A Legacy Carried Forward: the First Annual Tom Weisz Memorial Award

On June 12, 2024, our community gathered for an evening that was both deeply personal and reflective. It was an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of Tom Weisz a'h, father of Margaret's Legacy's founder, Danna Horwood, on what would have been his birthday.

Tom was a bridge between generations. His memories of escaping from communist Hungary with his parents shortly after the WWII were vague, based on stories shared with him by his parents. Though his childhood memories had faded, the impact of the memories would continue to stay with him his entire life. He felt very connected to his family’s Holocaust stories and encouraged Danna to continue sharing them. He was very proud of her work with Margaret’s Legacy. 

The evening marked the presentation of the first annual Tom Weisz Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy Award, an honour created to recognize individuals who reflect Tom’s legacy and commitment to Holocaust and Antisemitism education, dialogue, and community leadership. Especially meaningful in the face of rising antisemitism. This newly established award will continue to honour outstanding individuals in the community who exemplifies the qualities and values Tom was known for.

The inaugural award was presented to MP, Melissa Lantsman.

As a Member of Parliament and one of the most prominent Jewish voices in Canadian public life today, Melissa Lantsman has consistently used her platform to confront antisemitism directly and unapologetically. At a time when conversations around antisemitism can be complex, politicized, or avoided altogether, her leadership has been defined by moral clarity, conviction, and a willingness to engage.

Her work reflects an understanding that education is not only about what is taught in classrooms, but about what is modeled in public life. Through her advocacy, she has helped elevate national conversations around Holocaust education, Jewish identity, and the importance of recognizing and responding to antisemitism in all its forms.

Congratulations to Melissa Lantsman on this well deserved honour!