|
August 7, 2026 | 24 Av 5786 | Candle lighting at 8:24p.m.
|
|
|
This message has approximately 924 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
|
|
| This past weekend, Vancouver's streets were filled with celebration as thousands gathered to celebrate Pride. Almost 150 community groups, non-profits, businesses, and organizations came together to take part in the Pride parade. |
|
| This year, Jewish Federation of British Columbia (JFBC) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) participated in the parade in a different way. Instead of marching as a group, we brought a digital truck carrying messages about visibility, belonging, and inclusion. Learn more here. |
|
|
| That decision came after listening carefully to members of the queer Jewish community who told us they no longer felt safe expressing their Jewish identity openly in LGBTQ+ spaces. Their experiences remind us that true inclusion is about more than being welcome. It is about feeling safe enough to show up fully, without having to hide any part of who we are.
For years, and especially since October 7, we have heard from queer Jewish community members grappling with a painful reality. People who once felt entirely at home at Pride, no longer felt certain they could show up as their full selves. Some worried about displaying a Magen David. Others worried about expressing their connection to Israel. Many spoke about feeling increasingly isolated in communities where they had once experienced absolute acceptance.
|
|
| For queer Jews, identity is not something that can be separated into compartments. Being LGBTQ+ and being Jewish are both integral parts of who they are. No one should feel pressured to choose between those identities, or to leave one at the door in order to feel accepted. Read our Director of Communications and Marketing, Caryl Dolinko's, letter in The Canadian Jewish News. |
|
|
| One theme became impossible to ignore throughout the parade. As our truck made its way along the route, there were repeated moments when the energy around us shifted. Areas filled with applause, music, and celebration would suddenly grow quiet as the truck and it's messages came into view. Those moments were revealing.
The silence showed that simply being openly Jewish in some spaces can feel challenging. It served as a reminder that inclusion is not only about being invited into a space. It is about feeling safe, welcomed, and accepted in every part of one's identity. More than anything, those reactions reinforced why these stories needed to be shared.
Visibility matters precisely because it challenges us to confront the gaps that still exist between inclusion as an ideal and inclusion as a lived reality.
We are grateful to the members of the queer Jewish community who entrusted us with their stories, and to our partners at CIJA for their collaboration. We also recognize the Vancouver Pride Society and the many organizations and volunteers who work each year to create opportunities for connection, celebration, and belonging.
|
|
| The response to this initiative was deeply meaningful. Community members approached us throughout the parade to thank us for amplifying queer Jewish voices, while the messages featured on our truck sparked powerful conversations online. Most importantly, LGBTQ+ Jews shared that they felt seen, supported, and represented, reinforcing the importance of creating space for stories that are too often overlooked. |
|
|
| At Federation, our commitment to inclusion extends far beyond a single event. Through the work of our partner agencies and community organizations, we help support programs and services that strengthen Jewish life across British Columbia, from youth engagement and education to services for seniors, mental health supports, arts and culture, and community building. Together, we strive to create a vibrant, caring, and inclusive community where every person knows they belong.
May we continue working toward a future where queer Jews can participate openly and joyfully in every space, knowing they are safe, valued, and welcomed exactly as they are.
|
|
Stronger Together Across BC
Every day, we see the power of community in action. When we come together, we support one another through challenges, care for those in need, celebrate milestones, and help ensure Jewish life continues to thrive. That spirit is at the heart of this year's Annual Campaign theme:
Stronger Together Across BC. |
|
|
| This year's theme celebrates the power of collective action and shared responsibility. It recognizes that strong communities are built when people show up for one another, strengthen Jewish life, and invest in a vibrant future for generations to come. Across our province, individual acts of generosity become something much larger, creating opportunities, caring for those who need support, and helping our community thrive.
Join us as we launch this year's campaign at An Evening with Ben Mulroney on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Early-bird tickets are $30 until August 15, after which tickets will be $45.
We invite you to be part of this special evening as we celebrate the impact we can make when we are stronger together. Secure your tickets here.
Recognizing Community Leadership
|
|
| I want to extend my congratulations to Alan Kwinter on being honoured with the Medal of Good Citizenship. This recognition reflects a lifetime commitment to advancing housing, care, and opportunities for vulnerable people in our community. On behalf of Jewish Federation of British Columbia, mazel tov on this well-deserved honour. |
|
|
Opportunity for Jewish Teens
And speaking of leadership, if you know a Jewish student in Grades 10-12 who is interested in government, politics, leadership, or making a difference in their community, I'd encourage you to explore CJPAC's Generations program. This national leadership program brings together Jewish students from across Canada to learn about civic engagement and public life, including a heavily subsidized trip to Ottawa. Applications are now open. Learn more here.
Shabbat shalom,
|
|
Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
|
 |
| Enjoy flowers, farm fun, and Shabbat with Young Souls 55+. Register here. |
 |
| Newcomers, find community at Welcome Circle. Register here. |
|
 |
| Enjoy family time with nature, animals, and hands-on fun. Register here. |
 |
| Explore Holocaust history and football with Simon Kuper. Register here. |
|
| In my latest blog, I reflect on what it means to build a community where everyone can belong and why our greatest strength comes from the people who continue to build bridges, create connections, and stand together. My Pride is in Our People. |
|
|
|
