Born:  November 7, 1941 in Bombay, India

Married:  Solomon Samson (Killekar)

Children: Sabrina and Fleur

Profession:  Teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Administrator, Principal

Ann Samson, daughter of Menahim and Matilda Solomon (Chincholkar), was born and raised in India. Her heritage is a combination of the Jewish communities from India – Bene Israel and Baghdadi (Yemenite and Iraqi).

Ann earned her Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology and Bachelor of Education from the University of Bombay and became a High School teacher.

In 1966, Ann and Solomon immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto.  Ann’s psychology degree was not recognized in Canada at that time, so she went to York University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.  While she was attending York University, she was working as a teacher and guidance counsellor at John Buchan Junior High School.  Ann went on to obtain her Masters of Science Degree in Education, Administration and Supervision from Niagara University while continuing to work during the day.  Later in her career, she became an elementary school Principal at Timberbank Junior Public School.

In Canada, Ann and her family experienced racism which she worked hard to combat.  She was instrumental in creating and running a multi-cultural program with the Scarborough Board of Education.  In 1977, Ann was granted a sabbatical from teaching and went to India where she researched the history of the Jews of India.  After completing a white paper on the Jews of India, Ann was asked to present her paper at the First World Conference on the Jewish Family Heritage held in Jerusalem, Israel in August 1981.  She then began to give presentations on the Jews of India to the wider Jewish community, both in Canada and the United States, and to communities of other faiths.

In 1981, Ann was one of three founding members who registered Congregation BINA as a charitable organization in Canada.  Ann was on the first Board of Directors and continued to serve the community for many years.  She was President from 1987 to 1989.  Over the years, when there were not enough volunteers to run the organization, Ann stepped up and rejoined the Board on more than one occasion.

Ann and Solomon also joined Beth David Synagogue and have been active members there since 1982.

Following her retirement in 1998, Ann remained active in a number of ways.  She organized and led custom tours of India that included Indian Jewish sites.  She was a member of the Board of Directors and President of their condominium.  She also served on the Board of Directors for Beth David Synagogue.  Ann continues to give presentations and teach classes on the Jews of India.

Ann is deeply committed to Congregation BINA and is currently invaluable as the Director of Liaison and Cemetery Committees.  The community is grateful to Ann for her many years of service to Congregation BINA and for educating the wider community about the Jews of India.