This Shabbat we rejoice in having welcomed home the third release of hostages, Arbel, Agam and Gadi, true heroes who endured a harrowing handover to be reunited with their families. We wish them, Emily, Romi, Ronen, Liri, Naama, Karina, Daniella, and the 5 thai nationals Pongsak, Sathian, Watchara, Bannawat, Surasak (whose stories Esther Marcus told us about in her September visit) strength in their journey of healing and recovery. It has been announced that Keith Seigel, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas are set to be released tomorrow, a whirlwind of emotions and concerns surround their release.
Despite a 10000 km distance, we watch these returns as if they are our own families, so many of us intimately attuned to their plight. Additionally, I am having many conversations with community members and donors about the situation in Etzbah HaGalil, our partner region, where the return to homes and livelihoods is incredibly complex. We are attuned to this and more, as we are part of the covenant of Jewish peoplehood. Our need to be together and support one another is not limited in scope to Edmonton alone.
As you have read in recent Shabbat messages, we are proud to support Jewish Family Services through the UJA campaign, and hope that if these times are overwhelming to you that you avail yourself of their counselling services. Both myself and our Co-Presidents have participated in person and virtually with Jewish Federation leadership from across the country in recent meetings where we are in ongoing and active conversations about issues common to our communities and Canadian Jewry.
While we continue to contribute to the national collective and support beneficiary agencies, we also participate in local advocacy and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement, elected officials, and civil society. To this end, I want to share a few happenings this week that we appreciate as a result of these ongoing conversations.
First, Yasher Kocheh to Dr. Francis Cyngiser, Sydney Podgurney and the Holocaust Education Committee for hosting an informative and impactful International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at the Art Galley of Alberta “Here to Tell” exhibit, which features some of our local survivors. You can check it out until February 9; we have already toured Catholic leadership, Ministry of Education staff, and welcomed a number of elected officials this week.
We were very pleased with the announcement made by Education Minister Nicolaides about the curriculum to incorporate antisemitism education and Holocaust education at earlier stages and to work with the Jewish Federations of Edmonton and Calgary as it is being developed. We look forward to working with them and ensuring the next generation is equipped to deal with misinformation in the face of hate.
Second, as part of the Chief Community Council at Edmonton Police Service, I had the opportunity to participate in a training to better understand tactical control and use of force, both with explanations and simulated trainings. Knowing the split second decisions that the police receive ongoing training to deal with was eye opening, and greatly appreciated. Our police were very quick to respond when we reported mild vandalism at the JCC building, (to note as a construction site they were looking for copper wire and this was not antisemitic in nature). When you next drive by you may notice that the windows will be boarded as a precaution.
As a Jewish people, we know we are stronger together, and this begins at home. Our new JCC will welcome newcomers, families, and provide educational opportunities. Whether drop ins for families, teens, or special speakers, we will have a variety of spaces to provide programming flexibility. We are pursuing grants and seeking to create a space to honor the legacy of Jewish Edmontonians while also educating about the Holocaust with a Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Education Centre. We are drawing upon national expertise to ensure security measures are in place that align with best practice. If you are interested about naming opportunities or how you can support this building, please contact me or one of our JCC redevelopment project co chairs, Karen Leibovici and Lisa Miller.
I will leave you with an article from E Jewish Philanthropy to read over Shabbat, while written for the U.S., encapsulates the situation well.
“The challenges we face are vast, but so is our potential to overcome them. By embracing innovative approaches such as digital literacy education, stronger campus alliances and more comprehensive Holocaust education, we can not only combat antisemitism but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive future. This moment of crisis is an opportunity for transformation. By building bridges between communities, leading with resilience and committing to shared values, we can redefine how we respond to hatred and ensure that future generations inherit a world free from antisemitism.”
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey Leavitt-Wright