What an incredible week we have lived through, yet another moment when we can say “I never thought I would live through something like this”. What has happened in the United States this week was shocking and deplorable; a moment of history that we wished we were not living through and a great concern to our North American Jewish communities. Israel is entering its third lockdown and Quebec facing the first curfew imposed in Canada. Despite all this we can find hope and take pride in the vaccination rollout taking place in Israel, a model of efficiency and dedication to purpose. If you are as concerned as I am about the illegitimate criticism of Israel take a moment to read the CIJA fact sheet.

I had chills this week when the Mayor of Metullah, David Azulay, proudly told the Israeli and Canadians on our Partnership Together (P2G) Zoom call about his being vaccinated and just this morning the PJ Our Way staff in Jerusalem told me about how when she got her vaccine, everyone in the room shouted with excitement when a senior came in for their vaccination – We have 84! We have 95! 

In the meantime, I have connected with Canadian CEOs across the country who are warm, welcoming, and seeking partnered programs given the possibilities that Zoom provides. Many of you know the former Edmontonian David Friedland who has now joined the team of the Centre for Jewish and Israel Affairs (CIJA) and we welcome the chance to work with him again in support of our community. 

I met with the Hillel executive, and what a thrill to see the children of committed volunteers that I have worked with in the past begin to step up and ensure a Jewish experience for them and their peers ‘on campus’. On a personal level it has been an incredible week, since I began on Monday I have had conversations with many of you and I look forward to the day when the calls and emails become visits and drop ins at our Federation offices. Edmonton, we have so much to be proud of and I look forward to building on the dedication and passion I am seeing for our community and Klal Yisrael. Entering this role feels like I am coming home, and to that end I wish you a 

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey