It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gina Dimant, a cherished founding member of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada (JKAC), on July 19, 2024. Her life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the memory of the Holocaust and the promotion of humanitarian values.

Gina’s journey began in Warsaw, Poland, where she was born Hinda Wejgsman on January 11, 1926. The Wejgsman family fled the Nazi invasion in 1939, embarking on a harrowing journey that took them to Kazakhstan. There, Gina, despite her youth, worked tirelessly to support her family amidst harsh conditions.

After World War II, Gina returned to Poland, where she married and gave birth to her son, Salek. In Szczecin, she met and married Alexander Dimant, a Holocaust survivor whose own experiences deeply influenced their shared commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education. In 1969, amid growing anti-Semitism in Poland, the Dimants emigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver.

Gina’s contributions to JKAC and the broader community are innumerable. Following Alexander’s death in 1998, Gina continued his work with steadfast dedication. She organized numerous events, including the pivotal screening of Andrzej Wajda’s film “Korczak” in 1999, which catalyzed the formal establishment of JKAC in 2002. Her warmth and hospitality were legendary, often hosting meetings at her home and treating members to delicious homemade meals, creating a nurturing environment that fostered community and dialogue.

As a board member and treasurer of JKAC for over two decades, Gina’s hard work and passion were instrumental in advancing the Association’s mission. Her efforts were recognized on May 3, 2013, when she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for her role in strengthening relationships between Poles and Jews.

Gina endured personal tragedy with the loss of her beloved son, Salek, in 2002. Despite this profound loss, she continued her tireless efforts to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and promote understanding and reconciliation.

Gina’s story is beautifully captured in “Crossroads: A True Story of Gina Dimant in War and Love,” by Olga Medvedeva-Nathoo. Her life, marked by displacement, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of justice and memory, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of family.

Gina’s legacy will continue to inspire us. Her dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting humanitarian values has left an indelible mark on our community. We will remember her not only for her contributions but also for her kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

In this time of mourning, we extend our deepest condolences to Gina’s family, including her grandchildren Dov Dimant and Sally Dimant. May her memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.