Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the 100th anniversary of the Junction Shul in Parkdale—High Park. It was built in 1911 to house the Congregation Knesseth Israel. It is the oldest original synagogue in Toronto still in use today.
In the early 20th century, the founding families donated funds to purchase a parcel of land on Maria Street and built the synagogue with community donations of money, labour and materials. It quickly became the heart of the Jewish community.
The descendants of these original founders continue to care for the building and congregation, and through their generous donations and hard work, the Shul has been restored to its original condition.
This past weekend, old and new members of the congregation put together a joyful street festival and welcomed in the community to celebrate this local landmark.
On this historic anniversary, we celebrate more than a historic Toronto building: we honour a community at the heart of Canada's rich and diverse history.