I have often quipped I am in the growth business—growth in community and growth in antisemitism. While this is meant to be tongue in cheek, many of you have noted the increased need for a communal voice and our ongoing engagement in security and advocacy while also noting the post October 7 surge. As one of my staff members lamented earlier this week—there is ‘always’ something going on here. 

Amid these challenges, we also continue to build and strengthen 

In case you missed it, our first ever Impact Report for 2024-2025 was published this past week. You can read it now and see how all these efforts and programs are fostered by the Jewish Federation, with your United Jewish Appeal support and leveraged with additional grants and funders.  

Alongside local work, our global connections continue to deepen 

We are also proud to be part of a pan-Canadian coalition that has combined and leveraged resources to regenerate our partnership region in northern Israel. The strategic approach is outlined by our director general in Jerusalem, Sarah Mali, in this article.

We continue to take part in the coast-to-coast Partnership2Gether and are fostering more opportunities for connections—whether in connecting teachers between partnered schools, a mission for 25–50-year-olds (subsidized by birthright volunteer program) or sourcing high priority projects for individual donors.  

Here at home, we are also celebrating meaningful milestones 

This past week we proudly shared a landmark announcement with the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre and a vision to ensure sustainable funding in perpetuity with the launching of a JCC endowment fund by Arliss Miller. These commitments reflect a profound dedication to continuity and belonging—values that are more vital than ever.  

And the needs of our community remain present every day 

Just yesterday a newcomer from Israel came to our office looking for support. While we were able to refer him to Jewish Family Services outreach team, I look forward to welcoming a newcomer who shows up and walking them down the hall to meet with the outreach worker who is in the Jewish Family Service office right in the building, and seeing them return for a program or event in the very same building.  

Community occurs when people show up, and if you have not read The Bridge, please sign up so you can learn about the many programs and opportunities coming up, including speakers, coffee meetings, family drop in, and opportunities to volunteer.  

On the security front, we remain vigilant and grateful 

We are most grateful to our law enforcement both locally and nationally—as both Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and RCMP have announced earlier this week two separate and unrelated arrests made where individuals were making threats online towards our community. As stated by Chief Warren Driechel, “Following recent events in Australia, as well as ongoing conflicts taking place in various countries across the globe, we want to assure our local faith communities that, regardless of denomination, your safety is our priority,” with a commitment to investigate incidents online and in person to the fullest extent.  

The EPS hate crimes unit is recommending that Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied, allowing the courts to consider increased sentencing when there is evidence the offence was motivated by hatred. If you see something of concern, make sure to report online to both EPS hate incident reporting tool and our antisemitism portal. Police can determine whether this is something that requires investigation or may factor into an ongoing or future investigation. 

We look forward in coming weeks to making further announcements about a security program for our community and continue to liaise with both EPS and RCMP on matters of concern. A reminder that if you are feeling concerned or overwhelmed, free counselling support is being made available by Jewish Family Services.  

As we enter Shabbat…  

I’m reminded that our strength comes from showing up for one another—with resolve, compassion, and a shared belief in the future we’re building together. The work is constant, but so is the courage and generosity of this community. From deepening our ties to Israel, to strengthening our institutions, to ensuring safety and belonging for every Jew, we are shaping the next chapter of Jewish life in Edmonton together. May this Shabbat bring rest, pride in what we’re achieving, and renewed commitment to the sacred work of community.  

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey