As we move through January together, I want to share a brief update on the work happening across the Federation—both behind the scenes and in partnership with our dedicated board and staff. This past week marked our first official board meeting of 2026, and our community is fortunate to have committed, capable volunteers who continue to provide strong guidance and governance to our organizations, as well as represent us with allied and interfaith partners. We were honoured to extend a warm welcome to the Most Reverend Archbishop Stephen Hero of Edmonton at an event officially greeting him in his new role within the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.

We continue to focus on ensuring that our direction for the year ahead reflects our core priorities: the United Jewish Appeal, Israel engagement, community security, and the future Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre (JCC).

A significant portion of our internal discussions this month has centred on the JCC capital project. Recent donor commitments have created real momentum, and we are preparing the next phase of communications and planning. We look forward to sharing more updates as this project continues to take shape.

Our dedication to safety and advocacy also remains front and centre. Staff have been coordinating responses to ongoing security concerns and working with national partners on advocacy related to rising antisemitism. Safeguarding the well-being of our community guides our daily work. Today, we convened a special briefing with law enforcement for community leadership, and we appreciate their time and prioritization given the recent arrests announced last week.

On the Israel front, our Partnership2Gether connections remain strong. Teams have been developing new collaboration opportunities following the recent visit to Etzba HaGalil, including initiatives supporting youth and mental health. These conversations deepen our shared responsibility with our Israeli partners. This week also marked an important milestone as Tel Hai received official approval from the Council for Higher Education of Israel to transition into the University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.

Philanthropy and stewardship were also key themes this week as planning begins for our spring engagement. The lessons of last year’s campaign continue to guide us as we build meaningful relationships and show the impact of your generosity.

In 2005, the United Nations officially recognized January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Our Holocaust Committee and staff are collaborating on two local opportunities, and the City of Edmonton will again light up the High Level Bridge in recognition.

Federation staff member Zion Barany is collaborating on a project with the Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta, and a grant from the Edmonton Community Foundation makes this possible. He will offer a discussion at the Jewish Seniors Centre on January 27. His presentation will explore how Nazi ideology permeated all aspects of German society, including academic medicine.

We are also partnering on a MacEwan University event featuring historian Dr. Melanie Carina Schmoll, author of Hatred of Jews: A Failure of Holocaust Education. She will be in conversation with Dr. Alexander Warren Marcus (University of Alberta), and Dr. Regan Lipes (MacEwan University) will deliver opening remarks. Taking place on January 29, this program will explore the most pressing challenges and emerging directions in Holocaust education today. Jenn Magalnick will conclude the session by sharing insights on current programs and resources available to educators seeking to better introduce Holocaust-related topics in their classrooms.

We encourage you to attend, share these opportunities with friends and colleagues, and stand with us in a visible, united commitment to remembrance and to confronting antisemitism in all its forms.

As always, I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our board, staff, and volunteers, and for the ongoing support of our community. Your engagement and partnership fuel everything we do.

Wishing you a restorative and warm Shabbat.

Warmly,

Stacey