Righteous Among the Nations

"Righteous Among the Nations" Awarded in Edmonton

  • 2/22/2018
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    ​On Tuesday February 20, the Consulate General of Israel for Toronto and Western Canada along with the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem and the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, honoured the late Albertus and Gerrigje van Engelen (Spans) as Righteous Among the Nations for having saved Jews during the Holocaust. This is one of the highest honours given by the state of Israel.

    Their son, Hartgert (Harty), accepted the honour on their behalf at The Family Shul, Beth Israel, synagogue.

    The Consulate was joined by the family of the rescuers and the rescued, Jews and non-Jews, Canadians, elected officials (among them: MP Kelly McCauley; MLA Lorne Dach; Councillor and Deputy Mayor Moe Banga ; MLA Ronald Orr; MLA Tany Yao; MLA Mark Smith; MLA Ric McIver ; Councillor Sarah Hamilton) and members of the diplomatic corps to commemorate this historic event and celebrate life, courage and human decency.