May 03, 2019 | 28 Nissan 5779

We very grateful for Calgary Police Service’s responsiveness to our community’s concerns.  After the attacks in both Pittsburgh and Poway, CPS dispatched extra patrols to our community organizations and events, and consulted frequently with Federation’s staff and lay leadership. Communication has always been strong, and is especially so in recent years, including CPS making CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) assessments available to all of our institutions in the community, as well as consulting on security protocols and working with Federation, CIJA , and RCMP as appropriate to keep our community safe. In addition, Federation often provides guidance and training to CPS in various ways. As recently as this morning, over 30 police officers were trained by Ilana Krygier Lapides and Rabbi Mark Glickman on topics related to anti-Semitism and Judaism 101.   

May is Israel month hosted by Calgary JCC . May 7, come together for a Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) ceremony to mourn the fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terror. Then, on May 9, celebrate Israel’s 71st birthday with a Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's Independence Day) parade and BBQ. Learn more about these and other Israel month events here.  

Thank you to everyone who attended our Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration on Wednesday to honour and remember victims of the Holocaust. Highlights of the evening included poetry readings by March of the Living Students , the ceremonial laying of stones in memory of those who have perished, and of course listening to keynote speaker Angela Orosz-Richt (pictured), only one of two babies to survive being born in Auschwitz. Stories like Angela’s are a firm reminder that we all have a responsibility to stand up against hate, discrimination and prejudice whenever possible. In her words, "I survived for a reason, because I have a mission to speak for those who cannot speak. "

Jewish Calgary’s LIFE & LEGACY initiative will be even more visible with our new banner stands that can be seen in our partner organizations’ offices and lobbies. Keep an eye out for them and remember to consider what meaningful legacy you are planning to leave to our community. To date, this initiative has secured 79 commitments from 43 donors. Learn more about LIFE & LEGACY, here.