Community Activities and Relations
Jewish citizens of Thunder Bay have been extremely involved in the larger community. Most arrived in Fort William and Port Arthur during an immigration boom. A report from the Board of Trade in 1917 reported that there were 27 dialects spoken in Fort William. The rapid “Canadianization” of these groups was seen as an enormous public education challenge and the Jewish community was active in this project. They participated in trade unions and local charity groups. Many of the second generation became doctors and lawyers. Their names were familiar on every kind of community organization in both cities from school boards to professional societies and in political life. They also made an impact abroad. Dr. Jack Dodick became head of the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Nose Hospital in New York City. Larry Hurtig became president of the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg and the Asper Jewish Community Campus.
