This week, I want to share with you the headline that you did not see.

What took place at the Saint John International Culturefest and Folklorama in Winnipeg—the headline you did not see is “Keffiyeh draped anti-Israel protesters target Jews at Heritage Festival”. You also didn’t read “Hamas is coming for you shouted at Edmonton pavilion”, as opposed to the events that happened at Folklorama in Winnipeg.

Why were organizers and guests harassed at other festivals, while police either arrived late or stood on the sidelines? What made the Heritage Festival different?

What makes Heritage Festival immune to such happenings, that there was no such headline? Like the tip of an iceberg, the work that we do shows only a fraction of the efforts that make an event, program, or relationship a success. What we call ‘behind the scenes’ is a strategic and detailed approach where we take the lead with decision makers—ongoing, long-term endeavors to be a partner, building the relationships to ensure that we are collaborative in ensuring positive outcomes.

While there are many factors to why there was no headline at Heritage Festival, I want to acknowledge that although we experienced some harassment and intimidation throughout the time on the grounds, our security team, Heritage Festival organizers, and the Edmonton Police Service addressed this on the spot and kept it from escalating. While we can always do more to ensure safety and a positive experience for all guests, I appreciate the collaborative relationship and true partnership we have fostered to provide leadership to this multicultural festival.

We’re going to keep on advocating for our community to ensure our rights as any other citizen of Canada to live proud, Jewish lives, that include an ongoing connection to Israel, as antizionism fuels antisemitism. We will keep on advocating to elected officials and collaborating with law enforcement for the security of our community.

What can you do? Continue to show up. Report antisemitism on our portal so we can better track trends, inform police where needed, and advocate. Enjoy a synagogue program. Volunteer at one of the many agencies in our community. Register for the incredible speakers we have coming to Edmonton this fall, beginning with Eitan Chitayat—fresh from his Australian tour—to inspire us on living a strengthened Jewish life amid global turmoil.

As One, we are strengthened. Let’s bring simcha back into our Jewish identities, in community, with one another. Let’s come together and bring one another strength. Purchase your tickets now.

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey