10 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 17, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Oakville family sheltered American war resister Continued from page 9 February 2007, she decided she couldn't return to Iraq. On the night of Feb 18, 2007, after sleeping in the car for several days, Kimberly and her family crossed Rainbow Bridge, which separates Canada and the United States and finally arrived at their designated location: Oakville, on the Campbells's doorstep. Kimberly's two children (aged five and three), recalled Campbell's wife, "were shaken and terribly frightened." "We pretty much just got most of their things moved into the house, got them showered, got them some food and got them to sleep," said Campbell. The next five months saw a lot of accommodation being made by the two families. "Our schedules and lives were drastically affected. There were now nine people living in our house, not five." Campbell also noted that the Riveras were depressed, which, according to the lawyer, is a normal thing to feel for some- SHAAREI-BETH EL CONGREGATION HAS SERVED THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF HALTON FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS. We'd love to welcome you too. Shaarei-Beth El is a Reform congregation with a strong sense of tradition. Our members have arrived in our community along many different paths but, together, we all share the common need for spirituality and a sustained belief in the importance of a vibrant Jewish community. Our philosophy allows for everyone to feel comfortable and at home in our community. Perhaps, you are new to the community or simply open to a welcoming and warm experience. We have lots of people willing to share what Shaarei-Beth El can offer you. Please feel free to speak with Rabbi Stephen Wise (rabbi.wise@sbe.ca), Director of Education Ran Salamon, Cantorial Soloist Aviva Chernick, or join us for one of our weekly Shabbat services. THIS YEAR'S HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES WILL BE HELD (and tickets are available for): Rosh Hashanah Erev Rosh Hashanan Rosh Hashanah, Day 1 Junior Congregation Rosh Hashanah, Day 2 Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Service Junior Congregation Afternoon/Yizkor r Mon., Sept. 29th Tues., Sept. 30th Wed., Oct. 1st Wed., Oct. 8th Thurs., Oct. 9th 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. one in such a situation. Upon their arrival in Canada, the Riveras lost everything. Kimberly lost her job, saw her family relations shatter and her social safety net quickly disappear. And although Canada is known for free health care, she was not part of this luxury because she was, at the time, an illegal citizen. Moreover, Kimberly's parents were not at all supportive of her decision to leave her unit in Iraq. "In our particular case, my understanding is that the family members of the war resister (Kimberly) were violently opposed to what they were doing and in fact reported them to police as missing and as having been abducted. So the police were also looking for them," said Campbell. After five months the Riveras were able to get back on their feet. They received work permits and are currently living in Toronto. "This begins a new chapter filled with new opportunities and hope for my family... I am just glad I get to be a mom again," Kimberly wrote in her War Resisters Support Campaign page at http://www.resisters.ca/resisters_st ories.html#Kim. The Riveras were lucky enough to be able to find jobs and stay in Canada under work permits. Other war resisters, like Jeremy Hinzman, are not as lucky. Hinzman was a U.S. soldier in the elite infantry division. He refused to take part in the Iraq war because he did not believe in the United States' justification for it. In January 2004, he drove to Canada with the belief that it was a haven. But despite a majority vote made by Members of Parliament in the House of Commons that called for war resisters to stay and to stop all deportation proceedings against them, Hinzman is slated to be deported from Canada by Sept. 23. The attitudes amongst many of those rallying on Saturday, including Michelle Bilek, the Oakville NDP candidate in the Oct. 14 federal election, described Hinzman's pending deportation as an infringement on democracy. "I really believe it's important for Canada to stay true to our democracy. It was voted already in the House of Commons to allow these gentlemen to stay with their families in Canada until the process of immigration occurs," said Bilek. "Despite that fact, Harper and his sort-of fascist ways has resigned to deport them regardless of the democracy that has gone on in our House of Commons." Like Bilek, Campbell is also unhappy with the government's actions. Nonetheless his family will not hesitate at hosting another war resister, he said. "We would do it again. We've talked about it. I believe strongly enough in the rights and wrongs of a situation, that I would be prepared to put up a resister that is under a deportation order that didn't want to go. I know it's illegal, but ...," his voice drifted off. For more information, about the War Resisters Support Campaign visit the webiste at http://www.resisters.ca/. 186 MORRISON ROAD, OAKVILLE, ON L6J 4J4 TEL: (905) 849-6000 · www.sbe.ca NOTICE OF THE OAKVILLE SKATING CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 7:30 PM AT RIVER OAKS RECREATION CENTRE Room C 2400 Sixth Line OAKVILLE, ON The Board of Directors of the Oakville Skating Club cordially invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to review the annual report and elect a new Board of Directors. Any further nominations for Director may be made by any voting member in good standing by submission, in writing, bearing the signature of the proposer and seconder and the consent of the nominee to act and shall be in the hands of the Secretary at the Oakville Skating Club office, at 2400 Sixth Line, Oakville on or before the twenty third day of September, 2008. Nominations from the floor at the Annual General Meeting will not be accepted. The Oakville Club Where You Belong For a limited time join one of Ontario's finest athletic and social clubs at a 50% reduction. Nestled on the edge of Oakville's harbour, the Oakville Club is steeped in the rich history of its lore and the modern elixir of active relaxation. Offering a unique blend of sport and social engagements, the club appeals to the kinetic lifestyle in a tranquil setting. Families discover a compass of generations and a place to forge new memories. Tennis, squash, badminton State-of-the-art fitness centre and studio Heated outdoor pool Summer camps Family activities Childcare Personal trainers Renowned racquet professionals Social events Award-winning chef Waterside patio dining Casual restaurant and dining-room Magnificent setting A Vision for the future Are you decorating for Fall? Need a mirror for you wa ee d yo wall? a We have beveled & framed mirrors galore! What are you waiting for? 25% off in-stock framed mirrors n-stock mirro Act quickly and receive 50% off the regular entrance fee $7,000 IS NOW $3,500 Single $12,000 IS NOW $6,000 Couple 20% off all beveled mirrors including custom o uding orders (custom orders take 2 weeks) d Valid until the end of September 56 Water Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2Y3 Contact Kalee Mah at 905.845.0231 ext. 207 or kmah@oakvilleclub.com www.oakvilleclub.com 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951