Military Service
When Canada was at war, St. Catharines’ Jewish community responded. During the Second World War, fifty-six men from the community served in the Canadian military. Max Rosen, Harry Pugrant, Charles Pugrant and Henry Wexler served in the American military. During the war, David Devor died in combat. He was 20 years old at the time and was serving in the Irish Regiment of Canada. Devor was buried in Villanova, Italy. Sidney Halperin served in the Jewish underground in Palestine and fought in the 1948 War of Independence. He ultimately decided to make his home in Israel.
Jack Feldman started with the Department of Highways and then worked as an air force mechanic. Sidney Slepkov enlisted in the Air Force during the war and specialized in aviation medicine. During that time he was engaged in some interesting research experiments, which required him to wear a flight suit and counter gravitational forces. Bernie Cooperman served overseas with the RAF, preparing the support and supply lines for important missions such as the invasion of Normandy.
The community held a dinner and ceremony at the synagogue on 15 June 1946, to honour the local Jewish men and women who served in the military. Over 50 community members attended the event. David Croll, the Jewish MP from Toronto, was the guest speaker. Each veteran was presented with an inscribed ring. Mrs. Maurice Morris, who had three sons who fought in the war, presented the rings to each of the veterans to display the community’s appreciation for the sacrifices that they made.
