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Jewish Federation and CIJA applaud BC security funding for Jewish community

 

March 13, 2017

 

We are very pleased to let you know that the Government of British Columbia announced today it will provide $100,000 to fund security infrastructure at Jewish community institutions. This funding will enable Jewish Federation to more effectively support Jewish organizations to introduce or upgrade needed security infrastructure, making our institutions safer for community members and staff.

 

We would like to express our gratitude to the Government of British Columbia for its steadfast support and ongoing concern for the well-being of our community members and the people of all faiths and backgrounds who use our community institutions. Click here to read the government’s statement.

 

Over the years, it has become challenging for organizations to cover the full cost of their increasingly complex security needs, and so they have come to rely on funds from sources such as the Federation Annual Campaign and government programs. This additional funding from the Government of British Columbia will make a significant difference.

 

The security of our community is a top priority for Jewish Federation and The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). For many years, Jewish Federation has taken a proactive, preventative approach to security, allocating more than $400,000 to implement or upgrade security measures at local Jewish institutions since 2008, and helping secure additional funds from the Federal Government’s Security Infrastructure Program. In 2015, Jewish Federation established a Security Advisory Committee, dedicated to assessing the risks facing communal institutions and proposing strategies for a comprehensive, long-term approach to strengthening community security. As the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada, CIJA provides a range of security services to community institutions here in Greater Vancouver and across the country, and works closely with Jewish Federation in addressing security incidents as they arise.

 

To read more about what Jewish Federation has done and is continuing to do for community security, click here. To read more about CIJA’s commitment to community security, click here.

 

Today’s announcement is the direct result of our combined efforts to bring this issue to the government’s attention. This new funding from the Government of British Columbia reaffirms the commitment of our province’s leaders to keeping our community safe. For that, we are deeply grateful.

 

Sincerely,

 

Stephen Gaerber
Board Chair
Jewish Federation
Jason Murray
Chair, Local Partner Council
CIJA-Pacific Region
Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish Federation