Inspirational Negev Gala events will be held in Edmonton and Calgary

By AJNews staff

(AJNews) – The Alberta Jewish Community will be welcoming some extraordinary visitors in the coming weeks at the 2026 Negev Gala Celebrations hosted by Friends of JNF Canada.

On Sunday May 24 the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper will be featured at the 2026 Edmonton Negev Gala in celebration of friendship, leadership and legacy.

The former Prime Minister has been lauded by many as a brilliant leader and economist who embodies Canadian virtues and values.  He served as Canadian PM from 2006 to 2015, winning three successive national elections and representing Calgary electoral districts. During his time in office, he was a steadfast friend of the Jewish community, a strong ally of Israel and an outspoken critic of antisemitism – and he has remained so over the past decade.

Stephen Harper has visited Israel many times. In 2014, he became the first Canadian Prime Minister to address the Knesset plenum and he spoke about the important friendship between Israel and Canada.

In 2019 the Stephen J. Harper Hula Valley Bird Sanctuary Visitor and Education Centre south of Qiryat Shmona was officially opened. The facility has transformed the experience of ornithologists and bird watchers who come to the Hula Valley, a breathtaking nature reserve located in the shadow of Mount Hermon. There, they can watch the twice-a-year seasonal migration of 500 million birds from more than 500 species, from Europe and Central Asia to Africa, and back.

At the official opening Harper said in a statement, “This park is one of the greatest restoration stories, just like this country is to the Jewish people. It is a magnificent honour to have this centre named after my name, and I am grateful for this beautiful occasion.”

The former Prime Minister was a mentor to Calgary MP Shuvaloy Mujamdar who is also a great friend and ally to the Alberta Jewish Community and is currently working to combat antisemitism in Canada today. The two will sit down for an engaging fireside conversation as the 22nd Prime Minister shares his insights on leadership, antisemitism and the enduring relationship between Canada and Israel.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of Canada’s most influential leaders in an intimate community setting. VIP tickets are sold out but tickets to the main program followed by a light reception are still available. They can be purchased at friendsofjnfca.org/EDMnegev2026

On June 9, security expert Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus will be the featured guest speaker at the Calgary Negev Gala.  Since October 7, 2023, Jonathan has become a go-to source for clear, credible insight during some of the most critical moments in recent history across the Middle East. He brings a perspective that few can match. From briefing global media to advising at the United Nations in New York, he has been on the front lines of both conflict and communication.

He will be visiting Calgary, and providing a rare opportunity for community members to gain firsthand insight, ask meaningful questions, and better understand the realities shaping Israel and the world today.

A VIP ticket includes a private reception with Jonathan – ret. IDF Lt. Col. and one of the world’s most respected voices on Middle East security – plus light fare, beverages, and preferred reserved seating for the evening program. An intimate conversation before the room fills up, followed by what is sure to be an inspiring interview between Jonathan Conricus and Calgary’s own Kevin Libin, Executive Editor, Postmedia Network Inc.

At the heart of this year’s Calgary and Edmonton Negev Galas is a meaningful project in Tzfat – a new Child and Family Rehabilitation Home near Ziv Medical Centre that will allow families to stay together while their children receive critical care.

This is an important project – because no family should have to choose between being together and getting treatment.

The Edmonton Negev Gala will be held on May 24. Purchase tickets at friendsofjnfca.org/EDMnegev2026

The Calgary Negev Gala will be held on June 9. Purchase tickets at friendsofjnfca.org/CalgaryNegev2026/