Ellin speaks to the Naamat Ghita Segal Study Group in Montreal July 10, 2019

Freshly returned from her recent trip to France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June, Canadian author and journalist Ellin Bessner will tell us how the remaining veterans of that Greatest Generation commemorated this important WWII anniversary on the beaches of Normandy. From meeting world leaders, to re-enacting the jumps by paratroopers who landed behind the German lines at dawn on June 6, 1944, the 2019 D-Day75 ceremonies were unforgettable. Bessner is the author of “Double Threat: Canadian Jews, the Military and WWII” published by the University of Toronto Press. “Double Threat” tells the story of these 17,000 brave Canadian Jewish fighters, including why they enlisted, and how they had to face antisemitism at home, in the barracks, and on the battlefield. They served in order to stop Hitler, end the Holocaust, and rescue the survivors of the Jews of Europe.  Hundreds didn’t come back, and many lie buried in Normandy under graves bearing the Star of David. Ellin will also introduce you to some of the 270 Canadian Jewish women who also enlisted and wore a uniform, and discuss how thousands more at home also supported the war effort. Books will be available for signing at the event.