The list of Jewish community members named to the Order of Canada at the end of 2021

Order of Canada medals (Credit: Wikipedia)

Twenty-one prominent members of the Jewish community are newly appointed to the Order of Canada, including philanthropists, scientists, artists, lawyers and academics.

The list of 135 Canadians who were named to the country’s highest civilian honour was announced by Governor General Mary Simon on Dec. 29. The appointments included two Companions, 39 Officers, one honorary Member and 93 Members. More than 7,000 people have been invested into the Order since it was created in 1967.

The appointments included survivors Max Eisen of Toronto, Rose Lipszyc of Thornhill, Ont., and Eva Olsson of Bracebridge, Ont., who were all recognized for their dedication to Holocaust education.

Graham David Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services; and academics Carol Tator and Frances Henry, of Toronto, who have studied systemic racism, were all named as Officers of the Order of Canada.

Others named as Members include:

  • Justice Sandra Chapnik, Toronto, who was recognized for her leadership in the legal field and advancement of women. Chapnik has also served on the boards of Holy Blossom Temple, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and ORT Toronto.
  • Robert Eisenberg, Toronto, for his commitment to “the revitalization of Toronto’s architectural heritage.”
  • Eleanor Fish, North York, for her contributions to immunology, including her groundbreaking studies on the use of interferon-alpha in the treatment of disease.
  • Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Toronto, for his leadership of Beth Tzedec Congregation and his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
  • Leo Goldhar, Toronto, who has served as chair of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Tomorrow campaign.
  • Morris Goodman, Hampstead, Que., for his leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and his philanthropy.
  • Jane Heyman, Vancouver, for her contributions to Vancouver’s theatre sector.
  • Olga Korper, Toronto, for her contributions to the visual arts through her impassioned promotion and exhibition of Canadian and international contemporary art.
  • Barbara Landau, Toronto, for her work as a lawyer and psychologist on dispute resolution and family law reform as well as her interfaith initiatives. She is the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims.
  • Lynn Posluns, Toronto, for her contributions to research on women’s cognitive health through the funding of the Women’s Brain Health Initiative.
  • Harvey Secter, Winnipeg, who served three terms as Chancellor of the University of Manitoba and was a member of the ownership group of the Winnipeg Jets.
  • Robert Silver, Winnipeg, a former chancellor of the University of Winnipeg and a co-owner of the Winnipeg Free Press.
  • Cara Tannenbaum, Montreal, for her leadership in geriatrics, women’s health and gender research.
  • Janet Walker, Toronto, for her expert legal authority in commercial arbitration and conflict of laws, and for advancing legal procedural standards in Canada.
  • David Zussman, Victoria, for his contributions to public service management and policymaking, as a scholar, public servant and sought-after advisor.