This is the site of the first Jewish cemetery in western Canada, established in 1883 when the bodies of five children who had died during the preceding winter were moved here from a temporary cemetery on Thomas Street. Land for the cemetery had been purchased for $300 in a campaign organized by Simon Lechtzier, David Ripstein, and others.
The site was eventually found to be too prone to flooding so was closed in favour of the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. The last burial occurred on 20 June 1933 by which time the cemetery contained 110 graves. Subsequent vandalism toppled several tombstones so the remaining ones were laid horizontal to minimize further damage.
Children of Israel Cemetery (circa 2000)
Source: Peter McLure
Children of Israel Cemetery (July 2023)
Source: Rose Kuzina
Children of Israel Cemetery (July 2023)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90040, W97.05528
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Shaarey Zedek Cemetery (230 Armstrong Avenue, Winnipeg)
“Stories in stone: Cemetery headstones reveal history of Jews’ settlement in Canada” by Martin Zeilig, Winnipeg Free Press, 26 May 2007, page F3.
“Cemetery remains an enduring symbol” by Martin Zeilig, The Herald (CanStar News), 31 October 2012.
“Shaarey Zedek Cemetery tour a step back into Winnipeg Jewish history” by Myron Love, The Jewish Post & News.
Children of Israel Cemetery - Winnipeg, MB by Peter McLure, Waymarking.
Winnipeg, International Jewish Cemetery Project.
We thank Martin Zeilig, Earl Palansky, and Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 11 September 2023
Historic Sites of Manitoba
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