Canada declared war on Nazi Germany on September 10, 1939. Over 1 million Canadian men and women of a country of around 11 million people served overseas against the Axis Powers, and over 43,000 were killed in action. Canadian soldiers played a prominent role in the D-Day invasion of occupied France in June 1944 and were at the forefront of the liberation of the Netherlands. In fighting the Nazis, the brave Canadian military contributed to the total defeat of Nazi Germany.
Canada’s Jewish War Veterans
More than 17,000 men and women from Canada’s Jewish community of 168,000 residents served in uniform during the conflict, putting their lives on the line in the cause of peace and freedom.
Jews took part in all of Canada's major battles—from Hong Kong to Dieppe, Ortona to D-Day, and beyond. They served with distinction and nearly 200 received decorations for gallantry and other official citations for their exemplary service. These contributions came at a high cost, with nearly 450 Jewish Canadians losing their lives during the Second World War.