This past Monday, I was in Jerusalem, viewing treasures in the collection of the new National Library of Israel. Among them was the codex brought back from Syria, a 10th century manuscript that was used to teach the Hebrew language, compete with vowels and tropes for pronunciation. Volumes such as the one pictured below maintained the ancient dialect throughout the diaspora.
A few days later, Hillel's leadership, partnering with the Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies and Allied Voices for Israel, and supported by an Alberta Government antisemitism grant, welcomed back noted author and advocate Ben Freeman. Ben noted how important it is to build solidarity between Indigenous peoples. Not only were we empowering our youth with the language and tools to speak about Jewish continuity and Jewish pride, local allies warmly received us.
Our community was honoured to hav Chief Victor Buffalo of the Samson Cree Nation welcome us onto Treaty Six Territory. Chief Buffalo is a respected leader and entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in establishing Peace Hills Trust, Canada's first Indigenous-owned financial institution. His dedication to education and community development has opened new doors for First Nation people.
Elder Rick Lighting, Mosom for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta, opened the event with a special sweetgrass ceremony and blessing.
We were honoured to partner with Doris Greyeyes from Little Black Bear’s Band and CMJ Canada, the Church’s Ministry among Jewish People. Doris recently retired as CEO of Wakayos Developments Ltd. and now facilitates indigenous groups, providing a space for personal growth and healing.
The long chain of Jewish peoplehood and continuity includes us as diaspora Jews. We must support the next generation in their journey to understand and take pride in their Jewish heritage and what it means to be part of Jewish peoplehood. Your United Jewish Appeal contributions ensure a campus Hillel, leverage grants for events like this, and empower and connect our youth.
Jewish peoplehood speaks to the connection among us, and the notion of one people, one heart—Am Echad, Lev Echad. Several days ago I settled into a seat on the Tel Aviv boardwalk, the tayelet, to watch the sunset. A woman came and sat on the bench to my left. I looked over and recognized her as Aviva Segal, a former hostage and wife of recently released Keith Segal. She continues as an outspoken advocate for the remaining hostages. We had a long conversation, and I asked her what to share with our community. Aviva stressed what we all know and feel in our hearts—the hostages’ time is running out, their torture is beyond inhumane, and they require immediate release.
Just yesterday, 600 school children returned to the community centre in Kiryat Shmona to celebrate Purim and resume school. While there are many complexities to returning in this period, their complete joy in the festivities is exactly what we all need during this challenging time. I hope you consider joining in one of the several celebrations of Purim taking place in Edmonton this weekend.
Chag Purim Sameach, and may we see a swift return of those yet to be freed.
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey
