This week, I want to take a moment to thank you. Thank you for sharing articles and updates on social media, for your calls and emails with your concerns around local issues related to antisemitism and advocacy and those of you who joined us for the CommUNITY service gathering we held last Friday before Shabbat. And if you are skipping over this message, thank you for filling out our strategic planning survey, link at the bottom of the page!

On Victoria Day, Steve and I were invited to meet with Premier Jason Kenney along with our counterparts at the Calgary Jewish Federation to talk about antisemitism in Alberta. We appreciated the clear expression of support for our communities, including this statement by MLA Whitney Issik, Calgary-Glenmore in the Legislature this past week. 

Whether you are one to write an article, comment on social media or write a letter to  a politician– or not – there are other ways that you can help. 

Can you take one minute to fill out this action alert to ask our federal government to convene an emergency summit to address growing antisemitism online and on our streets – for the safety of the Jewish community and for the benefit of all Canadians? 

Back in February we hosted a cooking class with Chef Shawna live from her home in Ranaana. I would like to share with you this Times of Israel blog article written by her husband, Todd Sone, who eloquently tackles the problems of conflating Israel as oppressor with his outline of the ‘moral equation’. We are watching the unfolding narratives on social media with deep concern, as they are mainstreaming and emboldening antisemitism. As Todd states “The anti Israel crusade being amped up on social media is now creating a horrifying Orwellian phenomenon.” You can be part of changing the conversation. Can you take one minute and fill out this survey on the Ryan Jespersen question of the week, asking where you stand on Israel and Palestine? 

This week was also momentous as Alberta has set a path through the end of public health restrictions. We look forward to resuming some in person programming and events outdoors this summer. We are also planning for a modified Heritage Fesitival as well, a highlight of the summer that we all missed last year.

Every week I try to tell you what is passing across my desk and what has been top of mind in our office. This week, I have told you about some of our many advocacy efforts and hinted at summer plans. Now, I am asking you for the third request …it is now time for us to hear from YOU.   

What is important to you? What are your hopes and priorities for Jewish Edmonton in the next three to five years as we emerge from this pandemic? Fill out this strategic planning survey and let us know. Bonus: there is even the chance to win a $50 Amazon or Starbucks gift card. 

Please share widely with your friends. We want to hear from as many as possible and keep this conversation going.

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey