As we mark the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we remember those whose lives were stolen through acts of hatred and violence. The Torah's insistence on responsibility for one another challenges us not only to mourn the victims, but also to support survivors, comfort bereaved families, and stand with communities threatened by terror.

This is something our community has done through its annual United Jewish Appeal (UJA) contributions and through the extraordinary support shown when we raised emergency dollars for Israel. Our annual contributions to the Jewish Agency for Israel and their ongoing work provided the infrastructure and capacity to respond when it was needed most. The Victims of Terror Fund, established in 2002, provides immediate relief and care when terror strikes. In the immediate aftermath, the fund provides support for urgent crisis needs, as well as ongoing mental health care in the months and years that follow. I have heard time and again that Israelis were told they were not alone in the aftermath of Oct. 7 and felt Am Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood), knowing that those in the Diaspora were responding.

This morning I am thinking about Adi Vital Kaploun z"l, and her mother Jacqui from Ottawa, whom we have had the privilege to host in Edmonton, as well as the seven other Canadian families of victims of terror on October 7 whom we have come to know through visits in Edmonton and meetings in Israel. I hope the comfort we have extended has helped them on their journey through grief.

As I was writing this message, Jacqui sent me a link to this National Post article featuring a statement from Canadian families of victims of October 7 calling for further terror designations. Our responsibility for one another is felt on both sides of the ocean. As Jacqui said:

“Terrorism doesn’t end when an attack is over. It leaves families forever changed and ripples through entire communities long after the headlines have disappeared.”

Building community takes many forms: fostering a culture of safety and resilience, providing moments of connection and Jewish joy, and continually educating about Jewish identity and our long history.

Last night we hosted a canvasser appreciation event in preparation for the annual UJA campaign. I was delighted to have a deep-dive conversation with two people who have joined and enriched our community over the past year, Professor Alexander Warren Marcus and Zion Barany. You can read more about Professor Marcus in this article, and about Zion and his work in an upcoming article that will be published on our website next week.

Hearing about the impact of Professor Marcus's courses and presence on campus, as well as plans to expand Jewish studies, was both inspiring and encouraging. As an aside, you can audit his courses even if you are not a University of Alberta student. In addition, with his help, Hillel will now have a permanent space, expanding the support we can provide to Jewish students on campus. (We are looking for a few items, including a mini fridge and sofa. If you have something to donate, please contact hilleledmonton@edjfed.org.)

Zion and I discussed the unfolding plans for the future Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Centre. In particular, he spoke about the work he has done over the past year, made possible through a grant from the Edmonton Community Foundation. He described the trust families have placed in him, sharing treasured items and asking for help uncovering more about their relatives, answers he has often been able to find.

What struck me is the ecosystem of collaboration and scholarship we are fostering, an unintended by-product that continues to benefit both our community and the broader Edmonton community.

Jewish Federation of Edmonton mobilizes and develops resources and strengthens relationships in order to provide leadership at home, in Israel, and around the world. In moments like these, when remembrance, care for victims, education, resilience, and community-building come together, we are reminded that our mission is not an abstract statement. It is a living responsibility that we fulfill together every day.

Shabbat shalom,

Stacey