachshen, who was proud of the merit, which befell him through these holy tefillin.

Rabbi Hertz’s son, Rabbi Yaakov Pinchas, whose older brother Rabbi Moshe was in awe of his becoming a devoted hassid wrote in his memoirs: “and he was thank G-d a great Hassid”. Rabbi Yaakov Pinchas was the son-in-law of the Hassid Rabbi Avraham Dovid Roitenberg, who was also from Skvira and was a Boyan Hassid. Rabbi Avraham Dovid would travel every year to Boyan for Shavous.

The Hassid Rabbi Moshe Nachshen from Skvira-Montreal

Into this exalted house, a house of Torah, Hassidism, a world full of nobility and Jewish purity, Rabbi Moshe was born on the 12th day of Sivan 5634 (May 28, 1874), in the Ukrainian town of Skvira, where he received his education towards nobility and a pure heart. Here he began his first steps in the great world, where he always observed an exalted lifestyle, as befitting a Hassid son of a Hassid and grandson of a Hassid, who walk in the ways of the Rebbes of Ruzhin -Boyan. He was a brilliant, knowledgeable man in Torah and Talmud. Rabbi Moshe was a true Hassid, an exalted man, who was pleasant and served as an example to many.

Childhood

Rabbi Moshe spent his childhood, as others his age, in a Sadigura Beis Medrash in the town of Skvira. He was taught by the important educators, in the shadow of the great rebbe who lived in far off Sadigura. When he was nine years old, on the 11th day of Elul 5643 (September 1883), the Rebbe of Sadigura passed away. Rabbi Moshe notes in his diary the great impression that the rebbe’s passing had on the town. The people in the town accepted the authority of his son who was known as the Rebbe of Boyan. His father would travel every year to visit the court of the rebbe, and Rabbi Moshe waited with longing for the day that he would merit doing the same. In the house of Boyan there is a tradition that men do not visit the rebbe’s court until they are married.

Bar Mitzvah

When Rabbi Moshe reached the age of thirteen, the Hassid Rabbi Elya the scribe wrote his tefillin. Rabbi Elya was one of the great Boyan Hassidim in Skvira and was Rabbi Moshe’s teacher. In the month of lyar, before he became a Bar Mitzvah, his father sent the tefillin with his father-in-law, the Hassid Rabbi Avraham Dovid Roitenberg, who would always travel to the Rebbe of Boyan for Shavuos, to show the Rebbe of Boyan the tefillin as a virtue. Despite the additional meticulousness among the Boyan and Ruzhin Hassidim to start wearing tefillin on the day of the Bar Mitzvah, here the Rebbe made a change and commanded Rabbi Moshe to start wearing the tefillin on Tuesday, the first of Sivan 5647. The Rebbe of Boyan himself began wearing tefillin a month before he reached Bar Mitzvah. The Hassidim saw in this unique instruction of the Rebbe a sign of endearment towards Rabbi Moshe and his illustrious family. Rabbi Moshe would always note with wonder that the blessing of the Rebbe on his tefilllin stood by them. All his life, for over eighty years despite many wanderings and long years, Rabbi Moshe put on the tefillin that were seen by the holy eyes of the Rebbe for their Kashrus and majesty. He sent them many times to be checked by expert scribes, and they always responded that the letters inside the tefillin were as bright as the day they were written. Rabbi Moshe attributed this to the merit of the Rebbe.

Adolescence

During his adolescent years, Rabbi Moshe acquired his learning of Torah and Hassidism from the brilliant Hassid Rabbi Tzvi Kaminitska, one of the great Boyan-Ruzhin Hassidim in Skvira. In the month of Elul (September 1888), when he was fourteen years old, he was matched with the daughter of the Hassid Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer from Pogrebishche, one of the important Hassidim of the famous Rabbi Avraham Mattisyahu from Shtepinasht (1825-1869); he was also a grandson of the Rebbe of Ruzhin. In the month of Cheshvan (November 1892) Rabbi Moshe got married in the city of Pogrebishche.

The First trip to Boyan

After his wedding, Rabbi Moshe merited in fulfilling his childhood dream, he traveled with his father to Boyan – to visit the Rebbe’s court. Rabbi Moshe first visited the Rebbe’s court during the high holidays of 5654 (1893). Rabbi Moshe spent time in the shadow of the Rebbe as a devoted Hassid and warmed to his light. Rabbi Moshe had a deep connection with the Rebbe and spent the next twenty-one years traveling every year to celebrate the high holidays in the Boyan Rebbe’s court, until 5664 (1914) when World War I broke out.

After the war, Rabbi Moshe visited the Boyan Court in Europe one last time. When the Bolsheviks came to power in Russia, the iron curtain fell on the Communist countries and millions were trapped in the Soviet Union. No one could leave or enter. During the summer of 5668 (1918), at the end of World War 1, the gates of the country were opened. Rabbi Moshe, along with many Boyan Hassidim, hurried to take advantage of this opportunity and visit the Rebbe’s court.

The Rebbe, the “Pachad Yitzchak”, from Boyan, who moved to Vienna at the beginning of the war, was no longer alive; he passed away in Vienna on the 17th of Adar 5669 (1917). His four holy sons continued his path in leading the congregation, who were orphaned of their holy Rebbe. His son, Rabbi Menachem Nachum (1869-1936), returned to the city of Tchernovitz near Boyan. Boyan itself was destroyed. The new Rebbe reestablished the court in the city of Tchernovitz.

Rabbi Moshe who went to visit the Rebbe from Boyan Tchernovitz and accept his authority, brought along his son Rabbi Mordechai. The Rebbe was very happy to greet the many Hassidim from Russia whose connection was cut off during the war, while on the horizon the terror of a new regime hovered. The Rebbe arranged a special feast for them. Soon afterwards the iron curtain fell on Russia and the Hassidim remained very far away from the rebbe’s court.

From Russia to Canada

In the year 5680 (1920), before the Communist regime was fully established, many uneducated farmers took advantage of the opportunity to conduct pogroms against the Jews of Russia. Rabbi Moshe who lived at the time in the town of Pogrebishche quickly escaped to Berditchev, two years later he moved to Kharkov, where he lived for five years. In 1927 Rabbi Moshe seized the opportunity to escape with his family across the Russian border, and after much wandering arrived in May 1927 in Montreal, Canada.

Before he was fully settled, Rabbi Moshe, as a devoted Hassid inquired after the welfare of the Rebbe. The Rebbe from Tchernovitz visited Israel in the month of lyar 5687 (May 1927). Rabbi Moshe sent a letter to his childhood friend, the Hassid Rabbi Shlomo Telingtor from Skvira, one of the heads of the Boyan Hassidim, who had moved to Israel. In the letter, he asked him to mention him to the Rebbe who was visiting in Israel.

In Montreal, Rabbi Moshe was appointed Gabbai (sexton) at the “Chevre Mishnayos” synagogue of the Ruzhin Hassidim. It was a synagogue of veteran Hassidim, who filled it with Hassidic activity. The sweet taste and pleasant scent of this Hassidic synagogue, which has no compare today, cannot quickly be forgotten. Rabbi Moshe as the Gabbai of this synagogue gave it a Hassidic tone.

The Boyan Rebbe in New York

Rabbi Moshe kept in touch with the youngest son of the “Pachad Yitzchak” from Boyan, Rabbi Mordechai Shlomo, the famous Boyan Rebbe from New York (1891-1971). The Boyan rebbe emigrated that same year (1927) from Vienna and settled in New York. Rabbi Moshe continued the ancient tradition of his father and grandfather, and as he did himself for over twenty years!! He continued traveling every year together with his wife to New York, to celebrate the last days of Sukkos and Simchas Torah. He did this for thirty-five years! Until his death, Rabbi Moshe would travel every year to New York. The Boyan Rebbe ascribed great importance to Rabbi Moshe and drew near to him. The Rebbe even invited Rabbi Moshe to join him at his Pesach Seder, and there were years, especially the later years, when Rabbi Moshe and his wife traveled to New York for Pesach to join the Rebbe at his Seder.

In the winter of 5713 (1953), the Boyan Rebbe visited Israel. On this trip the Rebbe toiled to return the former glory of the house of Ruzhin which had been destroyed during the two world wars. The Rebbe established the institutions of Yeshivas “Tiferet Yisroel- Ruzhin” in Jerusalem. He returned to New York with the great news and a far-reaching vision that a new stage was beginning in the house of Ruzhin and Boyan and that they were returning the crown of glory to Hassidism as in previous days. The Hassidim in America enthusiastically responded to the Rebbe’s pleas and were recruited to help him in this great work.

Ruzhin-Boyan Institutions and Yeshiva

In Montreal it was Rabbi Moshe Nachman, the Rebbe’s devoted Hassid. He arranged funding, aroused the philanthropists in the nation, and gave of his own money. He conducted many activities for the success of the yeshiva and its institutions in Jerusalem. He, like the Rebbe, felt that the Ruzhin-Boyan Yeshiva in Jerusalem was the direct continuation of Eastern European Hassidism, and he worked very hard for the success of this lofty building. And the many efforts that he expanded can be seen today. The Yeshiva and all the institutions of Ruzhin-Boyan, in Israel and around the world, encompass a community of over a thousand families, educational institutions, and welfare and charity organizations, whose center is in Jerusalem, under the leadership of the Rebbe of Boyan, the grandson of the Rebbe of Boyan in New York.

The Rebbe of Boyan recognized the tremendous work of Rabbi Moshe and sent him a special letter of gratitude. In the letter, the Rebbe expressed his extreme gratitude to Rabbi Moshe on his many efforts for the yeshiva. The Yeshiva and the institutions in Jerusalem also expressed their thanks to Rabbi Moshe. On the memorial board at the entrance to the yeshiva, there is a plaque to Rabbi Moshe and his wife in recognition of their great work:

In eternal memory of the Hassid of the elders of the Hassidim of Boyan Rabbi Moshe Yosef son of Yisrael Yehuda Nachshen zt”l, a gabbai at the Beis Medrash Chevre Mishnayos in Montreal, who performed many deeds and actions for the Mesivta. He passed away on the 23rd of Tevet 5728. In memory of his wife Mrs. Sarah Chana daughter of R’ Shlomo Elazar, who passed away on the 6th of Tishrei 5718. May their souls be bound in the binds of life and may their righteousness stand forever.

A Hassidic Personality

Rabbi Moshe corresponded with his childhood friend Rabbi Shlomo Telingtor, with whom he grew up in the Ukrainian town of Skvira. Rabbi Shlomo was known as a great Hassid and was appointed head of the Hassidim in Jerusalem. 1n these majestic letters, and in Rabbi Moshe’s memoirs, [which are kept today in the “Mishkenot Haroim” institution of the Boyan Hassidim published by Ginzei Beit Ruzhin-Boyan], there are many holy sayings and conversations of the Ruzhin-Boyan Rebbes. These correspondences constitute an instructive heritage for our youth to learn from the Torah of the Rebbes and delve into their histories. The Beit Ruzhin-Boyan journal “Tiferet Yisrael” published in Jerusalem continuously mentions the esteemed Hassid Rabbi Moshe Nachshen, and these articles are distributed, read and studied by thousands of Boyan Hassidim. His glorious personality stands in front of them as a true, esteemed, deep-rooted Hassid. Rabbi Moshe Nachshen passed away at the advanced age of ninety-three, on Wednesday the 23rd of Tevet 5728 (24 January 1968). May his memory be a blessing! To complete the matter, we have cited the excellent article written by Yisrael Nachshen, grandson of Rabbi Moshe, which was published in the Canadian Yiddish newspaper “Keneder Odler” on Friday the 1st of Adar 5728 (1 March 1968) to mark the shloshim of Rabbi Moshe Nachshen.

My appearance on Mike Cohen’s podcast

I’m excited to be a guest on Councillor Mike Cohen’s podcast about my political involvement in the City of Côte Saint-Luc and my continued work in Public Safety / volunteer Citizens on Patrol. Have a listen and I hope you get involved in your community too. Your comments are always appreciated.

Am Yisrael Chai. The People of Israel Live.

This is what remains of Judy’s aunt and uncle’s home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Their home stood a few hundred meters from the fence separating Israel from Gaza. On October 7, terrorists decimated their entire kibbutz in a murderous frenzy. Our family was left for dead after their house was destroyed and set ablaze.

By some miracle, they survived for more than 30 hours in their ‘safe room’. They managed to get a text message out to their son that they were still alive. An extraction by armoured vehicle ensued and they managed to escape under a barrage of gunfire.

Unbelievable.

70 of their neighbours were either murdered, kidnapped or worse. Some are still missing. That’s 10% of their kibbutz population.

Sickening.

They have no homes to return to. Their lives are fractured.

We have all heard stories that have shaken us to the core. We have seen horrific images that bring us back to the darkest days of the Holocaust.

Unimaginable.

May the hostages be liberated. May humanity and peace be restored. Am Yisrael Chai. The People of Israel Live!

A day of learning and serving in CSL

Na’kuset speaking with students from Bialik High School

Yesterday was a special day for me in Cote Saint-Luc. It began with a short ceremony on the Human Rights Walkway, an educational project that is unique here and makes our city a little more special. I’m proud to have been involved in this project from the outset. What made the day special was the induction of Na’kuset, the leader of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and other programs to help improve the lives of urban Indigenous people.

Interestingly, Na’kuset was adopted by a Montreal Jewish family and credits her bubby with inspiring her to discover her Indigenous routes and to contribute to her community.

You can watch the event here. It was was championed by my good friends Councillor Mike Cohen and Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. Mike ensured that students from local schools were in attendance to learn and to be inspired. Mitch often speaks passionately about following one’s dreams and to pursue happiness all the while contributing, giving back to community.

In that spirit, my evening was dedicated to service to community. As you know, I enjoy helping others within the public safety umbrella. I got involved in politics because of this. I pushed for recognition of paramedics in Quebec, created the first municipal bike helmet law in Canada, established our EMS first responder service and later Quebec’s first volunteer Citizens on Patrol.

I also love cycling, so what a great evening it was to head out on vCOP bike patrol with my friend Mitchell Herf. There were lots of people out walking and playing on an unusually warm fall evening. Along the way we came across a friendly, outgoing Montreal Police officer, Marc-Antoine Legault.

Glenn J. Nashen, Police Officer Marc-Antoine Legault, vCOP Supervisor Mitchell Herf

Marc-Antoine has been with the department for 13 years, almost all of them in our area, served by Station 9 (and neighbouring Station 11). Previous to that he was a CSL Public Security officer for two years.

With specialized training in speed radar technology, Officer Legault can often be seen with his “speed gun” pointing down the street looking for motorists driving excessively fast. We noticed him (actually he spotted us first, of course) near the Westminster underpass. In fact, he had already ticketed motorists speeding at 70 km/h in the park zone on Westminster that is marked with a speed limit of 30 km/h. Also, he flagged down a car going 68 km/h in the underpass, which is a 50 km/h zone.

Officer Legault monitoring speed at Westminster underpass

Marc-Antione loves working in the neighbourhood. Some of his shifts begin 6AM, at other times 10:30AM. On this evening he was on solo patrol. Many days he works with a partner. Just seconds after we finished chatting he caught another speeder.

Officer Legault pulling over a speeder on Westminster Ave

He’s aware of excessive speed complaints on Cavendish Boulevard and recently conducted an operation near the Cavendish underpass. So be forewarned! Skilled professionals from the Montreal Police Department are coming after you if you’re speeding excessively and putting yourself and others, especially kids in park zones at risk.

Great crossing paths with you Marc-Antoine, particularly on a slow moving bike. It was a great day in CSL. We’re lucky to be part of this community of residents, volunteers, emergency responders and leaders like Na’kuset who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others.

There are so many more examples of people deserving of shout out in the community. Feel free to add yours in comments below.

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Remembering Shane Hagshi

We mark this day with the sad announcement of the passing of Judy’s father, Shemaryahu “Shane” Hagshi. In Judy’s loving eulogy she recounts Shane’s interesting, if not unusual life:

Some of you knew my father, but many of you did not. I want to tell you a bit about his story. His is the story of a taxi driver named Shemaryahu “Shane” Hagshi.

This taxi ride begins in a small town in Yemen, south of Sana. Before my father was born, in 1936, his parents, 2 older sisters and other family members walked for two days from their hometown to the city-state of Aden, which was a port city built up by the British. Two years after their arrival in Aden, my father was born on July 21st, 1938. His brother Danny was also born in Aden. When I asked what he remembered about Aden, he said that he loved to play on the swings in a local park.

When Shemaryahu was 3, in 1941, the family hired a boat (kinda like a taxi, right?) to take them to Israel at a cost of 123 pounds.

He remembers packing onto the boat and sailing for several days, crossing through the Suez Canal and arriving first at Yaffo and then Tel Aviv. This was actually before the establishment of the State of Israel.  Two more sisters and a brother were born after they settled in Israel, in Shkhunat Hatikva. They arrived with no money so his father found a bike and used it as transport to make money. Again, kinda like a taxi.

In 1948, when my father was 10 years old, he remembers hearing the declaration of the State of Israel on the radio. He attended Mikveh Israel boarding school for many years. 

He served in Zahal, in Sayeret Golani, and was shot during a training episode which resulted in shrapnel being lodged in his side.

In 1965, he and my mother married. They planned to move to Canada so that they could start a new life. My father moved before my mother, to set things up. In the meantime, the Six-Day War broke out and my mother was delayed. Once the war was over, she and her mother and mother-in-law travelled to the newly liberated Jerusalem to see the Kotel before my mother eventually moved to Canada to join my father. They chose Canada because two of his sisters were already living here.

And this is where the Taxi story really begins. As a newly-arrived immigrant, my father worked multiple jobs to support his new family. He started as a taxi driver and eventually a taxi owner. Every year, on my birthday, my father would remind me that the dispatcher announced to him while he was out on the road: “Shane, you have a baby girl!” And that’s how he learned that I was born.

I recall my father often being out on the road, driving a taxi. Deddy (side note – if you hear the way my mother pronounces daddy, it will make sense) was actually the inventor of the ice coffee. He always had two cups going in the taxi cup holder – the one from yesterday that was cold that he was drinking now, and the fresh one that he bought today but would only end up drinking cold tomorrow.

Eventually, he went on to own several taxis and then a car body shop. At the body shop he was always running around, answering at least three phones simultaneously. He had business cards stapled all over the walls in a seemingly chaotic manner, but if you asked him for a phone number, he could find the card instantly.

Shane celebrating his grandson Aidan’s Bar Mitzvah, 2019

Deddy was adamant that his children should get a good education, so that we wouldn’t have to support ourselves by driving a taxi. He wanted to give us as much as he could, so that we would have an easier life than he did, sometimes even to his own detriment. We children are ever so grateful that he and my mother supported us and allowed us to become successful in our chosen fields and to raise beautiful families.

Passover was always a festive occasion. But, the way we did Passover meant that we read every single word of the Haggadah. However, my father could read it so quickly that we often had to stop him and say, “Hey – go back – you missed a song three pages ago!!!”

Shane and Judy

My father had some health issues throughout his life, and eventually had reduced vision and hearing, although the hearing loss seemed to be conveniently selective. Novie was such an attentive caregiver to him, and helped him navigate so many of those health challenges.

The next taxi stop would be Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged. Deddy thrived for the last seven months in his new Baycrest home. Who knew that he loved to dance! Neither his cane nor his hearing loss would stop him from dancing to the beat whenever he had a chance at Kabbalat Shabbat or other concerts. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we celebrated his 85th Birthday with his new Baycrest family. We all came together and danced and Deddy was so happy. I’m so grateful for that. 

My father became ill on Tuesday morning and had to be transported via a different kind of taxi to the hospital. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and needed a lot of medical aid just to breathe. He also needed us all around him to support and comfort him.

This time, Deddy, you were not the driver but rather the passenger, and we were transporting you to your final destination. This is the coffee you can drink today (it’s the one we bought for you yesterday, so it’s cold now). You’ll have to buy a fresh one today for yourself. Deddy, you lived your entire life on Bathurst Street, going north then south and now north again. Your life journey was a roller coaster taxi ride and now it’s time to rest in peace. We love you, Abba.

Celebrating Shane’s 85th birthday, July 21, 2023

Read more: Remembering Shane Hagshi

Eulogy for Shane Hagshi by his grandson, Aidan Hagshi

Words of comfort by Rabbi Alan Bright and memorial prayer recited by Cantor Boaz Davidoff at Shaare Zedek Congregation, Montreal:

https://www.youtube.com/live/pwhH3egLRiM?si=IT3UpLoWq6iymWp9&t=2597

100 years ago today

It’s hard for me to believe that he’s not here any more. Even harder, is to imagine that my dad, George Nashen, who left us nine months ago, was born a century ago, on this day.

He never seemed his age. Sounds funny to say that about a 99-year-old but anyone who knew him would agree that he lived his life, to the fullest, as though his number was, well, just a number.

I guess that’s a good lesson for us all, as we remember George on this day. Live your life to the fullest. Always smile. Be generous. Be sure to laugh, a lot, and put a smile on someone else’s face too. A couple of my dad’s qualities I’ll think about today – and every day.

The Power of Community, An editorial

This opinion piece was published 25 years ago today. I’m sharing it again with you as a reminder of the resiliency, creativity and determination of individual citizens and community leaders. Our community remains as strong, if not more so, able to meet the challenges that come our way. I encourage you to step up and volunteer your time, in any way you can, to make your city even stronger in the future.

GJN

The Power of Community

An editorial by Glenn J. Nashen

January 29, 1998

 

The Ice Storm of ‘98 will be remembered by all in our region for a very long time. The wrath of Mother Nature evoked the worst fears and anxieties many of us have ever faced in our lives. As unbelievable as it was, we likened the experience to media coverage we have seen of Beirut or Sarajevo. Who could have imagined that a metropolitan region of millions of people could be brought so close to the brink of disaster? It is astounding to think that in our very own city we were actually deprived of electricity, drinking water, radio stations, and cash from automatic tellers while roads, highways, bridges, railways and runways were shut down bringing all forms of transportation to a halt. The widespread destruction of countless thousands of mature trees and the debris strewn about our streets was a horrifying sight. Just a month ago could you have imagined lineups at your local grocer for bread and bottled water, searching for a gas station that had gas, let alone abandoning your house to bring your family to a shelter, sleeping in army cots, 200 in a room?

Yet, despite the pain, anguish and hardship that everyone faced, their was a strong will to pull through this madness – together. Neighbour helped neighbour. Stranger helped stranger. There were no barriers of language, of politics, of religion. We all pulled through as one strong community.

My reflection and review of the emergency management in Cote Saint-Luc, probably not dissimilar from many smaller cities and towns, is one of great admiration and appreciation for the hundreds of individuals that performed with the spirit and dedication of an Olympic team. We overcame the odds of disaster, comforted hundreds in dire situations and returned the community to a sense of normalcy.

In normal times the City Councillors are preoccupied with policy, lawmaking and steering the community toward the future. Civil servants are busy with their departmental responsibilities while firefighters train and practice and wait for the alarm to sound. Police officers patrol and enforce the law and public works crews fill their shifts maintaining parks, roads, sidewalks and city infrastructure. The schools are busy with students, synagogues are readying for prayer and parties and health care providers are visiting with the elderly, sick, injured and needy.

 

 

But just a few weeks ago the normal ceased to be. All of a sudden a crisis situation developed which required otherwise busy people to come together and offer a coordinated, integrated and rapid solution to help those in our community who found themselves suddenly in desperate need. Local politicos, city staff, blue collars, emergency crews and health care professionals blended with community institutions and organizations to respond swiftly to the crisis and to assist our residents.

Within hours the Municipal Emergency Operations Committee was convened at Cote Saint-Luc City Hall to coordinate information, services, personnel, equipment and supplies. This was to be the first meeting of twice daily gatherings of community leaders and professionals. The first of four shelters was set up at the onset so that no resident would have to spend even one night in the dark, cold confines of a powerless home. Almost miraculously food and bedding was arranged so that residents would be as comfortable as possible at Hotel City Hall.

Daytime shifts for firefighters and public works crews turned into endless hours as workers cast aside their own personal emergencies in order to safeguard the residents of our city. Unprecedented in the twenty-eight years of the Montreal Urban Community, its police service was put into emergency operations and each and every officer was called in for assignment. Neighbourhood policing was put to the ultimate test and passed with flying colours. Squads of officers on commandeered MUCTC buses traveled from building to building evacuating cold and frightened apartment dwellers and delivered them with care and compassion to the care-givers at the shelters.

Years of training and preparation was clearly evident as Cote Saint-Luc’s all-volunteer Emergency Medical Services sprang into action. No more than a phone call or beep on one’s pager was needed to activate dozens of loyal and eager volunteers who manned first responder squads around the clock helping with everything from emergency 911 calls to building evacuations, shelter rounds to patrolling the streets for residents in distress. When their vehicle broke down willing volunteers found the nearest ambulance for hire in Brockville, Ontario and scrambled to bring it back to Cote Saint-Luc. When their second vehicle quit on them, they did it once again.

Without urging, both the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Synagogue (the Baily Shul) and Bialik High School answered the call for assistance and prepared to receive large numbers of residents. The organization and level of care at these institutions is more than commendable. They opened and operated kosher shelters for 7 to 9 days under extremely difficult conditions, caring and comforting hundreds. They closed their doors to nobody. From seniors residences to NDG residents anyone in need found welcome and warm refuge in Cote Saint-Luc. Strangely enough, a woman who gave birth four days earlier by C-section was transferred from St. Mary’s Hospital, by ambulance, to the Baily Shul. Tender and understanding volunteers provided the new mother with a private room and all the attention she would require.

People gave of their time and talents selflessly and generously. Boxes loaded with food, clothing and personal hygiene products were donated so that no one seeking refuge should be without any basic requirements. When a senior citizen at Baily was spotted without socks it took one phone call and just a few minutes before a kind neighbour showed up with a package of six new pairs of socks. A Muslim family observing Ramadan was given special treatment at City Hall so that the family could have a “privileged” sleeping and praying area and a small fridge to store their specially prepared meat. When Helen Steele of Texas saw what was happening here on CNN she packed a sleeping bag and boarded the first flight to Dorval, and upon arrival asked an RCMP officer where she might be able to help. She took a taxi to Cote Saint-Luc City Hall and worked for 6 days straight in whatever capacity she could.

A couple of residents cooked up steaks and barbeque chickens for our EMS volunteers who had been living on pizza for seven days. Many families welcomed others into their homes only to leave together to another home and yet another. Shoppers shared cases of water and packages of batteries with complete strangers at the checkout. One shoveled the next walkway and another salted the driveway across the street. Le Mercaz prepared bags of food for those returning home from shelters and many, many more benevolent individuals and organizations assisted in vital areas.

In the final analysis, we can be mighty proud of what our neighbours did to brighten the lives of so many in the dark. Through meticulous and sophisticated planning for all kinds of disasters by city officials to improvisation to ensure that every special need was looked after, we are incredibly fortunate to have extra special staff, kindhearted volunteers and wonderful neighbours in our community.

I hope that we all learned something positive and rewarding from such a terrible experience and that the social fabric of our community, and indeed our entire province, will be more closely knit and tighter than ever before. After all, our future depends on it. We may have lost electricity but we never lost the power of community.

 

Glenn J. Nashen is a City Councillor in Cote Saint-Luc and an Emergency Medical Technician. He chairs the Emergency Services Advisory Committee and attended a course for elected officials at the Canadian Emergency Preparedness College. During the Ice Storm, Nashen was appointed as Information Officer for the City and assisted in the coordination of emergency shelters and volunteers.

CSL mega-volunteer Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Yarin passes away

By Joel Goldenberg The Suburban Jan 16, 2023

Ronald Yarin was honoured at the 2015 CSL Golf Tournament. Source: Facebook

Ronald “Ronnie” Yarin, well known as a mega-volunteer in Côte St. Luc, passed away peacefully Wednesday Jan. 11 in his 85th year.

His funeral was held at Paperman & Sons Friday Jan. 13.

Yarin, who came to Montreal from Brooklyn, New York in 1965 to marry his wife Sylvia, volunteered for activities that ran the gamut in Côte St. Luc, including the Executive Softball League, the Youth Hockey League; the city’s acclaimed eyes and ears of the community, the volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program; helped sell tickets and set up events, and selflessly offered advice and lifts to members of the community. Yarin was also co-president of the Men’s Club at Beth Zion synagogue.

Tributes poured in.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein wrote in a condolence message that “few people have had the impact on Cote St. Luc’s quality of life as Ron. He has been a compassionate leader who has volunteered in so many capacities, always participating with a smile, kind words of advice, and friendship to all. May his memory serve as a reminder to all, of how one person can make such a difference. He will be dearly missed.”

Former councillor Glenn Nashen, who conceived and launched the vCOP program, wrote that “Ron was an icon around Cote St. Luc, well known for his interest and participation in sports. spanning decades. He was a much admired and appreciated member of our volunteer Citizens on Patrol team. Even when he could no longer do regular patrols, he would ride along with vCOP buddies an an observer. He did much more than observe. He provided camaraderie, humour and a positive energy, on the road and at our meetings and events. His dedication to the city and fellow citizens was admirable and an example for future generations. He will be remembered.”

Harold Cammy, the longtime sports manager of CSL’s parks and recreation department, wrote that Yarin was a “huge contributor to the growth of the Cote St. Luc community through his many volunteer activities.

“He always handled himself in the most humble of ways and we all considered him a ‘prince of a man.’ We were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to honour him at the City’s Golf Outing several years ago and his speech left many in tears. The sports programs between the 1970s and 2010s in CSL would not have been the success they were without his monumental contribution. He loved Cote St. Luc, the people he worked with and the kids he helped oversee through all of his activities.”

Louise Ferland, former section manager for sports at CSL’s recreation department, wrote on Facebook that Yarin was a “man who always had kind words to say about people. He was a wonderful citizen of his adopted community of CSL. I had the pleasure of knowing Ron through our great recreation department during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. My sincere condolences to his family and to all who knew and loved him.”

Yarin’s family is asking that contributions in his memory be made to the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary, which can be reached at (514) 369-2222 ext.: 1337.

joel@thesuburban.com

https://www.thesuburban.com/news/city_news/csl-mega-volunteer-ronald-ronnie-yarin-passes-away/article_52608c1c-2057-5f99-ba77-b3ea7f6007ac.html

Remembering members who passed: Ron Yarin and Bert Rabinovitch at the 2015 vCOP summer BBQ

Remembrance Day takes on new meaning for me

Remembrance Day is a significant date on my calendar and I think it should be for all Canadians. This year’s commemoration will be the first time in my life that I will pause and pay tribute without my father. As you may know, he passed away two months ago at the age of 99.

Sergeant George Nashen, Royal Canadian Air Force, 1944

My dad enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and spent three-and-a-half years deployed overseas, mostly stationed in London, England. He had hoped to be a pilot, but colour-blindness changed those plans and instead he worked in the Payroll division of the General Accounting Office, headquartered in Harrods of London. We joked, that tucked away on the third floor, he spent WWII serving in Women’s Lingerie! Instead of flying as a pilot, he paid them every two weeks.

He endured the bombardments, blackouts, air raids and hardship of everyday life in London, but fortunately was safe in contrast to so many of his close buddies who never returned from the front lines. He told us that one of the worst days of his life was when a children’s hospital took a direct hit from aerial bombardment. He and his buddies rushed to help with the rescue. But there was nothing they could do. That pain stayed with him ever since.

Remembrance Day ceremony at the Jewish General Hospital (2014)

Two years ago he was awarded the D’Arcy-McGee Quebec National Assembly Citizenship medal and recognized for “outstanding achievement in community involvement,” by Canadian military icon Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire. “You permitted peace to reign. You are one of our greatest elders. Well done sir. I salute you. The medal is well deserved,” Dallaire said. (You can watch the entire ceremony here. Dallaire’s remarks at 30:45; my father’s comments at 44:45).

The act of remembrance is a priority for Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. He has made great efforts to preserve the history of our city’s elders, builders and leaders. Mitch interviewed my dad a few years ago and discussed his story of resilience and perseverance. You can watch the interview below and read more about my parents involvement and history here.

Click to play

We were so lucky to have had my father with us for such a long time and to learn from his examples of service to community and country. We go forward, together with my mother, honouring the comrades that my father lost in the war and all those who served, who fought, who left us too soon.

On this Remembrance Day I thank my dad, and the tens of thousands of military women and men who have served and continue to serve Canada. They are each special individuals in their communities. They are outstanding Canadians.

Today, I pause to remember my father’s service to Canada, to freedom and to mankind. I salute all who wear the Canadian uniform.

I hope you, too, will stop to remember, in whatever way is meaningful for you.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

Jeremy, Glenn and George Nashen. 2019 CSL Remembrance Day Ceremony. (Photo CSL)

2019 CSL Remembrance Day Ceremony (Photo: CSL)

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. Nov. 2016. (Photo: Darryl Levine, CSL).

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Read more:

 

Saluting my father on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, 2020

WWII vet George Nashen to be honoured by National Assembly, CJN

CSL WWII vet, 96, to receive National Assembly medal

Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire (ret’d) to speak at D’Arcy McGee medal ceremony

D’Arcy McGee medal ceremony held virtually, Suburban Newspaper

Roméo Dallaire honours Montreal veteran at ceremony, Ellin Bessner, author/journalist

A day of remembrance, honour and appreciation in CSL

In tribute to my father, the soldier

Farewell to our patriarch: George Nashen (1923-2022), September 12, 2022

In grateful appreciation for outpouring of support in remembering my father, September 21, 2022

In grateful appreciation for outpouring of support in remembering my father

City of Cote Saint-Luc

My father, George Nashen, loved life in Cote Saint-Luc and its many institutions. He knew and connected with every political leader in our city for decades, as well as with MNAs and MPs. The CSL Tennis Club was a favourite venue since its inception as was Blossom Pool, the Davis Y and the CSL Men’s Club. CSL was indeed home since 1958. Thank you Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and members of City Council for this lovely tribute to my father at this week’s council meeting.

Courrier du Sud

Nash Shirt Limited was my father and uncle’s ultimate experience in the business world. They were embedded in daily life in St. Leonard D’Aston, employed a significant part of the town and were integral in the development of industry as well as the residential sector and the long term care facility. It was very nice to see this news item marking my father’s passing. Thank you to my old friend Rolland Maillot for informing the local newspaper.

Cohen Chatter, The Suburban Newspaper

Mike Cohen is one of my closest friends and knew my dad well for the better part of 35 years. My dad knew all of my friends and enjoyed chatting and keeping up to date with them. It was very considerate of Mike to pay tribute to George as he did in this week’s Cohen Chatter in the Suburban Newspaper.

To the entire community

Thank you to all who took the time to attend the funeral, to visit the Shiva House and to send hundreds of messages of support and memories of my father to me and my entire family. Your kind and loving sentiments are immensely appreciated.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Jewish New Year to those who are celebrating and to everyone I extend my appreciation for honouring the memory of George Nashen.

Nostalgia and appreciation: Recap of CSL ceremony celebrating many years of service

It was a fun day for all who participated in the Cote Saint-Luc 2022 Golf Classic and picnic in the park. However it was especially meaningful to me and my friend, former Councillor Sam Goldbloom, as the two of us were recognized for our many years of service in political office.

Here are the video clips from the event with appreciation to event chairs Cllr. Mike Cohen, Cllr. Dida Berku and former Men’s Club chair Mannie Young. Also, many thanks to Mayor Mitchell Brownstein who produced an entertaining and personal overview of our exciting challenges together at City Hall.

I am thankful to be friends and colleagues with all of our mayors and city councillors, past and present, as well as MNAs and MPs and city staff. Each week I am still approached by a resident with a question about the city or politics, many thinking I am still in office! Often, I will refer them to my blog where I have amassed over 2000 posts about city matters.

My time serving constituents at city hall was an absolute honour and privilege. Although I’ve been approached to run again, at different levels of government, I am enjoying my professional career and wonderful time with family. But one never knows what lies ahead…

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and Councillor Mike Cohen remarks at CSL Golf Classic, Aug. 9, 2022

Councillor Dida Berku remarks at CSL Golf Classic, Aug. 9, 2022

Former Councillor Glenn J. Nashen remarks of appreciation and nostalgia, CSL Golf Classic, Aug. 9, 2022

CSL Golf 2022-08Download

My golf buddies: Peter Lipari, owner operator of IGA CSL Rd., MNA David Birnbaum and Councillor Mike Cohen

Picnicking with Councillors Mitch Kujavsky and Lior Azerad

Councillor Mike Cohen, fmr. Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Sam Goldbloom, Councillor Dida Berku and fmr. Men’s Club chair Mannie Young at Meadowbrook Golf Course (GJN 2022)

Bill 96 fails to find the right balance

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather has drafted an excellent piece that was published this week in The Gazette and Le Devoir which he co-signed with fellow Liberal MPs Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame-de-Grace-Westmount), Patricia Lattanzio (Saint-Leonard-Saint-Michel) and Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-Saint-Louis).

Before the Bill was adopted, Anthony spoke with Elias Makos on CJAD about his concerns. You can hear the interview here. He also spoke on Power and Politics with Vassy Kapelos. You can watch the interview here.

In the op-ed Anthony raised the issue of the violations of the Constitution which require the courts and National Assembly of Quebec to treat English and French equally. He also raised the issue of the preemptive and omnibus use of the notwithstanding clause and the importance of having this inappropriate use of the clause addressed by the courts.

Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, David Lametti, confirmed that the government will intervene in the Court case related to Bill 21 when it reaches the Supreme Court. Minister Lametti also indicated that we would consider intervening in other cases involving Bill 96 and will carefully monitor the implementation of the law. He voiced his own discomfort with many provisions of the law related to access to services in health care, justice, and other matters.  He pointed to the concerns of the English-speaking minority, indigenous Canadians and new immigrants. 

“For those who were waiting for the government to speak to Bill 96 in a clear way this has now occurred and led to Premier Legault demanding the federal government stay out of it,” Housefather said, assuring that, “our government will not back away from defending the rights of minority language communities, including English speaking Quebecers.”  

Sidney Margles, MP Anthony Housefather and Glenn J. Nashen at the anti Bill 96 Rally in Place du Canada on May 26, 2022

Our turn to speak up against Bill 96

I have long agreed with Robert Libman’s point of view on repressive and punitive language legislation targeting Quebec’s English-speaking communities. His contributions as a columnist in the Montreal Gazette have been clear communications and focused pieces that I have appreciated very much. This was the reason I joined him to serve as his Chief of Staff when he was the MNA for D’Arcy McGee riding. My passion in support of the English-speaking community brought me to Alliance Quebec, where I served as Executive Director and has been a focal point of my almost 25 years as a City Councillor in Cote Saint-Luc.

In this weekend’s column, Libman rightly points out, “If you don’t stand up for yourself, you might as well just accept the consequences.”

My grandfather, similarly said to me decades ago, “If you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain.”

Like most English-speaking Quebecers I have worked hard to become bilingual and to ensure my children embrace French language proficiency. Our community has contributed to the protection and flourishing of the French language. It is maddening to continue the Big Lie that English-speaking Quebecers are part of the problem. This is absurd and Bill 96 is an unacceptable infringement upon the rights of every Quebecer. If the bill did not contravene the Quebec and Canadian charters of rights and freedoms the government would not be using the reviled Notwithstanding Clause.

This weekend we have the right to vote with our feet, with our voices and with our presence. It’s up to us to show up and to speak up.

Read today’s excellent Gazette Editorial as well as Robert Libman’s column, below. And do your best to show up and protest!

Robert Libman: At last, anglos are standing up and speaking out

As Bill 96’s passage nears, the anglophone community finally seems to be recognizing that if you’re not willing to stand up for yourself, no one else will.

Author of the article: Robert Libman  •  Special to Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: May 13, 2022  •  3 minute read  •   Join the conversation

Students demonstrate against tuition increases in Montreal on June 22, 2012 during what came to be known at the Maple Spring. “Whether or not one agreed with their protests, one could appreciate how the students mobilized and the impact they made,” Robert Libman writes. PHOTO BY DAVE SIDAWAY /Montreal Gazette

Exactly 10 years ago, student protests demanding a freeze on university tuition took over Montreal streets in a movement that came to be known as the Maple Spring. Despite Quebec already having among the lowest tuition rates in the country, the protests gave voice and prominence to a cause. Whether or not one agreed with their protests, one could appreciate how the students mobilized and the impact they made.

Quebec’s Bill 96 has certainly generated as much serious concern, among as many people, as did the issues that gave rise to the Maple Spring movement. But minority communities in Quebec have always been reluctant to demonstrate.

As final adoption of the language-law overhaul approaches and its potential consequences become clearer, concern has been growing. The anglophone community finally seems willing to exit its comfort zone and take to the streets. A march from Dawson College to Premier François Legault’s office downtown is organized for Saturday morning. Last week, students at English CEGEPs around Quebec left class in a co-ordinated protest action to denounce the bill. The leaders of First Nations communities went to the National Assembly this week demanding to be exempt from Bill 96, saying it amounts to cultural genocide.

Will these actions make an impact? Many question if a minority’s opposition can really accomplish anything in the face of strong majority opinion. The government hasn’t shown any sign of backing down on a law that is expected to be adopted within weeks. Others suggest that an anglo march would just help the Legault government politically or might even spark Quebec nationalists to get people into the streets in much greater numbers.

That sense of resignation has prevailed for years.

Yet the anglophone community finally seems to be recognizing that if you’re not willing to stand up for yourself, no one else will. The community is at a point right now where there doesn’t seem to be much to lose.

At the very least, a public show of unity and solidarity can provide an important boost to the community’s morale.t’s also critically important not to remain passive in the face of government legislation that will compromise individual rights and severely weaken the community and the viability of its institutions. When rights are trampled, the absence of an assertive response all too often leads to more of the same.

A public march about language in the streets of Montreal will certainly garner francophone media attention. It is an opportunity to articulate a message directly to the majority. Organizers of the event should ensure that a positive and unifying message gets out that resonates with the many Quebec francophones who support individual rights and freedoms, and bilingualism. A message francophones should hear much more often is that support for the French language need not be a zero sum game at the expense of the minority.

Hopefully, many francophones will turn up in solidarity, including Quebec Liberal Party members who say they will vote against the bill. Representatives from business groups, the health care sector and the legal community have also raised concerns, and it would be important to see them there.

The event will also offer the possibility of bringing national attention to the issue and perhaps finally provoke a break in the deafening silence from the rest of Canada.

While not replicating all of the students’ tactics, it’s time anglos showed some of their gumption. Other minority communities have in the past come together to bring to light unjust circumstances, chip away at common orthodoxy and bring about a more just society.

If you don’t stand up for yourself, you might as well just accept the consequences.

Robert Libman is an architect and building planning consultant who has served as Equality Party leader and MNA, as mayor of Côte-St-Luc and as a member of the Montreal executive committee. He was a Conservative candidate in the 2015 federal election. twitter.com/robertlibman

Renewed partnership: Cote Saint-Luc EMS and Urgences Santé

An important partnership was rededicated recently. No ordinary agreement, this handshake will benefit Cote Saint-Luc (CSL) residents more than others. In fact, this one is guaranteed to save a life.

CSL’s all-volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is the only such municipal service to work hand-in-hand with the regional ambulance authority, Urgences Santé, to provide first responder services. Elsewhere, the Montreal Fire Department serves as first responders. CSL benefits from a high quality, professional volunteer emergency service for 9-1-1 health-related calls on its territory.

 Philip Chateauvert, directeur de la Protection civile de la Ville de / City of Côte Saint-Luc, et le président et directeur général par intérim d’Urgences-santé, Mathieu Campbell, CRIA (photo: LinkedIn)

Many CSL residents may not realize how fortunate they are to be served by the unique, volunteer, life-saving service. In operation for nearly 60 years, CSL EMS began as a post World War II civil security operation under the banner of EMO, or Emergency Measures Organization. Through the decades it transformed into a rescue service and adjunct of the former CSL Fire Department and auxiliary public security service. However, it always kept its vocation of being ready to assist the community during medical emergencies, even educating thousands of CSL students and residents in CPR training as well as use of AED (automated external defibrillators).

Glenn J. Nashen riding aboard Cote Saint-Luc’s first Rescue Medical Fire vehicle RMF-11, 1981

Since 1980, EMO mainly focused on first response and by 1990 the name changed to EMS and its first professional staff person was hired as director. Call coverage moved closer to round the clock and hundreds of local young adults received training and certification as First Responders.

With the forced municipal mergers in 2001 CSL faced the grim reality that it would lose control of its first responder service and that it would be transferred to the newly expanded, island-wide Montreal Fire Department. A very protracted and public political campaign ensured that CSL would uniquely manage its EMS thanks to a special law adopted in the Quebec National Assembly following the demerger in 2006.

Saving EMS at the Quebec National Assembly (2007)

And through these decades our extraordinary volunteers have responded to tens of thousands of emergency calls (over 3000 per year) and saved countless lives. I’m proud to have been associated with this incredible service since 1979 and played a significant role in its evolution along with so many notable leaders and volunteers.

While, this latest agreement with the ambulance service is important for the continued operation of CSL EMS, it’s equally important to recognize the organization’s history in arriving at this point in time.

Congratulations to all the volunteers, staff and community leaders, past and present, who have worked so hard to build a first-class, life-saving service that has touched the lives of thousands in CSL and across the region.

You can find out much more about CSL EMS on this blog.

Learning about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples: 21 things I did not know

I am long overdue in learning what I wasn’t taught in school about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Metis. Maybe you are too?

I attended the moving and heart wrenching performance of Children of God at the Segal Centre in 2019 which opened my eyes to Canada’s cruel history on Residential Schools. This musical hoped to contribute to healing but to me it was all about educating. Why had I not learned about this in Canadian history class?

“News” about missing and murdered indigenous women and Truth and Reconciliation has made it into the mainstream national, nightly newscasts over the past number of years. CTV News has added an informative segment under “Indigenous Circle” reported by talented indigenous reporters. There is talk from coast to coast to coast about the wrongs committed under the leadership of our first Prime Minister. Statues are being toppled and street names are being revisited. The “discovery” of hundreds of unmarked graves has forced us to face our collective history.

Non-Indigenous Canadians are finally waking up to an appalling part of our history and questioning how to take corrective measures.

My own children have taught me about such matters and I have pondered what I can do, as an individual.

In recent years, I included land recognition statements at civic events, in my capacity of City Councillor. This winter, I wondered how my synagogue could make a statement in recognizing the historic peoples who inhabited the land upon which we live and I drafted a statement for their weekly Shabbat services.

Last week I read Bob Joseph’s ‘21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act‘. It is a #1 national bestseller and for good reason. This concise and easy read is an important resource to begin to understand what took place here, in Canada, over the past 150 years. “This pocket-size primer is a perfect introduction to a troubling legacy with which Canadians continue to wrestle,” reads the back flap.

I thank the Cote Saint-Luc Public Library for adding this essential guide to its collection and encourage you to pick it up and read it for yourself. Indeed, four people are already queued up to receive this new copy.

In order to walk the path of reconciliation we must face this hard truth. Reading, watching, learning is how we will get there.