The Coast-to-Coast Federation partner communities have returned to Etzba HaGalil this week to continue building relationships. CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright, Federation Co-President Benaron Gleiberman, Partnership2Gether chair Erin Wright are representing Jewish Federation of Edmonton, along with Karen Farkas and Clyde Hurtig. Edmonton is one of six Canadian communities connecting with five Israeli municipalities through the Coast-to-Coast Partnership meetings. 

Why does this matter? Our Edmonton representatives went to Israel when the war began in 2023 and stood with evacuees to understand their challenges and to work on solutions. Through your support of the United Jewish Appeal campaign, as one, we stand with our partnership region despite an ocean of separation. The meetings with communities focused on returning to relationships that have spanned 25 years and demonstrating support as they rebuild after the devastation from the war. 

Earlier this year, Canadian Federations announced a $40 million investment for the Galilee Panhandle called Project Regeneration. One of the key moments during this trip was to lay a cornerstone for the new Senate and Graduate Studies building at Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona and the Galilie with Stacey representing the Canadian Federation CEOs with this speech. Tel-Hai is part of Project Regeneration. 

Erin and Benaron both have a Shabbat message to share with the Edmonton Jewish community. 

Shabbat Shalom