Important Community Update from Jewish Federation of Edmonton

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – We awoke today to the horrific news of an antisemitic terror attack that killed 11 people at a Chanukah candle lighting celebration and injured many others in Sydney, Australia. May the memories of those who were murdered be for a blessing, and may those who are injured recovered fully and quickly. We are thinking of all of them, and their families, at this time.

Our Jewish Federation takes community security very seriously. As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah starting this evening, we want to share some important updates with you.

We know that you are wondering what this may mean for our community and for tonight’s public Chanukah celebrations at the legislature.

We have been in close contact with all levels of law enforcement and our national partners throughout the day. They have confirmed that there is no specific increased threat to the Edmonton Jewish community.

Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement will take the following steps:

• EPS will provide additional police presence at tonight’s event and other Chanukah celebrations throughout the week;

• EPS is working with sheriffs at the legislature and there will be an increased visible presence tonight from multiple law enforcement agencies; and

• All local law enforcement are part of a coordinated response across the country to ensure the safety of Jewish communities, including ours.

We are deeply grateful to them for their response to this situation and for our close working relationship.

Tonight’s event at the legislature is presented by Chabad and sponsored by our Federation. Our two organizations are working in close coordination. We would like to thank Chabad for their partnership on this.

We are in agreement that now, more than ever, we need to be proud — and publicly so — of our Jewish identity and celebrate together. Tonight’s event is still taking place, and Rabbi Ari and I will be there. We hope to see you, too.

As a reminder, tonight’s event begins inside in the rotunda at 4:30 pm. Entry is through the west doors. Please arrive early and leave plenty of time for airport-style security screening. The menorah lighting will take place outside, and then we will head back indoors for latkes and sufganiyot.

Our Federation has also been in touch with all local Jewish community organizations and have advised them to follow their established security protocols. We are also working with all levels of law enforcement to address any additional concerns they may have.

There are two statements from our partners that we would like to share with you:

The first is from our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and outlines the actions they have and are taking on behalf of Federations and Jewish communities across Canada.

The second is from Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

At Chanukah, we are commanded not only to light the candles of the menorah, but to share that light with others. Tonight, and throughout the holiday, as we all light the candles we will do so with great pride in our history, in our traditions, and in our strong and vibrant Jewish community.

Stacey Leavitt-Wright is Chief Executive Officer Jewish Federation of Edmonton.