Double Threat : Canadian Jews, the Military, and World War II

"He died so Jewry should suffer no more." These words on a Canadian Jewish soldier's tombstone in Normandy inspired the author to explore the role of Canadian Jews in the war effort. As PM Mackenzie King wrote in 1947, Jewish servicemen faced a "double threat" - they were not only fighting against Fascism but for Jewish survival. At the same time, they encountered widespread antisemitism and the danger of being identified as Jews if captured. Bessner conducted hundreds of interviews and extensive archival research to paint a complex picture of the 17,000 Canadian Jews - about 10 per cent of the Jewish population in wartime Canada - who chose to enlist, including future Cabinet minister Barney Danson, future game-show host Monty Hall, and comedians Wayne and Schuster. Added to this fascinating account are Jews who were among the so-called "Zombies" - Canadians who were drafted, but chose to serve at home - the various perspectives of the Jewish community, and the participation of Canadian Jewish women. Cover......Page 1 Half Title......Page 2 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedication......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Introduction......Page 14 1 Fighting Amalek......Page 18 2 Signing Up......Page 28 3 Jewish Communists in Uniform......Page 52 4 The Battle of Hong Kong......Page 64 5 Dieppe......Page 78 6 Jews in the Air Force......Page 90 7 The Navy and Merchant Navy......Page 108 8 Jewish Women in Uniform......Page 120 9 Life in the Barracks......Page 130 10 Off-Duty Activities......Page 146 11 Jewish Heroes......Page 172 12 Keeping the Faith......Page 190 13 Liberation......Page 214 14 Coming Home......Page 228 15 Kaddish for D-Day......Page 248 Notes......Page 274 References......Page 324 Photographs......Page 344 B......Page 358 C......Page 359 D......Page 361 F......Page 362 H......Page 363 I......Page 364 J......Page 365 L......Page 366 M......Page 367 N......Page 368 P......Page 369 R......Page 370 S......Page 371 U......Page 373 W......Page 374 Z......Page 375 "The role played by the Canadian Jewish Community during World War II, particularly the approximately 17,000 individuals who enlisted, representing 10% of the Jewish population in Canada at the time. Interviews with surviving veterans, and family of deceased veterans, about their experiences provide a detailed portrait of the experience. Profiles of military heroes are included. The experience of the Canadian Jews, both men and women, who served in virtually every campaign and every branch of the military is described. The role of the homeland community, community organizations including Jewish newspapers, and the clergy is also covered."-- Provided by publisher Bessner Conducted Hundreds Of Interviews And Extensive Archival Research To Paint A Complex Picture Of The Role Of Canadian Jews In The War Effort.