Rescue of Canadian Jewish paper set back

TORONTO (JTA) — The man tasked with rescuing the Canadian Jewish News is no longer in his post.

In the wake of an announcement in April that the newspaper would cease publishing after 53 years, the CJN’s board of directors, responding to a public outcry, appointed philanthropist Marty Goldberg to the post of “chief rescue officer.” Goldberg, a well-known community activist, was to lead an effort to save the print editions in both Toronto and Montreal.

Neither Goldberg nor the paper’s president, Donald Carr, would explain why Goldberg was no longer in the position.

“Marty felt he had to withdraw,” said Carr. “He only has the well-being of the CJN in mind.”

Carr would not say who took Goldberg’s place, if anyone.

The CJN, Canada’s flagship Jewish newspaper, announced in April that its final print edition would be published June 20. Following the outcry, Goldberg was tasked with rescuing the paper and set a deadline of May 31 to come up with a plan.

“We’re proceedings as quickly as we can to resolve each of the problems,” Carr said. We have the same optimism as I’ve expressed before. Things take longer than anticipated. And there are hurdles which unexpectedly slowed down a very difficult process.”

Carr said the board “is working and meeting constantly. Every member of the board is involved day and night.”