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This week got off to a cold start as I took on the ALS Ice Bucket challenge. A number of Federation CEOs have participated in this challenge within their communities and it was a privilege for me to answer the call and match our staff’s contributions to this cause. Next week will provide a stark contrast as I will enjoy the summer warmth of Jerusalem, while participating in a solidarity visit to Israel with Stephen Gaerber, Chair, Israel & Overseas Coast-to-Coast and Pam Wolfman, Chair, Partnership2Gether committee. We will be joined by another member of our Canadian partnership committee on a visit to our partnership region in the North. I look forward to sharing my experiences on the ground in Israel and visiting those affected by the crisis. For up-to-the-minute photos and posts from my trip, follow my twitter stream @eshanken. There are other organizations planning solidarity visits to Israel. For a list of some of them visit our website.

Update on Israel

After 50 days of conflict, it is heartening to see Israel and Hamas have agreed to an open-ended truce. The immediate crisis appears to be over, but our partners continue to respond to the impacts of living on the front lines and the economic toll on Israel’s already disadvantaged south. Sadly, the recent capture of areas surrounding the border crossing on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights by Islamic State has raised the level of alert for Israel and we must remain vigilant and be prepared to respond should this emerging threat escalate. You can support the recovery effort by donating to the Israel Relief Fund.

Update on Ukraine

We are all watching with increasing concern as the conflict in eastern Ukraine intensifies, with the Kiev government and its allies accusing the Russian military of assisting the rebels. Federation’s partner agencies, the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) are on the ground addressing the needs of a troubled Ukraine and ensuring the well-being of its most vulnerable Jews.

Shimon Fogel visit to Vancouver

Shimon Fogel, CEO of The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, visited our community earlier this week to meet with the Federation Board, CIJA’s Local Partnership Council and professional staff. One of the highlights of his visit was a meeting with the Board of Directors and Senior Staff of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. — one of the province’s largest social service agencies that serves the needs of BC’s new immigrants. Shimon shared CIJA's expertise in government relations and described the Jewish and pro-Israel community’s effective model for advocacy. Building close ties with other groups who share our community's values is central to CIJA’s efforts. By becoming more effective advocates together, we can more successfully tackle the problems that confront us all.

2014 Campaign Launch

One sure sign of the end of summer and the launch of our Federation Annual Campaign is the installation of billboards at locations throughout the city. As we prepare to launch our 2014 Campaign, the conflicts in Israel, Ukraine and other events affecting Jews around the world remind us of the importance of coming together to support our community. Join us at our Federation Annual Campaign Opening Event to recognize and celebrate what we share in common.

Parshat Shoftim

We continue to showcase for you the words of young professional leaders from around North America.
This week’s Shabbat message was written by my friend and NYL Cabinet member Dan Zale (2013) from Colorado.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver