KAGE, Dr. Joseph

KAGE, Dr. Joseph 

Born in September 21, 1918, in Minsk, Joseph Kage (original name Kagedan) received a BA, B.Sc., MA, DSW, and Ph.D. from a variety of Canadian and American universities. He began his career as an educator, then entered the social work field with positions at the Jewish Family Services of Montreal and the McGill University School of Social Work. Dr. Kage became associated with Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) in 1947. He was among the first professionals in this field to be engaged by the organization, where he occupied the positions of Director of Social Services, National Executive Director and was subsequently named National Executive Vice-President. He remained with JIAS until his retirement in 1983. The author of numerous articles and studies on immigration, Dr. Kage played a role in Canadian immigration history which extends beyond the boundaries of the Jewish community. A prolific writer, Kage's studies and articles appeared in various newspapers, magazines and professional publications. He was also the author of several books, including With Faith and Thanksgiving: The Story of Two Hundred Years of Jewish Immigration and Immigrant Aid Effort in Canada (1760-1960). He lectured extensively on various aspects of history, social welfare, sociology and psychology across Canada and throughout the world. Aside from his position at JIAS, Kage's communal activities were varied and extensive in both Jewish, non-Jewish and governmental circles. He was a founding member and Chairman of the Admissions Committee and editor of the bulletin of the Corporation of Professional Social Workers of the Province of Quebec; President of the Jewish Public Library; Chairman of the Board of Education of the Hebrew Academy; originator and Chairman of the National Conference on Yiddish and Yiddish Culture; Chairman of the Advisory Board on Immigrant Adjustment, Department of Manpower and Immigration; President of the J.I. Segal Fund for Jewish Culture; National President of the Canada Ethnic Press Federation; served on the grant-awarding panel of the Canadian Ethnic History Project, Secretary of State; and held other positions in various communal bodies. Aside from these organizations, Kage also was a member of several social, fraternal, educational, and historical associations. He died in 1996 

KAGE, Dr. Joseph