In case you missed it, we sent out an email earlier this week about a cybersecurity incident experienced at the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. In summary, we were notified by our external IT contractor that the Kaseya brand software they use to manage their clients’ IT networks, including ours, was compromised over the weekend. This is part of a broader cyberattack that affected businesses around the world. As we stated, our highest priority is the protection of your personal information. At this stage, no personal information appears to have been compromised. We have consulted with an additional cybersecurity firm who confirmed that the risk is extremely low. Our work will be slowed down for the next little while as our internal systems and files have been affected. We will continue to update you via email as we learn more. 

While some of our work has taken a pause, our summer programming, Shalom Baby launch, and plans for Heritage Festival are continuing in full force. Many of you have asked how we can demonstrate support for Israel these past few months, and our Israel Pavilion is the perfect opportunity. Our community needs you at our foremost outreach event and you can sign up for Sunday or Monday. 

With the help of the COVID Social Services Relief Grant from the Government of Alberta, we are offering a Summer Fun Series. What better time than summer to reconnect with your community!  From kids drop off days to community outings and pre-Shabbat gatherings, we have you covered! Our first Jkids Pop Up day ‘Bike, Hike & Tye Dye’ was a great success. There is still room for coming days including an artist workshop, and field trips to the Zoo and Camp BB. 

“How to raise a Jewish Dog” is one of my favourite books and I look forward to seeing you at Shabbark in the Park at 5 p.m. tonight at Buena Vista Dog Park. Of course, all participants go home with a Shabbat Doggie Bag! We hope you check out the rest of the series and join us as we see old friends and continue to make new ones.

While the crisis in Israel has abated, our work to understanding and combatting antisemitism continues. Over the last while I have had discussions with many of  you about the manifestations of antisemitism ‘from the left’. Jarrod Tanny in this Jewish Journal article, “The Academy, Palestine, and the Quest for a Utopia Without Jewish Peoplehood” explains and debunks intersectional theories around oppression and Zionism. “Zionists are under assault, and we cannot win in the academy unless we understand the deception our opponents are practicing.” You can read more to unpack some of those theories and understand their origins.

The Government of Canada is holding an Emergency Summit on antisemitism in late July. Whether you have directly experienced an antisemitic event or have general concerns about antisemitism right now, please join the CIJA Community Town Hall on July 14 at fightit.ca to voice your concerns. 

In the meantime, we are anticipating both a municipal and possible federal election this fall. While I will have more to say in coming weeks, please contact me if you would like to get involved with our advocacy efforts. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey