October 24, 2025

A child wearing a colorful shirt is walking away, holding an Israeli flag in a field, with the text "ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN REPORT" above.

October 24, 2025 | 2 Cheshvan 5786 | Candle lighting at 5:46 p.m.

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Since the October 7th attacks, Israel has endured a prolonged state of emergency—from the Swords of Iron war and conflict with Hezbollah, to the 12-day war with Iran, missile attacks from Yemen, and the prolonged hostage situation that only recently came close to resolution, and we still wait for the return of those who were killed in captivity. These events have tested the strength and spirit of Israeli society, and of our global Jewish community.

In response, our community took swift and compassionate initiative. The Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC) committee, chaired by Stephen Gaerber, thoughtfully allocated over $20 million in aid to meet urgent and evolving needs on the ground. This achievement ranks among the highest funds raised per community size anywhere in the world—a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors. The committee concluded its work in September 2025, and we remain deeply grateful for their dedication and care.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, lives were touched, systems were strengthened, and hope was restored. We’re pleased to share the final report for the Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC), a powerful reflection of our community’s response to an unprecedented crisis. Read the full report here.

Building Back Better: A New Chapter Begins

With the IEC now concluded, our focus shifts to the long-term work of Building Back Better. While the immediate crisis may have passed, the journey ahead is one of renewal and resilience.

In Etzba HaGalil and across Israel, families are returning to communities deeply impacted by trauma and disruption. They face the complex task of restoring daily life, rebuilding infrastructure, and strengthening the social fabric that holds communities together. Our commitment continues, with renewed energy and purpose, to support this next phase of recovery and growth. Read more here.

CIJA Advocacy Day: A United Voice on Parliament Hill

And while Israel continues to face extraordinary challenges, the challenges here in Canada are real and growing. The fight against antisemitism is a national concern, and one that demands coordinated action at every level of leadership.

Just two weeks ahead of the federal budget, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) hosted leaders from across the country for an outstanding Lobby Day on Parliament Hill. Board chair, Lana Marks Pulver, Karen James, Local Partner Council Chair, CIJA, Nico Slobinsky, VP Pacific Region, CIJA, and I met directly with government and opposition representatives.

For MPs in Ottawa, British Columbia can feel far away—and that’s why travelling from BC to make our voices heard was even more impactful because elected officials heard directly from us. Being present signals that our voices carry weight, and attending from BC amplifies our message at a critical moment, strengthening advocacy and ensuring our community’s concerns are heard loud and clear.

Our shared goal was clear: to urge decisive and coordinated action in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism. The delegation emphasized the need for meaningful policies that protect Jewish Canadians and uphold the values of an inclusive, democratic society. As Noah Shack, CEO of CIJA, stated: “We’re in Ottawa to urge elected officials from all parties to work together on meaningful, practical measures that protect our community and safeguard all Canadians.” Read CIJA's statement here.

Empowering Parents: Standing Up to Antisemitism in Schools

Closer to home, we continue to address challenges facing our own community. In response, BC Teachers Against Antisemitism and the Family Alliance for Jewish Students of BC are hosting an online session to help parents become effective advocates in public and non-Jewish independent schools.

Parent advocates Ginaya Peters and Deborah Stern Silver, who helped develop the K–12 Antisemitism Toolkit, will lead: How to Be Your Own Best Advocate: Dealing with Antisemitism in Public and Non-Jewish Independent Schools. The session will include practical scenarios, tips, and resources to help parents navigate these difficult conversations. Register Here.

Hillel BC: A Hub for Jewish Life, Leadership, and Support

As we gear up for the upcoming webinar on tackling antisemitism in schools, it’s a good time to mention the work Hillel BC is doing to support students facing similar challenges on campus. They’ve been a steady and thoughtful presence, helping young adults navigate tough conversations and feel safe in their identities.

Discover We Are Here – הננו (Hineinu), Hillel BC’s comprehensive resource kit and confidential intake platform, designed to meet students’ evolving needs with compassion and responsiveness. We’re proud to partner with Hillel BC and celebrate their vital role in nurturing vibrant, resilient Jewish life on campus.

Celebrating Leadership: Anchor Award Recognition
Coming off the conversation about campus life and the challenges students face today, I had a chance to reflect on my own university journey in a meaningful way. This week, I travelled to Hartford, Connecticut, to accept the Anchor Award from my alma mater, the University of Hartford — the university’s highest alumni honour, recognizing professional achievement and civic engagement.

The recognition was especially meaningful because it came through a nomination from Hillel. Years after serving as student president at Hillel Hartford, I helped reimagine the space as a vibrant hub for Jewish life on campus. The opportunities this community has given me have allowed me to pay it forward—to the places and spaces that shaped who I am today—and to use my voice in meaningful ways.

It is not lost on me that a university is awarding its highest alumni honour to someone leading the Jewish community and proudly Zionist, at a time when many universities are turning away from such voices. Hartford’s choice to lean in deserves enormous praise. It was a humbling moment and a reminder of the importance of leadership rooted in service and community.

Wexner Speaker Series Returns

That same spirit of learning and growth is at the heart of our upcoming community programming—beginning with the launch of this year’s Wexner Speaker Series, proudly supported by the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation and Jewish Federation. We’re excited to invite you to our first event of the season. Register here for the November 2nd session with Rabbi Kasher.

November also brings two wonderful events that support community, our 3rd annual Men's Philanthropy Poker Tournament and our Women's Philanthropy 21st Annual Choices. Tickets are now on sale for both events and are selling quickly, so get your tickets today.

For those who can't make it to this year's Choices, you can still participate in the 50/50 draw and make an impact from wherever you are. Purchase your tickets here.

Shabbat shalom,