Meytal Novidomsky, the Coast to Coast Partnership Director, and our lay leaders from Canada and Israel joined me in a Zoom meeting yesterday morning. During our preparations for the upcoming virtual and in-person meetings, our Israeli colleagues would often pause because of the sound of 80 rocket interceptions overhead.  

I have frequently spoken about the residents of Etzbah HaGalil, who remain displaced from their homes and communities. While the government has officially evacuated those within five kilometres from the border with Lebanon since October, making them eligible for government assistance, residents who are 5.1 kilometres and further are enduring incessant rocket attacks. Many are without options and do not have the resources to relocate, while others do not want to abandon their residences and businesses.  

Meytal informed us that the beautiful new school I had the privilege to visit in Metullah two years ago—where I stood at a back window and viewed the border that Hezbollah terrorists would stand at, observing and recording the movements of residents—has now suffered damage twice from rockets. Many houses have been destroyed, as recounted to us by the teens who came to Camp BB Riback this summer. We know that once it is safe to return to their communities, there will be a giant task ahead of rebuilding. When the moment is right, we’ll unite with other Canadian communities to help with this huge undertaking. 

As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Chagim, I want to thank my board of directors, and the many committees of additional volunteers who are thoughtfully showing up and investing their time and energy in this community. We have had much to grapple with this year, and they have provided guidance and wisdom when it is easier to walk away and ‘let someone else deal with it’.    

I also want to thank those of you who have made United Jewish Appeal donations who are supporting all our efforts, programs and partner agencies through your gift. It is inspiring and humbling to know that you support and appreciate the work that we have the privilege to show up for, day in and day out, to ensure that we are a community that will function “As One”. When your canvasser reaches out, please remember that they too are volunteers, who are seeking to guarantee that we continue to assist our community and Klal Israel. 

As we will not be issuing The Bridge or Shabbat message next week because of the timing of the Chagim, I want to take this opportunity to ask forgiveness for those I have unintentionally wronged, as although I wish I were infallible I too make mistakes and apologize for any slights I may have caused.  

Finally, as we approach the coming days with trepidation, we send prayers to the brave warriors defending and protecting our only Jewish state, and to the citizens of Israel. Please join us (and encourage friends and allies to as well) for our community commemoration on Monday, October 7, where we will gather as a unified force in our support of one another and Israel. Our team has collaborated extensively with volunteers and rabbis to organize this ceremony. We are also in close and regular contact with law enforcement, planning for the upcoming high holidays and for the ceremony on October 7. Security will be present, and we will extend a warm welcome back to one of our own, RCMP Sgt. Lorne Lecker. While registration is not mandatory, we kindly request that you have government ID with you.   

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah—may you be inscribed in the Book of Life. 

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,  

Stacey