Arie Nerman is 2005 Citizen of the Year by Carole Stimmell

Beaches/East York has a new Citizen of the Year. More than 25 nominations were received, and many of the nominees were of the highest calibre, said Bob Murdoch, Executive Director of Community Centre 55, who represents the centre on the committee. “There was definately lots of Citizen of the Year material. However, in the end, Arie Nerman was the unanimous choice of the judging committee."

Nominees were judged on the breath of their volunteer contributions to the community, the length of sustained service and how they serve as an example to the rest of us. “I’ve known Arie since the early 80s when he began revitalizing the Beaches Synagogue and started  publicizing its events in our Community Calendar,” said Sheila Blinoff, who represents Beach Metro on the committee. “He didn’t stop there – he opened the doors of 109 Kenilworth for public meetings, historical tours, all-candidates meetings, outreach lunches, and even a televised mayoralty debate. Whenever a public venue is needed, Arie offers the building. He invites members of our community to celebrations such as the 50th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. Single-handedly, in his quiet way, he has done much to foster co-operation and  understanding in a community that was not always so tolerant.”

Arie (George Arnold) Nerman shyly admits to being 70 this year. In fact, he was chosen the Jubilee Baby in Winnipeg for being the first born in 1935 – receiving a number of gifts, newspaper articles and the name George. He moved to Toronto in the 60s and has lived for the last 30 years in the East End. He worked in advertising, and later taught at Seneca College.

It wasn’t until the 80s that Arie learned that the Beach had a synagogue. “I had been living in the Beach two years before I found out,” said Arie. And while the Beach Hebrew Institute (now the Beach Synagogue) had been in operation since 1925, it was on its last legs. “There was only $40 in the bank,” said Arie.

Arie began to work with the elders of the shul, and gradually became more and more involved. “There were many very nice people, and it just happened."

Arie said that although he has been brought up in a kosher home, he had not been an observant Jew for many years. When he got involved in the Beach Synagogue, it was a little like coming home again.

Gradually members realized that it was important that the synagogue survive. Not only was it the only synagogue east of the Don Valley, but it is one of the oldest in Toronto. They started by fundraising in the community, and now it is a thriving concern.

Arie believes that his greatest contribution was to insist that the synagogue raise its profile and become part of the greater Beach community. “The synagogue has an open door policy. It is open to the public for community events and meetings, anything where people need a space."

One of the things that makes Arie most proud is the Beach Interfaith Outreach Committee. The committee is made up of a number of churches in the area, and is a “unique program” because of the variety of religious denominations involved. Arie is the cofounder of the luncheon program which offers hot lunches to those in need five days a week at alternating churches.

Over the years, Arie has been involved with a number of local projects including the Sequicentennial Committee. He is on the Beach Honour Roll, and received a Commemorative Medal in 1992.

“He does so much around the community. Sometimes it comes out of his own pocket,” said Gene Domagala. “You won’t find many like him.”