June 20, 2025

A man with a serious expression holds a small, metallic object close to his eye, with a blurred background of vertical blinds. The image is part of an article titled "Vancouver's Jewish and Iranian co

June 20, 2025 | 24 Sivan 5785 | Candle lighting at 9:04 p.m.

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This week, the Vancouver Sun interviewed me about the war with Iran. This conflict goes beyond Israel; a terrorist regime with nuclear ambitions threatens us all. We saw it in 2020, when 55 Canadians were killed on Flight PS752, and in Argentina in the '90s, with bombings of the Israeli embassy and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA).

Last year, I stood in front of the AMIA building with Nico Slobinsky, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ vice-president, Pacific Region, to mark 30 years since that horrific attack. Being there, just as an Argentine court confirmed Iran and Hezbollah’s role in the 1994 bombing, was a reminder: this threat is real, and it touches lives far beyond the Middle East.

Rachel Sachs, director of our Israeli office, is on the ground and experiencing these challenging times firsthand. Today, she shares her insights to help us better understand the realities unfolding in Israel.

It has been a week since sirens blasted across the country, close to 3 am on Friday. We all quickly understood what this was about—Israel had launched its preemptive attack on Iran. Thrown again into a state of emergency, this felt similar to previous rounds over the past 18 months, and yet, very different.

My generation was raised knowing that Iran is the head of the snake, the mother of all evils, Israel’s most pertinent existential threat. And here we are at war with Iran.

And we’re living through it. Iranian missile attacks are different from those coming from Gaza or Lebanon—they are heavier, deadlier and are aimed at heavily populated areas in the centre of the country. Staircases, in lieu of home shelters, that were acceptable ‘safe spaces’ up until now, are no longer enough. People are heading to public shelters in the neighbourhood, or to underground parking lots that have turned into community-wide shelters, with many, mostly families with small children, choosing to set up tents and sleep there. Most of the missile attacks have been during the night, and it is sometimes easier to sleep where it is safe rather than be jolted by the pre-siren alert, run to the shelter, wait it out, and then head back to bed.

The scenes of destruction are painful, and the stories and mounting numbers of the casualties, of those injured and of those who lost their home, are devastating. The Homefront Command has had the country under lockdown up until yesterday—meaning schools, workplaces and shops were all closed. My son’s high-school matriculation exams have been postponed.

On Thursday, some of these restrictions were lifted, allowing some workplaces that have secure shelters to open and people to gather up to 30 at a time (again, by a secure shelter). Waze, the navigation app, now shows the nearest shelter if a siren goes off while you're driving. I met someone in our shelter today who used it when driving by during an alert.

Since last week, hospitals have all transitioned back into emergency mode (again), moving patients to secure spaces and releasing those who are stable enough to go home.

Soroka Hospital in Beersheba took a direct hit on Thursday morning. Thankfully, this was in an old building, the northern surgical department, that had been evacuated just a few days prior as part of the emergency plan; 80 people were injured, half of whom were hospital workers. The hospital has since been transferring its patients to hospitals across the country.

We still have 53 hostages in captivity in Gaza, and soldiers fighting on the ground there. It is unclear when and how this will end; I hope it will end successfully soon. We will then have a country to rebuild, a society to heal, and a lot of work that lies ahead.

Cathy and Rabbi Philip Bregman are also in Israel and shared their experience with community members this week. The briefing was cut short by an alert for an incoming Iranian missile, and they had to urgently take shelter—highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by the people of Israel. Watch the briefing here.

As the war with Iran intensifies and impacts Israeli civilians, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely and assessing needs. For those looking to help, our Israel Emergency Campaign fund remains open. You can donate here.

Resources for Canadians Impacted by the Israel-Iran War

In light of the urgent and evolving situation, we have compiled information and resources for those currently in Israel or with loved ones there. Click here for resources for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. If you or someone you know is affected, please email Aluma Zweifler Reicher, our manager of Israel Connections & Partnerships, at [email protected].

Join CIJA's Call to Action: Stand Against the Iranian Threat

Our advocacy agent, CIJA, is asking you to take action. At this week’s G7 summit, world leaders delivered the kind of moral clarity these times demand: reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself; reiterating support for the security of Israel; identifying Iran as the principal source of regional instability and terror; and clarity that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. Read the statement here.

Confronting the Iranian threat and its proxies is essential to building a better future for Israelis, Palestinians, and all who live in the region. And given Iran’s global reach as a State Supporter of Terrorism, it also matters for the collective safety of Canadians. Democracies must stand together, especially in the face of existential threats.

Join thousands of other Canadians in sending a message to the Government to stand strong against the Iranian threat. Take action here.

Celebrating Our Bitachon Volunteers
Looking back at the launch of the Bitachon program last year, it’s heartening to see how it came about in direct response to our community’s needs. With 89 trained volunteers, there’s a real sense of collective commitment. The ongoing professional development we’re investing in is a vital part of ensuring that we’re not just ready but truly coordinated in our efforts to keep our community safe at events and institutions.

This past weekend, we gathered to celebrate our incredible Bitachon volunteers and recognize the heart and dedication behind the work that keeps our community safe. Thank you to Congregation Beth Israel for hosting us and creating a space where we could honour these everyday heroes.

Bitachon is also looking for more volunteers. If you’re looking for a way to make an impact in community, click here.

Speaking of impact ... Stand Up for Community, this September 11

In case you missed it, tickets are now on sale for our 2025 Federation Annual Campaign opening. After the last two years, our community deserves a little levity, and we are bringing the hilarious actor and comedian, Elon Gold. Join us for a night of laughter, connection and celebrating the strength of our community. Purchase your tickets here.

As we head into Shabbat, we continue to pray for the protection of our brave IDF soldiers, for the swift return of the hostages to their families, and for the safety and security of Israel and of all our communities around the world.

Am Israel chai and Shabbat shalom,