Articles and Columns

This is a selection of articles and columns that Robert Sarner has written for newspapers and magazines in several countries. Covering a wide gamut of topics, they’re presented here chronologically, starting with the most recent.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

264-YEAR-OLD MONTREAL JEWISH COMMUNITY FEARS ANTISEMITISM BECOMING THE NEW NORMAL

Latest incidents further fuel heightened anxiety over crisis in Canada’s second largest city as Jews face troubling questions about their community’s future.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, December 7, 2024

Israel supporters observe a moment of silence as they attend a vigil outside McGill University in Montreal, Canada, on October, 7, 2024, to commemorate the victims of the October 7 massacre by Hamas on Israel.

The recent spate of antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in Montreal has deepened an already strong malaise afflicting the city’s Jewish community. Amid continuing political fallout from violent rioting outside a NATO meeting on November 22, led in part by the Divest for Palestine group, Jewish Montrealers are grappling with the impact of this latest eruption of hate and the response of public authorities… Continue

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MACRON’S POINT MAN ON ISRAEL-PALESTINE SAYS ‘IT’S NOT THE RIGHT TIME TO THINK ABOUT PEACE’
French-Israeli Ofer Bronchtein believes that conditions conducive to peace will eventually return, despite a deteriorating relationship between the French and Israeli leaders.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, October 29, 2024

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IN ‘THE KILLING ROADS,’ FILMMAKER IGAL HECHT CONFRONTS THE VISCERAL PAIN OF OCTOBER 7
The powerful new documentary, its release set to coincide with the massacre’s anniversary, focuses on the Hamas slaughter on the south’s main arteries. To combat deniers, it is available for free.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, October 5, 2024

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NOT ABOVE THE FRAY: HOW THE US-ISRAEL ALLIANCE IS NOW PART OF AMERICAN PARTISAN POLITICS
Three experts speaking at the Israeli American Council National Summit weigh in on the once-sacrosanct bipartisan support for the Jewish state in DC and what has shifted.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, September 23, 2024

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REVEALING LEAKED POLICE FOOTAGE, NEW FILM AIMS BRUTAL LENS AT NETANYAHU AMID WAR
‘The Bibi Files,’ a scathing documentary, incorporates material from corruption probe to present sobering insight into the prime minister’s actions and character.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, September 10, 2024

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TRUE CRIME PODCAST BY A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AND HER SON CATAPULTS THEM TO UNLIKELY FAME
Karmela Waldman and her son Joel attract millions each month with their unique series ‘Surviving the Survivor.’ Now Joel has penned a book about their lives with the same name.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, August 21, 2024

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IN FRANCE, BERNARD-HENRI LÉVY FIGHTS A LONELY BATTLE ON BEHALF OF A SOLITARY ISRAEL
The controversial intellectual superstar’s new book ‘Solitude d’Israel’ puts the Jewish state nearly alone on the world stage, while his advocacy is situated in a sea of antisemitism.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 11, 2024

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CANADA’S ANTISEMITISM ENVOY SAYS JEW-HATRED IS AT A HIGH — AND MAY GET EVEN WORSE
Six months into her role, Deborah Lyons sees an already dire situation exacerbated by the October 7 atrocities, saying the problem must be confronted at all levels.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, May 9, 2024

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HOW DID BRITISH ATHEIST DOUGLAS MURRAY DRAW 1,200 PEOPLE TO A SYNAGOGUE IN TORONTO ON A FRIGID NIGHT?
True to form, the highly controversial author and commentator comes out swinging in defense of Israel and the Jews.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Canadian Jewish News, March 14, 2024

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JEWISH CANADIAN POLITICIAN FIRED, GETS DEATH THREAT AFTER SNARK ABOUT PRE-ZIONIST PALESTINE
Progressive British Columbia minister Selina Robinson forced to step down after anti-Israel activists demand her ouster for calling pre-state Israel a ‘crappy piece of land’.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 13, 2024

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TORONTO JEWS ANXIOUS AMID UNPRECEDENTED ANTISEMITIC SPILLOVER FROM GAZA WAR
Amid the somber, new/old reality plaguing Israel and Diaspora Jews following Hamas’s soul-crushing atrocities of Oct. 7, many troubling questions persist.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 21, 2024

lineQUESTIONS THAT WON’T GO AWAY
Amid the somber, new/old reality plaguing Israel and Diaspora Jews following Hamas’s soul-crushing atrocities of Oct. 7, many troubling questions persist.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, November 19, 2023

lineLIGHT AMID THE DARKNESS
New film pays tribute to a small number of Righteous Among the Nations, who in sharp contrast to most people, showed boundless courage and compassion in risking their lives to save Jews from Nazis.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Post, May 1, 2023

lineINSIDE THE WORLD’S MOST PHILOSEMITIC COUNTRY WHERE JEWS LIVE FREE OF FEAR
Azerbaijan’s embracing of its Jewish community, that dates back centuries, flies in the face of widespread antisemitism that seems almost endemic elsewhere.
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, March 5, 2023

lineFOR ISRAEL’S AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN, IRANIAN DEATH THREATS ARE ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
When he began in 2019, George Deek was the first Christian Arab to represent the Jewish state. Now his host country will be the first Shi’ite state to open an embassy in Israel
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 13, 2023

lineFACTS BE DAMNED IN SEEKING TO DELEGITIMIZE ISRAEL
Harsh critics of Israel often play fast and loose with facts to lambaste the Jewish state
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 8, 2022

lineMULTI-MEDIA EXHIBIT ‘PERIPHERY’ BRINGS MARGINALIZED CANADIAN JEWS INTO FOCUS
Film and photo project by the Ontario Jewish Archives and No Silence on Race amplifies a broad spectrum of unheard Jewish voices in the Toronto community, giving a valuable lesson in Jewish diversity
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, April 7, 2022

lineTOP CANADIAN AGENT SMOKES OUT LONG-LOST RELATIVES WITH NEW TITLE ‘THE CIGAR FACTORY’
Over his 50-year career, Michael Levine has arranged deals for books, screen and business – but none hit home like a Holocaust memoir released in English this month
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 24, 2022

lineMONEY TALKS: BUSINESS NETWORK UNITES ISRAELI WOMEN AT HOME AND AROUND THE GLOBE
Former ultra-Orthodox Jerusalemite Orly Carmon’s Orca networking company is a one-stop shop for over 31,000 Hebrew-speaking professionals to share resources and practice self-care
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, November 15, 2021

lineISRAELI-CANADIAN BIOETHICIST: RETURN TO PRE-COVID NORMAL WOULD BE WASTED CHANCE
With myriad ethical issues prompted by the pandemic, Vardit Ravitsky has emerged as a prominent voice of morality and change in Canada’s public health debate
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 16, 2021

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SWISS WOMAN HELPS HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS WEATHER PANDEMIC’S 2ND TRAUMA – LONELINESS
Second-generation survivor Anita Winter helps her parents’ generation with material and emotional assistance as they grapple with the global health crisis in their twilight years
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, June 20, 2021

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CANADA’S JEWS SAY ANTISEMITES DECLARED ‘OPEN SEASON’ ON THEM SINCE GAZA CONFLICT
May’s Operation Guardian of the Walls brings huge spike in antisemitic incidents. Condemned by politicians, lack of public reaction spurs concerns hate is now socially acceptable
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, June 16, 2021

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ISRAELI ACTRESS NOA TISHBY’S ‘SIMPLE GUIDE’ TO ISRAEL SHAKES UP US PROGRESSIVES
Endorsed by both Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro, the book seeks to stop left-leaning people ‘from being used by voices who want to dismantle’ the most ‘misunderstood country on Earth’
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, May 6, 2021

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CANADA’S 1ST BLACK JEWISH FEMALE PARTY LEADER TOOK ON ANTI-SEMITISM — AND WON
Making history on two fronts, the newly-elected Green Party head Annamie Paul shows Jews there’s nothing to be afraid of on the far left while vowing to expel hidden anti-Semites
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, March 19, 2021

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CANADIAN LAWYER SETS HIGH BAR WITH HIS BESTSELLING CRIME THRILLERS
When not captivating judge and jury as a criminal defender, Robert Rotenberg thinks up ways to challenge fictional homicide gumshoe Ari Greene on his home turf in Toronto
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 4, 2021

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CANADA’S 1st CANADIAN-ISRAELI MP, PROUDLY ZIONIST, WRESTLES WITH CHALLENGES IN NEW ROLE
Newly-elected dual citizen Ya’ara Saks brings a distinct voice to Trudeau’s ruling Liberal Party, often contending with ire of Jewish constituents and anti-Semitism simultaneously
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 12, 2021

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ISRAELI DUO’S EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DETECTION TEST BRINGS CURE ONE STEP CLOSER
Toronto-based biomedical engineers Eliav Shaked and Roy Kirshon are working on a quick, non-invasive retinal diagnostic for patients decades away from showing symptoms of dementia
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, November 21, 2020

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NOT EVERYBODY KNOWS: FRESH LEONARD COHEN STORIES ILLUMINATE A COMPLEX TROUBADOUR
Canadian journalist Michael Posner’s quest to interview anyone who knew the mysterious celeb bears fruit with the first installment of oral biography trilogy, dropping October 20
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, October 20, 2020

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MEET CANADA’S 17-YEAR-OLD JEWISH ‘GRETA THUNBERG’ WHO SAYS ACTIVISM IS A MITZVAH’
Where many see the world going down the tubes, Hannah Alper sees opportunity to improve — and wields considerable clout after starting her blogging career at the ripe old age of 9
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 17, 2020

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CANADA WELCOMES TWO NEW JEWISH OUTLETS, BUT COVID-19 HAS MEDIA ON LIFE SUPPORT
Leaders say a ‘news desert’ threatens the health of their communities as Diaspora Jewish journalism dwindles alongside an advertising drought
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, May 26, 2020

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TORONTO PHOTOGRAPHER’S PORCH PICS PORTRAITS RAISE MORALE — AND CHARITABLE FUNDS
300 young adults participate in annual Toronto-based Dinner of Miracles to listen to firsthand accounts of finding light after the death of WWII Europe
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, April 18, 2020

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FAR FROM HER VILLAGE, RARE BEDOUIN FEMINIST FIGHTS FOR ISRAELI WOMEN AND PEACE
Now armed with a PhD in Canada, Amal Elsana-Alh’jooj pursues her vision for greater equality between men, women, Jews, and Arabs in her homeland
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 17, 2020

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OUT OF DARKNESS: HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS TELL OF PERSONAL HANUKKAH MIRACLE — LIFE
300 young adults participate in annual Toronto-based Dinner of Miracles to listen to firsthand accounts of finding light after the death of WWII Europe
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, December 27, 2019

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ISRAELI DOCTOR FIGHTS FOR PATIENTS AT CANADA’S ONLY WOMEN’S HOLISTIC HIV CLINIC
Dr. Neora Pick and the multidisciplinary professionals in Vancouver’s Oak Tree Clinic tailor comprehensive programs for each person, from trauma care to nutrition programs
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, December 1, 2019

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THE COLD WAR CAPER THAT SAW FUTURE HOCKEY STARS SNEAK PRAYER BOOKS TO USSR JEWS
Sherry Bassin says that he was ‘just doing what’s right’ when he convinced Canada’s junior hockey players to hide religious items among their gear for the 1983 championship
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, September 9, 2019

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26-YEAR-OLD JEWISH-CANADIAN DIRECTOR TO LAUNCH TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL
On September 5, Daniel Roher’s latest documentary about a maverick musician, ‘Once Were Brothers,’ will make him one of the youngest filmmakers to open the prestigious event
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, September 3, 2019

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FRENCH JEWS FACE TRINITY OF HATE FROM LEFT, RIGHT, AND ISLAMISTS, SAYS AUTHOR
New book by Paris journalist Marc Weitzman probes the growing toxic tide of time-honored anti-Semitism in France – and its implications for everyone
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, June 16, 2019

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ISRAELIS IN PARIS GIVE GRITTY, ALTERNATIVE ART TOURS OF THE CITY OF LOVE
Painting the town red, these street walkers don’t shy away from the under belly of the Parisian urban art scene
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, March 2, 2019

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ISRAELI EXPATS IN CANADA STAFF A HEBREW SUICIDE HOTLINE TO SERVE THEIR HOMELAND
The ERAN crisis hotline has a branch in Toronto where trained volunteers field anguished calls from Israelis in the lonely Middle East night
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 13, 2019

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MEET THE ISRAELI WOMAN WHO’S CHAMPIONING FRENCH PASTRY IN PARIS
Patisserie maven Sharon Heinrich is carving out a sweet niche in the City of Love, giving Hebrew tours to visiting Israelis and spreading the good word on delectable treats
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, December 26, 2018

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AT PARIS CONFERENCE, EXPAT ISRAELIS STRATEGIZE HOW TO EMPOWER GROWING ‘DIASPORA’
With up to 1 million Israeli citizens now residing outside the Jewish state, members of the Global Israeli Leadership demand a place at the table in local communities and at home
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, November 4, 2018

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JOURNALIST INVESTIGATES WHOLESALE DENIAL OF PIVOTAL ANTI-SEMITIC MURDER IN PARIS
French writer Noémie Halioua’s book, ‘L’affaire Sarah Halimi,’ dives into the vicious homicide of a Jewish woman that French authorities resisted calling a hate crime
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, September 16, 2018

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CONTROVERSIAL JEWISH ANALYST ALAIN FINKIELKRAUT IS WORRIED FOR FRANCE’S FUTURE
Leading French scholar says Jews in dire straits and government’s failure to integrate massive wave of Muslim immigration is to blame — a ‘diabolical juncture’
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, August 24, 2018

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LEONARD COHEN TURNED THIS MONTREAL FRANCOPHONE INTO A CHAMPION OF JEWISH CULTURE
Raised Catholic, scholar and writer Chantal Ringuet learned Yiddish in order to make her city’s rich heritage available to fellow French Canadians
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 28, 2018

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CANADA’S FIRST FEMALE HASIDIC POLITICIAN MAY BE BOUND FOR PARLIAMENT
Trilingual Montreal borough councilor Mindy Pollak is courted by at least one federal party as a potential candidate in the next national election
By ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 9, 2018

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CANADA’S OLDEST SYNAGOGUE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE IN MONTREAL
With a festive May 10 gala, Quebecois Jews, still 90,000 strong, boast a diversity nearly unheard of in any other community
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, May 9, 2018

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EXPLORING MONTREAL’S LOCAL CULTURE ONE LATTE AT A TIME
On the city’s east side, two almost neighboring old-style coffee shops with Italian roots, each with its own fiercely loyal customers, exemplify local life at its best
By ROBERT SARNER, Zoomer magazine, April 20, 2018

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70 RECENT REASONS TO ADMIRE ISRAEL ON ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY
Taking stock of the big achievements of a small country in just the past 12 months.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, April 15, 2018

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CANADIAN PUTS MILLIONS INTO MASSIVE TEL AVIV-BASED JEWISH HALL OF FAME
The catch? Gail Asper still needs millions more for her dream $400-million Frank Gehry-designed museum, aimed at reframing the Jewish narrative and showcasing achievement
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, April 7, 2018

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A MAN AND HIS MISSION TO KEEP THE MEMORY OF THE HOLOCAUST ALIVE
Philanthropist Sigmund Rolat may have survived the Holocaust and left Poland 72 years ago but part of him will forever remain in his native country where he continues to work for reconciliation.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Report, March 21, 2018

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FROM THE LAND OF CANAAN TO CANADA, ISRAEL’S FIRST HOCKEY STAR SHOOTS FOR NHL
– As a 10-year-old, David Levin set his sights on hockey’s big leagues. Today, his once-unlikely goal could actually be realized
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 15, 2018

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JEWISH TORONTONIAN TURNED AFRICAN TRIBAL ELDER SPEARHEADS NATURE CONSERVANCY
After social innovation Prof. Eric Young’s adoption into the Maasai tribe, he quickly came to implement his traditional ‘tikun olam’ upbringing in a new homeland
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 30, 2018

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FROM LATKES TO LAFFAS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE TORONTO DELI
New exhibition showcases 120 years of nosh in display dedicated to the city’s dozens of Jewish eateries of yesterday and today
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Nov. 26, 2017

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IN MONTREAL, LEGACY OF ‘PATRON SAINT’ LEONARD COHEN LOOMS LARGER THAN LIFE
A year after native-son’s death, the city venerates its Jewish icon with concerts, virtual reality exhibits… and a 22-story-high portrait
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Nov. 17, 2017

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STAR-STUDDED MONTREAL MEMORIAL CONCERT CELEBRATES LIFE AND WORK OF LEONARD COHEN
PM Trudeau’s wife reminds 17,000-strong hometown event that Canada’s most famous Jew ‘belongs to the world’
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Nov. 7, 2017

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ALLEY-OOP TO THE HOLY LAND: 40 YEARS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HOOPSTERS IN ISRAEL
A new book by author David Goldstein explores some of the 800 black Americans who have come to play professional basketball in the Jewish state since the 1970s
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Oct. 8, 2017

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TAKE A BITE OUT OF MONTREAL’S RICH HISTORY — AND BURN SOME CALORIES, TOO
Best to come on an empty stomach to Beyond the Bagel walking tour, which opens a window into how vital Jews are to the city’s culinary offerings, past and present
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Sept. 23, 2017

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THE NON-JEWISH MEZUZAH MASTER WHOSE CUSTOM CASES ARE AFFIXED TO DOOR POSTS AROUND THE GLOBE
Far removed from any Jewish community, Ric von Neumann makes some of the world’s most creative scroll holders — in the middle of a remote Canadian wilderness
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, Aug. 25, 2017

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MEDIA MOGUL EXERCISES ‘WORLD DOMINATION THROUGH ANIMATION’
Michael Hirsh, children’s TV magnate and son of Holocaust survivors, credits his success to a simple motto: ‘Don’t look down’
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, July 20, 2017

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WHEN TASTE IS NOT ENOUGH
Camp Tamakwa’s Margot Perlmutter publishes new book in her quest to make camp food healthier while still pleasing the palate
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, July 19, 2017

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69 REASONS TO APPLAUD ISRAEL ON ITS 69th BIRTHDAY
What a difference a year makes when it involves Israel doing what it does best
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, May 1, 2017

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THE CANADIAN DENTIST WHO BRINGS SMILES TO JAMAICA
Toronto root canal specialist Gary Glassman sets his sights on Israel after demonstrating his strong philanthropic commitment at home and further afield
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, March 30, 2017

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CAPTURING ISRAEL ON SCREEN
Igal Hecht’s recent documentary on Israel’s non-Jewish minorities is the latest in his prolific body of work exploring the country’s multi-layered reality
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, February 19, 2017

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HOCKEY-DEPRIVED ISRAELI ARTIST MAKES THE SPORT COME ALIVE ON CANADIAN POSTAGE STAMPS
Toronto-based graphic designer Avi Dunkelman plays key role in Canada’s’s major tribute to the legends of the game.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, January 1, 2017

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THE ISRAELI CONTENDER IN TORONTO’S COFFEE WARS SMELLS SWEET SUCCESS
Aroma Espresso Bar is one of the fastest-growing coffee chains in Canada — and another sabra-owned cafe is set to follow suit
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Times of Israel, December 11, 2016

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LIFE AS A PROUDLY JEWISH, LESBIAN, RIGHTWING JOURNALISTIC AGITATOR
Pugnacious Toronto reporter and unabashed Zionist Sue-Ann Levy takes no prisoners in her new book.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Times of Israel, Oct. 16, 2016

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JEWS DOMINATE FRESH ACCOUNT OF 1930s SHANGHAI
Montreal writer’s new book spotlights strong Jewish connection behind Chinese city’s dramatic bygone era.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Times of Israel, Sept. 17, 2016

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WHAT A PLACE
On Israel’s 68th birthday, an unabashed tribute to one of the most disliked and badly misunderstood countries in the world.
BY ROBERT SARNER, (Published in the Jerusalem Post and The Forward) May 10, 2016

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FROM DEXTER AND LINWOOD TO ALGONQUIN PARK
As Camp Tamakwa prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, it continues to transform the lives of Detroit-area Jewish youth, staying true to the vision of founder Lou Handler.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, February 2015

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SOLACE FOR THE URBAN SOUL
An easy weekend escape from Toronto’s concrete jungle for nature-deficient urbanites requires little advance planning or preparation.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Globe and Mail, Oct. 4, 2013

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THE DIFFERENCE OF A MINUTE 40 YEARS LATER
The IOC’s position on the murdered Israeli athletes is a travesty of the values it purports to uphold and consistent with its time-honored hypocrisy.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Post, July 10, 2012

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NIRVANA ON WHEELS
Pedaling through a wilderness paradise on Quebec’s P’tit Train du Nord
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Globe and Mail, May 3, 2012

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ALGONQUIN PARK INSTITUTION CELEBRATES MILESTONE IN MICHIGAN
Several generations of Tamakwans mark camp’s 75th anniversary
BY ROBERT SARNER, The National Post, Oct. 23, 2010

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MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
There’s only one place in the world where Tamakwa’s rich heritage is on view in such a captivating manner
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2009
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THE RIGHT TOUCH
In bringing a winning way with people to her work with customers, Bethany Peckham reflects the importance Roots attaches to quality service
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, Aug. 2009

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WHY ROOTS CARES
True to the core values of the company, Roots launches a new program for employees to benefit the community at large
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, June 2009

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CAPTURED BY THE VIEW
Reflections on the sense of timelessness at camp
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2008

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FULL COURT PRESS
Tamakwans wrestle with pressing matters of justice in new evening program
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2008

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LEADING THE WAY
Roots ambassador and world champion kayaker Adam van Koeverden goes for gold next month for Canada at the Summer Olympics in Beijing
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, July 2008

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BEYOND THE NAME
New study highlights what goes into the making of a top brand, citing Roots as a prime example
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, August 2007

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THE NATURE OF ROOTS
Roots is greener today than ever but its commitment to the environment dates back decades and is one of the core values of the company
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, May 2007

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MAKING THE SCENE
Why Roots is the venue of choice for so many special events
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, Nov. 2006

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A MAN NAMED JEFF
Tamakwa would be a much poorer place without Mr. Personality Plus
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2006

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GREAT MOMENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Roots and the Toronto International Film Festival continue their storied relationship more than 30 years after it first began
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Source, Sept. 8, 2006

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THE JOURNEY AND THE DESTINATION
You can’t have one without the other when you want to reach nirvana
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2005

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A JUST PURSUIT
Israel should be grateful Irwin Green thinks that at 94 he’s too old to retire
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, May 21, 2004

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WHEN THE SIRENS WAIL…
They pierce ears and hearts, and can bring Israel to a halt
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, April 22, 2004

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HIGH ON THE GOLAN
How it feels to be at the top of Israel
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, Jan. 30, 2004

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THE WISDOM OF SAFTA MARCELLE
In praise of one extraordinary woman who refuses to point a finger
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, Dec. 26, 2003

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DEALING WITH THE DEAL
The government grapples with a heart-wrenching quandary
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Nov. 27, 2003

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BOTH SIDES NOW
Loving and loathing Israel
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 30, 2003

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AN IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION
How do you answer a friend who wants your opinion about whether to come to Israel amid such unsettling news?
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, Oct. 26, 2003

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THE MAN BEHIND THE MICROPHONE
Less is more when it comes to Tamakwa’s Program Director
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2003

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LISTEN UP!
Sounds like Tamakwa which can be a real earful
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2003

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WHO WOULD’VE KNOWN?
Behind every object and tradition at camp, there’s a story, some more fortuitous than others
BY ROBERT SARNER, The South Tea Echo, Fall 2003

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A DEFINING IMAGE
The plight of those who stand on guard for us
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, July 4, 2003

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STATE OF DENIAL
Israeli blight, Turkish delight
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, June 5, 2003

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DEAR MR. MAYOR
A helpful to-do list for the incoming new head of Jerusalem
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, May 6, 2003

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HOW WORSE IT COULD BE…
If not for the IDF, GSS and the police, the situation would be far more dire
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, March 13, 2003

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TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION
A rare commodity: Good news from Israel
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, April 4, 2003

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LOST IN SPACE
Embodying the hopes, dreams and pride of an entire nation, Ilan Ramon’s death in the Columbia shuttle tragedy hit hard
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, Feb. 7, 2003

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THE ‘P’ FACTOR IN ACTION
Israel’s election campaign takes the scourge of paka-paka to a new level
BY ROBERT SARNER, Detroit Jewish News, Jan. 24, 2003

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ARE GAS MASKS PART OF LIFE?
Reflections on going to get my new army-issued civil defense gear
BY ROBERT SARNER, Christian Science Monitor, Jan. 13, 2003

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PARENTAL PRIDE, PALESTINIAN STYLE
Glorifying a cult of death and murder, even at the cost of one’s children
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 12, 2002

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PASSING THE PLAQUES
It’s getting harder and harder to avoid them in Jerusalem
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 17, 2002

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IN DESPARATE NEED OF A SOLUTION
We want to believe it can be found, even if the reality seems to argue otherwise
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, June 20, 2002

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MA NISHMA?
It may be better you didn’t ask
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Feb. 28, 2002

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SNOW JOB
It’s amazing what a little bit of white stuff can do to a holy city
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Jan. 31, 2002

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BEGGING TO DIFFER
Opinions on an opinionated people
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Nov. 1, 2001

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NERVES OF STEEL
In praise of unsung heroes
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 4, 2001

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ON THE DRY SIDE
How bad does the water situation have to become before the government finally takes serious action?
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, July 5, 2001

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A SAD STATE
The country is depressed, with good reason
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, June 7, 2001

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UNDER SIEGE
A Jerusalem neighborhood takes cover, especially after the sun sets
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, March 15, 2001

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A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Jerusalemites seek solace in Tel Aviv
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Jan. 18, 2001

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THE MEDIUM AND THE MESSAGE
Making sure your political causes and concerns don’t go unnoticed
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Aug. 24, 2000

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A ROLL OF THE DICE
Ramah bets that big gamble will pay off handsomely for its future.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Kol Ramah, August 2000

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THE END IS NEAR
Ramah hunkers down for one of the toughest challenges of modern life – saying goodbye to camp for another year
BY ROBERT SARNER, Kol Ramah, August 2000

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STUCK ON THE RAILS
When will the train finally leave the station?
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, June 22, 2000

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SPACED OUT
The challenges of living in a tiny country that’s increasingly crowded
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 2, 1999

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ENSLAVED BY POLLS
Public opinion surveys rule the media and the country’s political class
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, March 18, 1999

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LOOSE TONGUES
Intensity of verbal abuse stirs controversy at start of election campaign
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, January 21, 1999

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DON’T LOOK AT ME
Lamenting the lack of personal accountability in Israel
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 17, 1998

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EXTRA, EXTRA
Is there too much news for such a small country?
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, November 19, 1998

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MAKING SENSE OF ISRAELI LIFE
Or at least trying to…
BY ROBERT SARNER, Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, July 17, 1998

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LEAVING JERUSALEM BEHIND
The capital’s growing Jewish exodus raises concern over city’s future
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, June 25, 1998

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AT EVERY TURN
Disconnecting from the issues of the day not so simple in Israel
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, April 2, 1998

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MIDDLE AGE BIRTHDAY BLUES
The bungling of Israel’s 50th anniversary plans
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Jewish News, March 5, 1998

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SOMETHING’S IN THE AIR
There used to be a time when Jerusalemites could breathe easy, assuming their city – unlike Tel Aviv and Haifa – was spared their scourge of air pollution. Not anymore as experts say it’s becoming a growing health hazard for the capital.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Post, Dec. 19, 1997

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TAKING A BEATING
The recent wave of Palestinian terrorism in Jerusalem has caused growing alarm and serious repercussions in the city’s business community.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Post, Oct. 10, 1997

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PRIVATE EYE IN THE PUBLIC SPOTLIGHT
Steve Rambam, the ex-JDL militant who exposed Canada’s Nazis, says his critics try to use his politics to discredit his work
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Report, March 20, 1997

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UNDER THE MAPLE LEAF
During World War II, they committed atrocities in Europe. Then they sailed across the ocean, building new lives in North America and putting the past behind them. Now, more than half a century later, a private investigator is determined to expose them
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Jerusalem Post, November 22, 1996

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TEL AVIV SETS ITS SIGHTS ON THE BIG LEAGUES
In anticipation of an auspicious future, Israel’s financial capital seeks a larger international role
BY ROBERT SARNER, America Israel Business magazine, Fall 1995

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DIVERSIFY OR PERISH
Moving away from their agrarian roots, Israel’s fabled kibbutzes shed socialist principles for capitalist success
BY ROBERT SARNER, America Israel Business magazine, Fall 1995

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BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND THE SUCCESS
An interview with Pierre Bergé, the other half of Yves Saint Laurent, who since day one has been instrumental in creating the formidable YSL empire
BY ROBERT SARNER, Paris Passion, Oct. 1983

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REGRETS MAKE YOU OLD
An interview with Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most erudite, creative and outspoken figures in the Paris fashion industry
BY ROBERT SARNER, Paris Passion, Oct. 1983

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THE PASSION OF HELMUT NEWTON
An interview with Paris-based Helmut Newton, one of the most celebrated and vilified photographers in the world
BY ROBERT SARNER, Paris Passion, March 1982

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FIRST, THE BAD NEWS…
Things are worse than you ever imagined. A year-end roundup for paranoids
BY ROBERT SARNER, Quest magazine, Dec. 1981

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PETITS CANDIDATS, GRANDS ATOUTS
Merci à eux, il y avait des d’idées novatrices dans le discours politique pendant la récente campagne électorale. Taking stock of the so-called small candidates in the spring 1981 French presidential elections and their impact on France’s political scene.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Europe magazine, Juin 1981

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GRETA, DIS-MOI QUE TU M’AIMES
Avec ses lois progressistes dans les années 60, la Suäde était baptisée la terre promise de l’érotisme. Aujourd’hui les Suédois découvrent une réalité beaucoup moins séduisante
BY ROBERT SARNER, Le Monde, le 4 avril, 1981

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GOING THE DISTANCE
Far from home, away from the spotlight and not without risk, Canada’s diplomatic couriers traverse the globe to ensure confidential packages reach their destination.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Today magazine, March 1981

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DISTRESS SIGNALS FROM THE PROMISED LAND OF EROTICISM
Sweden contends with fallout from the sexual revolution
BY ROBERT SARNER, Maclean’s, February 1981

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CONSULTEZ VOTRE SANTE
Pourquoi la météo a une énorme influence sur votre santé et état d’espirit
A research institute in Holland delves into the huge impact (postive and negative) that weather has on your health and state of mind
BY ROBERT SARNER, Europe magazine, Fevrier 1981

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LE SYNDROME DE L’ASCENSEUR
Robots familiers, les 270 000 ascenseurs de France font grimper nos ràves jusqu’ au septiäme ciel et plangent dans les sous-sols de notre inconscient
As the oldest of France’s elevators is about to be retired after nearly a century of service at the Eiffel Tower, elevators – and the things that go on in them – are an increasingly inescapable element of modern urban life.
BY ROBERT SARNER, L’Express, le 12 juillet 1980

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CANADA RETURNS THE FAVOUR
Some of our best hockey players are European. Now some of theirs are Canadian
BY ROBERT SARNER, Today magazine, May 17, 1980

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ADVENTURES GOING UP AND DOWN
Exploring the highs and lows of elevators that are increasingly ubiquitous and vital to modern life in France
BY ROBERT SARNER, L’Express, Spring 1980*
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CLOBBERED AGAIN
At the end of the tunnel…darkness. No sooner is one modern scourge eliminated than two more takes its place.
BY ROBERT SARNER, Canadian Weekend magazine, Feb. 2, 1980

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PAYING FOR HIS PAST
For some, FLQ member Pierre-Paul Geoffroy is an unrepentant terrorist, responsible for dozens of bomb attacks in Montreal. For others, he’s a political prisoner whose freedom is long overdue.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Canadian*, November 1979

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LOOKING FOR LAUGHS
Comedy clubs are sprouting all over Canada like bad jokes.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Canadian magazine, Sept. 22, 1979

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NEXT YEAR IN TORONTO? MAYBE
Most Jewish Montrealers have stayed put. But the many who have left are already missed.
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Canadian magazine, July 21, 1979

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BLACKBEARD SAILS AGAIN
The new piracy on the Spanish main
BY ROBERT SARNER, The Canadian magazine, April 28, 1979

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CITYSPAN: TALES OF TORONTO
A selection of unorthodox counsel, plausible fantasies and informative exotica to better deal with and appreciate big-city existence in Toronto
BY ROBERT SARNER, Cityspan, 1978-79