On November 11 remember the Canadian Jewish War Vets [Video]

On Nov. 11, millions of people around the world will pause to remember the men and women who served their countries and gave their lives. This week and next, I devote my column to our Jewish veterans and to the Jewish soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The history of Jews in the Canadian military dates back to the the Boer War (1899-1902) as well as the world wars, the Korean War and involvement in Canada’s other military activities. Almost 17,000 Canadian Jews volunteered for service in World War II, with 420 killed, died, or missing and presumed dead. “An additional 2,000 Jews enlisted, but did not declare their Jewish identity in order to avert danger if captured by the Nazi forces.”

The Canadian Jewish Congress has created an important database, Canadian Casualties in the Armed Forces, which includes the names of 577 Jewish men and women who gave their lives, including:

• Lieut. Myer Cohen, of Toronto was awarded the Military Cross. Lieut. …