As Shabbat concludes in Vancouver, we are closely monitoring the rapidly escalating development of the conflict across the Middle East.
Our hearts are with the people of Israel, and the people of Iran, who have been victims of the Iranian regime for decades. This is a historic moment: the weakening of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has long exported terror and instability, carries deep significance for Israel, the Jewish people across the world, and all who seek peace and security.
Israelis, along with our family and friends there, are enduring immense strain under relentless attacks. We are praying for their safety and holding close those here who are waiting anxiously for news. We mourn the loss of innocent life everywhere across the region and pray for those who have been injured.
Jewish and Persian communities share a bond rooted in over 2,500 years of history and culture. We stand with the people of Iran and our Iranian Canadian friends and neighbours in their pursuit of peace, freedom, and dignity.
Community Security:
Here at home, we are taking proactive steps. We are in ongoing communication with federal and provincial law enforcement partners. While there is no known specific threat to our community at this time, security measures are in full effect across our institutions, events and communal spaces, with heightened vigilance where appropriate.
Security is a shared responsibility. We ask our community to remain alert:
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities.
- Avoid sharing real-time location details on social media.
- Stay away from protests or demonstrations, which can become unpredictable.
For those with loved ones in Israel:
All Canadians visiting or residing in Israel should register immediately with the Government of Canada through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important safety updates and be contacted with emergency information.
Canadians and permanent residents in Israel who need emergency and urgent consular assistance can contact the dedicated email for Canadians in the Middle East:
[email protected].
Our Partners in Israel:
We maintain long-standing partnerships with Israel’s leading humanitarian and community organizations. Through our Annual and Emergency Campaigns, we help ensure that communities across Israel have strong emergency response systems and resilience supports in place. We remain in close contact with our trusted partners on the ground and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. We stand ready to scale assistance where it is needed most, whether in emergency response, community resilience, mental health, or recovery.
Important Briefing at a Critical Moment:
Our advocacy partner, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), together with Federations across Canada, will host a webinar on Sunday, March 1, at 4:00 PM PST with Yaron Deckel, one of Israel’s most respected journalists. He will offer insight into the Israeli and American pre‑emptive strikes on targets in Iran and the broader threats posed by the Islamic regime. Register here.
In moments like this, our strength lies in our unity, vigilance, and care for one another. We stand with Israel, with the Iranian people seeking freedom, and with our entire Vancouver community, together.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
|
