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October 30, 2026 | 19 Cheshvan 5787 | Candle lighting at 5:36 p.m.
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This message has approximately 997 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| This week has been defined by elections. In Israel, attention remains focused on the final results and the road ahead. Here in British Columbia, voters have chosen a new government and a premier-designate. While each election reflects its own unique circumstances, both are reminders of how leadership shapes the communities and institutions we care about.
As an organization committed to serving Jewish communities across BC, Federation and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) continue to monitor election outcomes and strengthen connections throughout the province. In recent weeks, we have also reached out to elected mayors and municipal leaders across British Columbia as part of our commitment to ensuring Jewish communities are connected, supported, and represented wherever they call home.
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| The election of Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson marks an important moment for B.C. While the new government will face many priorities important to British Columbians, including healthcare, affordability, housing, and public safety, he also spoke directly to issues that matter deeply to our community, including Jewish security, Holocaust education, addressing antisemitism, and campus safety. |
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| He committed $1.5 million over three years to help establish a western security network that brings community organizations together to coordinate security resources, share threat information, strengthen best practices, and build partnerships with law enforcement and security agencies. Read more here.
These commitments are encouraging at a time when many Jewish families continue to feel the effects of rising antisemitism. As the new government begins its work, we will be watching with interest as these priorities move from commitment to action. CIJA Pacific Region Vice President Nico Slobinsky has already expressed CIJA's willingness to work with the incoming government to help turn these commitments into action. Watch his remarks here.
The election also brought encouraging news for Jewish representation in public life. Congratulations to Jaime Stein, elected in Vancouver-Langara; Claire Rattée, elected in Skeena; and Nina Krieger, re-elected in Victoria-Swan Lake. Their success reflects the longstanding contributions of Jewish British Columbians to civic life across our province, and we wish them every success in serving their communities.
Building Something That Lasts
Across British Columbia, communities continue to confront the challenge of rising antisemitism and the need to strengthen the networks that keep our community safe and connected.
We welcome Efrat Gal-Or, director of Combatting Antisemitism, who shares an update on the challenges facing Jewish communities and the progress being made across the province.
When antisemitism surged after 7 October 2023, our community did what it had to do: we got the right people around the table and we responded.
Event by event, incident by incident, we showed up. Since then, we deliberately chose to expand the work. With the help of a dedicated task force, we set out to build the structures, partnerships, and plans that will carry out this work for years to come.
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| Much of that building has happened quietly, in relationships. Allies who once joined us for a single event now have a year-round way to stay connected and grow alongside us. Some of BC’s largest workplaces have opened their doors to conversations about antisemitism. Their leaders and staff are learning what our community is experiencing and how they can help. |
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| Other moments were impossible to miss. This summer, during the World Cup, our message travelled across billboards, transit and social media with messages like “You don’t have to be Jewish to stand up for Jews.” |
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| At Vancouver Pride, our Jewish LGBTQ+ community was once again absent from the parade. In their place, a truck carrying video messages made sure they were represented and part of the day. And when the PNE faced pressure to cancel Boy George’s performance, thousands of community members rallied to thank the PNE for standing firm. Hundreds more joined us for an evening with Boy George himself. |
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| On campuses, the work persists with varying degrees of success. Working closely with CIJA, Hillel BC, and partners across the community is enabling more conversations, actions and often change.
The conversation extends beyond campuses. Recent developments at the Vancouver School Board highlight the importance of ensuring Jewish students feel safe, included, and supported. We are grateful to the parents, community members, and grassroots advocates who have worked tirelessly to raise these concerns and drive change.
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Grassroots groups have taken their work to Victoria and Vancouver Island, and across the province. At the Federation Engagement Summit in Whistler this past Spring, community members from across BC came together to hear from the groups leading this work and to build connections beyond the Lower Mainland.
None of this happens alone. It happens because partners, volunteers, donors and allies keep choosing to show up. |
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| We still have much to do, but for now, the foundation feels solid. To learn more or get involved, visit www.jewishbc.ca/combatting-antisemitism. |
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Honouring Service Across Generations
As we approach Remembrance Day, we are also reminded of the importance of preserving stories and honouring those who came before us. This year, our community has a meaningful opportunity to come together through a special partnership between Hillel BC, Jewish Federation, the Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC, the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC, and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. |
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| Community members are invited to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at UBC’s War Memorial Gym and then gather afterward at Hillel House for a bagel lunch and storytelling program. The initiative was originally brought forward by Perry Seidelman, whose uncle, Joseph “Joe” Seidelman, was killed at Passchendaele during the First World War and is commemorated at UBC’s War Memorial Gym. |
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| Participants will also hear from Captain Adam Braverman of the Canadian Armed Forces, who will share his perspective on Remembrance Day and his experience serving as a Jewish Canadian in the military. Register here.
This initiative highlights Hillel BC's important role in connecting students to Jewish life, history, and community beyond campus. We are proud to support partners whose work strengthens education, preserves heritage, and builds lasting community connections.
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Kristallnacht Commemoration Program
Join the community for a Kristallnacht commemoration featuring Dr. Heidi Tworek, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at UBC. Dr. Tworek will explore the significance of Kristallnacht, its place in Holocaust history, and why remembering these events remains so important today. |
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| Presented by the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue and funded through Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign.
The program is free and everyone is welcome. Please RSVP to attend.
Shabbat shalom,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
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| Join us as we celebrate Sigd and Ethiopian Jewish Heritage. RSVP here. |
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| Join our newcomers' session on banking & savings programs. Register here. |
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| JMABC invites you to explore archival stories through creativity. Register here. |
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| Chutzpah! starts next week. Discover the lineup of shows and events here. |
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Check out our calendar for more community events.
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| If you want to understand how narratives take hold and spread, I recommend Warren Kinsella's The Hidden Hand. Drawing on his research and experience, Warren examines the forces shaping public discourse today. You can also participate in an engaging conversation with the author at Schara Tzedeck on November 5. RSVP here. |
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