Serge Haber z’l, an esteemed community leader was the heart and soul of Jewish Seniors Alliance from the time of its founding in 2003 until his passing on October 19, 2023 at age 95.  Serge, with funding from Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, set out to improve the lives of seniors in our community through the creation of a peer support program helping reduce isolation and improve quality of life. With that vision, more than 20 years later, JSA remains strong.

Serge’s vision and leadership led JSA to grow from humble roots to include outreach, Senior Line magazine, education, advocacy, and more.  JSA today is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization for seniors over the age of 55, regardless of their gender, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, socio-economic status, and religious/political belief systems. Serge was a committed and inspiring leader that served many local groups and received honours for his dedication in serving his community with distinction. Serge cared deeply about serving community, seniors, and the Jewish people.

Serge was a bold and dynamic force that never took “no” for an answer.  He was never afraid to speak his mind in his advocacy work on behalf of the community he served. Serge created a legacy through his passion and determination, and of taking on and building JSA into the organization it is today.  He was founder, President, then President Emeritus at JSA.  Serge lived his life dedicated to the spirit of Tikun Olam , to repair the world, and his desire to make life better for seniors.  JSA is the embodiment of that spirit.

When asked in 2020 about his passion for his work at JSA, Serge said “I am trying so hard to do crucial work on behalf of community seniors, whose numbers will double in the next 10 years.  I see JSA becoming the most important Jewish-led organization in the city because of its training services and resultant volunteers who substantially help all community seniors in need. I have an unending love for people generally and, want to help all seniors in our community through JSA.”

Serge’s legacy at JSA and the spirit in which he served continues to drive JSA’s mission and values.  We are grateful to continue the work of this visionary leader.