UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Honey and Barry Sherman z”l, two irreplaceable leaders.

UJA Federation President and CEO Adam Minsky stated: "Honey and Barry were inspiring leaders for UJA Federation, the Jewish community, and Canadian society. They led with their generosity, time, intelligence, and hearts. Anyone who knew them was taken by their drive to make life better for people here in Toronto, across Canada, in Israel, and around the world." 

The couple held numerous volunteer leadership roles over their many years of activity with UJA Federation, including Honey serving as a chair of the UJA Annual Campaign and Jewish Foundation, as well as a member of the Board of Directors, and Barry serving as a co-founder of UJA's Tomorrow Campaign, both helping to transform the community.

In acknowledgement of their philanthropic and volunteer leadership, UJA Federation’s Sherman Campus, a major centre for Jewish life in the Greater Toronto Area, open to all, is named in Honey's and Barry’s honour.

UJA Federation’s Chair of the Board, Bruce Leboff added: "The tragedy of Honey's and Barry's loss is magnified by the pride they felt, and we all shared, just a few weeks ago at the groundbreaking for the completion of the Sherman Campus. The groundbreaking and the campus itself are only possible, like so much else we have to be thankful for in our community, due to Barry’s and Honey’s leadership. Their impact will live on - a legacy of caring, selfless devotion, and generosity.

We know that Toronto Police are investigating and hope that they will find answers about this tragedy, for the family's sake and for all of us who mourn their loss."

Adam Minsky concluded: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sherman family at this terrible time. May Honey’s and Barry’s memory be for a blessing."

UJA has created an online condolence page on which members of the community can submit their messages, which will be posted online daily, and be provided to the Sherman family. Click here to view the condolence page.