In November of 1970, Cyril E. Leonoff was instrumental in founding the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia. Over the first 30 years of its existence, the JHS was housed in the basements of homes, moved to a tiny office in the basement of the Jewish Community Centre and then moved once again to a more spacious office of 380 square feet on the JCC’s 2nd floor.

After 30 years of collecting documents, conducting oral histories, preserving, conserving and publishing the history of the Jewish people of British Columbia, a dedicated Archival office was established and plans for a Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia began to develop. The museum officially opened in March 2007 and currently offers exhibits, education and events relating to local Jewish history and genealogy.

Cyril E. Leonoff, founder of the Jewish Historical Society of B.C. was the recipient of the 2007 Association of Canadian Jewish Studies Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of scholarly achievement in the research and writing of the Jewish history of British Columbia and of Jewish farm settlements on the prairies.

In response to Cyril’s contribution to the Jewish community of BC and as a result of receiving the ACJS Distinguished Services Award, the JHS Board of Directors is proud to announce the establishment of the Cyril Leonoff Fund for the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia. Donations to the fund can be made by calling the Jewish Community Foundation at 604-257-5100.

 
Dr. Randall Schnoor, president ACJS and Cyril Leonoff,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in May 2007