An address about Lillian Freiman
https://www.cjhn.ca/link/cjhn106440
- Collection
- Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- sound recording
- Fonds No.
- O0045
- Date
- October 17, 1999
- Collection
- Ottawa Jewish Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Material Type
- sound recording
- Date
- October 17, 1999
- Publication
- Betsy Rigal
- Fonds No.
- O0045
- Storage Location
- vault
- Notes
- Date Digitized: May 3, 2021 Digitized by: Grace Turner Number of Cassettes: 1 Subject: Lillian Freiman Interviewer: N/A Date: October 17, 1999 Interview Location: Ottawa, ON Length of Time: 47:07 -Betsy is introduced prior to her talk on Lillian Freiman. Betsy’s education, family, career, and notable work in the community are mentioned. -Betsy begins her talk by thanking those who helped her in her research. -Lillian Freiman was a doer who had a deep passion for charity and for the less fortunate. -Lillian was born to Paulene and Moses Bilsky in 1885 in Mattawa. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up in a very religious household. -Early in her life she set herself apart with her work in the community; she established the Hebrew Benevolent Society before marrying her husband. -In 1903 Lillian married Archibald (A.J.) Freiman. -In 1913 the family moved to 149 Somerset street into a beautiful house. Lillian furnished the house and hosted all of her committees in the home. Betsy makes special mention of the fact that Prime Minister Laurier lived just around the corner and would always tip his hat to Lillian on his daily walks. -the family also had a house in Britannia where Lillian and the kids would spend the summer. Britannia was described by the family as the Coney Island of Ottawa. This cottage was later replaced by the family's Meech Lake cottage. -Lillian’s work focused primarily on juvenile court during the First World War. Betsy recounts some of the cases Lillian worked on, all of which show her passion for justice and charity. -In 1917 the Spanish flu epidemic arrived in Ottawa and Lillian was asked by the mayor to organize and supervise the effort. She oversaw 1500 volunteers during the epidemic. -Lillian and A.J. were both supporters of Zionism, in 1903 Lillian attended her first zionist convention and from there became involved in the movement. -In 1919 A.J. became the president of the ZIonist Organization which lead to Lillian takign on more. She became the president of Hadassah and began the Helping Hand Fund. By 1925 Hadassah had 68 Chapters across Canada. -In the summer of 1920 Lillian became aware of many orphans living in the Ukraine in poor conditions. She began a campaign to bring them over to Canada and find families for them. She chaired the Jewish War Orphans Committee and brought over 146 war orphans. One of which, Gladys, was adopted by Lillian and her family. -Betsy then lists Lillian's various committees and charities, some of which include: The Ottawa Girl Guides, The Armenian Polish relief Fund, The National Institute for the Blind, and The Women’s Auxiliary. -In 1923 Lillian and Hadassah raised funds to open a women’s agricultural school in Palestine. In 1927 A.J. and Lillian visited Palestine for the first time where they met the staff and students of the school who affectionately called Lillian the “Mother of their School”. -In 1935 the Canadian Hadassah dedicated the year of 1935 to Lillian for all of her work. -In 1934 King George the Fifth awarded Lillian the british order, she was the first jewish Women in Canada to receive this award. And in 1937 both A.J. and Lillian were awarded the Silver Jubilee by The Crown. -June 2nd 1939 was Lillian’s 54th birthday and a jewish music concert was performed for her with her favorite artists. -In 1939 Lillian was in poor health but she still continued her work in charity. She worked with the Hadassah and Red Cross to provide blankets, supplies, and an army hospital for the war effort. -Betsy then discusses Lillian’s children and their marriages and careers. -On November 2nd 1940 Lillian passed away at the age of 55. During her funeral service many notable families attended including the Mayor and The Prime Minister. -betsy concludes by discussing Lillian’s giving spirit and reads tributes to her memory. -there is then a question period where Stories of Lillian’s work is shared, her education is discussed, and her early upbringing. END OF TAPE
- Archival / Genealogical
- Archival Descriptions
- Repository
- Ottawa Jewish Archives
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