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The Shocking Revelation of a Nazi War Criminal Living in Canada

Almost three decades ago, Gail Bocknek was left in disbelief as she watched the evening news and learned that a man who had worked for her family for years was identified as a Nazi war criminal. As the daughter of European Jews who had lost many family members in the Holocaust, the news hit her hard.

A Startling Discovery

Fast forward to last fall, when Canadian parliamentarians unknowingly applauded a man with ties to a Nazi unit in Ukraine. This incident reignited the painful memories for Bocknek. Then, earlier this month, the Liberal government agreed to declassify 15 more pages from a 1985 report on Canada’s history of harboring former Nazis.

A Family Connection

Bocknek recalled how her parents had hired a housekeeper named Emma Tobiass, whose husband Erichs worked for the family as a mechanic and caretaker. Little did they know that Erichs had a dark past as a member of a Nazi commando unit responsible for heinous acts during the war.

A Shocking Revelation

In 1995, Bocknek saw a news report linking Erichs Tobiass to Nazi activities. The realization that someone she knew and trusted had such a sinister past shook her to the core. Despite their close relationship, Erichs had kept his dark secret hidden from the family.

Canada’s Troubling Past

Canada’s history of admitting Nazi war criminals after World War II is a stain on the nation’s record. The Deschenes Commission in the mid-1980s revealed over 800 individuals with ties to Nazis living in Canada, yet only a fraction faced prosecution or deportation.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite efforts to address this dark chapter, Bocknek remains skeptical of Canada’s current screening processes. With the recent case of a suspected war criminal from the former Yugoslavia, it’s clear that the system is not foolproof. Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledges the challenges but asserts that current security measures are far more stringent than in the past.

As the revelations of Canada’s past continue to unfold, the need for vigilance in screening those seeking entry into the country remains paramount. The legacy of individuals like Erichs Tobiass serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and accountability in immigration processes.

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