Ottawa's Lillian Freiman was the first Jewish Canadian to be awarded the Order of the British Empire -- and was perhaps the most influential Jewish Canadian woman of her generation.

Lillian Freiman organized Canada's first poppy campaign in 1921 -- the original poppies made in her living room.

During WWI Freiman helped form what eventually became today's Royal Canadian Legion -- and she had furniture hauled out of her house in order to bring in 30 sewing machines so volunteers could make blankets and clothing for the troops overseas.

In times of crisis before government "safety nets" to address health and social concerns, Lillian Freiman would be called upon by prime ministers and mayors time and again. During the last great pandemic, she unhesitatingly answered the call to rally together thousands of volunteers in our city to deal with the devastating 1918 flu.

Lillian's father was Moses Blisky, patriarch of Ottawa's first Jewish family and she married Archibald "A.J." Freiman who, despite the fierce antisemitism of the times, founded and built the iconic Freiman's department store empire in our city.

Lillian Freiman was a remarkable activist, fundraiser, community leader and philanthropist. She passionately supported national Jewish causes -- yet would also fill 5000 stockings for families of absent military men at Christmas time.

Freiman would repeatedly come to the aid of orphans, veterans and whoever was in need. She "was not above marching into the Freiman's store (on Rideau Street) and grabbing coats, hats and mittens to help the destitute who, through the grapevine, arrived at her door."

Here is the Canadian Encyclopedia entry, authored by Hagit Hadaya in 2021, sharing the story of Ottawa's incredible Lillian Freiman: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lillian-freiman

HSO member Hagit Hadaya is an Ottawa-based architectural historian and heritage consultant.

As well, visit the website of the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship for"Remembering Lillian Freiman: A Remarkable 'Person of National Historic Significance'” by Betsy Rigal, Lillian’s granddaughter: chesatottawa.ca/newsletter-july-2025/remembering-lillian-freiman-a-remarkable-person-of-national-historic-significance