Calgary UJA Campaign kicks off with its Annual Walk with Israel

by Maxine Fischbein

(AJNews) – The 2025 Calgary United Jewish Appeal campaign kicked off on a festive note last month as an estimated crowd of 800 people wore their Jewish pride to this year’s Walk with Israel, organized by Calgary Jewish Federation in partnership with the Paperny Family JCC and JNF Canada and generously sponsored by the Balaban family.

The feel-good event, which began and ended at the JCC, drew community members and allies of all ages and featured delicious Israeli eats, cool treats, the musical stylings of Heebster, information booths representing various Jewish organizations and agencies, and bouncy castles and face painting for the kids.

“We pray for the release of the hostages, an end to the war, and above all, we pray for peace,” said Jordan Balaban” during a warm welcome in which he emphasized the importance of community and encouraged community members to reach out to recent newcomers, many of whom are Israeli.

On hand was special guest Jacqui Vital, the mother of Adi Vital-Kaploun, one of eight Canadians murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. “I am wowie zowied by what I’m seeing today,” said Vital, who urged marchers to help keep alive the memory of her daughter and all the murdered and to share the truth about the events that led to the continuing war in Gaza.

Click here to read about Jacqui Vital’s moving presentations in Calgary and Edmonton.

Guiding walkers on the route was a cadre of volunteer marshals and plainclothes security. A Calgary Police Service Mobile Command Unit at the JCC and constables at various intersections helped to ensure a safe day for all, as the sea of blue and white clad community members, many draped in Israeli flags, stretched out for at least a kilometre.

On hand were current and former civic, provincial, and federal politicians including former UCP MLA Whitney Issik, Mayoral Candidate Jeff Davison, Ward 1 City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate Sonya Sharp, Ward 6 City Council Candidate Joanne Birce, Ward 11 City Council Candidate Rob Ward,

Ward 13 City Council candidate Elliot Weinstein, and Ward 6 City Council Candidate Jeff Watson, who previously served as an Ontario Federal MP and Parliamentary Secretary.

“This incredible community shows up in moments of joy and in times of difficulty,” said Calgary Jewish Federation President Lisa Libin who urged the community to generously support this year’s UJA campaign so as to fulfill local needs while helping to rebuild our partnership region in Israel’s Galilee Panhandle, an area devastated due to the multifront war sparked by the October 7 attacks.

“Your gift ensures that we can continue building a strong, secure, and caring community both here at home and in Israel,” Libin said.

Maxine Fischbein is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.