There are weeks when much of our work happens behind the scenes—and then there are moments when all that planning takes shape in visible ways. This past week brought both. 

As the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival wrapped with energy, connection, and shared experience, preparations continued for summer programming and for our presence at the Heritage Festival, where we will proudly share the Israel Pavilion—including dance, food, and cultural elements—with the broader Edmonton community. At the same time, we held important conversations with partners and government officials to ensure our community’s voice is heard and our needs are understood. Together, these efforts move us from planning to presence—from intention to impact. 

As we mark Jewish Heritage Month, we are reminded of the importance of sharing our story—both within our community and with the broader public. I want to thank filmmaker Len Pearl for his initiative to have monuments across Canada lit up on May 20, including the Alberta Legislature, in recognition of Jewish contributions and presence. These moments of visibility matter deeply. 

Looking ahead, we are excited for the Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (JAHSENA) Leadership and Legacy Book Launch on Wednesday, May 27. This event will celebrate the individuals and stories that have helped shape Jewish Edmonton. Honouring our past while investing in our future remains an enduring theme of our work.

In recent days, we have been monitoring a concerning development affecting Jewish communities across Canada. In a further escalation targeting Jewish communal life, anti-Israel activists have launched a campaign to flood the Canada Revenue Agency with complaints about Jewish schools. While this campaign is directed at institutions outside Alberta, it should concern all of us. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has issued an action alert—every voice matters. I encourage you to take a moment to add your voice and send a message to the head of the Canada Revenue Agency, urging the agency to prevent the malicious exploitation of its rules.

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting with Minister Eleanor Olszewski for a fulsome discussion about security and safety and the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP). These funds will help strengthen the security of our community institutions, and we look forward to supporting organizations as they access this important resource. 

As we close our annual campaign, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our community. Together, we contributed $882,000 to our United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign. With an additional $48,000 in endowed giving, we raised a total of $930,000 to support Jewish life. I am especially grateful to the 25 new donors who joined this effort—your partnership strengthens us all.

The energy of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival continues to resonate. We laughed and cried together, experiencing the power of Jewish storytelling and connection through film. Thank you to all who attended, and I encourage you to share your feedback in this survey as plans begin for next year. Yasher Koach to Bar Lavy, our dedicated festival coordinator, and to our staff team, Sam, and the entire committee for bringing this event to life.

We continue to build the pathways that sustain and grow our community. I invite you to explore the volunteer opportunities page on our website, where you can support a range of organizations, including roles connected to the Heritage Festival. As this page is newly launched, I encourage you to return often as organizations continue to add opportunities. Volunteering remains one of the most meaningful ways to connect and contribute to the strength of our community.

We are pleased to welcome Praise back to our office through mid-June, and we are currently seeking a communications summer intern to join our team from June through August. Made possible through the Canada Summer Jobs program, this role offers a returning student under 30 the chance to engage in meaningful community work. 

As Shabbat approaches, may we take pride in the ways we continue to build, show up, and ensure that Jewish life in Edmonton remains vibrant, visible, and strong.

Please note that there will be no Shabbat message next Friday as we mark Shavuot.

Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat,  

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey