For many months, I have been encouraging you to show up—come out to synagogue and community events where you will greet old friends and embrace newcomers and find strength in being together. Coming out of the shadows will make us more resilient in the face of rising antisemitism. This past week was a demonstration of our deep desire to connect with one another and with Israel.
Recently, there were several events, such as the welcome to Rabbi Zilberstein at Beth Shalom, and a Jewish Family Services brunch honouring Rhonda Eidelman and Jeni Adler for their 20 years of service to the community. At our United Jewish Appeal Launch, Sarah Mali captivated us with her messages on reasonable hope and how philanthropy is actively embodying that optimism.
What’s been uplifting is the influx of longtime Edmonton residents who have approached me this week, eager to take a more active role in the community.
I had the privilege of joining Hillel at the Chabad on Campus event at the University of Alberta, where we spread Jewish joy and light. We returned to the university a day later with two guests from Israel, sharing their stories of the events of October 7. This past year, we mostly moved our Jewish campus community offsite, and we are working with administration to create a safe environment for them to gather.
Irene Shavit and Esther Marcus, both from the Gaza Envelope, captivated every group that they met. It is important for them to share their experiences, and for us to bear witness. Israel needs the diaspora, and we need Israel. Their resilience was an inspiration to us, a reminder that if we give up fighting for the hostages, and for Israel, then we are allowing to have the final say. These two impressive women were a testament to the power of gathering and finding strength from those around us.
Local teens and their parents, along with Ross Shepherd Principal Rick Stanley, received an invitation to join a Grade 9 class of 90 students from Bialik High School in Montreal and hear them speak as well. Some students told the teacher this was the best part of their Alberta trip! We want to express our gratitude to Bialik for hosting our teen bowling event at Ed’s that evening.
In case you missed it, Irene and Esther took part in an interview on CTV Edmonton Morning Live Thursday, and Mark Connoly interviewed Irene, which aired this morning. There will be an article in the Edmonton Journal as well. Another thank you to the Canadian Zionist Federation and World Zionist Organization for sponsoring their trip to smaller communities across Canada.
This weekend we are so grateful to Beth Israel Synagogue for honouring our board and staff at services and Kiddush lunch. A big shout out and appreciation to the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, who are co-sponsoring a family fun day on Sunday.
Whether locally or abroad, As One, we are stronger.
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey