May 17, 2019 | Iyar 12, 5779

This week Calgary Jewish Federation hosted the 35th Annual Holocaust Education Symposium in cooperation with Mount Royal University . From May 13 to 16, over 3,000 high school students from Calgary and the surrounding area heard powerful testimonies relating to the atrocities of the Holocaust from Survivors and 2nd Voices presenters . Through these presentations, students learned crucial lessons of acceptance, compassion, and the dangers of hatred. We are sincerely grateful to our brave Survivors, 2nd Voices presenters, and the numerous volunteers who made this event possible. Hear the full interview from CHQR 77 news with Ilana Krygier Lapides, Director of Programming / Holocaust & Human Rights Education to learn more about Symposium.  

Press Release: CIJA Welcomes Federal Funding for Community Security Training

"OTTAWA, ON —  The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) commended today's announcement by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale that the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) will be expanded to fund new security measures. In addition to new physical infrastructure upgrades, community security training will be eligible for SIP grants . As of June 1, at-risk community institutions may apply for up to $10,000 in SIP funding for basic training for staff and others in responding to hate-motivated incidents." See full press release online.

Mazel Tov to Wynne and Harvey Thal and Yasher Koach to Calgary Jewish National Fund on a successful 2019 Negev Dinner . This year's event was one of the largest ever in Calgary and paid tribute to a couple whose tireless commitment to community is evident through their volunteerism and philanthropy. Wynne has volunteered with Jewish Family Service Calgary's Wynne's Pantry (Miriam's Well) for many years, so it was a perfect fit when they chose to support Leket Israel as their project. Leket Israel is the largest food-bank in Israel and a leader in food rescue and distribution to needy people across Israel. 

Calgary JCC  invites you and your family to Songs Around the Bonfire – Shirim Mesaviv la'Medura on Thursday, May 23 at 7:00pm. Celebrate Lag BaOmer with contemporary and traditional Israeli tunes sung by Israeli soprano Nofar Yacobi (Israeli Opera and resident performer at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto). $18 advance tickets/$25 at the door/Free admission ages 17 and under.  Purchase tickets online , at Calgary JCC Customer Service Desk, or call 403-253-8600, ext.0 (event code 6248). This concert is one of many Israel Month celebrations at the JCC.   Email Shula Banchik for more information.