Rob Nagus: A reflection of my first few weeks – A community to be proud of

by Rob Nagus, CEO Calgary Jewish Federation

(Calgary) I’m so very proud to be part of Calgary Jewish Federation (CJF) and to call this incredible community my home. In a few short weeks, I’ve been deeply inspired by the strength, warmth, and resilience of Jewish Calgary.

From day one, I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and I’m so grateful for the kindness and generosity I’ve experienced. This is a community that shows up for one another, that takes pride in its history while embracing growth and change. There’s a strong foundation here—one built by dedicated leaders, passionate volunteers, and engaged families who care deeply about the future of Jewish life in this city.

Of course, no community is without opportunities for growth. But that’s a testament to the strong foundation built by generations of leaders before us. As I continue my “listening tour,” a few priorities are starting to take shape and I wanted to share three key areas that stand out to me so far.

Advocacy & Education
Since October 7, the need for CJF to continue to be a strong and leading voice on antisemitism and anti-Zionism has never been clearer. Our leadership has built important relationships at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, and strengthening these partnerships will remain a critical priority.

Beyond government and advocacy, education is key. We’re looking to expand our work at the post-secondary level while also deepening engagement with public and private school boards. Jewish students and teachers are facing new challenges in classrooms and schoolyards, and it’s essential that we show up for them. While educating the broader community about Judaism is essential, there must also be a renewed effort to educate our own community about our shared history and values.

Security & Safety
Advocacy alone isn’t enough—we also need to ensure the security and safety of our community. CJF and the Paperny Family JCC have built strong partnerships with law enforcement at both local and federal levels, and we are committed to reinforcing those efforts.

At the same time, we recognize that our security infrastructure can always be stronger. Working with Jewish communities in Toronto, Montreal, and beyond, we’ll explore new security models and funding opportunities to ensure a coordinated, sustainable approach to keeping Jewish Calgary safe.

Community & Growth
At the heart of everything we do is one simple goal: ensuring the long-term sustainability of Jewish life in Calgary. That means supporting the organizations that make up our community—helping them grow, evolve, and adapt to changing needs. This is a challenge every community faces, and we are committed to meeting it head-on.

In the coming months, we’ll be launching a new Strategic Plan to guide us forward. The first step will be listening—to all of you. Through one-on-one conversations, focus groups, and surveys, we’ll be gathering insights from as many community members as possible. Your voice matters, and I hope you’ll take the opportunity to help shape the future of our Federation and our Jewish community.

If we haven’t met yet, I look forward to seeing you soon at one of our events. And if we’re already old friends—I promise, we’ll catch up soon! Together, we won’t just face the challenges ahead—we’ll thrive in spite of them.

B’Shalom,
Rob Nagus, CEO | Calgary Jewish Federation