November 14, 2025

A mosaic floor featuring a Star of David surrounded by the text "THE POWER OF TOGETHER," with various pairs of shoes and a dog visible around the edges.

 

 

November 14, 2025 | 23 Cheshvan 5786 | Candle lighting at 4:13 p.m.

This message has approximately 883 words and will take about 4 minutes to read.
 

2024 Annual Report Launch: The Power of Together

As we prepare to share our 2024-2025 Annual Report, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that has profoundly shaped our community. The events of October 7th continue to reverberate through Jewish life, in Israel and here at home, reminding us of both our vulnerability and our strength. What began in heartbreak quickly evolved into a powerful response rooted in unity, resilience, and purpose. 

This report offers a look back at a year defined by extraordinary change. It captures the urgency and grief of the moment, as well as the generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment that have propelled our community forward. We invite you to read it in full and join us in honouring the courage and compassion that continues to guide our path. 

We are proud to share the full Board Chair and CEO Report from our Annual Report below—a reflection on a year marked by challenge, growth, and a deepened commitment to the work we carry forward. For a fuller picture of the impact and momentum we’re building together, we invite you to read the Annual Report

A Look Back: Board Chair and CEO Report 

As we reflect on this past year, we recognize how deeply October 7th continues to shape Jewish life in Israel and here at home. While the immediate aftermath was defined by urgency, fear, and grief, the months that followed brought renewed focus, determination, and an unwavering commitment to rebuilding lives and strengthening our community. The path forward has not been easy—but through unity, generosity, and shared purpose, we have turned resilience into action and challenge into opportunity. 

Thanks to your generosity, our 2024 Annual Campaign—The Power of Together surpassed all previous records, raising $13.17 million, a 13% increase over the previous year. This extraordinary result enabled us to strategically invest, address emerging needs, and strengthen community services. It speaks volumes about the power of collective commitment. 

Here at home, the sharp and troubling rise in antisemitism demanded a coordinated and robust response. Through our new Combatting Antisemitism initiative, we brought together leaders from across sectors to develop proactive strategies, build allyship, and ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish community members across the region. We also enhanced our security infrastructure, delivered training to Bitachon volunteers, and expanded our national partnerships to ensure access to real-time intelligence and best practices. This work aligns with our strategic priority to safeguard our community and support long-term resilience. 

Even amidst crisis, we remained focused on the essential work of building community. Our engagement team hosted roundtables on the needs of youth, seniors, and newcomers. On campus, we continued to support Jewish students’ mental health and well-being while expanding relevant programming. We held our first Regional Communities Conference, fostering Jewish growth across the province, and our Community Connectors created vibrant opportunities to engage Jewishly in communities throughout BC. 

There were also moments of unity and celebration. From a moving Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration marking Israel’s 76th Independence Day, to welcoming the Israeli delegation to the Invictus Games, to supporting hundreds of new Israeli arrivals in BC, we created meaningful spaces for connection, pride, and solidarity during a difficult time. 

The Jewish Community Foundation continued to play a vital role in securing our future.

By disbursing funds to support local, national, and international initiatives, the Foundation helped us respond to today’s urgent needs while advancing a long-term vision for a strong, sustainable Jewish community for generations to come. 

Throughout the past year, our community has consistently shown up—with compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to Jewish life. We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, volunteers, and staff, whose dedication ensures we can meet this moment—and prepare for the next. 

This was a year of unprecedented challenge—and one defined by courage, clarity, and collective purpose. That is the story of this past year, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible through The Power of Together. 

With gratitude, 

Lana Marks Pulver / Ezra Shanken 

Investing in Our Future: Jewish Foundation Annual Report

Our shared achievements this year remind us that lasting impact comes from both immediate action and long-term investment. The Jewish Community Foundation plays a vital role in that balance—helping us meet urgent needs while securing the future of Jewish life for generations to come. 

The Jewish Community Foundation proudly reported that, in collaboration with its fundholders, $4.5 million was disbursed in support of initiatives locally, nationally, and in Israel. Thanks to strong portfolio performance and continued contributions, the Foundation ended the fiscal year with $106 million in invested assets, marking a major achievement as we surpassed the $100 million milestone in assets under management.

This milestone is more than a number; it’s a testament to the power of community and shared purpose. Again, I want to express my deep gratitude to Marcie Flom for her steadfast leadership, wise guidance, and unwavering commitment to the Foundation. Her contributions strengthened our community and have ensured a vibrant future for generations to come. Click here to see the full report.

Double Your Impact with PearTree Canada 

As we reflect on the strength and generosity that carried us through this past year, we’re reminded that every act of giving creates ripples of impact. From now until Giving Tuesday, on December 2, PearTree Canada is matching your donation to the Federation Annual Campaign, doubling your impact for our community. Your gift multiplied. Our impact amplified. Donate here.

As we head into Shabbat, may we carry forward that same spirit of generosity, resilience, and connection that defines our community. 

Shabbat shalom,

 

 

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

 

The Fed Four

Register for a Talmud Torah Tour by Friday, November 21.

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Register for Newcomers: Banking and Savings Programs

Get your tickets for a spectacular queer Jewish Hanukkah celebration!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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