What do a Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) board retreat, Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, Oilers second round playoffs, and Jewish Heritage Month all have in common? 

I attended CIJA board meetings in Montreal this week, along with CIJA Board Secretary Steve Shafir, colleagues, and board members from across Canada. CIJA, the Jewish Federations’ lobbying and advocacy group, had much to discuss regarding post-election national priorities and strategic focus. We expect sharing this plan with you in the coming weeks.  

When we are advocating for our community, we are not just raising concerns about the effects of rising antisemitism, we also ensure that Jewish Edmontonians can live a fulsome Jewish experience that includes an intrinsic connection to Israel, in a public and proud way. For 29 years, our film festival has showcased Jewish culture to greater Edmonton, highlighting its vibrancy and diversity.  

We are remiss to share the news that Jacqueline Medalye will leave our team on May 21, as she takes a public policy and government relations role with an Alberta agricultural commission. Jacqueline called us from her home in British Columbia at the tail end of COVID, inquiring about the community as she was considering a move for her family. 

She joined our team and built up a position that fulfilled a much-needed strategic approach to community, university, and government relations. She collaborated with lay leaders to expand Genesis, a program for young adults. The flood of daily hate-related calls prompted her to launch an antisemitism portal. We use this platform to track current events systematically. This helps us advise our community, spot trends, and advocate for better policies and support. She organized many events and programs to guarantee our leadership continuously connects with community and government leaders. Please join me in wishing Jacqueline well in her new role. Thank her for her hard work during a challenging time for Jewish community professionals. We intend to have interim assistance in place while we establish a role description to be posted shortly.  

May is Jewish Heritage Month, a time where we honour the contributions of prominent Jewish Canadians to the fabric of Jewish life in our country. Sign up for a Jewish Archives & Historical Society Of Edmonton (JAHSENA) membership and you will receive their newsletter to learn more about Edmontonians. I look forward to seeing you at the film festival Tuesday night, where there are to be tours of the H.B. Kline Jewelry Store offered by JAHSENA prior to the screening. 

On that note, two goal scorers in the second game of the second round of the playoffs were notable Jewish Edmontonians, Zach Hyman and Jake Walman. A double mitzvah! 

Go Oilers and Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey