Michael Mostyn, B’nai Brith Canada’s CEO since 2014, passed away Tuesday after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 50 years old.
Mostyn is being remembered for both his work for the organization and his strong ties to the Midland area.
A statement from the charitable and advocacy organization said that Mostyn was “a dynamic leader, a passionate advocate, and, above all, a gentleman.”
“His vision and leadership revitalized B’nai Brith Canada, transforming it into a formidable voice for Canada’s Jewish community,” the nonprofit said. “Michael’s advocacy in the courts and all levels of government uplifted the rights not only of Jewish Canadians but all marginalized communities.”
Midland resident Fred Hacker hosted Mostyn as a guest of his popular A Day in the Life discussion at the Midland Cultural Centre in 2022.
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Michael Mostyn," Hacker told MidlandToday, adding it was an honour to interview him and the pair enjoyed their time together.
"He was an engaging guest with a fascinating career."
In his professional role as CEO of B’Nai Brith Canada, Hacker noted that Mostyn was determined and effective in combating antisemitism in Canada.
"In his personal life, he was a devoted husband, father, and son and a respected member of Toronto’s Jewish community," Hacker said.
"Michael’s father and uncle were my friends when we were going up in Midland and his grandfather was a King street merchant like my father was. Although MIchael never lived in Midland, he was very conscious of the family connection to Midland."
Mostyn is the grandson of Myer Mostyn (who owned and operated Mostyn’s Men’s Wear on King Street), the son of Alan Mostyn and the nephew of Murray Mostyn, who owned and operated Mad Murray’s on Yonge Street.
As a lawyer, Michael Mostyn practised law at Mostyn and Mostyn with his father. He ran in the federal elections of 2004 and 2006, losing to another former A Day in the Life guest Ken Dryden. Mostyn also sought provincial office in 2011.
In 2012, Mostyn received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his community service to Canada.
B'nai Brith Canada further noted that Mostyn's "distinguished legacy remains above all in the countless lives he touched and the world he helped make more just and compassionate.
"Whether standing up to hate or standing up for the vulnerable, Michael embodied the Jewish value of pursuing justice —'Tzedek, tzedek tirdof' (a phrase from The Torah that means justice, justice shall you pursue).”
Mostyn is survived by his wife Ella, son Benjy and daughter Bella, who are described as "his greatest source of pride and joy."
Funeral details have not been released at time of publication.