July 18, 2025

Aerial view of a green landscape with fields, trees, and buildings under a blue sky with clouds. Photo credit: El Al.

July 18, 2025 | 22 Tammuz 5785 | Candle lighting at 8:52 p.m.

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What better way to kick off this week’s message than by sharing some exciting news about a new national partnership!

We’re proud to share the launch of a new collaborative effort: the Pan-Canadian Coalition. This initiative brings together Jewish federations across the country, uniting funds raised through Israel Emergency Campaigns into a collective response effort.

Together, we are supporting Project Regeneration, a strategic response to improve education in the Galilee Panhandle with a focus on academic infrastructure and region-wide educational initiatives.

As part of this effort, the Israel Emergency Campaign Allocations Committee has approved a $5 million grant. The committee has spent the past 19 months responding to urgent and evolving needs in Israel. With $20 million raised through emergency campaigns across our country, and matched by government and philanthropic partners, the total investment in the Galilee Panhandle will exceed $40 million.

Led by Jewish Federations of Canada–UIA senior professionals and volunteer leaders, together with Israel federation representatives, federation professional leadership and Israel Emergency Allocations Committees, this initiative is the result of months of thoughtful collaboration and shared purpose.

This funding will drive transformative capacity building and innovation through a select group of grantees: Tel-Hai College – University on the Rise, Kiryat Shmona Community Centers, Kedma Student Villages, Maoz Educational Leadership Incubator, and HaBaita Regional Excellence Centres. Read more here.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephen Gaerber, chair of the Israel Emergency Campaign Allocations Committee, and to its members Jill Diamond, Risa Levine, Sandra Miller, Michelle Pollock, Lauren Sherman, Anita Silber, and Judy Thau for their dedication, care and thoughtful leadership, as they conclude their work this summer. We also want to recognize Rachel Sachs, executive director of our Israel Office, and Marcie Flom, former executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in seeing this project through to completion.

Supporting Youth Mental Health in Northern Israel

We’re proud to share that Rachel Sachs represented our federation at the opening of the new Headspace Center in Kiryat Shmona — a groundbreaking therapeutic hub dedicated to the mental well-being of youth and young adults aged 10–25.

Since October 2023, there has been a 30% increase in young people seeking mental health support, especially in Israel’s northern communities. Many are coping with the emotional toll of conflict, family members in reserves, personal loss, and prolonged evacuations. The Headspace Center offers free, accessible, and stigma-free care.

From individual and group therapy, psychiatric support, mentorship programs, to creative and expressive therapies, this initiative reflects our deep commitment to supporting the resilience and well-being of young people in Israel.

Mazel Tov to Tikva Housing Society on Their New Building!

Here at home, our partner Tikva Housing shared some amazing news: 45 affordable homes in Richmond will remain affordable for the long term. Thanks to the support from the B.C. Rental Protection Fund and the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, Tikva Housing has purchased the property at 8660 Westminster Hwy.

In recognition, the building will be named the Ronald S. Roadburg Residences, a lasting tribute to the Foundation’s impact and commitment to community.

We’re proud to support Tikva Housing and to recognize Anat Gogo and her team for their leadership in making this success possible. As Anat said, this is about more than housing—it’s about hope, dignity, and community.

These below-market homes will continue to serve low-income seniors and families in the heart of Richmond. With $1.2 million in renewal grants, they’ll remain safe and comfortable for years to come.

This is what it means to turn housing into a catalyst for community—building not just homes, but stability and a shared future.

31 Years Later: Why the AMIA Bombing Still Matters and What Canada Should Do

Last week, we marked the anniversary of the AMIA bombing in Argentina — a moment that continues to resonate deeply with the Iranian threat. Nico Slobinsky, CIJA’s VP, Pacific Region, shared his reflections in an op-ed titled “31 Years After the AMIA Bombing, Canada Must Confront the Iranian Threat”, published in Policy - Canadian Politics and Public Policy. Read the full piece here.

Shaping the Future of Jewish Life Through Community and Connection

Before I wrap up, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our very own Sarah Mackenzie, manager, Community Development, whose article in The Wisdom Daily reflects the depth and reach of our work across the region. She captures how we’re nurturing Jewish life and envisioning a strong, connected future.

And speaking of regional vibrancy, be sure to check out this week’s Fed Four section below for events happening across the region. From White Rock & South Surrey to Langley, Salt Spring Island, and Burnaby, our community is thriving, and you can be part of it. Check out our community calendar for more events.

Shabbat shalom,