I hope that you are taking advantage of the mid-summer days and beautiful weather to spend time outdoors, with family or friends. We have many opportunities coming up to help you do this, but before I remind you of them I want to take a moment to talk about community representation and advocacy. 

At the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, a moment of silence was held for the first time for the 11 Israeli victims of the Munich massacre carried out by the Black September Palestinian terror group in 1972. However, instead of covering this historic and important tribute, CBC elected to go to commercial break. I know that many of us were disturbed and disheartened by this and some of you filed complaints with the CBC directly. On August 8, they made amends by airing a poignant and touching tribute to the slain Israeli athletes, which by CBC’s own acknowledgement was an act of terrorism. Thank you to those of you who took a moment to register your complaint.

On August 8, many of you attended the unveiling of the Anne Frank Statue, a project of the Dutch Canadian Club, at Light Horse Park. Only one of five outside of Amsterdam, and the only bronze replica from the original cast in North America, this statue will serve as a reminder of the need to never forget the atrocities of Nazi Germany and of the Canadian liberation of the Netherlands. Our President, Steve Shafir, brought greetings on behalf of the community. You can read his eloquent speech or watch this recording. We look forward to planning future events in this location and encourage you to have a visit yourself. 

Not a few days later, a local juicery owner compared the vaccination documentation requirements of another eating establishments patrons to the ghettoization of Jewish communities during the Holocaust. This was brought to light over social media and we have commented on the abhorrence of this statement in comparing the atrocities of the Holocaust to COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 

This week we were also invited, along with CIJA, to meet with Minister Jim Carr, special representative to the Prairie provinces where we had a thoughtful discussion about security and the need to combat antisemitism encountered in many forms.  While addressing anti-Israel bias, Holocaust distortion and antisemitism by calling them out and engaging with political leaders is one aspect of the equation, another is grassroots involvement and open dialogue.  In relation to antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks and attitudes in the city, Rabbi Gila Caine is participating in a special program this Sunday on Instagram Live. Transcending Fear in our community: an informal conversation with Ibrahim J. Long and rabbi Gila Caine which can be accessed on Instagram Live through The Green Room. 

This past week was the last day for Shira Or, summer student with our Canada Summer Jobs grants. Dozens of children enjoyed the Jkids Zoo day she organized. All is not lost, however, as Shira will continue with the other fun days she has planned out for the summer and we hope to see you join us; grab a friend or a family and register for the Corn Maze, a bargain at $5 a person (or $15 a family) on August 22  at 2-4 p.m.

Mark your calendars for our end of Summer Pre-Shabbat gathering Friday, August 27 at 5 p.m. This event is free as are the kosher ice cream treats (gluten-free and dairy-free available), magic show and balloon animals!   

We are in need of volunteers for the AGLC casino (volunteers and cage advisers fully masked) on August 23 and 24. Anyone over 18 can volunteer and a free meal is provided. 

With a civic and likely federal election around the corner, we urge you to take advantage of “Elections, the Jewish Community and You!” over Zoom on August 25 at 7 p.m.  This free opportunity to learn more about what the election issues are and how YOU can make an impact is co-hosted by our advocacy agent CIJA (Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs) and CJPAC (Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee). 

Despite the slower summer days, our community has much going on and we look forward to seeing you at the many programs coming up. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey