Security expert Jonathan Conricus to headline Friends of JNF Calgary Negev Gala

By Mark Cooper, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(Calgary) – One of the world’s most authoritative voices on security and counter-terrorism in the Middle East will make his first public appearance in Calgary — a timely arrival as Jews throughout the Diaspora are forced to confront these sharply escalating threats at home.

Retired IDF Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus will headline this year’s Friends of JNF Canada Negev Gala Event, offering expert insight into the widespread regional conflict and strategies to combat the sharp rise in local antisemitism.

“In these uncertain times, understanding the complexities of the Middle East isn’t just about geopolitics—it’s about equipping our community with the truth and the tools to stand tall against rising hate here at home,” said Cheryl Gurevitch, the Calgary chapter president of Friends of JNF Canada.

“We are honoured to bring Jonathan Conricus to Calgary to share the frontline perspective our community so urgently needs to hear.”

Conricus, now a senior fellow at the Foundation For Defense of Democracies, will headline the June 9 conversational event held at Beth Tzedec Congregation and titled Truth and Security in an Uncertain World, moderated by Kevin Libin, Executive Editor of Postmedia Network Inc.

The event will also recognize Postmedia (publishers of The National Post) for their commitment to journalistic integrity, particularly in regards to reporting on the Middle East.

“Since the October 7 attacks, many mainstream outlets have let propaganda against Israel and Zionism go unchallenged. Postmedia, however, has remained a beacon of fairness and objectivity,” said Gurevitch.

“At a time when truthful, balanced reporting is more vital than ever, we felt Postmedia was a highly deserving honoree.”

While it will be Conricus’ first time speaking in Calgary, he will be visiting Alberta for the second time in two years, having spoken at the 2024 JNF Negev event in Edmonton.

Conricus served in the IDF for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert and international spokesperson. He was the first IDF officer to be seconded to the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he provided strategic analysis for UN Peacekeeping.

During the first three months of the war against Hamas, he represented the IDF in international

media in hundreds of interviews across top-tier networks, often explaining complex situations on the ground, in addition to delivering dozens of updates on IDF social media accounts for millions of interested viewers around the world.

As the owner of Conricus Communications, he continues to be a go-to spokesperson and panelist on major international networks, using his blunt, straightforward and often disarming style to explain Israeli military, political and societal perspectives as well as the Iranian axis of evil, and its proxies.

He has recently expressed severe concerns regarding the rise of antisemitism and shifts in foreign policy in Canada.

“If we connect the dots here on how Canada has unravelled since October 7 and what Canadian Jews have faced at home in Toronto, Montreal and other places, its been maybe one of the worst places in the West to be a Jew,” he told i24 News soon after Canada last year recognized a Palestinian State, something Conricus characterized as “clownish” and “reckless”.

When the Calgary Friends of JNF organizing committee was deciding on who to invite to headline this year’s gala event, Conricus’s name first came up because of the outstanding reception he received in Edmonton.

After the U.S. and Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran and subsequent acts of terror and intimidation in the West, his appearance became highly opportune, said Gurevitch.

Before October 7, Gurevitch said Diaspora Jews had largely lost their sense of danger. “Now we must be vigilant and keep our eyes wide open to the threats around us.”

Conricus is among the rare figures with the credibility to turn this fear into a determined resolve to inspire Jews to continue to stand proud and make the case for our safety and security wherever we live, she said.

“He was the voice of Israel right after October 7. Because he earned our trust early on, when you see him now on CNN, or when you listen to him on podcasts or read his articles you know you can trust him.”

This year’s gala is in support of the Tzfat Child & Family Rehab Centre in Israel.

The centre will allow families in Northern Israel to remain together while children are undergoing serious medical treatments. Alongside a dedicated care team trained to support parents, children, and siblings, families will receive emotional and practical support during uncertain and deeply challenging times.

Donations will help build this residential and rehabilitation centre, including private family suites, playrooms and activity spaces, a gym and fitness room, a recreation room, kitchen and dining areas, and a rooftop terrace with a therapeutic garden.

The Negev gala event begins with a VIP reception at 5:30, followed by the program at 7.

Participants can register for the gala at friendsofjnfca.org/calgarynegev2026/register.asp

 Mark Cooper is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter