"Big news in our partnership region"

Shabbat Message from CEO Ezra S. Shanken
 

As we get close to closing out the year, it’s hard to believe how differently it started. Like many of you who are also parents, I’ve been thinking a lot about my kids and how Rachel and I can stand up for them and simultaneously protect them and teach them to stand up for themselves.

If your kids attend public or non-Jewish independent schools, we have a special webinar on January 7th to help you advocate for your kids, which we’re presenting in partnership with CIJA. You’ll learn how to advocate effectively for your kids from Ginaya Peters, a public school teacher, Deborah Stern Silver, a parent advocate, and Nico Slobinsky, VP communications at CIJA. 

Together with Rabbi Moskovitz, Nico is also a co-chair of AICRT, the Antisemitism and Israel Crisis Response Team, and this webinar is an outcome of that team’s work. Register here.

Big news from our partnership region. 

As you may know, Hezbollah has increased its level of rocket and other fire against Israeli targets. Meytal Novidomski in our Israel office told us that there has been significant damage to houses in the villages along the border, like Metulla, Kibutz Manara, Misgav Am and more.

As Hanukkah ended, more than 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, the most fired in a single day since the beginning of the war. There remains great uncertainty in the North, with no sense of when the tens of thousands of local residents who are currently evacuated and dispersed across the country will be able to go back to their homes safely.

As hard as this is, it relates directly to the significance of our role.

Over the decades we have invested in building resilience and capacity throughout the region and established relationships that leaders and residents there know they can rely on.

And now they have good news about one of their major economic generators, Tel Hai College. The government announced the establishment of the University of the Galilee, which will transform Tel-Hai College into a university in the city of Kiryat Shmona. 

The evolution of Tel Hai will increase the region's potential for long-term growth and success.  

It will bring career and education opportunities and enhance the close connection between research at Tel Hai College and tech hubs in the region. This has the potential to spur the renewal and recovery of the North.

An attitude of gratitude...

At the CIJA and CJPAC Hanukkah celebration, we thanked elected officials for their allyship and determination to ensure that our province and our cities remain safe and secure. 

Addressing the gathering at UBC Hillel House were Premier Eby; Leader of the Official Opposition, Kevin Falcon; Leader of the BC Conservatives, John Rustad; Minister Terry Beech for the Federal Government; MP Dan Albas for the Official Opposition; and Mayor Ken Sim. 

Todah rabah to the staff of CIJA and CJPAC and the volunteers who made this a success. 

A number of dignitaries lit Hanukkah candles at the event, and the biggest round of applause went to Deputy Chief Howard Chow and Constable Terry Yung of the VPD. It was clear how much everyone appreciated the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement in keeping our community safe.

Speaking of VPD, we have two more updates.

First, with Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve both falling on Sundays this year, organizers of the rallies have opted to skip those dates and resume on January 7th out of respect for the officers. It takes 30 officers to staff each rally, and we want them to be able to be home with their families over the holidays.

If you are out and about over the holidays and see members of local law enforcement, please take a moment to introduce yourself and say thank you.

Feeding others is a big part of who we are, for many reasons.

A few days ago, we had the pleasure of bringing a food truck to VPD headquarters to show our appreciation (through food, of course!) for 300 of Vancouver's finest.

We were joined by Lana Marks Pulver, who is chair of our board, and Jason Murray, who is both vice-chair of our board and chair of our community security advisory committee, as well as other board members and community volunteers. 

In addition, Hodie Kahn, a member of our board and of our Israel and Global Engagement Committee, had an opportunity to help host a BBQ for reservists in Israel. But it was much more than just a BBQ-- a handful of Vancouverites were featured in this intense and intensely meaningful experience. You can read her account here. 

One last reminder...

As we near the end of the year, we want to thank you for making 2023 a year of unprecedented impact. I also want to remind you that the deadline is fast approaching to receive your 2023 tax receipt . If you still need to pay your pledge, please do so before the 31st so we can get you a 2023 tax receipt. You can call our office at 604.257.5100 or click here. 

Shabbat shalom.

Ezra S. Shanken

CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver