East End Stories

Arriving in the 1870’s and 1880’s, Vancouver’s earliest Jewish arrivals established businesses and community organizations.

Vancouver grew dramatically in the late 1800’s, attracting immigrants from around the world. Many members of the emerging Jewish community made a home in the ethnically diverse working class neighbourhood of Strathcona, where they established the cornerstones of their community: a synagogue and a school.

As the second Mayor of the young city of Vancouver, David Oppenheimer laid the infrastructure necessary for a thriving metropolis.

Like David Oppenheimer before him, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Diamond made countless contributions to the growing city of Vancouver.

Over three generations, the Grossman family contributed to the Jewish community in countless ways, strengthening the community through volunteer and service work.

The Jewish tradition of Tzedakah – helping those less fortunate – has been a part of Vancouver Jewish life from the very beginning. Women have often been leaders in these efforts.

East End Stories is best enjoyed as a self-guided walking tour through the Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver.

Use the following map to find your way:

The following Study Guide has been designed to align with BC’s English Language Arts and Social Studies grades 7-9 curricula. Teachers are encouraged to employ it in their classrooms alongside the videos above.

To learn more about our community’s rich history in Strathcona, explore past issues of our annual journal, The Scribe, or join us for a walking tour of the neighbourhood.

East End Stories was made possible through the generous support of the following organizations: