Startled by a loud bang from a door, the teenagers immediately think of an active shooter. The teens quickly jump to the conclusion that a missile was nearby when a plane carrying messaging flies overhead, leaving a trail of smoke puffs. The Edmonton kids at Camp BB Riback didn’t think twice about these harmless moments, but the Israeli teens from Metullah found solace in the peacefulness of camp, yet the effects of their everyday reality were evident. Since October 7, these 13 teens, whose class has been remote and have been living dispersed across the region, arrived back in Israel for Shabbat after a two-week visit at Camp BB.  

Susan Schiffman and I were fortunate to visit camp last week. We had quesadillas and tater tots and saw cheerful kids and staff in action. We had an in-depth visit with these teens, who came from Israel for respite and engagement at camp. Our Federation, the Calgary Federation, Camp BB Riback, and the Jewish Agency for Israel collaborated to fund this project. The initiative I heard about at the Jewish Agency meetings in Jerusalem in February took months to develop. The teenagers were thrilled as they reconnected and shared stories about their daily lives and the impact of rocket attacks on their homes and community. Camp Director Stacy Shaikin has told us that the exchanges between the Canadian and Israeli teens were deeply impactful as the kids had an open dialogue about their experiences in Israel at this moment. 

While we anticipate updates on the ongoing negotiations to free hostages who have been held captive for 315 days and the potential for significant attacks from Iran and its allies in our neighbouring region, let us remember the power we gain as a united community through our shared past and connection. Sarah Mali’s opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post summarizes it and highlights the ongoing involvement of Jewish Federations in the past and the future.    

When we ask the region’s citizens what has helped them with their evacuation efforts or, for those who have not had to leave, what allows them to stay, they refer to their personal history and, in the same breath, include the consistency of the thoughtful efforts made by our federations to ensure a deep sense of connection as a community, to their towns and cities and one another. 

This September, our mission to connect our community and our youth to Israel and the greater Jewish world continues as we host survivors from the Gaza envelope and a visiting group of Jewish teens from a Montreal high school.

The United Jewish Appeal Campaign makes these efforts and the infrastructure to support it possible. We invite you to join us on September 8 for the launch of our campaign. It will be a lively and enjoyable evening with the incredibly talented Shaina Silver-Baird, who is returning by popular demand. We are also looking forward to welcoming Sarah Mali for brief remarks and the chance to shmooze at an appetizer reception. Tickets are available for purchase now.

Finally, last Shabbat, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) received notice that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked its charitable status. We must unite against the biased decision by the CRA, which the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, our advocacy agent, is aiding legally. I urge you to help take a stand by signing this action alert.  

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey