The History of the Ottawa Jewish Cemeteries

Subject: Jewish Cemeteries of Ottawa Interviewer: N/A Date: May 9, 2001 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 58:03 -Israel Shinder is introduced; he came to Canada from Romania in 1930 and served in the RCAF during World War II. he worked with his father before opening his own business. He had 4 children with his late wife. -Israel begins his talk by discussing the early history of Ottawa jewery. The earliest jewish cemetery was bought and operated by the Society of Sons of Jacob in 1886. -In 1893 the Bank Street cemetery land was purchased. This was purchased by the King Street Shul; Israel also details the beginnings of the other shuls in Ottawa. In 1913 the granite entrance was built for the Bank Street cemetery. Israel lists all of the families and people involved in this early cemetery. -The land’s maintenance costs were split amongst the shuls who had a footprint in the cemetery. Israel breaks down the percentages of ownership, the past maintenance managers, and the costs associated with maintenance. -In 1972 Nathan Marcus became the manager of the Bank Street Cemetery. He drew sketches and plans for the cemetery layout that are still used today. Nathan is also responsible for the building of the greenhouses to provide flowers for graves. -The cemetery had a holocaust commitee who erected a monument in 1978. -Israel takes time to list the names of those involved in the cemetery before himself. -Israel then details his involvement in the cemeteries; he talks about selling plots, and his early work. In 1973 the Vaad set up a search committee to locate a new plot for a cemetery as the Bank Street cemetery was getting full. Israel chaired the search committee and talks about his work finding the new plot. They located a 60 acre lot in the Osgoode township; Israel details all of the factors that go into forming a cemetery including location, soil, and zoning. -Israel details the planning, regulations, and traditions put in place in the new cemetery and he lists those involved in planning from 1973-1976. -In November of 1976 the cemetery opened and Israel details the opening ceremony. He also touches on the Vaad involvement in the secretarial side of the cemetery. -Israel explains how the finances of a cemetery work, how much money goes to the government, and how funds are set up for maintenance. -In 1995 Israel did not run for re-el;ection and there was a new chairman for the cemeteries. -He concludes with his hopes for the future and the maintenance and importance of the cemeteries. -There is a question period followed by a conclusion from the organizer of the lecture. END OF TAPE