VOLUME 5, #3 JUNE 2018 Jewish Film Festival Scores a Slam Dunk

The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival Committee, L-R: Debby Shoctor, Cynthia Pertman, Karen Farkas, Lauren Baram, Karen Hering, Sari Schiff, Susan Schiffman, Sam Koplowicz, Valda Levin, Adam Bentley. Photo: EJNews

BY SUSAN SCHIFFMAN he 22nd An- On the Map, an upbeat and in- of the Landmark Cinema. Edmonton’s South African Jew- Tnual Ed- spiring David and Goliath docu- Guests enjoyed a beautiful array ish community, spoke to the au- monton Jewish mentary about Israeli triumph in of Israeli appetizers, prepared by dience about their own experi- Film Festival basketball, and much more. After Catering by Ed. ences in South Africa at the time (EJFF) was a the film, a ball signed by legend- The Festival went on to show the film was set. big success, ary Maccabi Tel Aviv Captain Tal several historical dramas includ- Continued on Page 12 with good attendance, great cov- Brody was auctioned. Proceeds ing the very powerful film 1945, a erage in the press, and lots of from the auction will go to the striking tale of the response of a praise from movie goers. The EJFF and the On the Map Foun- Hungarian village to returning Film Festival Committee did a dation. Jewish residents after the Holo- What’s inside: great job bringing an interesting, Also, part of the opening caust. Another Festival favorite engaging and entertaining selec- night festivities was The Earl Par- was An Act of Defiance, set in tion of Jewish-themed films to ker Award for Jewish Film. This South Africa in the 1960s, it told JCC Building Committee Update Edmonton, and a few special year’s award went to Vancouver the fascinating story of the trial of Page 5 events added to the fun and vari- filmmaker Rami Katz who will Nelson Mandela and several Jew- ety of the Festival. use the award money to make a ish co-defendants. After the film, The Festival opened with a film about Yiddish humour. Prior Ram Romanovsky, Aaron Oshry Security Update “slam dunk”, the crowd-pleaser to the film, an elegant Sponsors’ and Jane Karstaedt, members of Page 7 Reception was held in the atrium 2 HaKol JUNE 2018 President’s Message here is a French idiom Riback to Talmud Torah and every organiza- that was translated into tion in between, have volunteers that help T English sometime in the them function. These people deserve our HaKol 16th century. “Rome was thanks. It is because of the volunteers, who Volume 5, #3 not built in a day.” And as are too many to name here, that you are able all of you know, neither was to enjoy the many programs and services that HAKOL is a free publication of The Jewish the new JCC. The new JCC has been a work are offered to you as a Jew in Edmonton. Federation of Edmonton, published three in progress for a number of years, and we do While we have so many able and willing times per year and mailed to community have some exciting news to share. volunteers, we always need more. The Jewish households. As Ellery Lew advised you about a year Federation of Edmonton has many different ago, the work of the Federation Building volunteer opportunities. Our programs run Address corrections requested. Committee continues and has in earnest over throughout the year and we are always look- the past year. At the Federation executive ing for help. We have a casino coming up on MAILING ADDRESS meeting last month, we approved a roadmap July 2nd and 3rd, 2018. We need your help #200, 10220-156 Street, toward construction of a JCC as well as a getting people out. Heritage Days is coming Edmonton, AB framework for what the building will hopefully up in August, and we need as many volun- T5P-2R1 look like in accordance with design and ar- teers as possible to help spread positive infor- chitecture guidelines that have been provided mation about Israel. If you have an hour, two www.jewishedmonton.org to us by our engineers. Over the next 2-3 hours or more and are willing to give back to months, we will be meeting as a Board and your community, please contact us and let us EMAIL CONTACT with the Talmud Torah Society to start iron- know. [email protected] ing out details. This year, we celebrate 70 years since Is-

I urge all who are interested to stay tuned rael’s declaration of independence. We hope for frequent updates as to where we stand. to highlight this at Heritage Days as well as EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER We are on the verge of what will hopefully be throughout the year. We have already had a Steven Shafir a couple of months of exciting announce- couple of very exciting events recently cele- ments. I thank you all for your patience. I brating Israel at 70, including a very well-at- PUBLISHER know that it has been a long road to this tended Yom Ha’Atzmaut event at Fort Ed- Debby Shoctor point. As previously advised, a new JCC is a monton Park. We will continue to have ex- priority of mine and of our board of directors. citing programs throughout this year to cele- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I would be remiss not to thank those who brate this significant milestone. We will con- Tal Toubiana have put a tremendous amount of their time tinue to advocate for Israel with our govern- into this project. Clive Oshry, our Vice Presi- ment and with businesses throughout Ed- EDITOR dent and the Chairman of the Building Com- monton and Northern . Further, with Elianna Lisan mittee, deserves special recognition for the tensions continuing to escalate in the region, hard work he has done. Federation will be steadfast in defending Is- RINTING AND ESIGN This is a great segue into an important rael to Edmontonians and northern Alber- P D topic – volunteering and volunteers. I would tans together with our partner, the Centre for Top Shelf Analytics Inc. like to thank the many volunteers who help Israel and Jewish Affairs, wherever and when- our community to function. We have a fan- ever possible. Recently, and to our dismay, a FEDERATION BOARD MEMBERS: tastic board of directors – full of dedicated disgusting cartoon ran in the Edmonton Jour- Steven Shafir, Ellery Lew, Shane Asbell, members of our community who selflessly nal. We immediately wrote to the editor of Dr. David Eisenstat, Mor Barzel, Clive Oshry, give up their time to enrich Jewish life in Ed- the Journal and our article was published. A Stacey Wright, Lisa Miller, monton. Other organizations throughout our copy of our response is available on the Jew- Dr. Cheryl Goldstein, Lisa Redmond, community, from Beit Horim to Camp BB – ish Federation of Edmonton’s Facebook Rachel Miller, Dr. Eytan Wine, page. Dr. Ivan Steiner, Faren Hochman, Please feel free to contact me via Adam Zepp, Sarah Troster, Karen Oshry, e-mail any time at [email protected] Doug Wolch, Reeva Parker, Ron Sorokin to lend a hand on one of our many committees or at a program. We We have attempted to be as correct and sure could use your help, we encour- current as possible in our content, however age your participation, and we invite please excuse any errors or unintended anyone who wishes to volunteer to omissions. do so. There is a lot that both you and we can gain from you being an No information contained herein may be interested and active volunteer. copied or re-distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written approval of the Steve Shafir Publisher. President Hillel BBQ Jewish Federation of Edmonton © Copyright Edmonton, AB, 2018

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JUNE 2018 HaKol 3 From the CEO’s Desk e have just finished solemn occa- W celebrating Yom sions of Yom Ha’atzmaut, marking the Ha Shoah and 70th anniversary of the State Yom Hazikaron of Israel. If you didn’t attend with meaningful our celebration at Fort Ed- and well-at- monton Park, you really missed a fabulous tended ceremo- event! This event marks the kickoff of a whole nies at the Al- year of Israel@70 celebrations in our commu- berta Legisla- nity. This was one of our most successful Yom ture and Tem- Ha’atzmaut events in recent history, with an ple Beth Ora. attendance of over 300 people, delicious food, We held the great performances by the Aviv Dancers and Yom Ha Shoah the Talmud Torah Choir, a meaningful torch- ceremony in- lighting ceremony, a visit from MLAs Jason doors for the Kenny and Tani Yao, Israeli music and danc- first time, due to ing, horse rides, jumping castles, raffles and the bad weather more! Thanks to the organizing committee we have had the and chair Yaara Shabtai, along with staff sup- past couple of port Tal Toubiana, and everyone who helped years, and we out. are certainly Other events already planned for our con- glad we did, as The Nolan Family sponsored a film at the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival in honour. of Carla Nolan, z’l. Photo: EJNews tinuing celebrations include the Edmonton this year was Jewish Film Festival, which just wrapped up, the coldest yet. However, we got the largest a new record for likes with 600 plus reached and featured films from around the world, attendance at this event ever, so we plan to as of May 1. Please also make an effort to fol- many from Israel, including A Quiet Heart, repeat it again next year. low our Twitter and Instagram accounts. Muhi Generally-Temporary, Ben Gurion – Ep- Other interesting events held this Spring Thank you to Faren Hochman for her leader- ilogue and the zany comedy Maktub. Thanks include the Righteous Among the Nations ship on the Communications Committee. to Sam Koplowicz and his committee, as well ceremony we held at the Beth Israel Syna- Another important achievement this year as staff Susan Schiffman and all our donors, gogue on February 20th, co-hosted by the Is- was the completion of our campaign to raise sponsors and advertisers for making the Fes- raeli Consulate and the Canadian Society for funds for a Jewish Studies Professor at the tival a great success. And don’t miss volun- Yad Vashem. At this ceremony, we honoured . Spearheaded by Feder- teering for, or visiting the award-winning Is- Harty Van Engelen, who, along with his par- ation Past-President Ellery Lew, this cam- rael Pavilion Heritage Days, coming up Au- ents, saved several Jewish families in the Neth- paign began last summer as a joint project gust 5th and 6th at Hawrelak Park, chaired by erlands during the Holocaust. Many of his with U of A, with calls to individual donors, Christina Reboh, featuring Israeli cuisine, family members, as well as those of the peo- and a UJA over-and-above campaign. Thanks dance and culture. ple he saved, came for the occasion, some to contributions from many of our community Another Israel-themed event we have from as far away as the Netherlands. members and alumni, both in Edmonton and coming up will be our UJA Opener, scheduled Our young people have had a fabulous in other cities, we have achieved our goal, and for September 13th at the Club at the Citadel Spring, with many events and trips. The a professor will be hired for a five-year term once again, featuring singer Omer Shaish, Grade 9 Talmud Torah students travelled to to commence courses this Fall. We were also who will entertain us with songs from Israel Israel to meet their P2G counterparts in the able to provide scholarships for students as and Broadway. Northern Galilee, and our March of the Living an incentive for them to take Jewish Studies In the Fall, we hope to host Israeli com- Students had a meaningful, educational and courses. This achievement will fill a gap cre- mentator Yonah Bob, who will come to visit fun trip to Poland and Israel in May over Yom ated in our community and at the University us and give a lecture on current events in Is- Hashoah and Yom Ha’atzmaut. JCORE and when all the long-standing Jewish Studies rael, to keep us up-to-date on what is going Hillel have also been very active this year with professors retired, and the Faculty of Arts did on there. He is the Intelligence, Terrorism and many different programs, under the direction not have the funds to hire a replacement for Legal Analyst for the Jerusalem Post. He has of Yaara Shabtai and Sapir Fellus, respec- them. A reception for all donors to this cam- also served as an international lawyer for the tively. paign will be held in the Fall. Israel Defense Forces, for Israel's Ministry of This year we have attempted to increase Please enjoy the summer, but don’t forget Justice, and for Israel's Mission to the United and broaden our reach through improving to volunteer for the JCC Casino on July 2nd & Nations in New York. This follows on the our weekly e-Newsletter, the JFED e-weekly, 3rd and the Israel Pavilion at Heritage Days in heels of a visit from Canadian Ambassador to with a new format, which we hope is easier for August! Israel Deborah Lyons, who also visited and you to enjoy. We have increased our reader- addressed community leadership in March. ship of that publication to about 1000 indi- Debby Shoctor It has been a busy spring, albeit a long viduals. We have also continued distributing CEO and cold one, and we are all quite exhausted this publication, Ha Kol, in the Edmonton Jewish Federation of Edmonton and looking forward to a beautiful summer Jewish News, in order to reach more individu- here in Edmonton. We recently marked the als, about 2000. Our Facebook page has hit

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4 HaKol JUNE 2018 Yom Hashoah Reminds us to Pay Attention to the Signs of Hatred BY EDMONTON JEWISH NEWS STAFF om Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Minister of Culture Ricardo Miranda, Y Day -- was commemorated in Israel and Minister of Education , around the world on April 12, 2018. In Ed- Speaker of the House Robert Wan- monton, a commemorative service and cere- ner, MLAs , David Shep- mony was held at the Federal Building in herd, Eric Rosendahl, , downtown Edmonton. In prior years, the Yom , Wes Taylor, Richard Got- Hashoah service was held at the Holocaust fried, Ric McIvor, Anam Kazim, Scott Monument “Vessel of Souls” which stands Cyr, Colin Piquette, David Hanson, proudly on the Alberta Government Legisla- , Graham Sucha, Annie tive Grounds. This year, the ceremony moved McKitrick, Deborah Drever, Cam- indoors because the weather was too severe eron Westhead, Bob Turner, Denise for the survivors to sit outside and participate. Woollard, Leader of the UCP Jason Everyone agreed that this move was im- Kenney, Leader Ste- Jordyn Wright, March of the Living Alumnus, at Yom Ha portant because Yom Hashoah pays tribute phen Mandel, Mayor Don Iveson and Shoah. to the millions of Jews who perished in the City Councilor Jon Dziadyk. A D’var Torah was provided by Rabbi Gila Holocaust and honours those who survived to First Minister Miranda and then Mayor Caine who emphasized how important it is to tell the world about the horrors they faced. Iveson spoke beautifully about the im- hear the stories and learn about the lives of The event opened with emcee Gillian portance of remembering and honouring the the survivors in our community. Horwitz, a representative of the Jewish Feder- Holocaust and doing what we can to have Students from the Talmud Torah Choir ation of Edmonton’s Holocaust Education zero tolerance for bigotry. They both empha- under the direction of their teacher Ben Committee, welcoming the survivors and their sized the need to promote inclusivity and un- Ragosin performed Eli Eli, The Little Station families as well as the 250 plus crowd that derstanding in our neighbourhoods and com- Treblinka and the Partisan Song. was in attendance. munities. Gillian Horwitz closed the ceremony be- The first speaker was Steve Shafir, presi- The service started with a prayer for the fore the singing of Hatikvah. She said, “We, dent of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. victims of the Holocaust read by Francie Cyn- the generation born after the Holocaust, carry He said, “It is an honour to join you today, to giser and then Dani Uretsky, Director of the the legacy of six million voices. The torch of be part of a community of people who com- Holocaust Education for the Jewish Federa- remembrance will be carried on from genera- memorate and remember the tragedies and tion of Edmonton invited the Holocaust sur- tion to generation. It is a torch that will not horrors that almost saw the destruction of all vivors in our community to take part in a can- be extinguished as long as we remember. We European Jewry. dle lighting ceremony in memory of the Jew- must also take note that anti-Semitism is still “During the Holocaust, 11 million people ish lives taken during the Holocaust. Partici- rife in many parts of the world. Mireille Knoll were murdered by the Nazis, 6 million of pation in the ceremony were Anna Linetsky, who survived the Holocaust, was killed re- whom were Jewish and of those 1.5 million Henry Cynamon and Abe Goldstein, Abe Sil- cently in her Paris apartment – another victim were children. Our message today should be verman and his grandson Ben, Ann Secter of a vicious anti-Semitic attack. that we, as human beings, should pay atten- and her daughter Suzanne Davis, Clara Ka- “We need to continue to teach the lessons tion to the signs of hatred; we should speak gan and her son Leon Kagan and George of the Holocaust to attempt to eradicate irra- out against hate in order to prevent it. Don’t Kraus and his son Michael Kraus. tional hatred and bigotry from the face of the sit idly, don’t be a bystander. You have a voice Jordyn Wright, a representative of youth earth. Thus, we come together here today to and you have a choice. who attended the March of the Living did a remember, Zachor! Shafir welcomed the many dignitaries in reading, followed by the recitation of “It is important that in today’s society, we attendance, which in addition to the Holo- Mourner’s Kaddish by Rabbi Kliel Rose and do not forget any form of genocide and that caust survivors and their families, included the chanting of El Mohel Rachamin by Rabbi we educate future generations, so that we can representatives from all levels of government: Daniel Friedman. prevent it from happening again.”

Visit of ’s Ambassador to Israel, Deborah Lyons BY TAL TOUBIANA n Wednesday, March bassador to Afghanistan as the head of mis- the two countries. “Canadians need to know O 21 Canada’s Ambassa- sion at the Embassy of Canada, Kabul where how fantastic Israel is, and Israelis need to pay dor to Israel, Deborah Ly- she was the only female ambassador in Ka- a bit more attention to Canada,” she said ons, visited the Jewish Fed- bul. “We’re going to be launching a pretty inten- eration of Edmonton and Throughout the talk it was apparent that sive communications campaign, really getting spent part of the day meet- Ambassador Lyons is dedicated to promoting out there to both countries.” The campaign is ing with entrepreneurs and representatives the relations between Canada and Israel. Ly- being called, “Wow, Israel!” from the broader business community with ons said she has four main goals for her term: We wish Ambassador Lyons the best of the goal of promoting partnerships between continuing a strong political relationship, fos- luck in her role and look forward to working Israel and Canada. Lyons is a career diplomat, tering business and academic partnerships, together and strengthen the cooperation be- having served most recently as Canada’s Am- creating a partnership of support to third tween our Canada and Israel. countries, and sharing information between

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JUNE 2018 HaKol 5 Yom Hazikaron Honours Israel’s Fallen Soldiers BY EDMONTON JEWISH NEWS STAFF om Hazikaron – a day to remember and Y pay tribute to Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks – was commemo- rated in Israel and around the world on April 17. In Edmonton, Yom Hazikaron was com- memorated at Temple Beth Ora. The event, open to the entire community, was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. It commenced with the haunting sound of a si- ren, followed by a moment of silence as it does in Israel. This year in Edmonton, the ceremony was dedicated to the lone soldiers who came from all over the world to serve in the army and fell in war or in terror attacks. The personal sto- ries of three lone soldiers were shared at the ceremony, followed by poetry, songs and read- ing passages written to commemorate those who have fallen. Yom Hazikaron at Temple Beth Ora. Speakers and performers at the event, chaired by Yaara Shabtai, included Rabbi Gila “We are looking for new members from small amount of your time to this rewarding Cain, Ben Ragosin, Lauren Kascak, Dorit Kos- our local community to serve on our Yom activity, please contact me at [email protected] min, Doron Or, Inbal Blau, Sheila Bailin. Hazikaron committee,” said Tal Toubiana. “If or 780.487.0585 x 204.” The ceremony was conducted in both He- you are passionate about Israel and inter- brew and English. ested in serving your community by giving a

Edmonton Celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut BY EDMONTON JEWISH NEWS STAFF he Jewish Federation of Edmonton Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach this year and for Blau, Mara Dance, Francie Nobleman, Jonah T hosted a high energy and joyful Yom many more happy celebrations of the free, in- Zwaigenbaum, Daneille Shaposhnikov and Ha’atzmaut party on April 19 at Fort Edmon- dependent, and democratic Jewish homeland Doron Or. ton Park celebrating Israel at 70. of Israel. Special thanks go to Beth Shalom Following the torch ceremony, the Aviv Is- Revelers were welcomed at the gate with Synagogue for their continual support. raeli Dancers gave a gorgeous performance of a horse drawn carriage ride sponsored by JNF The Talmud Torah choir delightfully per- one of their new dances entitled “Rafiach.” It Edmonton to the reconstructed HB Kline formed a few songs under the direction of energized the crowd and led into a rousing Jewelry Store and guided to the hangar which their teacher Ben Ragosin. group participation dance party where every- was decorated with blue and white balloons Event Chair Yaara Shabtai then an- one in the room either joined in the dancing and streamers for Yom Ha’atzmaut. nounced that as they do in Israel, it is custom- or swayed to the music clapping their hands Over 350 people of all ages attended the ary at this time of year to honour volunteers in celebration. event and there was plenty of time to and leaders in our community in a special “We are looking for new members from schmooze with friends and family before sit- torch lighting ceremony. She said that this our local community to serve on our Yom ting down to a delicious vegetarian Middle year many of the honourees would represent Ha’atzmaut committee,” said Tal Toubiana. Eastern meal. young leadership and volunteers and the im- “If you are passionate about Israel and inter- Jewish Federation of Edmonton spon- portant role they play in keeping our commu- ested in serving your community by giving a sored the event and Temple Beth Ora con- nity vibrant now and into the future. small amount of your time to this rewarding gregation president Spencer Brawner em- The first honouree was Devorah Mat- activity, please contact me at [email protected] ceed. , UCP leader and leader of kovcik who was celebrating 40 years of dedi- or 780.487.0585 x 204” the official opposition party in Alberta was a cated service to Jewish National Fund of Ed- guest speaker. He wished everyone a hearty monton. Other honourees included Omer

JCC Building Committee Update e have some important and exciting in- and sustainable plan and we are looking for- updated on our website and through our Jew- W formation to share with you about the ward to working with the Talmud Torah So- ish Federation of Edmonton e-weekly news- JCC. We have completed a proposal for a fu- ciety to fulfill it. We hope that negotiations letter. ture JCC building with our engineering con- will be completed and ratified by our mem- sultants, Stantec. The Federation Executive bership at our AGM in early December. We has approved and proposed an ambitious plan on continuing to keep our membership

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6 HaKol JUNE 2018 Righteous Gentile Award BY SUSAN SCHIFFMAN n February 20, the Con- O sulate General of Israel for Toronto and Western Canada and the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem presented the Righteous Among the Nations award in Edmonton. One of the most prestigious distinctions given by the state of Israel, it recognizes the extraordi- nary bravery of those who helped shelter and protect Jews during World War Two. The ceremony was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton at Beth Israel Syna- gogue and boasted an impressive turnout. Hartgert van Engelen accepted the honour on behalf of his parents Albertus and Gerrigje van Engelen, who took in multiple Jews at- tempting to escape persecution in the Neth- erlands. The event received national news coverage and was attended by members of all three levels of government. Albertus and Gerrigje van Engelen Harty Van Engelen receives the Righteous Among the Nations Award from Israeli Consul General demonstrated rare courage and humanity Galit Baram. Photo: Bari Lavy during the Holocaust by hiding numerous and her sister Eva were the only members of All three of Leo Karpe’s daughters came Jews in their home in Soest, Netherlands, de- their family who survived the Holocaust. Their to Edmonton from Amsterdam to attend this spite the risk to their safety and the safety of parents were murdered in Sobibor, where unique ceremony. They would not exist with- their loved ones. Among the Jews saved by the hundreds of thousands of victims of Nazi Ger- out the Van Engelens. Van Engelen family were the Bremer family: many perished. This ultimate assistance pro- Unfortunately, Mr. Van Engelen passed Martin Bremer, his wife Beppie, their son Bob vided by the Van Engelen family during the away about a month after the event took and Beppie’s brother Leo Karpe. Thanks to Holocaust created a special bond between place. We extend our sincere condolences to the Van Engelens, they avoided the fate of the the Van Engelens and those they rescued, a his entire family. 6 million Jews who perished in the Shoah. bond that grew even stronger after the war, Ilse Jacobsohn was another Jew saved by maintained by the descendants of the Right- the Van Engelen family. Unfortunately, Ilse eous and the survivors’ families

What is Happening in P2G? BY DR. IVAN STEINER, EDMONTON P2G CHAIR his year, P2G’s ongoing Gesher Chai (Liv- At present, the Federation’s P2G Commit- , Vancouver and Edmonton, showcase T ing Bridges) programming helped the tee is already working on the next visit by Is- their programs in their home cities and alter- partnership between Talmud Torah and our raeli students. This visit will take place on nate hosting. The Israeli members of the com- two partner schools in the Northern Galilee, Hannukah this year, not Succoth. It will in- mittee also participate in these discussions. Lev ha Emek elementary school and Emek volve host families from the Edmonton Jewish We share information and describe success ha Hula regional high school, to further their community. These host families have been stories. Additionally, we talk about programs ongoing relationship. The elementary school identified, and they are eager to receive young in Galilee, beyond the schools, that need re- students on each side of the ocean eagerly visitors from Galilee. As for the visitors, they sources. Fund allocation to these programs, is send stories to their counterparts and learn will be grade 9 students -- 5 girls, 3 boys and a major component of P2G activities. about each other’s lives. The grade nine jun- 3 educators/chaperones. The local P2G com- The next meeting of the P2G Joint Steering ior high students, prepared for their trip to Is- mittee is working on preparing a good pro- Committee will take place mid-October, in rael with much anticipation. They went to Is- gram for the visit. Assistance by Talmud To- the Norther Galilee. The Canadian meeting rael on the exchange trip in April. While in rah staff is invaluable in completing the pro- for 2019 will take place next June and we are Israel, they spent four days in the Northern gramming. already making plans to host our Israeli Galilee, being hosted by the Israeli students In other news, in early May, the fundraiser friends here in our city. who were here in Edmonton during Succoth, for P2G, the Jewish Film Festival took place We are looking forward to an ongoing 2017. In this way, the two sets of students and it was also very successful. Also, in early and successful program this year and next. were able to complete the loop of reciprocal May, Winnipeg hosted the Canada Coast-to- This is it for the update on P2G. I wish every- visits and reinforce their developing friend- Coast Northern Galilee, P2G Joint Steering one a good summer. ship. The visit, as noted by the students, was Committee meeting. Typically, Canadian hugely successful. communities from Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg,

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JUNE 2018 HaKol 7 Security Update BY TAL TOUBIANA he Jewish Federation of High Holidays: to their respective organization and the com- T Edmonton continues to In addition to the information on our munity in support of security. I am looking for monitor the security con- website, synagogues may want to boost their individuals between 18-60 years old but cerns of our community’s security measures around the high holidays. I would consider others on a case-by-case ba- synagogues, schools and will provide a High Holiday security check- sis. The initial candidate must be willing to other organizations. In or- list to help you with this process. The High commit to travel to receive formal training in der for these institutions to be properly pre- Holiday security grant application will be out a location outside Edmonton. There would be pared, the Jewish Federation of Edmonton in few weeks. Please make sure your organi- no financial cost to the candidate or the or- has worked with our national and local part- zation is sending back the application filled ganization, as this will be covered under the ners to secure funds to our community for se- and signed within the deadline. NCSP. curity improvements and training. Training opportunity: For more information, to book a security The Jewish Federation of Edmonton has Offered to select members from our com- audit or to inquire about training opportuni- created informational materials available to munity who are active members of their re- ties, please contact the Federation’s head of our community. This is an important resource spective organizations (school, shul, senior security, Tal Toubiana at [email protected] or for organizations, synagogues and schools. centre, etc). (780) 487-0585 ext.204 All of these resources are available for down- I am looking for candidates who are suitable load on our website https://www.jew- to serve in an initial low-level leadership vol- ishedmonton.org/security-training-and-re- unteer role. Candidates must be mature, re- sources sponsible, fit, and willing to undergo a vetting process, and most important volunteer time Good Deeds Day BY ELIANNA LISAN n Sunday, April 15, The decorating O Jewish Federation of lunch bags Edmonton hosted its fourth for the annual Good Deeds Day. Ronald Edmonton was one of hun- McDonald dreds of communities House. worldwide that participated in this global day For the of social action. first time, Locally, volunteers, including members of Habitat for BBYO and NCSY, spent an afternoon at Ed- Humanity monton’s Food Bank for the fourth year in a and Wel- row. They sifted through donations of non- come Home perishable food items donated by members of had infor- Edmonton’s broader community, preparing mational these goods for distribution to those most in booths at need. Good Talmud Torah School hosted all other ac- Deeds Day tivities of Good Deeds Day for the third year where they Good Deeds Day Participants at the Edmonton Food Bank. in a row. The event started with a kickoff fea- could speak turing dancing by the Aviv Israeli Folkdance to community members about future volun- by Ruach Tova (an NGO), part of the Ted Ar- Association. Refreshments were donated by teer opportunities. ison Family Foundation, the philanthropic Bliss Baked Goods and Wolf Willow Star- The work of the volunteer teams at all lo- branch of the Arison Group. Good Deeds Day bucks. Thank you! cations was a great success. While meaning- was initiated with 7,000 participants in Israel In the months preceding Good Deeds fully engaging in repairing our world (Tikkun in 2007. As of 2018, 3.5 million people vol- Day, several community organizations col- Olam) and instilling the values of charity unteered from 100 countries, resulting in lected items for The Edmonton Food Bank, (tzedakah), our fantastic group of volunteers over 7 million hours of service! YESS, and The Edmonton Humane Society. exhibited the values of klal Israel, not only The fourth local Good Deeds Day has in- On Good Deeds Day, community members taking care of our Jewish community, but of spired our community to grow this fantastic gathered in the Talmud Torah gym to pack our broader community as well. and impactful program even further. The and sort these items, along with even more Good Deeds Day is a day focused on phi- Good Deeds Day Committee meets several items donated that day. The donations were lanthropy, with the vision that every individual times a year and includes representatives then packed into the cars of volunteers will- can help make a positive change for others from interested organizations. If you or your ing to drop them off. Children who attended and for the world. It was conceptualized by organization is interested in participating, Good Deeds Day spent much of their time businesswoman Shari Arison, and launched please contact Elianna Lisan at elian- [email protected] or (780) 487-0585 x207

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8 HaKol JUNE 2018 BBYO 2017-2018 BY DANI URETSKY ur 2017-2018 program- held every few months. Programs are O ming year is coming to only attended by local teens in Ed- an end for the summer, but monton, whereas conventions are we are going out with a open to Jewish teens from all over bang! We ended the year Northwest Canada Region. Programs with a Regional fundraiser are extremely diverse and can involve for Save a Child’s Heart, Hoops and Hotcakes. anything from cooking (Iron Chef Pro- A basketball tournament comprised of gram) through Jewish content (Havdal- Alumni and current BBYO members. Thank lah program) to sports such as hockey you to everyone who participated and espe- and basketball. Every program is cially our teen coordinators Ross Goldsand planned by teen members and run by and Shea Silverman from Vancouver. teen members with adult supervision. We have also been holding a grade eight Programs are constantly changing and “Rush Month”, introducing potential mem- new programs happen every year. Be- bers into BBYO. cause we plan our own programs, we NWC members of BBYO enjoy Hoops and Hotcakes The B’nai Brith Youth Organization can truly do what we enjoy. Conven- fundraiser. (BBYO) is quite unlike any other. It is a non- tions are generally held in Edmonton denominational Jewish youth-led organiza- or Calgary as well as one at Camp BB. Each level, from a member that attends programs tion with chapters and organizational regions one has a theme, for example our Leadership and conventions to a highly engaged board in dozens of countries worldwide. Because it Training Institute. member. BBYO is a beneficiary of Edmonton is youth-led, it inspires incredible ingenuity BBYO chapters are run by a board of UJA. and leadership in the Jewish teens that join it. elected teens. Each board member has a spe- If you are in grades 9-12 and live in Ed- It has a tremendous impact on the friends, cific role on the board, such as secretary, head monton and wish to join BBYO please con- Jewish character, and overall lives of every of Judaism, and President. There are separate tact City Supervisor Deb Lipton at dlip- member who passes through it. BBYO activi- boards for the boys’ chapters, known as AZA, [email protected] or Regional Director Dani ties are mainly comprised of two things: pro- and the girls’ chapters, known as BBG. As Uretsky at [email protected] grams and conventions. Locally, programs are well, there are identical boards for the North- held weekly and regional conventions are west Canada region. Elections take place an- nually. Involvement in BBYO can be at any

Hillel Edmonton Wrapping Up and Gearing Up for the Fall BY SAPIR FELLUS n my previous HaKol arti- President), Jeremy Jerasi I cle, I told the story of how (Treasurer) and Daniel Rubin- I showed up to my first Hil- stein (Engagement Officer) as lel meeting, and that made the new incoming Hillel Ed- all the difference. Well, I am monton Student Executive. so proud to say that some These are remarkable stu- exceptional students decided to show up this dents who are making a com- year, too. The school year with Hillel finished mitment to Jewish life on successfully with some notable milestones. campus, and who will be lead- Among some of the more exceptional events, ing Hillel Edmonton this year. we had amazing speakers such as Rabbi Gila In their first meeting as Caine, Rabbanit Batya Friedman, and Noam the executive board, the stu- Gershoni. The students also celebrated shab- dents discussed the im- bat together twice this year; we lit candles, portance of recruiting and en- sang Shalom Alechem, and did kiddush to- couraging involvement from gether—a reminder that our Jewish rituals newer students, while also en- unite us. For the first time, Hillel Edmonton riching the Jewish experience women joined the Great Big Edmonton Chal- of current members. An lah Bake, where we had filled our own table. equally common theme that Hillel Edmonton Student Executive. In February we partnered with JCORE at a re- emerged was these students’ laxed Paint Nite, where we raised almost commitment to Israel, and their desire to be wished more students would develop a simi- $300 for Save a Child’s Heart. We finished off better equipped with tools to both confront lar deep-rooted connection to the homeland the year with a backyard BBQ and said good- distorted and negative remarks about Israel (he was only half joking). bye for the summer. as well as celebrate Israeli culture. One stu- I am looking forward to these students’ I am also happy to welcome Michal dent in particular reflected on the unforgetta- leadership in the coming year, and another Shaposhnikov (President), Lior Erlich (Vice- ble experience of eating falafel in Israel and great year for Hillel Edmonton.

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JUNE 2018 HaKol 9 March of the Living Students have Meaningful Trip BY DEB LIPTON n April 9th Edmonton students joined the O Coast to Coast delegation, comprised of Jewish teens from across Canada, and trav- eled to Poland and Israel for the March of the Living. The delegation was accompanied by two survivors, Angela Orosz Richt and David Schaffer. Prior to the trip, the teens partici- pated in education sessions to understand the vibrant Jewish life that existed in Europe before the Holocaust, the rise of antisemitism, the Holocaust and the creation of the state of Israel. In Poland, we toured the old town of Krakow and Warsaw including the remnants of the ghetto. “Poland was surreal. Before the trip I didn’t realize how central to Jewish life Poland really was, or just how strong of a Jewish com- munity once existed there. We didn’t just see the death camps, we saw the villages and cit- ies of the families that perished. To me the most empowering experience was seeing the non-Jewish residents carrying on Jewish tradi- tions so that the feel of the city remained. I Deb Lipton, Leader, and 2018 March of the Living participants: Yael Rosenblum, Ross Goldsand, Daniel Brick, Nathan Campbell and Sydney Cogan-Grahn. don’t think you could see that anywhere else in the world.” – Daniel Brick interrupted by moments of triumph and joy, Following a week in Poland, we travel to To bear witness to the atrocities commit- that we as Jews have made it back and are Israel for a week of celebration, remembrance ted during the Holocaust, we toured Ausch- challenging antisemitism together as proud and strengthening and developing our Jewish witz, Birkeneau, Majdanek and Treblinka. In Jews. Teens are supported not only by survi- identities. In Jerusalem, we remembered the Auschwitz, we had the honour of listening to vors and chaperones, but more importantly sacrifices made for the State of Israel on Yom Angela tell us her story of survival following by their peers from across Canada. The Hazikaron. We then celebrated the creation her birth in Auschwitz and the experimenta- March of the Living is a rare opportunity to of the state of Israel, Yom Ha’atzmaut by tion she faced in utero by Dr. Mengle. Our del- witness first hand sites of destruction along- marching from Jerusalem city hall to the Kotel egation joined delegations from around the side survivors. with thousands of Jews from around the world and marched the three kilometers from “Going on the March of the Living was an world. Now a march of joy and cheering. The Auschwitz to Birkneau, the route that many incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that time spent in Israel was filled with strength- took to their deaths. I know will stay with me for the rest of my life. ening Jewish identities and forming life-long “Seeing 14,000 Jewish teens and adults, more The plethora of discoveries, relationships, and friendships. than Birkenau could have killed in a day, was connections I made with my own family his- “I recently attended the March of the Liv- absolutely amazing and inspiring. The life tory, my people’s history, and with thousands ing which was truly a life-changing experi- that was brought to Auschwitz and Birkenau of others from around the world truly cannot ence. The transition from Poland to Israel was that day was an amazing way to honour those be put into words. Standing in Auschwitz, immensely impactful and brought me and who lost their lives. Before we actually started Majdanek, Birkenau, and Treblinka, where so many others a whole new view on the State marching, the number of people standing in much tragedy and death took place, including of Israel and the Holocaust. Moving from a the sun, laughing and trading memorabilia that of my own family, was tremendously place of sadness and mourning into a time of was incredible. The heat was insane, but we humbling and sorrowful. Then travelling celebration and happiness made me under- were all happy and determined. The actual si- straight to Israel, a place filled with celebra- stand how important the State of Israel is to lent march from one camp to the other was tion and joy, overwhelmed all of us with the the Jewish people. I learned the importance of an emotionally conflicting experience. On one happiest of emotions. On Yom Ha'atzmaut, mourning those who perished and moving on hand, it was joyful to bring life to places of singing and dancing with so many others who to celebrate the homeland for the Jewish peo- tragedy, but on the other it was full of loss. were experiencing the same feelings was ab- ple and how far we have come since the Hol- The most touching part was watching the solutely breathtaking. The March really made ocaust. Throughout the entirety of the trip we Polish locals, especially the children, welcom- me realize how important Israel is to the Jew- heard different stories from survivors and our ing, watching and waving to us as we ish people, and how lucky we are to have such guides, all giving us hope for the future of the marched. Today was an inspiring day that an amazing country. The March of the Living Jewish people. This trip was one that every- nicely mixed both grief and celebration and is certainly an unbelievable experience that I one, Jewish or not, should be able to experi- resulted in memories that will last a lifetime.” believe every Jew should undergo at some ence in their lifetime. It created a whole new Yael Rosenblum point in their lives. I know if I got the oppor- perspective for me on Judaism, and even the The seven days spent in Poland were long, tunity to go again, I would do it in a heart- world as a whole.” -Nathan Campbell hard days, filled with sorrow and confusion beat.” – Ross Goldsand

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10 HaKol JUNE 2018 Irv and Diane Kipnes Holocaust Education Symposium 2018 BY DANI URETSKY n March 20th and 21st This year we also took part in a Holocaust O the Holocaust Educa- Education Day at Strathcona High School. tion Committee of the Jew- Together with Eva, George Goldsand, Gary ish Federation of Edmon- Goldsand and I took part in a panel discus- ton held their annual Irv sion about persecution, segregation and the and Diane Kipnes Holo- Holocaust. Thank you to the school for invit- caust Education Symposium in the theatre at ing us to come and speak. the Royal Alberta Museum. We would like to thank Irv and Diane Kip- Once again, we had the honor of hosting nes for their continued support of our Holo- Dr. Eva Olsson, a Holocaust survivor from caust Education program. Without them, it Bracebridge, . Dr. Olsson is 93 years would not be possible. It is important for us young, and an incredible speaker who had a to keep educating our students so that they major impact on the over 800 students who never forget. We would also like to thank Dr. attended the symposium this year. Eva is a Leon Kagan and committee chair Shane survivor of Auschwitz and shares her pro- Asbell for their emcee duties, and March of found story of strength and survival each year Living Alumni Jordyn Wright, who spoke at with our students. We also show a film called, the Symposium. “Seven Days of Remembrance and Hope”. It chronicles six Canadian university students on their journey through the beginnings of the Holocaust in Germany, to the concentra- Dr. Eva Olsson addresses students at Strathcona tion camps in Poland. High School.

Update on the Campaign to Raise Funds for a Jewish Studies Lecturer at the UofA hanks to the generous support of UofA The Faculty of Arts is now moving ahead for your generous support for this endeavour, T alumnus Dr Samuel Belzberg, OC, OBC to recruit the Belzberg Professor in Jewish which has enabled us to meet our goal of z’l and Frances Belzberg, CM and many gen- Studies (a five-year term lecturer position) to providing for a continuing Jewish Studies pro- erous members of our Edmonton Jewish enhance and sustain this fascinating and crit- gram at the University of Alberta. Community, we are pleased to announce we ical field of study. We anticipate a start date There is still time to make a donation to have exceeded our goal of raising of July 2018. this program if you have not already done so. $500,000 for a lecturer in Jewish Studies at We will be working with the Faculty of Please contact either Elianna Lisan at the the UofA. Arts to organize an event to thank our donors Federation offices [email protected], (780) We were also able to provide funds for an and celebrate the success of the campaign in 487-0585 or Jane Potentier at the University undergraduate scholarship. the fall, including the opportunity to meet of Alberta, Faculty of Arts jane.potentier@ual- with the new faculty member. We thank you berta.ca, (780) 492-8060.

PJ Library 2018 BY DANI URETSKY s we wind PJ Library some adults in costume for a fun and enjoya- If you are one of our PJ Partners and A down for the summer, ble afternoon. would like to plan a holiday-themed program, there is one person I would Today, we sit at 430 individual children please do not hesitate to contact me. We love like to thank for all her help served with PJ Library subscriptions in our having programs with partner organizations she provided us through community and we couldn’t be happier. This and bringing the community together. the year: Yaara Shabtai. I is a great service and we hope to keep build- Sign up your child for a FREE monthly, cannot thank her enough for her tireless ef- ing. We would like to welcome our newest Jewish-themed book or CD. Should you have fort with programming and planning. Yaara, subscribers to PJ Library. Should you wish to any questions please do not hesitate to con- you are a great asset to PJ and we are grateful subscribe to our Edmonton community and tact me at 780-487-0585 ext. 205. This is an to have your help. your child is between the ages of 6 months to opportunity for engagement not to be missed. As we take the summer off, we will be 8 years old please go to https://pjli- gearing up for next year and planning some brary.org/enroll-in-a-community?id=209201 amazing holiday programming. to subscribe. However, there is a cost to these PJ ended the year off with our Pre-Purim subscriptions. Currently they are covered by Party at WEM. The kids enjoyed games, ha- Edmonton UJA and the Greenspoon Founda- mantashen, pizza from Café Levi and a pup- tion, but we would be happy for individual lo- pet show. It was great to see the kids and cal sponsorship, if you are interested.

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JUNE 2018 HaKol 11 The 2018-19 Edmonton UJA Campaign hank you, Jewish Ed- Tmonton, for your strong support of UJA in 2017/18. We are pleased to an- nounce the co-chairs of the 2018/19 Campaign. Karen Oshry, who did a terrific job last year, will re- turn for a second year. She will be joined by Ron Sorokin. Ron is a third-generation mem- ber of our Jewish community; his parents, sib- lings, wife and children have all been active community members, as were his grandpar- ents before them. Ron graduated from the Edmonton Talmud Torah, and was involved throughout his youth in Camp BB and BBY0. He received his BA from the University of To- ronto, studied for a year at the Hebrew Uni- versity in Jerusalem, and obtained a law de- gree from the University of Alberta. Ron has spent his entire legal career at Witten LLP, where he has been the managing partner for the last 8 years. He served for many years on the boards of Edmonton Jewish Federation, Canadian Jewish Congress, Camp BB and Ed- monton Talmud Torah Society (including as TT president). Ron’s wife, Lisa Redmond, is the immediate past UJA co-chair. Ron and Lisa have two children, Jaime and Jack. We are delighted to welcome Ron as co-chair. Please mark your calendars for Septem- ber 13, when we will launch the Campaign with an Israel-themed concert with Israeli- Broadway singer Omar Shaish at the Club at the Citadel Theatre. The Canvasser BBQ and training will take place on August 29th at the Federation offices. We look forward to seeing many of you at these events. Your support for UJA in 2018/19 will keep our Edmonton Jewish Community strong and vibrant, while also helping Jews in need, in Israel and around the world. Thank you for your commitment!

CIE: Birthright Israel BY TAL TOUBIANA ur summer Birthright Is- If you haven’t heard, the age limit for Birthright Israel trips with CIE! Follow this Orael season is full steam Birthright participation was raised this year to link: www.israelforfree.com/leadershippro- ahead as we enter the half- 32, so it’s almost never too late to participate! gram/ to learn more about the program. Ap- way point with 25 more Have you heard about the CIE: Birthright plications for the 2018-19 Madrichim-in- busses left to send this sum- Israel leadership program? Are you interested Training program will open on June 11, 2018. mer! Thank you to everyone in training to staff Taglit-Birthright Israel trips Also, Winter registration for Birthright who helped make this one of CIE: Birthright with Canada Israel Experience? Apply to be a trips opens on September 5, 2018! Israel’s biggest seasons yet! Lat year, we sent Madrichim-in-Training (MIT) as part of our For more information please contact Tal 36 local youth to Israel, and this year we hope leadership training program. This program is Toubiana at [email protected] or 780.487.0585 to send even more. a comprehensive leadership development in- X 204 itiative for young adults to develop their com- munity leadership skills and prepare to staff

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12 HaKol JUNE 2018 Western Donor Appreciation Palm Springs n February, the communities of Edmonton, I Calgary and Vancouver met in Palm Springs at a joint event to thank major donors for supporting their respective UJA Campaigns, and therefore JFC-UIA Canada. The event was held at the beautiful home of David and Pam Margolus in Palm Desert. About 100 guests from the host cities at- tended, and were treated to a wonderful even- ing of food, drink, socializing with friends old and new and a guest speaker who was both informative and entertaining. Guest speaker Richard Sandler, president of JFNA, drove in specially from Los Angeles for the event. Richard Sandler is the executive vice president and a trustee of the Milken Family Foundation. He has been involved with the Milken Family Foundation since its formation in 1982 and has contributed time and support to the Foundation’s many initia- tives in education and medical research. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sandler and Pam and David Margolus at the Western Donor Event in Palm Springs. Richard is the current Chair of the Jewish serves on a number of non-profit boards in- us and for being the most gracious hosts we Federation of North America and a past Chair cluding the American Jewish University. He is could hope for. We also would like to thank of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los An- also a member of the board of directors of the everyone who came, especially our Edmonton geles; he is also current Chair of UCLA Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Milken contingent. School of Law Board of Advisors and current Institute. Chair of Milken Community High School and We would sincerely like to thank David & Pam Margolus for opening up their home to

Edmonton Jewish Film Festival Continued from Page 1 Tel Aviv, a gritty crime drama set in present- companies and organizations who sponsored The next night, after the film The Testa- day Berlin. The Festival closed with a lot of the Festival and attended our films. We give ment, a crowd of Festival attendees over- laughter with the dark, but very funny Israeli special thanks to Festival sponsors CIJA, flowed into the aisles of Fionn MacCools’ pub, comedy, Maktub. Downtown Business Association, and Israel gathering around Dr. Joseph Patrouch, Direc- The Jewish Federation of Edmonton is Bonds. Funds raised by the Festival will sup- tor of the Wirth Institute of Austrian and Cen- very grateful to the EJFF Committee, chaired port P2G’s Gesher Chai or Living Bridge edu- tral European Studies, as he gave an informa- by the never tiring Sam Koplowicz, for the cational exchange program between Edmon- tive mini-lecture about the film. Then, the fol- many hours spent viewing films and planning ton’s Talmud Torah Jewish day school and lowing night, for a change of pace, audiences the Festival. Their commitment and talent is the Emek Hahula regional high school in the tested their sleuthing powers, sorting out the made clear by the excellent films they chose upper Galilee. We look forward to seeing you plot of Sarah Stein, Shalom Berlin, Shalom this year. We also thank the many individuals, all again next year!

FOR CURRENT EVENTS AND NEWS, CHECK OUT THE JFED E-WEEKLY AT WWW.JEWISHEDMONTON.ORG