Shabbat Message | March 14, 2025 | Purim, Israel@77 & Community Updates

March 14, 2025 | 14 Adar 5785 | Candle lighting at 6:59 p.m.

This message has about 950 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.

As we come together to celebrate Purim, our hearts remain with the 59 hostages still in captivity. In this moment, I reflect on the strength and resilience of Queen Esther, whose courage saved the future of our people. Her story is a powerful reminder that the actions of one can inspire the many, and that each of us can make a difference—even when the odds seem insurmountable.

This reminder of the power of unity and individual action is something we witnessed firsthand. Last week, community leaders and I had the privilege of traveling to northern Israel, where this very spirit of resilience and togetherness was on full display. We saw the incredible strength of communities coming together, and we were inspired by the leadership of Canadian professionals and lay leaders who are playing a vital role in the region’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.

We visited the Clore Center for the Performing Arts in Kibbutz Kfar Blum and reunited with the Clore and Roll Ensemble, who had performed in Vancouver last Yom Ha’atzmaut to celebrate Israel@76. By the way, this week, we also launched Israel@77—more on that later in the message. But for now, let’s get back to the trip.

One amazing initiative is Unistream, which focuses on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology at the Kiryat Shemona Centre.

We had the privilege of visiting the centre, which we helped establish in 2021, and hearing from a cohort of students who finally returned home after 16 months of displacement and remote learning. The outstanding social enterprises the students developed while displaced were nothing short of remarkable.

I was particularly moved by a 17-year-old boy from Kibbutz Dan. His most joyous moment after returning to the Kibbutz was spending an ordinary Shabbat dinner with his family in their home. The resiliency of those teens and communities is beyond anything I could imagine and expect.

I had the privilege of co-presenting alongside Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of the Edmonton Federation, to our colleagues and professionals from the Jewish Federations of Canada, highlighting the collective efforts we make as a community to create a significant impact in Israel.

Before our mission ended, we joined JFC-UIA Board members and the Montreal Federation at the Canadian reception, an official celebration attended by Israel's First Lady, Michal Herzog. We heard from Sarah Mali, director general of JFC-UIA Canada in Israel, about the exciting regeneration projects underway in the north. Canadian federations, including ours, are committed to supporting the region's rehabilitation, with a focus on contributing funds to strengthen both the informal education system and academia.
This trip underscored the enduring vision of our partnership: to foster Jewish peoplehood and mutual well-being between Canada and Israel for the long term.

While we continue our vital work in Israel, combatting antisemitism remains a top priority here at home.
Last week, Emet Davis, director of community organizing against antisemitism, represented our Jewish Federation at the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism in Ottawa.

Leaders from federal departments, law enforcement, and Jewish community organizations gathered to reinforce their commitment to the safety and security of Canada’s Jewish community. The focus was on strengthening collaboration and securing both immediate and long-term investments in education and enforcement to fight anti-Jewish hate.

Interested in learning more about Canadian attitudes toward antisemitism? Join us on Sunday, March 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. for an insightful discussion with Mark Spiro, one of Canada’s leading political strategists. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Reserve your spot here.

As we unite in the fight against antisemitism, we come together to honour Israel’s fallen on Yom HaZikaron and celebrate its independence on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Yom HaZikaron: A Day of Remembrance
Before we gather to celebrate, we pause to remember. Join bereaved families from our community for Erev Yom HaZikaron as we come together to honour their loved ones—Israel’s fallen soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in war and terror attacks.

We will gather on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for a memorial service, available both online and in person. Register here.

If you would like to have your loved one honoured at this year's ceremony, please contact Aluma Zweifler at [email protected].

After taking time to remember, We Will Dance Again to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and unity as we celebrate Israel@77. We Will Dance Again alongside Nova Festival survivors and our community, honoring the resilience of the Jewish people.

The evening will feature Ruchot Hatzafon, a musical act from our partnership region in Northern Israel, along with local performers. Secure your tickets today!

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18

For tickets and more, visit JewishVancouver.com/IsraelHere.

Before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to address something that’s impacting our community at UBC.
Our partner, Hillel BC, is working with Jewish students at UBC who are facing a referendum under the Alma Mater Society calling for a two-day strike for UBC divestments in support of Palestine. Please encourage any UBC students to vote no. Information on the issue and a link to vote before the March 17 deadline are at votenoubc.ca. The students have told us:
“As UBC students, we have been dealing with some of the most active antisemitism in our province. This referendum is simply the latest example, and this vote is a call to endorse a radical, extremist political position that has nothing to do with student life or making things better for UBC students. This vote only serves to further marginalize Jewish students on campus.”

Want to support our students? I encourage you to join Hillel BC’s March 27 Night of Resilience Gala. This special evening will recognize and celebrate our community's incredible student leaders and allies. It will showcase student achievements in leadership and advocacy and offer an opportunity for students to share their experiences and insights.
Register here.