Rabbi W. Gunter Plaut z”l (front and centre) leads sixty Canadian Rabbis in demonstration to the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa, 1971
Count Us In: How the Soviet Jewry Movement Inspires Today’s Activism
with former Soviet Jewry activist Wendy Eisen and special appearances from fellow activists Irwin Cotler, Elaine Harris, and Natan Sharansky.
Monday, October 28, 7:00 pm
Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto
The 1960s, 70’s, and 80’s gave rise to an international, multi-dimensional, and coordinated effort, which led to the release of 2.75 million Soviet Jews from behind the Iron Curtain. Holy Blossom Temple was at the centre of Canada’s role in this movement. Thanks to the personal archive and published work of Wendy Eisen, it’s time to celebrate a shining example that teaches us how historic change is possible.
This event is open to all congregants and guests but is especially intended for today’s Next Generation of activists, who are devoting themselves in defense of Canadian Jewry and Israel.
To honour her extraordinary leadership, Wendy Eisen will be presented with the Holy Blossom Temple President’s Award. Read more here!
Wendy Eisen with Natan Sharansky at the Canadian Embassy in Israel, 1996
Wendy Eisen recently received the Order of Canada in recognition of her leadership among Canadian Jewry and for her role as an activist in the global campaign to liberate Jews from the Soviet Union. After the parting of the Iron Curtain in 1991, Wendy chronicled the efforts of the Canadian movement for Soviet Jewry in the publication of her book, Count Us In.
Wendy Eisen was consecrated, confirmed, and married at Holy Blossom Temple. She was the founding Chair of the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation and she is proud to be the central link in the chain of five generations of Holy Blossom Temple members.
