Canadian gov’t funding Jewish veterans memorial

Canada’s government said it will help fund a memorial honoring Jewish war veterans.

A grant of up to $28,700 will go toward the construction of the monument on the central Sherman campus of the United Jewish Appeal Federation in Toronto, the country’s minister of veterans affairs said at an event Monday announcing the funding.

“It is gratifying to know that younger generations have a special place like the Jewish War Veterans of Canada Memorial to reflect on our country’s proud military history,” Steven Blaney said.

The total cost of the monument is about $70,000.

The black polished granite memorial, surrounded by a 20-foot-diameter pad of interlocking brick, commemorates and honors Jews who served and perished in the Canadian forces during World War I and II, the Korean War, Afghanistan and all peacekeeping missions.

One side is etched with the names of 570 Jewish members of the Canadian armed forces who died in World War I and II and in Korea. The other side carries the names of 470 Jewish servicemen and servicewomen who survived those conflicts.

The monument will be dedicated on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, which also is Veterans Day in the United States.