On May 23, 2009 a grant from the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba made possible the musical re-enactment of the Winnipeg General Strike production titled “Strike! Winnipeg Shocks the Nation”, by Winnipeg’s own Danny Schur. Strike! tells the true story of a 29-year-old Jewish student and journalist, Moishe Almazoff, and his younger sister Rebecca, wrongly accused and arrested during the strike. 

Those in attendance experienced the magic of the perfect day, a record-setting crowd of more than 5,000 and a stellar performance that was an emotionally fitting commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the General Strike. “It was quite simply the most gratifying show of my career and your support was vital,” says Schur. “It is no overstatement to say that I owe my career to the benevolence of my sponsors.” 

Starting this summer Strike! The Musical will be performing eight shows from July 30th - August 5th at the CanWest Performing Arts Centre at the Forks as an annual production. Danny’s long-term goal for his musical is to eventually produce it at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, opening in 2012. “The task of sustaining the show for the next three years will be herculean,” says Schur. “But with the continued support and encouragement of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, I feel up to the task.” 

The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is proud to support projects both in the Jewish and non-Jewish community. Over the decades, the Jewish Foundation has allocated well over $3 million in support of the arts and cultural programs in Winnipeg’s community.