September 26, 2025

September 26, 2025 | 4 Tishrei 5786 | Candle lighting at 6:43 p.m.

This message has approximately 1,107 words and will take about 3.5 minutes to read.

The transition between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a sacred time that invites us to reflect, not just personally, but collectively, on what it means to belong, to build, and to show up for one another.

That’s why The Power of Together feels so personal. It’s more than a fundraising campaign; it’s a reflection of who we are and how we work. Together with our partners, we build something greater than any one effort alone. When we come together, we don’t just add, we amplify. And when we amplify, we go further, for everyone.

A Transformational Gift for Beit Vancouver

We are proud to announce a generous gift of $500,000 toward the post-war renovations and vital expansion of Beit Vancouver from the Arnold and Anita Silber Family Foundation. The Silber family is a long-time supporter of our work in our partnership region of Etzba Hagalil.

This gift will jumpstart the launch of the Centre into the next era, advancing the urgently needed upgrades the facility requires in its role as the central hub of growth and resilience for the youth and children of Kiryat Shmona.

As part of the renovation, the new Silber Family Wing will provide vitally needed spaces for small to medium-sized group programs and activities, helping to meet the growing needs of the community as they return to the region and rebuild their lives.

Established in 1980, Beit Vancouver has long been a vibrant centre of learning, creativity, and community. More than 1,000 children and youth participate in weekly programs, including the Youth City Council, Krembo Wings (an inclusive youth movement), the Studio Program (a social-emotional therapeutic initiative), and a music centre. Since the mid-1990s, Jewish Federation and dedicated donors from our Vancouver community have invested strategic funds to strengthen Etzba Hagalil, with Beit Vancouver at the heart of this work—supporting education, social welfare, and regional development to help youth grow, lead, and shape their futures.

“I don’t come from a strong home at all...and my folks are always struggling; Beit Vancouver was the one place I could rely on after school and during vacations. My other option was to hang out for hours at the park. My experiences at Beit Vancouver have made me connected to my community and city until today. Beit Vancouver changed my life”, shares Hodaya, who grew up in Kiryat Shmona.

Throughout the Iron Swords war, Beit Vancouver stood empty, suffering damage from nearby rocket hits and neglect. Now, as families return to the region, the need to restore and renew this vital space is more urgent than ever. Renovating Beit Vancouver is a key step in building back better—a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.

"Beit Vancouver represents the heart of the community in Kiryat Shmona. Our family believes in the power of youth to lead and heal, and we are honoured to help create a space where they can thrive. This gift is our way of standing with them as they rebuild their lives and their city,” said Arnold Silber.

We are deeply grateful to the Silbers for their extraordinary leadership and generosity, demonstrated in their long-standing dedication to our partnership region in Northern Israel and this recent landmark gift.

Honouring October 7th: A Community-Wide Memorial

Next month marks two years since the October 7th attacks in Israel. The pain of that day continues to reverberate, and the absence of those still held hostage remains a source of profound sorrow. Please join us for a Community-Wide Commemoration to honour the lives taken, pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, and hold space for healing and hope.

This gathering reminds us that even in grief, we find strength in unity, and in unity, we find the courage to act. Registration is required.

October 8: Film Screening, Panel Discussion & Ally Engagement

The ripple effects of October 7th have reached far beyond Israel, fueling a troubling rise in antisemitism across the globe. This event provides an opportunity to understand, listen to, and learn from those most directly affected.

On October 8th, we invite you to a screening of October 8, a documentary that explores the surge in antisemitism and its effect on Jewish youth. Following the film, a panel of Jewish students and professionals from across British Columbia will share their experiences and insights.

Their voices are not only essential, they’re courageous. In sharing their stories, they invite us to listen deeply, to understand more fully, and to act with purpose. And to make that action truly meaningful, we must widen the circle, bringing others into the conversation and building bridges beyond our community.

This is a bring-an-ally event. We encourage you to invite non-Jewish friends and allies to join you in learning, listening, and standing together.

Tickets are $20, but if you bring one or more non-Jewish friends, they attend free—and all three of you will enjoy complimentary popcorn and pop. Purchase your ticket here.

As we raise awareness locally, we also continue our advocacy nationally.

Advocacy in Action: Responding to Government Policy

Advocacy is how we ensure our community’s voice is heard, not only in our neighbourhoods, but in the decisions that shape our country. Through our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and in coordination with Jewish organizations across Canada, we are voicing our community’s serious concerns regarding the Canadian government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.

This work reflects our commitment to ensuring Jewish voices are heard and respected in matters of national and international policy. Read our statement here.

Project Isaiah and the Power of Local Support

While advocacy ensures our voices are heard in the halls of government, it’s the everyday acts of care and compassion that shape the heart of our community. That’s why we’re proud to highlight the work of our partner, Jewish Family Services (JFS), and its powerful initiative, Project Isaiah.

Each month, over 1,600 people, including children, families, older adults, and individuals living with disabilities, rely on JFS food programs. Through Project Isaiah, they receive nourishing, culturally appropriate food.

This is what showing up looks like—quietly, consistently, and with love. Click here to learn more.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose

As Yom Kippur approaches, may reflection lead to action, and may our shared grief be met with shared strength. We continue to hold in our hearts the hostages who remain in captivity, and we pray for their safe return and for healing across Israel and the Jewish world.

Please note: Our office will be closed on Tuesday, September 30, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and on Thursday, October 2, for Yom Kippur.

Shabbat shalom,