By Marion Silver
Four years ago, several Jewish students at Kingston Collegiate Institute (KCI) were on the receiving end of antisemitic slurs from their fellow classmates. One mother contacted CHES Chair, Mina Cohn, who prevailed upon David Moskovic to describe his experiences during the Holocaust to the KCI students.
Nine hundred young people filled the school auditorium and listened as David recounted what happened to him as a boy of 14 and to the rest of his family. His audience was rapt. David concluded his presentation by reminding the youngsters that they are so lucky to live in Canada, that they should be nice to each other, and if they see someone being bullied, they should speak up. Many students approached the stage and hugged David in appreciation. There were no further reported incidents of bullying that year. The hallways have been quiet ever since. The students benefitted from his message of tolerance and caring.
The KCI session was followed shortly thereafter by a similar presentation to Queen’s (University) Hillel.
Now 93, during the week of International Holocaust Remembrance, David was once again invited to Queen’s Hillel, this time as a guest of honour along with his partner, Ruth Calof, his two sons and one grandchild. In attendance were many students, both Jewish and their non-Jewish friends. Also present was a non-Jewish teacher from the KCI who wanted to see David again. She remarked that the hallways are still peaceful to this day. After a moving synagogue service and a wonderful Shabbat dinner, David answered the many questions posed by the students. The Hillel students thanked him, grateful for his ongoing efforts to instill the lessons of the Holocaust, lessons that are more essential than ever.
CHES thanks David for his immense contribution over many years of educating students. We wish him many years of good health and happiness. View David’s testimonial.
