FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC — At its June 22, 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver will officially launch its new identity as Jewish Federation of British Columbia (JFBC). At a time when many might feel pressure to retreat, Jewish Federation is doing the opposite.
This milestone marks one of the most significant transformations in the organization’s history.
This evolution reflects the changing reality of Jewish life across British Columbia. Jewish communities have expanded well beyond the Lower Mainland, and Federation has grown alongside them, strengthening relationships, investing in local leadership, and building the infrastructure needed to support a geographically diverse and increasingly connected province. In becoming a provincial federation, JFBC now represents the largest geographic region of any of the 140 Jewish Federations in North America, reflecting both the scale of British Columbia and the organization’s commitment to serving communities across the province.
This moment arrives as Jewish communities everywhere face a substantial rise in antisemitism, heightened security concerns, and increasing social fragmentation. Rather than turning inward, JFBC is choosing to build with intention. It is strengthening its role, expanding its reach, and moving decisively from response to resilience, stepping forward stronger, more visible, and more united than ever.
This is not simply a rebrand. It is a declaration of intent.
The shift to a provincial identity positions the organization to meet both current challenges and future needs with greater reach, clarity, and impact. It is a statement that Jewish communities across British Columbia stand together through one collective voice, one that can advocate with clarity, mobilize with strength, and ensure that no community stands alone. What is emerging is not only resilience, but resolve. As Jewish communities across North America navigate changing demographics and growing regional populations, British Columbia is demonstrating a new model for what a connected, province-wide Jewish community can look like. The lessons learned here have the potential to shape broader conversations about Jewish communal life, growth, and belonging.
“For many, this would be a moment to become smaller,” said Ezra S. Shanken, CEO of the Jewish Federation of British Columbia. “Instead, we are choosing to grow—more connected, more visible, and more unified. We are here, we are united, and we are not going anywhere.”
Today, JFBC engages nearly 30 communities across British Columbia—from Vancouver Island to the Okanagan, from the Lower Mainland to Northern BC—reflecting a reality that has already taken shape on the ground.
The new identity reflects who we are today: a connected, diverse, and growing Jewish community with the strength to thrive across one of the largest and most geographically diverse regions in North America.
As JFBC looks ahead, it does so grounded in its history and focused on the future. Jewish life in British Columbia is strong, visible, and growing. Together we are shaping a vibrant future for generations to come, openly, proudly, and without hesitation.
About Jewish Federation of British Columbia
Jewish Federation is the central planning, convening, facilitating, and fundraising organization for Jewish communities across British Columbia. Through the Federation Annual Campaign, special project funding, and the Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Federation generates the funds needed to meet community needs today, tomorrow and for years to come. Jewish Federation works collaboratively with more than three dozen partner organizations, unifying their work. Together, we touch the lives of thousands of community members locally, in our partnership region in Israel, and around the world.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Caryl E. Dolinko
Director, Communications and Marketing
Jewish Federation of British Columbia
[email protected]