April 25, 2025

A woman in a black dress speaks at a podium in front of a seated audience in a well-lit room, with a table of candles in the foreground.

April 25, 2025 | 27 Nissan 5785 | Candle lighting at 8:03 p.m.

This message has about 880 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.

Each year, our community comes together during this time to reflect, remember, and reaffirm our shared commitment to 'Never Again'. This past week we walked together through moments of deep sorrow and profound strength, and we were reminded once again of the power that comes from standing united.

Honouring Holocaust Remembrance This Yom HaShoah

Our partner, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC), and our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), continue to lead with purpose in preserving Holocaust memory and educating future generations. This past week, their dedication was evident as they brought our community together for powerful Yom HaShoah commemorations.

Earlier this week, I had the honour of attending the VHEC commemoration at Temple Sholom for the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Holocaust survivors took part in a moving candle-lighting ceremony, honouring those who perished and reminding us of our duty to preserve their memory. Watch the ceremony here.

Yesterday, I joined community members for another powerful event organized by VHEC and CIJA (watch here) which focused on the urgent importance of Holocaust education amid rising antisemitism. The program was emceed by MLA Nina Krieger, Parliamentary Secretary of Arts and Film, and featured remarks from Premier David Eby; MLA Jessie Sunner, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives; and MLA Trevor Halford, on behalf of the Official Opposition.

We heard a moving keynote from Holocaust survivor Michel Silver, who shared his story of being separated from his family and enduring two years in harsh conditions. Davey Kallner, a Grade 10 student at King David High School, paid tribute to her grandfather, Dr. Robert Krell, with heartfelt memories. The event concluded with words and prayers from Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt.

I thank the staff at VHEC and CIJA for their work in putting together this meaningful event.

Celebrating a Legacy of Courage: Ruth Kron Sigal Day

As we continue to reflect on the importance of education and remembrance, we also celebrate the lasting impact of those who have dedicated their lives to these efforts.

The City of Vancouver recently proclaimed Ruth Kron Sigal Day—a fitting tribute to a beloved survivor, educator, and advocate. Ruth dedicated her life to sharing her story and empowering others to stand against hate and injustice. Her legacy is one of remembrance—and a powerful call to action.

The call to action feels especially relevant as we approach next week’s federal election.

As we reflect on the stories of survivors, we are reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for what is right. While our community may be small in numbers, our impact can be mighty. Legislation passed at the federal level affects us all, and our strength has always come from showing up, raising our voices, and working together.

We invite you to consider how you can contribute to shaping the future. Volunteering for a candidate who shares your values, even for just an hour—whether door-knocking, phone banking, or supporting a campaign—can make a big difference. Connect with opportunities through CJPAC here.

On Easter Monday, the world bid farewell to Pope Francis.
Alongside CIJA and the Rabbinical Association of Vancouver, we extended our condolences to the Catholic community in Canada and around the world. In his role, Pope Francis worked to strengthen Jewish-Catholic relationships, promoting dialogue and condemning antisemitism. We are grateful for the longstanding friendship and partnership we share with local Catholic community leaders, such as Archbishop Michael Miller —bonds that have strengthened interfaith understanding and enriched our broader community.

In the next few days, we will come together for two powerful events that balance remembrance and celebration, and we hope you’ll join us.

On Tuesday, April 29, we will gather in person and online for Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Since October 7th, this solemn day carries new weight, underscoring the price our people have paid for the right to live freely in our homeland.
Register here.

Then, on Wednesday, April 30, we will come together to celebrate 77 years of Israel's independence at our Yom Ha'atzmaut event.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of resilience and hope, featuring live music from Ruchot HaTzafon and special guests Raz and Inbal, survivors of the Nova Festival. Their strength and courage serve as a powerful reminder of the healing power of community. This is more than just a celebration—it’s a statement: We Will Dance Again.

This event is almost sold out, so be sure to secure your tickets today! Get your tickets here.

Speaking of coming together, Passover celebrations happened from Whistler to Salt Spring and beyond.

Across our regional communities, Passover was marked by meaningful gatherings that brought nearly 400 people together in joy and connection. It’s heartening to know that the spirit of the holiday was shared so widely—and so warmly.

And Passover in our partnership region was a display of hope, strength, and return.

We’re happy to share that over 50% of Kiryat Shmona’s population has returned. Across the North, communities gathered for Seders—joyful, defiant, and unwavering in their determination not to forget the 59 hostages still held in Gaza.

These gatherings reminded us of the deep power of community—the longing to come together, to recount our Exodus, to sing, to dance, and to simply be.

Adding to that spirit, nearly 400 people joined in a vibrant Mimuna celebration, a cherished tradition rooted in hope and renewal that beautifully marks the transition from the restrictions of Passover to a time of abundance and togetherness.

And finally, students at Har Vagai School have returned to their home campus in Kibbutz Dafna, marking a hopeful return to normalcy.

Before I finish my message, we're proud to share something close to our hearts: our Mission. This is more than just words; it reflects who we are and where we’re headed. Watch it here.

Shabbat shalom,