Some of the most notable individuals to come from the Saint John Jewish community made their mark in politics – as elected officials, as candidates, as appointees, and as workers behind the scenes. Learn about their stories through photographs, newspaper accounts, personal and official papers and a few artifacts.
Hon. Myra Freeman was appointed as the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and the first Jewish person across Canada to hold this role.
Hon. Erminie Cohen was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1993, after decades of involvement with the PC Women’s Caucus
Solomon Hart Green was elected as the first Jewish member of the Manitoba Legislature in 1910 and served one term.
Samuel Davis served on Saint John City Council from 1969 to 1984, including a term as the city’s only Jewish mayor from 1977 to 1980.
Murray Neustadter ran unsuccessfully three times for a seat on City Council in the 1960s, with his final campaign in 1969 an attempt to win the mayoral race.
Kate Wilcott was elected to the New Brunswick Legislature for the riding of Saint John-Lancaster in October 2024, the first Jewish representative to be elected in the province.
There were other community members involved in politics as candidates, activists and supporters.