Oral history interview with Louis Eisman in preparation for the 2015 Scribe on Jewish clothiers. Louis speaks on his family history, his grandparents having moved to South Africa from both Russia and Lithuania, as well as his upbringing in Cape Town. In South Africa, Louis began working as a traveling salesman after six months of university, before going on to have an agency and manufacturing plant. In 1977 he moved to Toronto, Canada, where he was successful in his work for a few years. In 1979, he was offered a position in Vancouver, and after spending a weekend there, he and his wife prepared to move there in the following year. He also speaks about his involvement with the Jewish community, and his life and success in Vancouver since moving.
Oral history interview with I.W. who started Chess Brothers Wholesale Fruit and Produce Company, which ran for almost 50 years. He lived in the East End of Vancouver, near Heatley Avenue. I.W. and his brother, were among the founders of Schara Tzedeck Synagogue.
Oral history interview with Dr. Jack Moscovich, who was born in England but grew up in Alberta. Jack's parents came from Romania where his father served as captain in the Romanian cavalry ca. 1892. Began practice in new clinic setup by Dr. Maurice Fox and Dr. Morris in 1934-35. Jack founded the VGH Outpatients' Department. Stationed in Farnham, England during the Second World War until 1943; than Vancouver unit #11 of Canadian General Hospital. Was director of VGH Outpatients Department and late in 1974 was asked by British Columbia's government to investigate welfare and medical situations. Jack's work directly led to the Medical Services Plan.
Oral history interview with Jessie Anne Allman. Jessie worked for 'Children's Aid Society' and the Hadassah, helping to establish over 20 new chapters in Vancouver and Saskatchewan. Worked with the Jewish Family Service Agency.
Jessie's mother started the 'Quick Help Society' and was a member of the Hadassah.
Oral history interview with Paul Meyer who was born in Germany in 1916, the same as his parents. Speaks of his experiences during the second world war, in the concentration camps, escaping the Holocaust and emigrating to Canada. Paul was arrested in 1938 on Kristallnacht, taken to Dachau concentration camp but able to pay fines. Classisifed as 'friendly enemy aliens' upon entry into Canada due to German citizenship and Canada declaring war with Germany, had to report to RCMP once a month for a number of years. Paul and his brother started pottery business in Vancouver while their mother worked for the Red Cross.
Oral history interview with Benjamin Dayson (Baruch Dezick). Interviewed by Irene Dodek. Benjamin speaks about coming to Canada, where his name was changed from Dezick to Dayson,in Alberta. He details an interesting story in which he received his citizenship after only three years in Canada. He also speaks about his adolescent life and trials in Russia, prior to immigrating. He explains how after many complications, and being unable to move to Canada as he had wished, he made his way to Rotterdam to take a boat to Mexico, when fortunately, he was able to move to Canada after all. He talks about this travel and immigration process in great detail. He also speaks on his work over the years and moving to Vancouver, where he was married, as well as his life and his family in Canada. His wife, Esther, is also present during this interview.
Oral history interview with Dr. Bluma Tischler, who was born 1924 in Baranowicz, Poland - now Baranavichy in Belarus. Bluma and her husband Issac attended medical school at the University of Odessa, than studied in Munich, Germany. Bulma and Issac wanted to emigrate to the United States but due to their quota's being full they decided to come to Canada.
Oral History Interview with Mia Weinberg for the JMABC Artists Scribe. Interviewed by Bill Gruenthal. Mia was born in London, England in 1958. She describes her life as a child of German-Jewish refugees post-WWII, growing up in England and the role this had on her life, including her art work. She discusses her transition from a materials technologist in England to an immigrant in Vancouver, going to art school in her 30s and becoming an independent working artist. Mia is known for working with unconventional materials in her works, most often sculpture and installations.
