The Canadian Jewish Literary Awards is honouring eight outstanding books for 2018. Now in its fourth year, the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards recognizes and rewards the finest Canadian Jewish writing. Winners have been declared in the following categories: fiction, memoir/biography, poetry, history, scholarship, holocaust literature, Yiddish, and books for children and youth.

“The Award winners this year are Jewish and non-Jewish. They come from communities right across the country, and both young writers and more established writers are represented,” says Jury chair, Edward Trapunski. “The depth and breadth show the vibrancy of the culture and the appeal of Jewish themes for fiction and non-fiction writers.”

The awards ceremony will be held on October 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade East Building, York University, 4700 Keele St. All are invited and welcome. Admission is free. Authors will read from their works and a dessert reception will follow. The Award-winning books will be available for purchase and the authors will autograph their books.

The Honorees

Memoir/Biography

To Look a Nazi in the Eye: A Teen’s Account of a War Criminal Trial by Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz, (Second Story Press)
After visiting Auschwitz on the March for the Living, a program that brings teenagers to see the infamous concentration camp for themselves, Jordana Lebowitz was determined to attend the
trial of the “bookkeeper of Auschwitz”, the last Nazi to stand trial for the atrocities. Along with Kathy Kacer, in To Look a Nazi in the Eye she recounts her complicated emotions at witnessing
the cruelty of an old man who reminded her of her grandfather.

Children and Youth

Fania’s Heart by Anne Renaud (author) and Richard Rudnicki (illustrator) (Second Story Press)
A tiny heart-shaped book is crafted against all odds within the confines of Auschwitz by women of immeasurable resilience, courage, and loyalty. Fania’s Heart is tenderly written by Anne
Renaud and movingly illustrated by Richard Rudnicki. This vivid and resonant picture book tells an authentic, heartwarming story that is a microcosm of Jewish survival during the Holocaust.
Because of the mutual support and ingenuity of a group of friends, one survivor is eventually able to share her memories — and her inspiring keepsake.

The Canadian Jewish Literary Awards are hosted and sponsored by the Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies at York University. The Canadian Jewish Literary Awards
would like to express its gratitude for the support of its generous donors. We thank all the members of the community who have contributed to the sustenance of Jewish literature and
thought in Canada.

The Canadian Jewish Literary Awards Jury for 2018

Edward Trapunski, Chair.
Alain Goldschläger
Andrea Knight
David Koffman
Arlene Perly Rae
Michael Posner

To register for the Awards ceremony, please go to cjla2018.eventbrite.ca. For more information, please visit www.cjlawards.ca
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch. Media may contact the chair of the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards jury, Edward Trapunski, at 416-720-4700 or
info@cjlawards.ca.