The Sculpting of my Identity

In 1933 the Nazi party came to power and their horrific actions changed the world forever, in both obvious and unexpected ways. In the months following Hitler’s rise to power, hundreds of anti-semitic laws were enacted, including laws disbarring lawyers, dismissing teachers, limiting the number of Jewish children in schools, and revoking German citizenship and the right to vote. The world was aware of the escalating situation in Germany but chose to do nothing, in most cases, because there was widespread anti-semitism in those countries as well. In Canada, anti-semitism was common as Jews were excluded from working in many industries, buying property, and joining most clubs. Prior to the Holocaust, the Canadian government repeatedly amended its immigration policy to prevent the entrance of Jews seeking refuge from Germany. The widespread anti-semitism directed at Jewish Canadians and Jewish immigrants seeking sanctuary that existed in Canada in the years before the Holocaust have had a direct impact on my identity, as a Zionist Canadian Jew. My familial connection to this time in Canadian history made me an empathetic person who strives to help people in need. In addition, the closing of Canada’s doors helped lead to the formation of Israel, with which I feel an extremely strong connection.