The Ottawa Jewish Archives

10/13/2026

Evelyn Zolov and Isabel Kimmel at an event with two friends, 1953.

OJA 1-322-08

10/01/2026

Check out our latest blog post by historian David C. Martin on the life and legacy of Revered Jacob Mirsky and help us make sure his name is permanently a part of Ottawa's history!

David C. Martin Ottawa is a city filled with names. They appear on our streets, parks, community centres, public buildings, and other landmarks. Together, these names form a kind of civic history: …

09/30/2026

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we take time to remember and reflect on the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system and the discrimination, racism, and violence experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Remembering Canada’s history means confronting the difficult parts of our past, including the ways that prejudice, hatred, and discrimination have been woven into our country’s history and institutions. Truth and reconciliation asks us not only to remember, but to listen, learn, and consider what we can do to build a more just future.

As members of the Jewish community, we know how important it is to have others stand with us when we experience antisemitism and hate. In those moments, we must also be willing to be allies to others. That means listening to Indigenous voices, learning about Indigenous history and experiences, challenging prejudice when we encounter it, and showing up in meaningful ways.

Today, we remember. We listen. And we recommit ourselves to building communities where hatred and discrimination have no place.

🧡 Every Child Matters.

We encourage you to further your learning by checking out resources like those here: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns/

09/29/2026

Free Soviet Jews protest.

OJA 1-1230

09/28/2026

Casey Swedlove, Norman Mirsky, Bernard Shinder and M.K. Levenson at an Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation event, 1970s.

OJA 4-044-05-02

09/24/2026

🎙️ 613Archives is back!

We’re bringing the stories of Jewish Ottawa back to your headphones! After a little time away, 613Archives is officially returning with new episodes every other month, featuring fascinating stories, forgotten items, and the people and places that shaped our community.

And we’re expanding where you can find us! In addition to all your usual podcast platforms, 613Archives now has a new home in the Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin. 📰

Want to make sure you never miss an episode? Subscribe to the Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin and get the latest episode delivered right to your inbox, along with all the other news and stories from Jewish Ottawa.

So dust off those headphones, get ready to dive into the archives, and welcome back to the vault! 🗄️🎧

09/24/2026

The ladies of Caplan's, a group portrait of the female employees of Caplan's department store, 1944.

OJA 1-565-02