Safran Family
Jacob and Etta Safran immigrated to Calgary in 1912. Both were born in Byelorussia, Jacob in Klintzi and Etta in Novozilbko. Etta, neé Belkin, came from thirteen generations of Rabbis, dating back to Rabbi Yechiel Ben Solomon Heilprin who died in Minsk in 1731.
An avid Zionist, Jacob Safran joined one of the first “Aliyas” working in Palestine between 1903 and 1905. Jacob and Etta (also known as Esther) were married in 1905. The Safrans came to Calgary at the suggestion of Etta’s nephew H.W.Belkin, who was in the meat packing business.
Jacob Safran’s first job in Calgary was with Abe Hapton, peddling fruit from a cart. He then opened a confectionery store on 8th Avenue near 2nd Street E. In 1927 he moved to 4th Street W. where he opened a small confectionery called “The Little Gem. “This structure, now a flower shop, still stands.
The store was located in what was then the heart of the Catholic district, the St. Mary’s area. Among Jacob’s many friends and customers in the area were the former Chief Justice Milvain, Fred Mannix, Red Dutton, Freddie McCall and Bishop O’Byrne. Jacob was known by these customers as “The General”, and they often insisted that he take a break from work for a couple of hours while they looked after the store.
Jacob made many sacrifices in order to ensure that his sons, Nathan and Carl, received the best possible education. He was also a dedicated Zionist. He had helped build the city of Tel Aviv, and he raised his sons to be of the same character.
Both Jacob and Esther Safran passed away in 1953. Nathan Safran, the elder son, was born in Calgary in 1914. He
attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a master’s degree in chemistry, and studied at the University of Chicago. He joined the faculty of the Provincial Institute of Technology (later SAIT) and became head of the Science Department.
During World War II, Nathan Safran served as a Naval Reserve officer, while continuing his work at PITA, then dedicated to armed forces training. He was active in the Jewish community, serving for many years as Chairman of the Calgary Hebrew School’s Board of Education.
He was active in Shaarey Tzedec Congregation, acting as Co-President for one term with his brother Carl. Nathan had enormous, dedication to the various Zionist groups in which he was active, including Young Judaeans and the Sharon Men’s Club.
In 1964 Nate Safran, only 50 years of age, passed away leaving a wife and two children.
Carl Safran, born in 1917, attended public schools in Calgary and graduated from the Montana School Mines with an engineering degree. In 1941 he joined the Canadian Army, serving in Europe with the Royal Canadian Engineers, and reaching the rank of Captain while leading mine-sweeping and bridge-building units.
While overseas, he married Marcia Weitzman. They later had two daughters, Laura and Jaclyn.
After the war, Carl Safran returned to Calgary and began a teaching career, earning BA and MEd degrees from the University of Calgary. An educational psychologist, he received a Doctorate degree (EdD) from the University of Colorado, and led the Calgary Public School Board’s first guidance and special education departments.
In 1971, Carl Safran was named Chief Superintendent of Calgary Public School Board.
Dr. Safran, now retired, remains active in special education, and in Jewish communal work. He is an Honorary Life President of the Calgary Hebrew School, and has served as Past President of Shaarey Tzedec Congregation.
