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October 10, 2025, 2025 | 18 Tishrei 5786 | Candle lighting at 6:13 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,050 words and will take about 4 minutes to read.
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I hope you had a joyful and meaningful Sukkot, surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of community. As we move from the shelter of the sukkah into the light of Simchat Torah, we carry with us the hope that the new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas holds, so that the hostages held in Gaza will soon return home to their families who have endured unimaginable pain the past two years.
Community Rally Planned Pending Hostage Release
Pending the successful implementation of the first phase of the hostage release and ceasefire plan, the Rabbinical Association of Vancouver (RAV) and Jewish Federation are preparing a community rally to mark this moment with unity, strength, and gratitude. It will be a chance to come together in celebration, relief, and continued prayer.
The rally will only proceed if the hostages are confirmed to be safely back in Israel.
Pre-registration is required — sign up here. Details will be shared Monday morning.
Let us come together for the hostages, for their families, and for Israel.
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You are also invited to join Canadian Jews across the country for an online gathering 'Together, in this Moment' this Sunday, October 12 at 9:00 AM PST.
Together with some of the Canadian families of those who were murdered or taken hostage, we will mark this critical moment as a united community.
Register here.
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Marking October 7th
This past week, several memorials were held across the community to mark the second anniversary of October 7, including hundreds who attended the community memorial at Temple Sholom, where a deeply meaningful service, that reflected our shared grief and resilience, was led by the Rabbinical Association of Vancouver (RAV).
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On Wednesday evening, a screening of October 8 brought together a wide range of community members and many allies. The conversations that followed highlighted the importance of standing together, listening and amplifying voices that support empathy and understanding. In moments like these, allyship it not just appreciated—its essential. And if you missed the screening, it is now available on Amazon Prime.
The rise in antisemitism continues to impact our community in serious and deeply personal ways, a recent poll found that nearly half of British Columbians would feel less safe today than two years ago if they were Jewish, and that over 75% of agree that Canadian Jews are being unfairly targeted for what is happening in Israel and Gaza.
Formal Complaint Filed with Vancouver Integrity Commissioner
This growing concern was underscored by City Councillor Sean Orr's participation in the "Flood Vancouver for Palestine" protest on October 4. One of its organizers, Al-Awda, has links to terrorist entity Samidoun and it is deeply inappropriate for an elected official to use their public platform to give legitimacy to organizations with links to terrorist entities, especially as Vancouver's Jewish community continues to face rising antisemitic incidents and hate crimes. Together with our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), we have filed a formal complaint with Vancouver's Integrity Commissioner. You can read the letter here.
At that same protest, Jewish-owned food trucks were targeted—a troubling reminder of how tensions in our city can too easily spill over into acts of hate. In this moment it's more important than ever to show up for our community. Support Jewish businesses, buy Israeli products and help foster a city where solidarity speaks louder than division.
A Message from Our Board Chair: Lana Marks Pulver
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As we continue to navigate this complex moment in our collective story, we invite you to hear from our Board Chair, Lana Marks Pulver, who shares a heartfelt reflection on where we’ve been, where we are, and how we move forward—together:
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Two years have now passed since October 7th, and during that time we’ve spent time listening — meeting with groups across the spectrum, from the right to the left — trying to understand what it means to be a community in this moment. Many of us are wrestling with complex feelings about Israel and about each other. But what unites the vast majority of us is our shared belief in a safe and secure State of Israel and in one another, as we deal with rising antisemitism here at home.
There are many visions of what Israel should look like, and that diversity of thought is healthy. But we must remain united on our core principles. What we cannot debate is Israel’s right to exist. These conversations are deeply personal, and my hope is that we can find ways to connect and engage with compassion, honesty, and respect.
How can Federation help? If you’re struggling with what's happening in Israel, we can help you connect with the ambassador or foreign ministry to share your perspective. We help educate, bring different voices together, foster understanding and convene spaces for meaningful dialogue and engagement.
As we reflect on the second anniversary of October 7th, I hope we can move forward with empathy and strength. Together, let’s stand strong, support one another, and ensure our community not only endures—but thrives.
Am Israel Chai.
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Please note our office will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14–15 for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
As we head into Shabbat with hope and anticipation, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Chag Sameach and Shabbat shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
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Book Recommendation: Hostage by Eli Sharabi. Learn more.
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The Gaza War is Over - with Amit Segal and Nadav Eyal. Listen here.
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King David High School Open House. Thursday, October 30th Register here.
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