Military Service


Young Jewish men from Owen Sound fought in both world wars. David Cadesky enlisted in the Canadian military in 1917 and served during the First World War. One year later, William Cadesky, Ben Mortkowitz and Ben Plaingold joined a volunteer Jewish Battalion that was part of the British Army. The purpose of the Jewish Battalions was to give Jews the opportunity to serve in Palestine.

Three of Owen Sound’s Jewish sons perished in the Second World War. On 21 June 1942, Flight Sergeant Bernard Nidelman was reported missing in action. On 24 March 1944, Flying Officer B. Sussman was killed in action and on 28 May 1944, Moe Rabovsky was killed in action. On 14 June 1948, Kenneth Schulman wrote to the Mayor and City Council on behalf of the Hebrew Congregation of Owen Sound. He extended an invitation to them to attend a service at the synagogue in honour of the three young men who had given their lives for their country. He pointed out that those attending should wear hats during services. This invitation was accepted by City Clerk Alan S. Stewart, who stated that five members of Council would attend, accompanied by their wives. Starting in 1952, the local war memorial committee invited Jewish representatives. In 1962, the Jewish community first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph during Remembrance Day ceremonies. The practice was continued every year since then.