The work of a Federation is often unseen. It is the groundwork laid through advocacy conversations, collaboration among community leaders on issues that shape our collective future, the grants we leverage to launch and sustain programs, and the dialogues we have with partners across the country who seek the Jewish Edmonton perspective.

This week, my focus was on all of this and more. We are grateful for confirmed funding from the Edmonton Community Foundation to carry forward the work of curating the Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Centre. Having seen the incredible lengths Zion Barany has gone to uncover ‘missing pieces’ of information that survivors and their families have long been seeking, I see first-hand the meaningful impact this work is already having in preserving memory and strengthening connection across generations.

We are completing bursaries for Camp BB Riback, Talmud Torah, and AJP (the after-school Orthodox education program), while also confirming applicants to Camp Gan Izzy. More than 45 families were assessed through an anonymous process so that assistance reaches those who need it most. To date, the program will help 45 children attend Talmud Torah and 20 attend Camp BB, expanding access to Jewish education and experiences.

Several recipients shared their appreciation in emails:

“Thank you so much for approving our bursary. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for the incredible support the Jewish community provides to families.” 

“We would like to sincerely thank you, the Jewish Federation, and the Jewish community for the generous bursary. We truly appreciate this support.” 

We are equally grateful to the Rogers Birdies Classic, which allowed us to leverage last year’s United Jewish Appeal (UJA) contributions into an additional $18,000 to expand this bursary funding. Early donations to the UJA 2026 campaign are now being accepted so we can once again take full advantage of this opportunity to grow our impact.

This past Shabbat, we convened our leadership donors to share how the Jewish Federation is actively working to counter antisemitism and strengthen community safety. We shared developments on the Community Security Initiative, including an opportunity to hear from Vladi, who will work directly with security trustees from each organization to strengthen planning and coordination. Marley Gillies also spoke about shared advocacy priorities across Alberta and how the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs team supports and strengthens our work locally. I provided an update on the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre, which highlighted growing momentum toward our future community home.

Construction at the Oshry | Kipnes JCC continues to take shape. Most recently, we have seen the elevator shaft being built, alongside the installation of electrical and sprinkler systems, with framing for offices and meeting rooms now underway. The design committee continues to meet with vendors to plan for strong audiovisual capability throughout the building, along with furnishings that will create welcoming spaces to gather, learn, and connect. What began as weekly planning is now becoming increasingly tangible.

Our email on Wednesday, in place of The Bridge, featured the story of Janet and David Aaron, early supporters of the Oshry | Kipnes JCC through the L’Chaim endowment campaign. Whether you are interested in securing a naming opportunity or adding your name to the L’Chaim Donor Board when we open, their commitment shows that there is a meaningful way for everyone to be part of bringing the Oshry | Kipnes JCC to life. Each gift contributes to an endowment fund that will sustain operations and programming in perpetuity. It is their hope, and mine, that their story inspires others to join them. Thank you to the many who have already stepped forward. Throughout the summer, we will continue to alternate The Bridge with these inspiring donor stories.

As we approach Canada Day, I am reminded that our work to support Jewish life is also about strengthening the values that define us as Canadians: democracy, pluralism, safety, human dignity, and mutual responsibility. These values help all communities thrive. I continue to see individuals and organizations across our community engaging, building relationships, and contributing to the strength of our city, province, and country. Thank you to everyone who plays a role in this important effort.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Canada Day,

Stacey