Jewish Peoplehood—the enduring concept that we are one people, dispersed since the destruction of the Temple and yet deeply connected throughout the diaspora and to our brothers and sisters in Israel—has resonated strongly with me this week. It is a reminder that across time and geography, we remain bound by shared memory, values, and responsibility.
As a Jewish Federation, we provide that vital link. I have the honour of representing our community and connecting us with other communities and peoples, whether across Canada or in Israel. This role is not just organizational—it is deeply personal, rooted in the belief that Jewish peoplehood is a living, breathing force that sustains us.
Over the last two weeks, I met with fellow CEOs from across Canada in Ottawa, discussing mutual areas of concern and opportunities to coordinate and enhance support for Canadian Jewry. While in Ottawa, I was honoured to testify before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, sharing the experience of antisemitism in Edmonton and how pervasive this issue has become in our society. In moments like these, Jewish peoplehood calls us to speak out—not just for ourselves, but for the dignity and safety of all Jews.
I have just returned from Israel, where I attended Coast-to-Coast Partnership2Gether (P2G) meetings, travelling as far south as Kibbutz Nirim on the Gaza border, and as far north as Metullah on the Lebanese border. There are a few moments I want to share with you—both big and small—that demonstrate the impact of peoplehood and the power of collective giving.
We began with “speed dating” sessions with our twinning schools, where each community met with the principal and staff of their partner school. I was thrilled to bring cards, books, and signs from Talmud Torah to Lev HaEmek, and we look forward to helping Talmud Torah rekindle this connection. One teacher asked me if we knew Mira Campbell, whom she met when her daughter visited Edmonton years ago. They’ve maintained contact, and this personal connection meant so much to her throughout the war. It’s a beautiful example of how peoplehood is sustained not just through institutions, but through relationships.
In Metullah, we met with Mayor David Azulay, whom I’ve spent time with on previous visits. His incredible efforts and dedication have helped save the town from destruction. This time, our conversation focused on rebuilding. He reminded us that this was a war no book could have prepared them for—the first time the entire town was evacuated in 120 years, with 80% of homes damaged. The beautiful new school and the Canada Centre, with its iconic hockey rink, also suffered damage. Despite this, there is hope: 45% of residents have returned. David is the kind of leader who, in the middle of a war, personally called airlines to ensure that children traveling to Camp BB Riback two summers ago could get flights, knowing how important that respite was.
David told us that what means the most to them is the connection—that Jews from around the world care enough to show up and engage. Metullah is part of the larger Etzbah HaGalil region, and on this trip, we repeatedly saw how regional mayors are recognizing the need to work together for common solutions and to build a strong central city—Kiryat Shmona. This spirit of collaboration is a testament to the strength of our collective identity.
Heading south, we visited Ben Gurion University on its opening day and saw how the campus is driving growth in the region. Similarly, we heard from leaders in Etzbah HaGalil about the significance of Tel Hai College becoming a university, and how this will serve as an engine for regional development. I was honoured to represent Canadian CEOs on the Israel Emergency Forum and to speak at the cornerstone ceremony for the soon-to-be-built Canada Senate and Graduate Studies Building. I hope we can tour this building together in the coming years on a flourishing and growing campus.
Our Director General, Sarah Mali—whom many of you met when she visited Edmonton this past year—has brought together communities across Canada to allocate Israel emergency funds collected during the war. Equal contributions from Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and the Coast-to-Coast group have supported a $20 million regeneration project for the north, further leveraged by matching funds from major foundations and the Israeli government. This is significant for two reasons: first, it’s a major investment guided by local expertise and data; second, it reflects the power of Jewish peoplehood. Every Canadian Jewish community stepped forward without hesitation, recognizing this as a vital part of Israel’s recovery, regardless of their own partner regions.
This unity—this instinct to show up, to give, to rebuild—is the essence of Jewish peoplehood. It is not just a feeling; it is a call to action. It is what has sustained us through centuries of dispersion and persecution, and what continues to inspire us to build a better future together.
I look forward to sharing more plans and stories from this trip. Please join us at Beth Shalom Synagogue on Saturday, November 22, where I will go into more detail alongside Howie Sniderman, who has returned from the WZO conference and will share his impressions and experiences from a simultaneous visit to Israel.
Jewish peoplehood also reminds us how connected we remain, no matter where we live. We are thrilled to welcome Bonny Reichert back to her hometown of Edmonton for our Kristallnacht Commemoration, where she will be in conversation with Senator Paula Simons about her new memoir, How to Share an Egg: a true story of Hunger, Love and Plenty. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome home. Books will be available for purchase. If you haven’t registered yet, please bring photo ID to the door.
Finally, thank you to the Chevra Kadisha Society for bringing us together at the downtown cemetery for the Remembrance Day ceremony, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It is an opportunity to visit the cenotaph and honour our community members who have served—and continue to serve—in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey