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March 13, 2026 | 24 Adar 5786 | Candle lighting at 6:57 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,049 words and will take about 3.5 minutes to read.
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It has been an exceptionally busy week for our community, a week filled with important announcements, meaningful gatherings, and continued advocacy at a time when our community needs it most. As we come into Shabbat, I want to share a few reflections, updates, and moments that shaped these past days.
Protecting places of worship and schools
I joined CIJA Pacific Region’s Provincial Advocacy Day in Victoria along with Mijal Ben-Dori, our Chief Planning Officer, standing alongside community leaders and our advocacy agent, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). |
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| The day before, the BC Government announced that places of worship will be protected from violent and disruptive protests by new safe access legislation. The government will also renew existing legislation that provides similar protections for schools. |
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| The BC Government’s announcement of 20‑metre safety zones around houses of worship marks an important milestone in ensuring congregants can access their spiritual homes freely, safely, and without interference. This outcome represents two years of advocacy by community clergy and CIJA. Federation was proud to support this work, and we will continue working towards enhancements to the legislation that would also include cultural spaces and community institutions. Discussions with the government also focused on combatting antisemitism and discrimination, as well as strengthening protections for our vulnerable communities. I am deeply grateful to Nico Slobinsky and his team for their dedication, work and partnership.
At the same time, we know many in our community feel this step is not enough, given the urgency of the moment. That tension is real, and it is why we will continue pressing for stronger security funding, consistent enforcement, and firm action to confront extremism in British Columbia.
National Security Funding Update
While these provincial developments represented a significant advance, this week also saw meaningful national progress, which we detailed in our community update. |
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| The Government of Canada announced $10 million in new funding through the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) for Jewish schools, day cares, overnight camps, and places of worship. This support comes at a time when our community is experiencing rising threats, from the recent shootings at Toronto synagogues to attacks on Jewish‑owned businesses. Watch the announcement here. |
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| Funding will be allocated through a concentrated effort by Federations across Canada to ensure equitable distribution. Investment is an important step toward ensuring that our children, families, and institutions can gather safely. We are proud of CIJA’s tireless work in advocating for stronger protections and grateful for the government’s recognition of the seriousness of the situation.
A Multi‑Level Approach to Community Security
These announcements take on even greater urgency in light of the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where an armed attacker rammed a vehicle into the building and exchanged gunfire with security personnel. Thanks to the swift action of trained security staff, all children and staff were safely evacuated.
I recently listened to Temple Israel Rabbi Jen Lader on The Jerusalem Journal podcast by Avi Mayer about the importance of investing in security and emergency preparedness here. This frightening incident resonated with our work and underscores what we know all too well: the security investments our community has made, and continues to make, play a critical role in keeping us safe, even in the face of intolerable antisemitic violence. Moments like this strengthen our resolve to ensure every Jewish institution has the protection it needs.
Our security efforts are built on a multi‑level approach that assesses risks and strengthens long‑term resilience. At its core is a belief that security is not only about infrastructure—it is about people. An aware, engaged community is our greatest asset.
We encourage everyone to participate in the JReady community emergency preparedness survey, which helps assess our collective readiness and strengthen our ability to respond effectively in crises. Click here.
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| Resilience requires everyone’s involvement. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts. See something, say something, do something. In emergencies, call 9‑1‑1. For non‑urgent concerns, contact local police and then inform our security team. And please remember to report the incident here. |
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| Photos, video, and basic details like time, location, direction of travel, and vehicles help authorities and our team respond quickly and effectively.
Voices from Israel’s Northern Frontline
As we work to strengthen our community locally, we remain closely connected to our partners in Israel’s north, where the situation along the border with Lebanon continues to be a strain on those living in the region.
On Sunday, we hosted Voices from Israel’s Northern Frontline, featuring four leaders who shared firsthand insights into what their communities are facing: Yotam Dgani, Community Centers Network, Kiryat Shmona; Yochai Wolfin, Community Manager, Kibbutz Manara; and Meytal Novidomsky, Director, Partnership2Gether and resident of Metula.
Their experiences helped deepen our understanding of both immediate needs and long‑term pressures in the region. The recording is available here. A big thank you to Rachel Sachs, Israel Office Executive Director, who, in these challenging times, has gone above and beyond to organize the webinar. I deeply appreciate her hard work.
Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron
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| Even as we confront serious challenges, we continue to look toward moments that bring us together as a community. Tickets are now on sale for our community's signature Yom Ha’atzmaut event. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., to celebrate Israel's 78th Independence Day. Early bird tickets are available now until March 27. Purchase them here. |
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| Before we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut 2026, we will mark Yom Hazikaron, a memorial for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks, as a community on Monday, April 20th. Registration is required for both in-person and online services. |
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As we prepare for our Yom Hazikaron ceremony, we are inviting members of our community to share the names of loved ones they would like honoured during the program. If you would like us to include the name of a relative or friend, please reach out to Omer Gigi at [email protected].
You are invited to join us both in person and via a live broadcast ceremony. Register here. |
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As we reflect on everything this week held, advocacy, learning, progress, and partnership, I am reminded once again that safeguarding Jewish life is a responsibility we hold together. While the challenges are real, so is our resolve. Each step forward brings renewed strength.
Shabbat shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Urge the government to safeguard our country and all Canadians. Act now here. |
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| You still have time to join this Sunday’s Wexner Speaker Series. RSVP here. |
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| Passover is approaching! Check our page for community event info. |
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| Join the Investment Strategy Webinar on Thursday, March 19. RSVP here. |
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| Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson invited me to her show to talk about the enduring Jewish commitment to defend life while still praying for peace. Even in the face of terror and displacement, we are reminded that heroism, resilience, and hope remain at the core of the Jewish story. Watch the show here. |
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| After the Toronto synagogue shootings: ‘They want to scare us’. The attackers wanted to frighten the community, but Ellin Bessner's answer is for Jews to keep showing up, keep living Jewish lives. Listen to the interview with a member of the Beth Avraham Yoseph synagogue, and what it was like as police, politicians and Jewish leaders responded to an overnight targeted shooting. |
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