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October 3, 2003
OJC thanks firefighters
Chief Gerry Zimmerman honored at Shabbat service.
PETER BARWIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
This summer will forever be known as the year of the forest fires
and the year that 35 per cent of the residents of Kelowna were evacuated
from their homes. The members of the Okanagan Jewish Community (OJC)
filled the synagogue last month to pay tribute to the people who
put their lives on the line, as well as to those who opened their
hearts and homes to the whole community.
The focal point and guest of honor of the Sept. 12 Shabbat service
was Gerry Zimmerman, chief of the Kelowna Fire Department.
Sam Larry, OJC religious leader, welcomed Zimmerman and invited
him to say a few words. What the community heard was not stories
of heroic battles, but rather touching episodes that portrayed the
spirit of the people of Kelowna. One of the anecdotes relayed by
Zimmerman was of a child with Down's Syndrome who visited a hall
where Zimmerman and many of the fire fighters were assembled. This
child wanted to give some homemade cookies to Zimmerman. The chief
asked for a hug, which the child gladly gave. He then asked for
a kiss, which was happily given. It is moments like these, of warmth
and giving by a person with their own problems, that define the
"soul" of Kelowna and its people.
Zimmerman then recognized a member of the Jewish community with
whom he had been in touch. OJC members Ofer and Ofri Barmor and
their two daughters, who had recently emigrated from Israel, lost
their uninsured production facility and sustained damage to their
home from the fire. Some touching moments passed with comments from
the chief and the heartfelt, courageous response from Ofer Barmor.
Larry then presented Zimmerman with a painting by well-known local
artist Lee Claremont, an OJC member. Larry also announced that a
plaque honoring Zimmerman and his brave team of firefighters would
be placed on the Tree of Life that adorns the entrance to the OJC
shul.
Peter Barwin is a member of the Okanagan Jewish Community.
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