Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA is shocked and saddened at the loss of two of the most cherished leaders of Canada's Jewish community, Honey & Barry Sherman.  They were unsurpassed philanthropic and community leaders.

The Shermans were active and generous philanthropists to a multitude of causes. In November, Honey was presented with the Senate medal by Senator Linda Frum in Ottawa for her and Barry's contributions to Canada. They were extremely supportive of the local Toronto Jewish community, as well as the national Jewish community. Honey was a dedicated board member of Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA for three years.

"Our community has lost two extraordinary people. Honey and Barry were dear personal friends to me and my husband Keith Ray. Words cannot adequately express our feelings about their passing. They will be missed by all those whose lives they touched. They served as mentors for the wider community, demonstrating their goodness and altruism with their philanthropic actions.

Honey and Barry were most proud of the rebuilding of the three Toronto Jewish community hubs. Co-chairing the UJA Toronto capital campaign with Barry was truly an amazing experience that taught me many valuable lessons. Honey was a incredible friend and sounding board for me. She was incredibly insightful and practical in her problem solving and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She immersed herself with the issues facing the Jewish people of Toronto and Canada and held a very special spot in her heart for Israel."  - Leslie Gales, Chair of Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA

Linda Kislowicz, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA, stated: "Honey was JFC-UIA board member for the past 3 years, always interested and actively engaged in the discourse. She was passionate and dedicated to her community, to Canadian Jewry and Israel.

I had the opportunity to travel with Honey and Barry on a mission to Australia. She had an intense curiosity about people and places and loved connecting with Jewish leaders and philanthropists all over the world.  We will miss Honey and Barry, we extend our deep condolences to their family and wish them strength and courage to face the days ahead. May their memory be a blessing."

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto President and CEO Adam Minsky stated: "Honey and Barry were inspiring leaders for UJA Federation, the Jewish community, and Canadian society. They led with their generosity, time, intelligence, and hearts. Anyone who knew them were taken by their drive to make life better for people here in Toronto, across Canada, in Israel, and around the world."

Honey and Barry leave behind of a legacy of compassion, noble dedication and generosity. We grieve for their family & friends. May their memory be a blessing.

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has created an online condolence page on which members of the community can submit their messages, which will be posted online daily, and shared with the Sherman family.

Click here to leave a condolence message