Wilfred Posluns z”l
Supporting the Jewish community is a family tradition. It started with my grandparents, who, although they didn't have much money, never turned anyone away. It has continued with the Posluns family being involved in virtually every Jewish philanthrophy in the city.
My father was president of the YMHA, (now JCC); he helped raise the money to build Beth Tzedec Synagogue, and was involved in Baycrest Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital. My uncle Abewas president of Baycrest Centre, and my Uncle Sam was president of the Board of Jewish Education.
When I graduated, it was my turn to participate as: President and Chairman of YMHA, President and Chairman of UJA Federation,(then called the Toronto Jewish Congress), twice Chair ofthe UJA Federation Annual Campaign, Chair of the Lipa Green Building and Chair of the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre Building Fund (then JCC). I also served as Chair of the Endowment Fund at UJA Federation, Chair of the Beth Tzedec Synagogue Foundation, Chair of the Gallery Campaign of the Royal Ontario Museum, President of the Toronto Chapter of Hebrew University and am currently Chair of the Board of the Baycrest Centre Foundation.
I think it is our responsibility to support Jewish causes, and to convince other people to do so as well.
I believe in giving back to the community. The more I get involved, the more committed I become. We must continue ourwork here to support Israel, because not only is Israel dependent on the Diaspora, the Diaspora is dependent on Israel.
I take great comfort in knowing that my family will continue to live their lives with the values of Tzedakah that my grand parents and parents passed on to me. My son is active in the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, and the Associated Hebrew Schools; my daughter Wendy is involved with the Jewish Foundation, UJA Federation as well as Hebrew University; and, my daughter Lynn is chairing the Baycrest Gala this year.
I am proud that my grandchildren are also moving in the right direction. All of them have been to Israel a number of times and have seen the projects that we support. They were educated through the Jewish day school system, and when they received their Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts, each gave part to a charity oftheir choice.
It is our obligation to take care of our own community. When you do good deeds for others, you certainly get a lot back.
