Important community update from Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO Jewish Federation of Edmonton

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – The Jewish Federation of Edmonton has long taken a proactive approach to community security and we believe in sharing updates like this with you in a timely fashion.

I am writing to provide you with some important updates about the arrest of Esteban Pavez, a local Edmonton man who was arrested in December by EPS and RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSET) for uttering threats to the Jewish Community, contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code. We shared news of the arrest at the time.

Mr. Pavez was sentenced today, and I provided a victim impact statement on behalf of our community, which you can read here.

Additional Details Released Today

Now that the case is no longer before the courts, additional details have been released that shed further light on how serious this threat was. We can share that Mr. Pavez had the means to carry out his threats: he was in possession of multiple weapons and had been sharing extremist views and content online. This information, along with the timing of his arrest, which took place less than one week after the massacre at Bondi Beach, underscores the seriousness of the threat.

Mr. Pavez pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. He was sentenced to time served and two years probation with a number of conditions. He received a five years weapons prohibition as well. While many, if not all, of us would agree that stronger penalties are needed, this is a very good outcome at this time.

It was not easy being in court today, but when something like this happens in our community our Federation will be there. As I said in my statement:

“The scale of what was averted is chilling. Our community invests heavily in security because we must—but even those efforts cannot fully shield us from someone who openly expresses an intention to harm Jews and possesses the means to do so, with a variety of weapons in their possession. Knowing that such a threat was active here in Edmonton has shaken me deeply.”

 We are profoundly grateful to law enforcement, who were on high alert and took swift and effective action to prevent a potentially catastrophic act of violence. I would also like to thank the Crown and Justice Shoyele for taking this case seriously, and Cpl. Amelia Paronuzzi of RCMP INSET for accompanying me today.

Investing in Community Security

I know that the details we are sharing today will cause you concern. We share them not to frighten you, but because we believe it is important that you are provided with the full picture of the situation. It is also a good reminder of the importance of being vigilant and following established protocols.

The timing of Mr. Pavez’s sentencing comes during heightened security concerns for our community. This includes an arrest this week at Talmud Torah, the recent release of the ITAC report that a “lone actor” attack on Canadian Jews is “realistic”, and the hateful rhetoric shared in response to EPS Chief Dreichel’s professional development trip to Israel.

We remain committed to working closely with our agencies to keep you safe as you participate in Jewish community life. We continue to invest in community security and are in the midst of implementing a new security initiative as part of the JFNA LiveSecure program and hiring a Director of Security. You can read more here.

Just this week we co-hosted webinars that focused on the key measures currently in place, how we coordinate with local law enforcement, practical steps everyone should be taking, and how each of us can help keep our community safe and resilient. Last week, we hosted an active intruder training session for synagogue leaders.

We all have a part to play and staying vigilant is something each of us can do.

Strengthening our Resiliency

This has likely been a lot take in. If it feels overwhelming, I encourage you to reach out to Jewish Family Services for support.

While our message today is a serious one, we also know that there have always been times of crisis throughout our history. While we must respond to them as part of our responsibility to each other, they do not have to be the only ways in which we build community. We have a rich history of traditions and connections that make us who we are, and next week’s seders are reminders of that. In the midst of difficult times, building community rooted in Jewish hope and pride is essential.

As you prepare for Passover, be aware and be vigilant, but also root yourself in the knowledge that we have the strength of thousands of years of Jewish hope and pride within us.

Stacey Leavitt Wright is CEO, Jewish Federation of Edmonton.