This is chapter 1 of a mini series. To listen to all episodes, become a supporter at https://canadaland.com/join

In 2001, 9/11 forced airplanes from all over the world to suddenly land in Newfoundland. As communities responded to the crisis and welcomed people into their homes, there was a chance encounter between a Rabbi from England and an elderly person from Gander, Newfoundland: Edward Brake, grandfather of reporter Justin Brake.

Edward told the Rabbi that he was a Holocaust survivor and had suppressed his Jewish identity his whole life. But now, he said, it was time to share his story before it was lost forever. 

How could the entire Brake family be unaware of this history? If the story is true, what does that mean for Justin? Justin sets off on a quest, speaking to family and digging through provincial archives in search of answers.

Host: Jesse Brown 

Credits: Justin Brake (Writer & Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Further reading: 

• The Day the World Came to Town — HarperCollins Publishers
• Meet the rabbi who got stranded in Newfoundland on 9/11 — Canadian Jewish News

Additional music by Audio Network

Sponsors: Elijah Craig, Athletic Greens, King’s University

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