AGPI 2025 heroes

Andrew Brethour is Executive Chairman of PMA Brethour Realty Group, which includes PMA Brethour Real Estate Corporation Inc., PMA Brethour Research Associates, PMA Land Services, PMA SalesMasters, PMA Leasing, and PMA Insiders. A registered Real Estate Broker and Broker of Record, Andrew joined PMA in 1977, became owner and President in 1989, advanced to Chairman & CEO in 2016, and transitioned to Executive Chairman in 2021. Today, PMA provides leading sales, marketing, and research services to the building and development industry from offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Collingwood, Calgary, Kelowna, and Naples.

Beyond his professional success, Andrew has been a lifelong advocate for tolerance, understanding, and human rights. Raised in North Toronto in the 1950s on the edge of the Jewish community, his early experiences shaped his conviction that antisemitism is born of fear, ignorance, and misinformation—and that only tolerance and education can overcome it. “I grew up a Christian and my parents instilled in me the values of tolerance and understanding at an early age…regardless of race, religion or creed”.

This conviction led him to support AGPI, where he has been an active supporter of its mission to combat antisemitism and defend freedom and democracy. He has participated in AGPI events in Toronto, Miami, and at the United Nations; joined the Walk for Israel; and widely shared AGPI’s educational work to thousands.
Honoured to be recognized as a Hero of AGPI, Andrew remains committed to the belief that “no one of us is as great as all of us together.”

Aaron Hadida is the founder of Magen Herut Security, a dedicated initiative aimed at safeguarding the Jewish community. Recognizing the increasing need for security, he established a robust network that combines volunteer efforts with professional services. His commitment extends beyond routine protection; he actively advocates for Israel, ensuring that the community stays informed and united.

Under Hadida's leadership, Magen Herut Security has provided protection for numerous high-profile figures, including former hostages, ambassadors, and speakers. This level of security not only showcases his expertise but also reflects his unwavering commitment to community safety. With patrols conducted seven nights a week, Hadida ensures that synagogues, cultural events, and gatherings across North America are well-guarded.

Hadida's approach is deeply rooted in his passion for his work, which is not merely a job but a mission to foster peace and safety within the community. His tireless efforts have earned him respect and gratitude from those he protects. By creating a structured yet flexible security model, he has bridged the gap between community involvement and professional security needs. 

The impact of Magen Herut Security goes beyond physical safety; it instills a sense of trust and assurance within the Jewish community. Through his relentless dedication, Aaron Hadida exemplifies leadership and compassion, proving that security is essential for a thriving community, allowing members to live and gather without fear.

Courage takes many forms—raising one’s voice against injustice, offering comfort in grief, or standing firm when silence feels easier. Susan Minuk has long exemplified that courage through her work in Canadian media, community leadership, and advocacy on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people.

With more than two decades of experience in Canadian media, Susan is best known as host of JWeekly Canada, the only Jewish television program in the country. Through this platform, she has built meaningful connections across communities and faiths, giving voice to important issues and ensuring that stories of resilience, identity, and truth are told. In 2025, she co-produced a three-part series on antisemitism in Canada, set to air on OMNI TV. Featuring many distinct voices, the series underscores the urgent need for education, solidarity, and action in confronting hatred.

Beyond journalism, Susan has dedicated years of service to the Canadian Friends of Herzog Hospital in Israel, supporting victims of terror and providing a voice for those most affected by violence—especially since the October 7th attacks.

For her unwavering commitment to truth, education, and community, and for her leadership in standing against antisemitism while strengthening bonds of understanding, Susan Minuk is being recognized with the AGPI Hero Award.

The words of the late Max Eisen continue to guide Alan Wainer’s work: “Are you going to be a bystander or an upstander?” For Alan, the answer has always been clear. He has chosen to act—keeping the hostages in mind and standing steadfastly with Israel and the Jewish community in Canada and the diaspora.

Over the past two years, Alan has faced criticism and labels—“Zionist” and “racist” among them—for defending Israel publicly. Yet he has also built strong alliances across Canada, the United States, Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Israel. The son of a Holocaust survivor, Alan feels a deep responsibility to confront antisemitism, challenge the double standards applied to Israel, and speak out against those who deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

Alan has used his voice on social media to advocate for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. He has written extensively to Canadian leaders, including MPs Melissa Lantsman, Anita Anand, and Mélanie Joly, as well as Ontario MPPs and the Prime Minister, urging them to ensure Jewish Canadians receive equal protection under the law. For Alan, words without action ring hollow, and political expediency reflects a lack of moral courage.

Beyond advocacy, Alan has actively participated in Jewish organizational events, webinars, and podcasts, both to strengthen his community and to deepen his knowledge. While he wishes for peace in the Middle East, he believes it must not come at the cost of Israel’s security or survival.

Sharlene Wilder has spent her life building connections, in her home, her community, and across the Jewish world. Married to her husband, Sheldon Freeman, for almost 33 years, and the proud mother of Noah, Emily, and Hannah, she has always believed in creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and united.

For nearly two decades, Sharlene channeled that gift into a thriving career as an event planner, crafting celebrations filled with beauty, warmth, and meaning. After October 7th, her skills took on urgent new purpose. She stepped into community advocacy with the same creativity and drive that defined her career, now to stand against antisemitism and strengthen the voice of the Jewish people.

She has helped lead rallies drawing thousands, partnered with grassroots organizations to bring influential voices such as Noa Tishby, Caroline D’Amore, Eylon Levy, Elica LeBon, and Jonny Daniels to Toronto, and organized countless speaking engagements for Druze IDF soldier Nohad Mansour. Most recently, she welcomed released hostage Eliya Cohen and Nova survivor Ziv Abud to share their testimonies. In 2024, her efforts were recognized with a Community Leadership Award from MP Kevin Vuong.

Her work extends far beyond public events. As a March of the Living and Biluim Israel chaperone, she has guided teens on transformative journeys through Poland and Israel, forging lasting bonds with participants, Holocaust survivors, and IDF soldiers. Her home is a hub of connection, with gatherings and Shabbat dinners bringing together youth, survivors, wounded soldiers, and allies.

Known for her warmth, determination, and ability to turn vision into impact, Sharlene doesn’t just organize events, she builds relationships, sparks dialogue, and strengthens the ties that hold her community together.