B’nai Brith Canada’s Tribute to Tony Fell Reaches New Heights

November 9, 2001

For Immediate Release

Toronto — B’nai Brith Canada’s 2001 Award of Merit Dinner on November 7^th at the Sheraton Centre honoured Anthony S. Fell, Chairman of RBC Dominion Securities and former Deputy Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada.

In making her presentation to Mr. Fell, B’nai Brith Canada’s National President Rochelle Wilner announced that the dinner had raised a record $3.6 million.

Lord Conrad Black of Crossharbour served as Honourary Dinner Chairman and The Hon. Henry Jackman, Peter Munk and L.R. (Red) Wilson were the event’s co-chairs.

“This is a powerful demonstration of the community’s support of B’nai Brith Canada to continue in its mission, which today has to be even more focused and directed toward battling the new antisemitism, new intolerance and new hate mongers that have captured our world stage,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada. “B’nai Brith is well positioned to lend its support and considerable expertise to the government of Canada in this new battle.”

“The high regard in which all of us hold Tony (Fell) is evidenced by the fact that so many people are here tonight to join in this celebration,” said Mr. Wilson. “Your support will enable B’nai Brith Canada to continue its very important work in combatting racism and discrimination, and in providing programs and services to the elderly, the physically and mentally challenged and the disadvantaged in our community.”

Mr. Munk spoke about the climate of antisemitism that existed in Canada when he immigrated to this country. He pointed to Fell as an example of a Canadian who did not succumb to intolerance.

Mr. Fell told those assembled about his career in the banking industry, saying that much of his success came from being “in the right place at the right time.” He spoke of the need to give back — through organizations such as B’nai Brith Canada — to those who have not been as fortunate.

In spite of the current economic uncertainty, over 1200 corporate and community leaders attended the event. The Award of Merit Dinner attracted dignitaries such as His Excellency, Israeli Ambassador Chaim Divon and Israeli Consul General in Toronto, Meir Romem.

The dinner also afforded an opportunity to express solidarity with the American people. In addition to the customary national anthems of Canada and Israel, dinner guests sang the Star Spangled Banner in the presence of the newly appointed United States Consul General in Toronto, Antoinette Marwitz.

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B’nai Brith has had a presence in Canada since 1875. As part of the international B’nai Brith family, its members join others in 58 countries around the world.