This week, I cried. I suspect there are many others who did as well. Perhaps yours were an  “inside voice” lament, or full on outward tears of frustration or anger. Between the worry for our friends and family in Israel, the struggle for our young adults bullied on social media, and incidents across Canada, there is a lot to unpack. The key now, is not to get stuck in it. 

Edmonton, we are a resilient community. And we are resilient because of our strength when we come together and support one another and Israel. Jewish Federation staff and leadership have been working tirelessly with law enforcement, Talmud Torah, CIJA and our counterparts in Calgary to ensure we are addressing basic safety needs, supporting our teens and young adults with information sessions, with Edmonton Public Schools to ensure a safe and supportive return to school and to high school classrooms, and on advocacy with politicians across the spectrum. 

Now, we need you. We need you to contact your MLAs to express your concerns about their social media posts – or lack of support in some cases. Contact media when their reporting seems biased and one-sided. Buy Israeli produce when you see it in the stores. Don’t like grapefruit? Donate it to a shelter! Email long lost friends in Israel, send messages of support. Share articles on social media and keep reading to inform yourself. Donate to the Victims of Terror Fund we have set up along with Jewish Agency for Israel.

Join us tonight, Friday May 21, 5-5:30 p.m. for commUNITY : Together in Strength, where we will give you some updates and be led in a few prayers for Israel led by Rabbi Gila Caine, Rabbi Zolly Claman, and Rabbi Steven Schwarzman. This is the time to come together. 

This weekend I plan on taking long walks in the W’s with my two dogs. I hope to run into many of you, on the streets and in the parks, playing outside with your children and taking long walks as well. My pockets will be full of Israel/Alberta flag pins and when you greet me with “Am Israel Chai “ I will be sharing those pins with you - as we should all lead proud, connected Jewish lives here in Edmonton, Alberta.

I will also apologize in advance for the embarrassment that my dogs will surely give me when they bark in return…..!

Shabbat Shalom and I hope to see you at 5 p.m. today as well. 

Stacey