Zaidy’s Band: The Untold Stories of a Jewish Band of Brothers in World War II

Sunday, November 16, 3:30 pm
At Beth Tzedec Synagogue, 1700 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5P 3K3, in the Mezzanine Hall

In Zaidy’s Band, Aron Heller chronicles his extensive journey with his grandfather — his Zaidy — to uncover long-time Beth Tzedec member Mickey Heller’s mysterious wartime past and the untold stories of his Jewish Canadian “band of brothers.” The book explores Heller’s efforts to document their fates and the turbulent process of founding a museum in Israel dedicated to the 1.5 million Jewish soldiers like them who fought in World War II.

Additionally, come and hear Aron Heller speak at our Israel Dialogues session on November 14th.

Through eight trips from Israel to meet with his Zaidy in Toronto, along with countless calls and messages, Heller offers a fresh perspective on the often-silent majority of World War II veterans. The book uncovers dozens of previously unknown stories of lost friendships, personal tragedies, acts of heroism and emotional reunions. These men played key roles in the defining events of their time – fighting against Nazism and contributing to the establishment of Israel. Their voices, however, are not mere relics of the past. The dilemmas they faced – faith, belonging, courage and sacrifice – continue to resonate today, shaping the Jewish experience as we confront rising antisemitism and the challenges facing the Jewish state.

Part memoir, part historical biography, and part mystery, Zaidy’s Band reveals how even the humblest acts of World War II service shaped a generation of men and left a lasting impact on their families for years to come.

Aron Heller is an Israel-based reporter, writer, columnist and broadcaster. Please come to listen to him on November 14th during our Israel Dialogues session.

Books will be available for purchase at a special 25% discount off the retail price.

Please sign up for the event by visiting Beth Tzedec’s website here https://www.beth-tzedec.org/page/beth-tzedec-calendar/a/display/s/0/item/zaidy-s-band-the-untold-stories-of-a-jewish-band-of-brothers-in-world-war-ii