At our board meeting on Wednesday night, I was preparing to share updates from our partnership region, including the incredible work of so many on the ground—Jewish Federations of Canada – United Israel Appeal, alongside primarily American foundations and Federations—who helped reverse a government decision that would have cut significant funding to northern Israel at a critical moment. Before I began, my phone was difficult to ignore. The Red Alert app started lighting up: missiles toward Tel Hai. Then Metullah. Then Kiryat Shmona.

In that very real, tender juncture, we knew that our sister communities were once again running to shelters or safe rooms. Yesterday, a building in Kiryat Shmona took a direct hit, wounding many. We wish them, and the entire community, a refuah shlemah.

In his recent Times of Israel blog, From Karma to Renewal, my friend Todd Sone reflects on what it means to live through this moment—the impact of 47 years of Iran’s strategy—and, more importantly, offers thoughtful ideas on how Israel can move forward. His words touch on the challenges facing Israeli society today and the opportunities to reshape it for the better: to strengthen the Jewish people and contribute to a more stable Middle East. I offer this as grounding for conversations that advance beyond the ideological framings or security debates that so often dominate our feeds.

If you’ve visited my office, you’ve likely seen the small Golda Meir figurine perched atop a piece of rubble from a building destroyed by rocket fire in Metullah. That image feels even more fitting now. We are in a moment of crisis—and also a moment of opportunity. I draw deep strength from the many lionesses who have fought for our people across generations, as well as from the courageous leaders in our own midst.

Which brings me to this week: the role of Federation, and how we continue to move forward.

Community action drives our advocacy

First, amid the noise—and what I call “the ripping of the band-aid”—it is important to take inspiration from a courageous leader, Chief Warren Driechel. With humility, he has been steadfast. I will let our open letter and my statement at the Edmonton Police Commission speak for themselves.

Second, thank you. Your encouragement and actions mattered. You responded to action alerts. You contacted the mayor, city councillors, and the commission. You engaged with our social media and that of our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). You sent messages of support. (No need to continue—I need to catch up on my inbox.) I feel your partnership deeply, and our board and staff—who have been with me at every stage—feels it too.

Third, I want to reflect on the role of Federation as convenor, bridge-builder, connector, and leader. It has never been clearer that when issues arise, we must act, we must speak with one voice, we must stay united, and we must cultivate relationships beyond our community—locally and nationally—so that others will stand with us when it matters most.

Federation leads, but we do not lead alone. Community leaders were involved at every stage. CIJA amplified our voice with the action alert that gave elected officials clarity and confidence. Allies For A Strong Canada mobilized their networks with both an action alert and an email encouraging attendance at the police commission meeting.

The energy I have seen—the willingness of people to step forward, get involved, and do something—gives me immense strength and confidence that we are on the right path. In the coming weeks, we will share more about the development of our community relations committee. We will also identify places where representation matters so we can empower more volunteers to carry on and expand the work already underway.

Partnerships build bridges beyond our community

We also have courageous friends beyond our community who see common cause and who stepped up to build bridges. I am deeply grateful to those who signed the open letter and to those who came to the commission meeting. Their partnership is meaningful.

I want to give a special shout-out to community members who reached out wanting to help. In particular, Rachel—who, as a newcomer Israeli, wanted to understand the nuances of what was unfolding and act as a bridge to strengthen our community. Within a day, she and Christina had created a plan for what is going to be our first community Mimouna, shortly after Passover. This will be an opportunity to show hospitality and gratitude to our allies. Details will follow in a separate email and on our socials once finalized. This is our community at its best—channeling our energy into something positive, together.

And while it may be grey and snowy today, it is also Persian New Year. I wish a Norooz Pirooz—a day of prosperity and “winning”—to our Persian friends during this time of renewal and harmony. I encourage you to join the public celebration this Sunday at 2 p.m. at Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Let us all enter Shabbat in peace.

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey