Shabbat Shalom,

As the situation in Iran and Israel continues to unfold, we are staying closely connected with our national partners to monitor developments and keep our community informed. I hope you have been able to join the webinars offered through the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) or the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). You can find recordings in the weekly Bridge if you missed them.

Earlier this week, a donor called me with a simple question: “What is needed right now?” Their words were a powerful reminder of what makes our community exceptional—people trust the Federation system to deliver support where needed and when needed. We earn that trust through a consistent, coordinated approach, both at home and in Israel, and it remains one of our greatest strengths.

Our partnership region sits on Israel’s northern periphery, an area experiencing repeated sirens and missile alerts. These often come with little or no warning, creating an entirely different set of challenges. As I write this, red alert notices for Kfar Giladi, Tel Hai, and Metullah are appearing, and I know that our friends and partners are running to bomb shelters just as they were preparing their Shabbat meals.

Our teams are in constant contact with municipal leaders, civilians on the ground, and our nationally based partners as the situation develops. We are all aware that needs are shifting by the hour, and communities are responding in real time.

In moments like this, our role becomes especially critical. Supporting municipalities and helping them offer essential services—guided by mayors and regional council leaders—allows us to guarantee stability and safety for families where it is needed most. We will release Israel emergency funds, and I look forward to sharing more details in my next Shabbat message.

Here in Edmonton, security remains a top priority. We are working closely with our advocacy partners and law enforcement so that our institutions and events remain safe. I extend sincere thanks to the Edmonton Police Service for their visible presence at our Purim celebrations; their support allowed families to celebrate with comfort and joy.

I also want to acknowledge members of Edmonton’s Iranian community who reached out in solidarity this week. Their messages were deeply meaningful. The elation was palpable at their gathering this past Sunday, and it was a remarkable sight to see Canadian, Israeli, and Lion and Sun flags together while dancing to “Am Yisrael Chai.”

This week, I participated in a seminar with Federation CEOs from across North America, where we examined the future and relevance of our centralized community model. The message was clear: times like these reveal why a unified, coordinated Federation voice is essential. Whether addressing local security concerns or supporting Israel, the Federation system provides the structure, stability, and connective tissue needed to act quickly and effectively. Over the past week, we have seen the systems, services, and safety nets built over years spring into action. With our core partners—the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and JDC—we mobilized emergency funds to offer immediate relief for families whose homes were damaged and to expand mental health support during this escalation.

This week also brought meaningful moments of connection. I was honoured to attend the Alberta Counsel’s International Women’s Day event, which highlighted the leadership and resilience of women across our community. Planning is well underway for Festival Hatzafon, Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut—significant occasions to gather, remember, and celebrate. Watch The Bridge and our social media channels for registration details.

Excitement is also building for the 30th annual Edmonton Jewish Film Festival. With a stellar lineup of films and events, and with a project that will bring two JAFI Shinshinim to our community for a year of connection and programming, supporting the festival is truly a double mitzvah. I encourage you to learn more about the Shinshinim program and the sponsorship opportunities available.

As we head into Shabbat, I am grateful for each of you—for your engagement, your care, and the way our community keeps showing up for one another. These are complex times, but we face them with strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our shared future.

Wishing you and your families a peaceful Shabbat.

Stacey