April 12, 2019 | 7 Nisan 5779

Welcome home to grade 9 students from The Calgary Jewish Academy who recently returned from three weeks in Israel. Eleven students and two teachers experienced first-hand all that they have learned at CJA about Israel. One of the three weeks was spent in the Etzba HaGalil where they had the long-awaited opportunity to see their penpals again, attend their school, and explore the region. Calgary Jewish Federation supports the CJA Israel experience through the P2G inititative.

Calgary Jewish Federation, The Calgary Council of Christians and Jews, CIJA, and Temple B'nai Tikvah are co-sponsoring: THE RESCUE - A Live Film Concerto, which recounts the little-known story of El Salvadoran Colonel José Arturo Castellanos, a Righteous Among the Nations, who collaborated with his Jewish friend to save thousands of Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Join us at Temple B'nai Tikvah this Sunday, April 14 at 7:00pm for this moving and uplifting film produced by his grandsons, accompanied by live music. Q&A with the filmmakers and reception will follow at 8:30pm. Purchase tickets for $10 online. Tickets also available at the door. For more information email Ilana Krygier Lapides.

Calgary Jewish Federation has teamed up with the Calgary Police Service to add their Hate Hurts diversity education program to our roster of Holocaust Education offerings. This and our other programs act as an inoculation for a school culture against racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination. Teachers recommend the program highly. If you or anyone you know is aware of a student who is the target of anti-Semitic bullying, please reach out by email to our Holocaust educator, Ilana or call 403-444-3162 to begin the process of setting up a school visit.

This week, in recognition of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month , CIJA , worked with a coalition of six other civil society organizations to advance several of our strategic objectives. At a press conference in Ottawa, a national campaign was launched, focusing on three areas, including calling on the government to launch a national strategy to combat online hate. We encourage you to take action against online hate and share our campaign – It Starts with Words – within your networks. View a video message from the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez , Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.