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June 19, 2026 | 5 Tammuz 5786 | Candle lighting at 9:03 p.m.
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This message has approximately 735 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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Important Message - Emails Impersonating Local Rabbis
We have become aware of phishing emails circulating in the community that impersonate rabbis and Jewish organizational leaders. These messages often use urgent or personal language and phrases like "I have a timely request" or "Are you available?" or "I need a quick favor". They may request gift cards, money, personal information. If you receive a message like this, pause before responding, carefully check the sender address, avoid clicking any links, and verify through a known phone number or official channel. If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond. Delete it and when in doubt, email us.
With that important reminder, we now turn to this week’s Shabbat message.
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JReady - Sharing what they learned
As we shared a few weeks ago in a Shabbat message, as part of our work to strengthen community resilience, we partnered with JReady on a province‑wide emergency preparedness initiative. A key component of this effort, a community survey, has now concluded, and we are pleased to share what we’ve learned. |
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The findings offer an honest and encouraging snapshot of Jewish life in British Columbia. The results highlight strong foundations of resilience and connection. More than half of the respondents shared that their Jewish community functions well and that people look out for and support one another.
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| An impressive 77% reported a strong sense of belonging within the community, however, fewer respondents said they feel proud to openly share their Jewish affiliation, reflecting a tension many are navigating today. Together, these insights underscore both the challenges we face and the deep sense of care, solidarity, and belonging that continues to anchor our community and demonstrate a great foundation as we build emergency protocols and train volunteers to assume different roles if the need arises.
Jewish Medical Association of British Columbia (JMABC)
This week, we are proud to highlight the work of the Jewish Medical Association of British Columbia (JMABC), an organization founded in response to the rise of antisemitism in the healthcare system following October 2023. A group of committed Jewish medical professionals came together to both confront these challenges and create a safe, supportive space for Jewish professionals and allies across the sector.
Since its founding, JMABC has engaged with health authorities, UBC’s medical school, and other key institutions, raising awareness, sharing lived experiences, and serving as a trusted resource on antisemitism in healthcare. They have built a strong and growing community, bringing together physicians, allied health professionals, and students from across British Columbia through educational programming, networking opportunities, and initiatives that support the next generation.
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| One of JMABC’s most important initiatives right now is their anonymous survey of Jewish professionals working in healthcare across B.C. Building on their 2024 findings, which played a pivotal role in identifying challenges and advancing advocacy, this survey ensures that experiences continue to be heard, understood, and addressed. |
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| If you work in healthcare, we strongly encourage you to participate. If you have family or friends in the field, please help by sharing the survey with them. Click here to participate. |
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| This commitment to advocacy was also evident at Federation’s Community Engagement Summit in Whistler, where Dr. Marla Gordon represented JMABC and shared both the challenges facing Jewish healthcare professionals and the progress being made through relationship-building and engagement with system leaders. |
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| Her remarks reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating safer and more inclusive environments across healthcare.
Alongside this work, JMABC continues to strengthen both professional and communal connections. Their upcoming Member Appreciation Summer Social and Dinner on Sunday, July 12, offers a meaningful opportunity for members to gather, build relationships, and connect across the healthcare system through an evening of shared experience and live music. If you are a healthcare practitioner and would like to learn more about JMABC’s work or get involved, please visit https://www.jmabc.ca/.
We are pleased to support JMABC as they strengthen advocacy, connection, and belonging within the healthcare system.
Looking Ahead: Our Annual General Meeting
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| There is much to look forward to at our upcoming AGM, where we will launch our new brand, and present the Elaine Charkow Award to Jackie Cristall Morris, recognize our Allies of the Year, Keerit Jutla, Terry Glavin, Raya Avazova, and Niels Veldhuis, and celebrate our Young Leadership Award recipients, Daniel Segal, Joey Hector, and Ellie Epstein. |
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| If you haven’t already, we encourage you to register and be part of this important moment for our community. We’ll be officially launching our new brand that reflects where we are today and where we’re heading next. RSVP here. |
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| Finally, we would like to share our heartfelt thanks to Susy Seigel of Nava Creative Kosher Cuisine, who is retiring at the end of this month after 32 years of extraordinary service to our community. Susy has been part of so many of our simchot, milestones, and gatherings, bringing care and excellence to each one. As she so beautifully shared, this decision comes with “a full heart and deep gratitude.” |
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| We wish her every happiness in this next chapter and thank her for all she has given our community.
Shabbat shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Subsidized summer camp for Grades 1 to 6 (Aug 31–Sept 4). Learn more here. |
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| Join VHEC to explore the role of football during the Holocaust. Register here. |
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Can a pink sign really make a difference?
In a new Times of Israel article, I reflect on our billboard campaign with JewBelong and why public visibility matters in the fight against antisemitism, especially as Vancouver welcomes the world for FIFA. Read the article here. |
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