From the brink of destruction to dairy dynasty: How 39 Jewish refugees fled Nazi Europe and revolutionized Canadian farming. The Ekstein and Loewith families’ journey is a tale of courage, innovation, and determination. Discover how pebbles thrown at a window sparked a Holstein revolution!

In the dark of 1938, as storm clouds of hatred gathered over Europe, the peaceful hills of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland held their breath. For generations, Jewish families had woven themselves into the fabric of Czech society, their children playing in the same streets, their businesses thriving alongside their neighbors. The Ekstein, Loewith, and Abeles families lived this peaceful life, tending their farms in the rolling Bohemian countryside of Czechoslovakia, never imagining that their world was about to shatter.

Then came March 1938. With Hitler’s annexation of the Sudetenland, the unthinkable became reality. Families who had considered themselves Czech for generations suddenly found themselves branded as outcasts. The wave of anti-Semitism that followed cut like a knife through their community, severing bonds of friendship and trust that had existed for centuries. Yet, in the face of this persecution, parents whispered in hushed tones in living rooms and around kitchen tables, weighing impossible choices as they watched their children sleep, their courage shining through the darkness.

But from this darkness emerged an extraordinary tale of courage, determination, and triumph. Through a series of fateful decisions – beginning with pebbles thrown at a window in the dead of night – the Ekstein, Loewith, and Abeles families forged a path to survival and remarkable success in a new land. Their journey from the brink of destruction to becoming pillars of the Canadian dairy industry, overcoming challenges such as financial struggles, cultural adaptation, and agricultural hardships, stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. More than that, it is a powerful testament to the power of hope in the face of despair, and their story is a beacon of optimism for a better future.

The Fateful Discovery

In the stifling summer of 1938, as darkness settled over the Sudetenland, Joe Loewith’s military boots echoed through the corridors of the local police station. As a Czech army serviceman fluent in German, he had been summoned to translate documents. This seemingly routine task would prove anything but ordinary.

When his eyes fell upon a list meant for Nazi roundups the following day, there at the top was a name that made his blood run cold: Karl Abeles. With his heart pounding against his uniform and his mind racing through the consequences of his choices, Loewith made a decision that would echo through generations. Rather than return home to safety, he stepped into the dangerous pre-dawn hours, where every shadow might have held a watchful eye. His bravery and quick thinking at this moment would prove to be a turning point for the families.

At three o’clock in the morning, Loewith stood beneath Karl Abeles’ window, his hands trembling as he gathered small pebbles to warn Abeles of the impending danger. Each tiny stone that clicked against the glass might have sounded like a gunshot in the deathly quiet of the night. When Abeles’ face finally appeared at the window, confusion gave way to fear as he recognized Loewith, and the moment’s gravity hung between them like a heavy curtain.

In hushed tones barely disturbing the night air, Loewith delivered his urgent warning – a quiet act of defiance against the rising tide of hatred. This act of courage ultimately led thirty-nine souls to safety and remarkable success in a new land across the ocean. Their bravery in the face of such adversity is truly admirable.

The Decision to Leave

In the summer of 1938, as storm clouds gathered over Europe, Karl and Hugo Abeles faced what might have been the most wrenching decision of their lives. The brothers, whose families farmed the rich Bohemian soil for generations, possibly spent countless sleepless nights weighing their options. The land they loved, the only home they had ever known, was transforming into a place of danger and despair. With heavy hearts but clear minds, they set their sights on Canada, seeking safety and a new beginning away from the threat in their homeland. The decision to leave was not made lightly, and the emotional turmoil they experienced during this process was palpable. The families’ struggle with this decision was a testament to the gravity of the situation and the strength of their resolve.

They purchased a farm near Mount Hope, Ontario, a decision that would prove pivotal for them and dozens of others. Then, carrying the weight of their community’s future, they made the perilous journey back to Czechoslovakia to convince others to join them. Their words must have sounded truthful and urgent, for thirty-nine souls—including members of the Ekstein, Loewith, and Abeles families—chose to follow their lead.

In those frightening times, when every day brought new threats, these families might have felt their hearts breaking as they prepared to leave. Many were forced to abandon generations of accumulated belongings and family farms – precious pieces of their history that no one would buy in those chaotic days. Yet they moved with remarkable speed, fearing what might come, possibly overshadowing the sorrow of what they were leaving behind. As they packed only essential belongings like clothes and personal mementos, these families might have understood that they prioritized survival over sentimentality, looking towards the future rather than dwelling on the past and holding onto hope instead of clinging to their heritage, a sacrifice that weighed heavily on their hearts. These preparations’ practical challenges and emotional toll underscore the families’ determination to survive and thrive in their new home.

A Harrowing Journey

In the autumn of 1938, thirty-nine souls embarked on a journey that would test their courage and reshape their destinies forever. With their homeland dissolving into darkness behind them, they might have felt their hearts racing as they boarded the aircraft bound for Liverpool – each mile of flight over Europe possibly feeling like a step away from certain doom and toward an uncertain future. The choice to fly rather than take the train through Nazi Germany was born of desperate necessity. Every group member might have understood that detection during a ground crossing could mean death or imprisonment. The drone of airplane engines, normally anxiety-inducing for first-time flyers, might have seemed like a lullaby of freedom compared to the rhythmic click of train wheels through hostile territory. The risk and bravery of this journey cannot be overstated, and it was a testament to their determination and hope for a better future.

When they finally boarded the Duchess of Atholl in Liverpool, the salt spray and rolling waves might have carried terror and hope. Each passenger possibly carried not just the few belongings they could bring but the weight of leaving behind generations of history, family farms, and loved ones who would later perish in concentration camps.

Their arrival at Canadian shores brought its kind of tension. Frederick Charles Blair, Canada’s Deputy Minister of Immigration, had been strictly enforcing policies that excluded Jewish immigrants. As they stood before immigration officials, these thirty-nine refugees might have held their breath, their futures hanging by a thread. Whether through divine providence, bureaucratic oversight, or a moment of human compassion, they were allowed entry — possibly because officials didn’t realize they were Jewish. Their experiences upon arrival in Canada, including the challenges they faced and the support they received, were crucial in shaping their new lives and should not be overlooked.

The price of admission to their new homeland was a five-year commitment to farming — a profession most had never practiced. Yet, as they agreed to these terms at that moment, they might not have felt the weight of obligation but the lightness of possibility. This promise, which might have seemed daunting then, would ultimately be the foundation of their remarkable future in Canadian agriculture.

Starting Anew in Mount Hope

Brick farmhouse on Highway No. 6 near Mount Hope, Ontario—where 39 Jewish refugees began their new lives in Canada in 1938, laying the foundation for a legacy of resilience and excellence in dairy farming.

What might have been a moment of vulnerability – newcomers in a strange land – transformed into something unexpected. The local Jewish community, perhaps seeing in these refugees echoes of their own families’ journeys, rallied around them with remarkable speed and generosity. As furniture and clothing began arriving at the farmhouse on Highway Six, the newcomers might have felt the first stirrings of hope; each donated item was a tangible sign that they were not alone in this vast new country.

The Canadian Jewish Congress’s offer of $1,000 loans to each family represented more than just financial assistance – it was a bridge to their future. For families forced to abandon their farms and possessions in Czechoslovakia, these loans might have felt like seeds of possibility waiting to take root in Canadian soil. As they began searching for farms to rent or buy, these thirty-nine individuals might have dared to imagine, for the first time since fleeing their homeland, that they could build not just houses but homes again.

Building a Legacy in Holstein Breeding

As the harsh Canadian winters gave way to spring after spring, these refugee families transformed from desperate survivors into pioneering farmers. What unfolded over the following decades might have seemed impossible to those thirty-nine souls who first stepped onto Canadian soil. Their five-year farming commitment, which might have felt like a burden in 1938, became the foundation of an extraordinary legacy. In the quiet moments between milkings, these newcomers might have remembered their abandoned farms in Czechoslovakia, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that many of their relatives would perish in concentration camps.

Yet from this profound loss emerged an unstoppable determination. Against all odds, these families didn’t just survive—they flourished. Within forty years, they had produced eight of Ontario’s leading dairymen, including three master breeders. Each morning’s milking, each careful breeding decision, and each show ring victory became not just a business achievement but a testament to their resilience—a powerful statement that from the darkest moments of human history, something remarkable could grow and thrive on Canadian soil.

The Loewith Family’s Summitholm Farm

Joe Loewith, the man who had warned Karl Abeles that fateful night in Czechoslovakia, established Summitholm Farm. His journey from a traveling salesman and window dresser in Czechoslovakia to a successful dairy farmer in Canada is a testament to his adaptability and determination.

Joe Loewith’s love for his Holstein cows grew deep and genuine. “They don’t let you down the way that people do,” he once said, reflecting the deep bond he had formed with his herd. This sentiment would be passed down through generations of Loewiths, shaping their approach to dairy farming.

In the early years, Joe Loewith focused on building a strong foundation for his herd. He purchased his start-up cows from Karl Abeles, many of them daughters of a Braeside bull bred by Clayt Haviland. By 1951, his herd had grown to 30 head, and he bought 30 more females before moving to a 100-acre property known locally as the Kitchen farm south of Copetown.

The farm that would become Summitholm Farm has a rich history. It was initially settled by George Green Kitchen and his wife, Mary Stenabaugh. Through a series of inheritances and sales, it eventually came into Joe Loewith’s possession in the early 1950s.

Joe’s success in breeding was evident early on. His first herd sire, Trout Creek Finderne Pontiac, came from the respected herd of C.W. Goodbrand at Millgrove. This bull’s pedigree was rich with high-producing bloodlines, including descendants of Springbank Snow Countess, a world lifetime champion.

One of the mainstays of the original Loewith herd was Bonnie Queen Elizabeth (VG-2*), born in 1940. She produced an impressive 100,230 lbs of milk in seven lactations, with 3,975 lbs of fat at 3.97%. Her descendants would continue contributing to the Summitholm herd for generations.

By the 1950s, Summitholm Farm was making its mark in the show ring. At the Wentworth Black & White Show in 1956, showing only home-bred animals, Joe Loewith won ten red ribbons, far more than necessary to give him the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor banners.

Joe’s sons, Harry, Carl, and David Loewith, later took over the operation, expanding it into one of Canada’s most respected Holstein breeding programs. Harry joined his father in 1965 and later established his ventures, including Tavistock Dairy Sales. Carl and David, both University of Guelph graduates, took over the operation of Summitholm Farm in the mid-1970s.

Under Carl and David’s management, Summitholm Farm has become synonymous with high-producing, long-lasting cows. They focused on breeding functional, profitable cows rather than show-ring champions, and their philosophy of breeding cows that are “good enough” rather than striving for perfection has proven highly successful. Their efforts were rewarded with a Holstein Canada Master Breeder Shield in 2002.

As of 2025, Summitholm Farm has over 119 cows with a lifetime production exceeding 100,000 kg. The farm has earned accolades for consistent milk quality and breeding excellence in the industry, which speaks volumes about the longevity and productivity of its herd.

The farm has consistently ranked first in DHI management scores, winning the highest score in Canada for nine out of ten years. Its focus on efficient production and cow longevity has set a standard in the industry.

Ben Loewith, who now shares management responsibilities with his father Carl and uncle Dave, emphasizes the importance of their systematic approach: “We follow stringent protocols on everything we do, from calf care to milking procedures, ensuring the health and comfort of our cows.” Whether it is how newborn calves are handled, fertility programs, milking procedures, or monitoring herd health, we ensure everyone involved is reading from the same page. We have an excellent group of advisers and good communication with wonderful staff. All our protocols are set in the best interest of the cows’ health and comfort. Our convenience and labor come secondary.”

The Loewiths’ breeding strategy has evolved with the times. As of 2025, all heifers are bred to sexed genomic semen. Eighty percent of the mature cows are bred to Angus, and the remaining 20 percent are bred to sexed genomic sires. This balance allows them to benefit from the latest genetic advancements while relying on proven performance.

Paul Ekstein and Quality Holsteins

Born in 1934 in Czechoslovakia, Paul Ekstein developed an early interest in Holstein cattle through visits to his uncle’s Mount Hope dairy farm. His passion for the breed was evident from a young age, as he devoured Holstein literature and spent his holidays at the farm. After graduating from Ontario Agricultural College in 1954, Ekstein worked as a herdsman before starting his own business, Quality Seeds. He began assembling his herd in the late 1960s, initially housing them at Sunny Maple Farm before establishing his farm on Huntingdon Road near Woodbridge in 1980.

Paul’s son, Ari Ekstein, took over the reins of Quality Holsteins about 20 years ago, continuing his father’s legacy of excellence in Holstein breeding. Under Ari’s management, the farm has maintained its status as a powerhouse in the industry, winning their fourth Master Breeder Shield in 2025. This achievement showcases the continued excellence of their breeding program across generations.

The Ekstein family’s influence extends beyond dairy farming. While Ari runs on the Holstein operation, his main focus is on the seed business and has now been joined by a third generation of Eksteins at Quality Seeds. Expanding into the third generation demonstrates the family’s enduring entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to agriculture.

Recent achievements at Quality Holsteins under Ari’s leadership include:

• Multiple EX-90+ cows, including Quality Solomon Frotastic EX-93 (95-MS)
• Quality Solomon Lovely EX-94-2E (95-MS)
• Marloacres Damion Lulu EX-94-5E (95-MS)
• A strong group of first-lactation animals, with fourteen scoring VG-85 or higher

The herd continues to excel in type classification, with recent classifications showing particular strength in mammary systems. Several animals have scored 86-MS or higher in their first lactation.

Ari Ekstein has continued to innovate and adapt to changing industry trends. While maintaining the farm’s focus on breeding functional, profitable cows, he’s also embraced new technologies and breeding strategies. Quality Holsteins’ breeding program continues to produce outstanding results, as evidenced by its recent classifications and consistent excellence.

With three generations now involved in various aspects of the family’s agricultural enterprises, the Ekstein legacy in Canadian agriculture continues to grow and evolve, building on Paul’s original vision and passion for Holstein cattle and quality seeds.

A Legacy of Excellence

From a handful of desperate refugees huddled in a Mount Hope farmhouse in 1938, an extraordinary legacy would bloom across Canadian soil. The transformation of these thirty-nine souls from survivors to pioneers might have seemed impossible in those early days. Yet within forty years, eight descendants would become Ontario’s leading dairymen. Among them, seven would achieve the coveted Master Breeder status – Joe, Richard Popper, Carl, David and Ben Loewith, and Paul and Ari Ekstein (Four times) – an honor that might have seemed as distant as the stars when they first stepped onto Canadian soil.

Each careful breeding decision, show ring victory and production record might have been a tribute to those who never made it out of Europe. Their success became more than personal achievement—it grew into a testament to the power of resilience, a living memorial to the possibility of beginning anew, inspiring a new generation of dairy farmers, and setting a standard of excellence in the industry. Through their unwavering focus on sound breeding principles, such as selective mating for high milk production and genetic diversity, and a tireless work ethic evident in daily milking routines and animal care, these families found success and redemption in the dairy industry. They transformed their five-year farming commitment into a multi-generational legacy that would influence Holstein breeding for decades.

Reflecting on an Incredible Journey

As the sun sets over the rolling fields of Ontario’s dairy country, the legacy of those thirty-nine souls who fled the darkness of Nazi Europe continues to flourish in ways they could never have imagined. From Joe Loewith, who transformed from a window dresser into a master dairyman, to Paul Ekstein, who devoured Holstein literature as a seventeen-year-old refugee and went on to earn four Master Breeder Shields, their story stands as a testament to the extraordinary heights that human determination can reach.

These families didn’t just survive – they revolutionized Canadian dairy farming. From the ashes of their lost homes in Czechoslovakia, they built not just farms but dynasties. Their achievements – from the Loewiths’ world-record number of lifetime producers to Ekstein’s breed-defining cow families – stand as monuments to the power of human resilience and the opportunities Canada provided to those seeking refuge.

As we stand here in 2025, we’re reminded that greatness often emerges from history’s darkest moments. From pebbles thrown against a window in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to the pinnacle of global dairy breeding, the Ekstein and Loewith families have shown us that with courage, determination, and the chance to begin anew, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. Their legacy lives on in the Holstein bloodlines they developed and the example they set for future generations. It shows that excellence can rise from despair, achievement can emerge from persecution, and the human spirit, when nurtured, knows no bounds.

Key Takeaways

• 39 Jewish refugees, including the Ekstein and Loewith families, escaped Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1938.
• They settled in Canada, committing to a five-year farming obligation despite limited agricultural experience.
• Within 40 years, they produced eight of Ontario’s leading dairymen, including seven Master Breeders.
• Joe Loewith established Summitholm Farm, now known for its high-producing, long-lasting cows.
• Paul Ekstein founded Quality Holsteins, earning four Master Breeder Shields over the years.
• The families embraced innovative breeding strategies and new technologies to improve their herds.
• Their legacy continues with the next generations, like Ari Ekstein and Ben Loewith, maintaining excellence in breeding.
• The story showcases the power of resilience, adaptability, and determination in overcoming adversity.
• Their journey from refugees to industry leaders has significantly influenced Canadian Holstein breeding.
• The families’ success demonstrates the opportunities Canada provided to those seeking refuge and a new start.

Summary

In 1938, as Nazi persecution intensified in Czechoslovakia, 39 Jewish refugees, including the Ekstein and Loewith families, made a daring escape to Canada. Faced with a five-year farming commitment in a new land, these families not only survived but thrived, transforming from desperate survivors into pioneering dairy farmers. Over the decades, they revolutionized Canadian Holstein breeding, producing eight of Ontario’s leading dairymen and earning multiple Master Breeder shields. From Joe Loewith’s Summitholm Farm to Paul Ekstein’s Quality Holsteins, their legacy of excellence continues to shape the industry today. This remarkable journey from the darkness of war to the pinnacle of dairy farming stands as a testament to human resilience, innovation, and the power of new beginnings.

Learn more

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• From Passion to Prestige: Bel Holstein’s Journey

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