Here for you: Edmonton community update

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – Dear community members,

We are all still in shock and immersed in grief from Saturday’s terror attack from Hamas. This email is to let you know what our Federation is working on in order to support you and Israel.

Planned Palestinian walk outs at local high schools

The Federation is aware that there are plans for pro-Palestinian walk outs at local high schools. We have been in communication with Edmonton Public School Board leadership. If you are wanting to express your concern about these events, please write to your school board representatives and school leadership.

Security in the community

We are speaking with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) on a daily basis to assess the local situation and the needs for Jewish Edmonton. We understand that this is a heightened time of concern. There will be increased police presence at Talmud Torah School at start and end times. We have worked closely with Talmud Torah leadership and will be placing a guard in front of the school for the next two weeks at which time we will reassess the situation.

We are aware of the reports on social media about Friday of Al-Aqsa Flood, a call by Hamas for retaliatory action worldwide. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs security team will continue to monitor English, Arabic, and Farsi media and social media to ascertain if there is any known threat to Canada’s Jewish community.

Crisis support

Jewish Family Services (JFS) will be providing mental health supports for the community, which will be announced shortly. Please reach out to JFS to make an appointment to speak to a counsellor if this is something you feel you need.

Help for Israel

You’ve been asking how you can help Israel right now. We have set up an Edmonton Israel Emergency Fund that you can donate to directly. The Jewish Federation system is on the ground in Israel and assessing the immediate needs of the terror victims. Please also consider donating to our United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign so we can keep operating and be there for you at home.

Donate to the Israel Emergency Fund

Please stay informed by visiting our web page where we are adding updates and resources as we receive them. Encourage people to subscribe to our emails so they can be apprised on what is happening locally. Stay tuned and know that we are here for you.

Take care and Am Israel Chai.

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