A message from Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO Jewish Federation of Edmonton

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) –  Since October 7, our community has carried grief, fear and uncertainty alongside an even deeper sense of responsibility to one another and to Israel. We have mourned those murdered, prayed for the return of every hostage, supported family and friends in Israel, welcomed newcomers, and confronted an alarming rise in antisemitism here at home. Through it all, I have been moved by the courage, compassion, and determination that define our community.

That determination is the spirit behind the October 7 gathering, Messages of Hope. We are collecting messages for the children returning to Kfar Azza, Be’eri and Kiryat Shmona, as well as a guest book for President Herzog, all of which will be hand-delivered later this month. We will also hear from our Shinshinim as they share the impact of the war on northern Israel and reflect on the future ahead. Hope is a choice we make through presence, remembrance and action. It is the decision to stand together even when the path ahead is difficult.

The hope we express through this gathering must extend beyond a single evening. Through United Jewish Appeal (UJA), we translate our shared values into meaningful support. We are strengthening Jewish life in Edmonton, helping communities recover and rebuild in Israel, and preparing to respond as new needs emerge. Giving is one expression of that commitment; showing up, speaking out and staying connected are equally essential.

Our relationship with Israel has never been only about moments of crisis. It is rooted in peoplehood, history, and a shared future. Standing with Israel means caring about its safety, resilience, and flourishing while continuing to lead with our Jewish values and our humanity.

I also invite you to join us on October 27 for a timely conversation with Casey Babb on Zionism, anti-Zionism and the future of the Middle East. Taking place on the day of Israel’s national election and just days after the release of his new book, The Moral Case for Zionism, the discussion will explore some of the most pressing issues shaping Jewish life today, including antisemitism, Israel’s place in a changing Middle East, and the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

At a moment when these ideas are too often distorted or reduced to slogans, this event offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding, ask thoughtful questions, and consider the broader context. I hope you will join us for this important discussion.

Whatever comes next, we will continue to remember, respond and rebuild. We will stand with Israel, care for one another and refuse to surrender our future to fear. Together, rooted in our values and united in responsibility, we will continue to choose hope.

Stacey Leavitt-Wright is CEO, Jewish Federation of Edmonton.