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May 29, 2026 | 13 Sivan 5786 | Candle lighting at 8:49 p.m.
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This message has approximately 830 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| This week marked a meaningful milestone for Jewish life in British Columbia. |
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| For the first time, the BC Legislature in Victoria hosted an official celebration of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. MLAs from across the political spectrum, alongside Jewish community leaders, recognized the richness of Jewish culture and the many ways our community has shaped, and continues to strengthen, life in this province. |
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| At a time when antisemitism is rising, this visible and collective recognition matters. It affirms that Jewish life is an integral part of British Columbia’s story, present, contributing, and deserving of both visibility and respect.
Reflection and Resolve
On Wednesday evening, our community gathered at Congregation Schara Tzedeck to mark two years since the attempted firebombing of the synagogue. The evening created space not only to remember, but to reflect on how we move forward.
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| We heard perspectives that underscored the importance of turning pain into purpose, of choosing action, connection, and responsibility in the face of adversity. Stories of communities enduring repeated acts of hate were paired with examples of resilience and creativity, finding ways to rebuild, to respond, and to reaffirm identity. |
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| Rabbi Joe Kanofsky of Kehillat Shaarei Torah in Toronto shared how his community, having faced repeated vandalism since October 7, has chosen to transform moments of rupture into acts that reinforce identity and continuity. Selina Robinson offered a perspective on the differing ways antisemitism is experienced and understood, highlighting the importance of sustained civic engagement. I had the opportunity to speak to resilience and purpose, underscoring the responsibility each of us carries in shaping how we respond. The conversation was guided by Jason Murray, Chair of the Jewish Federation Community Security Committee, whose leadership ensured a thoughtful and grounded discussion.
Across these voices, a clear message emerged: even in the face of adversity, we are called to respond with strength, responsibility, and a deep sense of connection to one another.
Strengthening Our Community
Alongside these moments of pride and reflection, we remain clear-eyed about the challenges before us.
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A new audit released in April by B’nai Brith Canada’s League for Human Rights shows that antisemitic incidents reached their highest recorded level in 2025, the most since tracking began in 1982. These findings are a sobering reminder of the reality many in our community face each and every day.
Read the annual audit here. |
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| If you have personally experienced antisemitism, taking the step to report it matters. It helps ensure these incidents are documented, understood, and addressed. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts. If you see something, say something, do something. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-urgent concerns, contact local police and inform our community security team, and please be sure to report the incident. Learn more here.
At Jewish Federation, our response is focused and sustained, strengthening community security, building partnerships across sectors, and investing in education, awareness, and preparedness so our community can live openly and safely.
In response to the sharp rise in antisemitism following October 7, Federation launched the Combatting Antisemitism Fund to support a wide range of initiatives across BC. This includes dedicated staff capacity, educational programs, awareness campaigns, enhanced community security, and grants to partner agencies and grassroots groups working to combat hate while strengthening Jewish identity, pride, and resilience. Donate here.
Celebrating Leadership and Impact
And finally, Kol Hakavod to Jewish Family Services on an extraordinary milestone, 90 years of caring for our community with compassion and dignity.
At this year’s JFS Innovators, nearly two decades of tradition came to life once again, bringing together individuals driven by purpose and inspiring generosity and deep connection.
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| The evening honoured both legacy and leadership. We congratulate Garry Zlotnik as the recipient of the Lighting the Way Award. Garry embodies arevut, our shared responsibility for one another, championing collective impact and fostering the trust and collaboration that strengthen our community for generations to come. |
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| His commitment to Jewish communal life is deeply rooted in family values of philanthropy, leadership, and responsibility. Inspired by his father and together with his brother Mark z’l, Garry has carried forward a longstanding tradition of giving back through both personal involvement and the support of their family business. Over the years, their contributions have touched nearly every corner of community life, helping sustain and strengthen the institutions that bring us together. |
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We also celebrate another moment of leadership and achievement across our global community. Mazal tov to Rachel Sachs, our Executive Director in Israel, on graduating with the inaugural cohort of the Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership (PhilD) at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
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| "My research focused on culture, identity and trust in American Jewish philanthropy in Israel. My analysis of intracultural narratives and intercultural dynamics introduces a new paradigm to the field, which I title Peoplehood Philanthropy," Rachel said.
As we enter Shabbat, we hold both of these truths: the pride of being recognized and celebrated, and the responsibility to continue strengthening and protecting our community.
Shabbat shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Join the JCC on Sunday, May 31, to celebrate Jewish Culture. Register here. |
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| Join VHEC to explore the role of football during the Holocaust. Register here. |
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| Join young souls (+55) for a morning walk. Register here. |
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| Join the ShinShinim for a Kabbalat Shabbat in Delta. RSVP here. |
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Jewish Heritage Month More Than Just A Celebration, by Ezra Shanken.
I had the opportunity to write an op-ed for The Times of Israel. As we come to a close of Jewish Heritage month, it's often understood as a celebration, but this moment calls for something more... Read it here. |
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