We received incredible news this week that the Community Facilities Enhancement Program Grant committee approved our application for the new Jewish Community Centre (JCC), awarding us the full $1 million we requested. Thank you to Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir and the Government of Alberta for their support and confidence and for bringing this undertaking to fruition and to invest in the future of our community.
This grant results from a significant application, backed by the Alberta Counsel and our project manager, Marshall Hundert. Ongoing discussions and advocacy events with our staff, volunteers, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) have resulted in greater understanding about our community, our challenges, and our work towards creating a stronger Alberta.
The JCC project will ensure that today’s generation and generations to come and have a gathering space open to all. I look forward to the day when I walk through the building, wishing parents and tots a Shabbat shalom after their PJ Library program, watching the social hall being set up for a simcha or guest speaker to take place over the weekend. Imagine welcoming the first newcomer who shows up, wanting to connect with the Jewish community, and letting them know about the Jewish Family Services workshop taking place that evening. There will be a buzz of teens hanging out in their lounge and planning their next BBYO program. I’m also excited about the special exhibits on display, curated by the Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Northern Alberta, or walking dignitaries through a Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Education Centre.
I often quip I am in the growth business, whether you look at the increase of antisemitism or the expansion of community. While we cannot ignore the darker moment that we face as a Jewish people, Jewish Edmonton is showing our strength, resiliency, and determined future through this project. This announcement is providing us with the momentum to move forward, and a powerful signal that we are not only welcome in Alberta, but strongly encouraged to imagine and build our tomorrow here.
Our architect Mode and contractor Pemco Construction Ltd. are working diligently with the redevelopment committee to establish building plans according to budget. With your generous support, we will fulfill the vision of completing all the additional items that we hope for in this 19,200 square foot facility and secure an endowment that will provide operating funds in perpetuity. I anticipate with pleasure discussing naming opportunities with you, as we work together to create a thriving, connected Jewish Edmonton.
L’Dor V’Dor - from generation to generation. As we continue to build on this resurgence, let’s take a moment this Shabbat to light an extra candle for those who remain in captivity, and dedicate a sip of wine as we say a l’chaim to our community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey