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March 27, 2026 | 9 Nissan 5786 | Candle lighting at 7:18 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,078 words and will take about 3.5 minutes to read.
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| This past week, we had the pleasure of recognizing our dedicated canvassers and valued partner agencies at our Annual Canvasser and Partner Agency Appreciation Event. We were especially proud to celebrate the 16 partner agencies that achieved 100% board participation in this year’s Annual Campaign, a powerful demonstration of leadership, commitment, and belief in our shared mission. |
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| The collective efforts of our canvassers and agency partners are essential to the success of our work. We extend heartfelt thanks to Canvasser Development Chair Deborah Setton-Tabenkin, Agency Liaison Co-Chairs Chana Charach and Lindsay Isserow, and to all our team captains for their leadership and dedication. |
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| We invite you to join our newly launched Mitzvah Makers initiative, the new name for our longtime Canvasser program. Mitzvah Makers reflects the heart of this work: people coming together to take action, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact through this year’s Annual Campaign. Sign up now, and help build a stronger, more connected Jewish community.
Our Partnership Region Reflections from the Galilee
As we prepare for Shabbat, our hearts are with our partnership region in the Upper Galilee and with our partners and friends across Israel. Rachel Sachs, our Israel office director, offers the following update, sharing the reality, resilience, and hope that continue to define these communities.
Four weeks ago, Israelis woke up to the reality of war again. As sirens blared across Israel that Saturday morning, it was clear to all that this would not be like anything we had known before, and it was also clear that we did not know exactly what that would mean. Today, while the end is not clear in timing or outcome, the toll of this reality is evident in every household, town, city, and community in Israel.
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| While Iranian missiles primarily target strategic locations and heavily populated areas, Hezbollah rockets are mostly concentrated on the northern region of the Upper Galilee and what is known as the confrontation line—the area between zero and two kilometres from the border. This is one of the areas from which multiple communities were evacuated for almost eighteen months. |
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| When residents were finally able to return, they began working relentlessly to rebuild back better—not only restoring damaged physical structures but striving to reclaim a sense of stability and belonging. Just as importantly, they maintain the hope that life along the Galilee border can once again offer the promise of normalcy and peaceful futures.
Many of our organizational partners have inevitably pivoted to emergency mode—either by switching from in-person work to the (infamous) Zoom platform, or by realigning their immediate and mid-term goals to address the current needs of the populations they serve. In Kiryat Shmona, approximately 16,000 residents returned after the evacuation. It is estimated that currently about 10,000 people are in the city. Others, like families from other frontline communities like Metula and the kibbutzim and the moshavim in the region, have self-evacuated to quieter areas in Israel in which there are fewer daily sirens and rocket attacks. Among those that remained, the need for even a brief break from the war zone is growing, and organized respite has been implemented for them.
Our Federation, on behalf of communities across British Columbia, continues our steadfast connection with the people of Etzba HaGalil, our partnership region. We maintain ongoing, personal relationships with our friends and partners there, invest funds to support their communities and the region’s growth and prosperity, and strive to be a meaningful and reliable presence at every turn.
As Pesach nears and spring arrives, we remain determined to continue working with our partners and friends toward stability and a peaceful future in Israel’s northern frontier.
I wish you all a happy, safe, and peaceful Passover, and warm regards from the Galilee.
Through Young Eyes: Vanessa’s Volunteer Experience
At moments like these, the strength of our people is carried not only through partnership and philanthropy, but through personal connection, especially among the next generation. Programs like Israel Experience help young Jews deepen their connection to Israel, community, and Jewish identity. Below, Vanessa Diamond shares her reflection from participating earlier this year.
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| This trip felt very different from my previous visits to Israel. Instead of sightseeing, the first week focused on volunteering on farms, in community centers, packing Shabbat supplies, planting gardens, and organizing essentials. The gratitude we received was deeply moving. Visiting memorials, especially the Nova site, helped me process the pain after October seventh. |
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| After the program, I spent time in Tel Aviv and Jaffa with friends, experiencing daily Israeli life and community. During the final week, missile attacks shaped daily routines, yet people supported one another and carried on. I returned home changed, proud to be Jewish and inspired by the resilience of the Israeli people.
If you wish to connect with your heritage and Israel through transformative programs, please contact Omer Gigi, the manager of Israel Engagement at [email protected]
Experience Israel Here in Vancouver
As we hold Israel close to our hearts, we are reminded that our connection transcends oceans. We have the power to bring Israel closer, to feel it, and to celebrate it together right here at home through our community's signature Yom Ha’atzmaut event.
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The early bird ticket purchase period has been extended to April 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable event as we celebrate Israel's 78th Independence Day.
Join us on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. for an evening filled with joy, connection, and inspiration. We will dance to the rhythm of Ben Golan and HaOptziot, making it a night to remember. Secure your tickets here. |
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Mazel Tov to Lana Marks Pulver
We are delighted to share a heartfelt Mazel Tov to our Board Chair, Lana Marks Pulver, on two outstanding and well‑deserved honours that reflect her extraordinary leadership and impact.
Lana will receive the 2026 Impact Award from CJPAC at ACTION West 2026 on May 11, a premier gathering bringing together leaders from across Western Canada. Learn more here.
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| We are also proud that Lana has been nominated for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards in the Connecting the Community Award category. The recipient is chosen by public vote, and voting is open daily until April 1 here. |
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| Please join us in celebrating Lana for the vision, dedication, and heart she brings to our community each and every day.
As we approach Pesach, may we continue to move forward with hope, strength, and renewed commitment to one another.
Shabbat Shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Join us to honour Israel's fallen soldiers and civilians lost in war and terror. |
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| Join Yossi Klein Halevi and Rabbi Moskovitz for their discussion here. |
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| Join our ShinShinim for a sweet Moroccan-Israeli tradition. RSVP here. |
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| Amid rising antisemitism in BC and North America, we quickly organized an online briefing to discuss the alarming trend. It focused on understanding the rise in antisemitism since October 7 and its impact on our community. With Canada ranking as the second most antisemitic country, allies play a vital role in combating hate, supporting Jewish community members, and promoting respectful dialogue. Watch it here. |
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| As we prepare for Passover, we are reminded of the enduring power of Yetziat Mitzrayim—the Exodus story at the heart of the seder. In a thoughtful conversation, Rabbi David Wolpe and Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman explore the biblical account, the enduring meaning of the story and how this foundational narrative continues to shape Jewish identity across generations. Listen to the podcast here |
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