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October 10, 2003
Israel Asper, 1932-2003
Editorial
Philanthropist, committed Zionist, business titan, passionately
involved Jew, Winnipeg icon, Canadian original, politician, publisher,
parent, patriarch. These few words only begin to eulogize Israel
Asper, who died suddenly on Tuesday.
Asper's impact on Canadian life was enormous. His business and philanthropic
ventures changed this country very tangibly for the better. His
involvement in media, which late in life made him arguably the most
influential private citizen in Canada, will continue to be felt.
His model of tikkun olam is entrenched in the Asper Foundation,
which survives him.
Like all individuals in the public eye, Asper was not without controversy,
a fact that will become more evident as obituaries and retrospectives
of his life proliferate in coming days. Next week's Bulletin
will remember Asper's life in greater depth.
In the meantime, we're thankful for the contributions Asper made,
we offer condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, indeed
to the entire Jewish and general community, for whom Asper's death
is a cause for grief.
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