On two occasions when I visited Israel post-October 7, I represented our community in solidarity moments with Canadian families affected by events that day. Adi Vital-Kaploun z’l, may her memory be a blessing, is one such individual, a mother whom terrorists murdered as she tried to save her two young boys from entering their safe room. You perhaps recall their picture that was widely shared, a Hamas terrorist holding each boy at his sides, as he was about to take them to Gaza. Adi’s mother, Jacqui Vital, shares the account of Adi and her family and the lessons of courage and resilience that abound from this beautiful family. We are delighted to join with Beth Shalom Synagogue, which will welcome Jacqui and host Shabbat dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, August 29.
Klal Yisrael—we are one people, and we are all connected. It is an honour as a Jewish Federation leader to present leading global experts and speakers on relevant issues to uplift, inspire, and inform our community.
I often joke I am in the growth business—growth of antisemitism (as evidenced with this StopHate AB report that draws on the data you have reported to our organization) and growth of community. To combat antisemitism, we must strengthen our individual Jewish identities. As a community, we must also continue advocating against this growing form of hate.
Speaker series to provide tools for you
Get your calendars out, Edmonton! Jewish Federation staff and volunteers have curated a speaker series, Countering Antisemitism: Voices of Resilience, coming this fall.
I’m overjoyed to announce that we’re kicking off this series at the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Launch on Thursday, September 11, where we’ll be hosting Eitan Chitayat, the brilliant mind behind "I'm That Jew", the globally recognized viral sensation that exploded with this very video, reaching millions worldwide. Eitan lives in Israel but will come to us fresh from an Australian tour, where he is speaking with communities there who have faced a rash of antisemitism.
"I’m That Jew" is about Jewish people owning who we are and celebrating that. Openly.
Your UJA gifts support and engage teens to live their Judaism through programs like BBYO and Student to Student. These pluralistic programs help them become community leaders and ambassadors. We are also further empowering Hillel. The first Shabbaton post-COVID with Calgary and Winnipeg is happening this September, ensuring that our students on campus have opportunities to gather and learn with their peers from Western Canada.
Countering hatred of Jews begins with your strengthened Jewish identity and continues with learning in a variety of formats about the complexities of issues.
Casey Babb and Loay Alsahreef, fellows of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, will visit the University of Alberta on Thursday, September 25. They are coming in partnership with Hillel and with the support of an Alberta government grant aimed at strengthening resilience in the face of antisemitism. Their discussion, Jewish Arab Reconciliation, the Future of Peace in the Middle East and the Fight Against Extremism, should be informative and eye-opening for many. We encourage community members to join this evening event, bring friends, and experience a different conversation about the possibilities in the Middle East.
Two years ago, a community leader inquired if I knew about Jonny Daniels, founder of From the Depths, which is a foundation to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. He has connected with next-gen adults and reinvigorated this field of work. Our recent March of the Living alumni participants had sessions with him while on their trips. They expressed to us how engaging and inspiring Jonny was in their Jewish journeys. It brings me immense pleasure to inform you that Jonny will join us in Edmonton on Tuesday, October 21, to speak about Jewish identity, Middle East insights, and strategies to combat antisemitism.
Even more special is that he will bring the Survivor Torah Project to our community. We will honour Holocaust survivors, inviting them to write a letter inside as he has been doing with survivors internationally to repair this Torah. We look forward to having Talmud Torah students involved to ensure that the children will bear witness to this incredible event.
Holocaust education is a steadfast activity that we continue in Edmonton with the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Holocaust Symposium, classroom visits, teacher training, and commemorative events. As we prepare for the new Jewish Community Centre, which will house a Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Education Centre, this day with Jonny is sure to create lasting memories.
The last in our series this fall is welcoming back former Edmontonian and national magazine award-winning journalist Bonny Reichert. Her latest book, How to Share an Egg: A true story of hunger, love and plenty, is a memoir and moving exploration of Jewish heritage and self-discovery. She tells her father’s account of surviving the Holocaust alongside her own journey. We will feature Bonny as our Kristallnacht commemoration speaker on Sunday, November 9. I read this book in one sitting—the perfect way to spend a rainy summer day this weekend.
These five speakers bring different perspectives on Jewish identity, pride, facing adversity, and being resilient. We hope you will walk away feeling inspired and motivated to strengthen your own Jewish journey while engaging with your Federation and community. Together as one, we can make a difference.
Shabbat shalom,
Stacey