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True North: The Extraordinary Life of Bernie Finkelstein

Craig Carter

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Bernie Finkelstein, A Holocaust Survivor Who Arrived In Canada With Nothing And Went On To Become One Of The Country's Most Successful Businessmen. True North Bernie Finkelstein

True North

by Bernie Finkelstein

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5622 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	304 pages

From the Ashes of the Holocaust to the Heights of Success

Bernie Finkelstein was born in Poland in 1928. His childhood was idyllic until the Nazis invaded in 1939. Bernie and his family were forced into a ghetto, where they lived in squalor and fear. In 1942, Bernie's parents and siblings were rounded up and sent to Auschwitz. Bernie managed to escape and hide in the woods for two years.

After the war, Bernie made his way to Canada, where he arrived with nothing but the clothes on his back. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet, but he never gave up on his dream of a better life. In 1953, he founded a small clothing store in Montreal. The store was a success, and Bernie soon opened several more stores.

In 1969, Bernie founded the Giant Tiger chain of discount stores. Giant Tiger quickly became one of the most successful retail chains in Canada. Bernie's success was due to his hard work, determination, and commitment to providing customers with quality products at affordable prices.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Bernie Finkelstein was not only a successful businessman, but he was also a philanthropist. He donated millions of dollars to charities and causes that were close to his heart. He was particularly passionate about helping Holocaust survivors and supporting education.

In 1997, Bernie founded the Bernie and Phyllis Finkelstein Foundation. The foundation provides grants to organizations that support Holocaust education, research, and remembrance. Bernie also established the Finkelstein Chair in Holocaust Studies at York University in Toronto.

Bernie Finkelstein passed away in 2020 at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy of success, generosity, and compassion. His story is an inspiration to us all.