I’d like to welcome Zehavi Zynoberg to the House. He’s the associate director of government relations at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. He is also here to host a Jewish Heritage Month reception which will be happening later in the day. All are welcome.

It is my very great honour and pleasure to introduce members of Shomrim: Avi Grinberg, Kyle Klein, and Noa Golan. They were there beside Atara and were so helpful for our community.

I am truly honoured to stand here today for this tribute to David Rotenberg, the former Progressive Conservative representative of Wilson Heights.

David Rotenberg, sometimes known as the ultimate underdog, knew at six years old that politics was his passion. He had a mind for names and politics, and he attended the University of Toronto, where he graduated with honours in political science and economics.

By the time David was only 28, he had already made two efforts to win a seat at Toronto city council, and, in 1960, he finally won that spot at city hall, where his fashion-forward business suits would become a fixture.

David had an instinctive nature, and he knew how to navigate through obstacles. David’s motto was, “You have to know how to give in on the minor issues in order to win on the major ones.” This was known as the “Rotenberg style.”

David worked on city council, and his work was immense. He served as vice-president of the Canadian National Exhibition, commissioner of the Toronto Transit Commission, and vice-president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. That’s a handful; I know this, just after sitting in this House for such a short period.

Although David’s work ethic was strong, his passion for politics was only outweighed by his immense love for his family. Cecile, David’s first wife, and his daughters, Meta and Chana, were the loves of his life. When most city council members would commonly go out for dinner—I know the member across talked about that—David always made sure he would go home, even in between meetings at council, and he always made sure he was home for Shabbat dinner.

He spent more time at home than you would expect with his busy schedule, but even with that, it was never enough. When he was asked to run federally, David responded that he’d run on the guarantee that he would lose. David wanted to make sure his girls knew he was home every night.

Often, he would jest that he didn’t have the time to play much bridge—he loved bridge; we know that, up there, don’t we?—or read sufficient light detective novels, but his dedication to his work and family never wavered.

David was constantly multi-tasking. A Globe and Mail reporter once wrote—and this is a mouthful: “In his office, this was the incredible, exhausting scene: he was taking, holding and stacking phone calls. At the same time he was leafing through a mountain of pink telephone-call slips he had to answer.... composing a long, detailed, fact-filled story just solicited by the Globe and Mail, for that night’s edition.... And he was answering a reporter. And he had three department heads or lieutenants walking in right then for urgent business.” He would keep all of this in a careful holding pattern until each matter could be dealt with, and like an air traffic controller, David navigated through all issues.

In 1977, David was elected to the Ontario Legislature. He was an old-school Conservative, and his goals were honest. He wasn’t the type to finger-point when things went wrong. David served as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Housing. In 1985, he was appointed Minister without Portfolio for urban affairs. David believed in the profession of a politician, always working constructively and collaboratively, serving under Premier Bill Davis then under Premier Frank Miller. He worked well on both sides of the chamber—including a good working relationship with Bob Rae. He worked to get the best results for the people. And he was mindful of the funds being spent on projects, reminding his colleagues that it was not the government’s money; it was the public’s money.

After politics, David happily went back into the insurance business.

David was always very social. Did I mention he loved bridge?

David also sat on countless charity boards—the member across mentioned a few of them—and extensively contributed his time and efforts to his community with many organizations, including as president of the Armour Heights Lodge of B’nai Brith and as director of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.

Unfortunately, Cecile was taken early, and David became a widower far too soon.

But David was given a second chance at love, and in 1996, he married Riva. I was told that it was love at first sight.

As a stepfather and father, David was a tremendous support system to his children. And he was a caring grandfather and great-grandfather to his ever-growing family—and it was growing, as you can see.

David fulfilled his dreams by retiring in Israel, and he continued to surround himself with more extended family. He would never miss a family event or a blessing involved with his synagogue.

David was a “Kohen,” a special lineage within Judaism—a leader, a guide. He felt strongly about his community and was constantly helping others.

Unfortunately, I did not know David personally. To gain access into David Rotenberg the man, I interviewed family members who gave me the essence of David.

One of the things that we should appreciate was the progressive continuum that David felt he was part of. The great Rabbi Tarfon said, “It is not your responsibility to finish the work—but neither are you free to desist from it.” These words depict David’s dedication to the continuum.

David was supportive of the proactive work of this government and the constant common goals of good governance and a commitment to the community. David felt that public service was ever-evolving, and he was content knowing that he had passed the baton to the next generation. I should add that the members from Eglinton–Lawrence and York Centre both feel the sentiment, and they wanted to relay that as well. We are very proud to take that baton or that torch and run with it.

Today, we are fortunate to be surrounded by so many of David’s family members, friends and colleagues in the House—his daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, former MPPs, and Speakers of this chamber. It’s a remarkable gathering that is quite redeeming and reflected in a life well loved and lived.

I want to thank David’s family for sharing him with the community and our province.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Applause.