The Arrival, Reception, and Immediate Integration of Holocaust Survivors in Halifax, 1945 to 1955

Abstract

This thesis explores the experiences of Holocaust survivors in Halifax and the role the city played in the reception of survivors from 1945 to 1955. Fundamentally, it argues that the Halifax Jewish community had an important role in the reception of Jewish Holocaust survivors at Pier 21; it also questions why most survivors chose not to settle in Halifax. The first chapter discusses experiences of survivors in the European DP camps after the war and the discrimination they faced when applying to immigrate to Canada. The second chapter documents the experiences of reception of Holocaust survivors and the role of the JIAS at Pier 21. The third chapter reviews experiences of integration amongst Jewish Holocaust survivors with Jewish and non-Jewish communities of Halifax. Integration with Halifax’s Jewish community was similar to survivors’ experiences in other Canadian cities. Non-Jewish communities in Halifax, however, were likely more receptive than other Canadian cities.