Issuu

2024–2025

IMPACT REPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP Dear Friends, This past year has tested us in ways we never imagined—and revealed the extraordinary strength of our Jewish community in Edmonton. From the aftermath of October 7 to the rise in antisemitism here and around the world, we have stood together with courage, compassion, and conviction. We gathered in solidarity; we spoke with pride, and we showed up for one another—because that is what community does. Through it all, hope has guided us. Because of you— our donors, volunteers, and partners— we move forward with purpose. Thanks to your support through the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), the Jewish Federation of Edmonton was able to lead with intention. We hosted events where we could gather and learn, protected our institutions with the help of Edmonton Police Services, and advocated for Jewish students facing hostility on campus. We laid the groundwork for a new Jewish Community Centre—a future home for connection, culture, and care.

Stacey Leavitt-Wright CEO

We also celebrated moments of light. At the Heritage Festival, the Israel Pavilion stood tall for the 28th year, a beacon of pride and resilience. We appreciate our volunteers whose dedication fuels our community’s vibrancy. And we marked sacred milestones together—from the Yoms to the return of hostages—reminders of our shared journey as a Jewish People. Why Federation? Because we see the full picture—from education and advocacy to social services and security. Why UJA? Because it powers everything we do, ensuring no one is left behind. This impact report is more than a reflection—it’s a testament to what we can achieve together. It’s your generosity, your voice, and your belief in the power of collective action that makes this work possible. Thank you for being our partner in building a Jewish Edmonton that is strong, proud, and prepared for the future. B’shalom,

Benaron Gleiberman Co-president

Rebecca Asbell Co-president

OUR UNIQUE ROLE The Jewish Federation of Edmonton is the convener, connector, and funder that strengthens Jewish life in Edmonton, Israel, and worldwide. We are the sole organization with the unique vantage point to address and lead on community concerns. This past year, our collective efforts answered critical needs for Jewish education, teen engagement, Israel support, and community resilience. From responding to local antisemitism and crises like the October 7 attacks in Israel, we’ve shown what’s possible when our community unites. The Jewish Federation raises funds to support our community and executes robust programmatic offerings that keep our community connected to one another and the Jewish people. Our purpose is clear: to care for the vulnerable, build connections, and create a vibrant Jewish future.

PATHWAYS THROUGH JEWISH LIFE

The Jewish Federation of Edmonton connects people with Jewish life at every stage—from early childhood to older adulthood. We believe there are many meaningful ways to live Jewishly and to feel proud of being part of the Jewish community.

Shalom Baby

PJ Library

PJ Our Way

Welcoming new babies to our Jewish community with a gift basket and connecting young families.

Providing free Jewish children’s books every month and opportunities for families to connect through programming.

For children from nine to 12-years-old.

KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 9

INFANT TO EARLY YEARS

Jewish Changemakers

Hillel Edmonton

Birthright Israel

Young Jewish adults experience a dynamic Jewish Federations of North America leadership program especially designed for them.

Strengthening Jewish student life and advocacy on two university campuses.

Free educational group trips to Israel for Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 32.

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Genesis Edmonton

Jewish Family Services

Provides a path to connect with young Jewish adults through social events and philanthropic activities.

Allocations to Jewish Family Services help provide social supports for newcomers and those in need of counselling services.

START OF CAREER 4

ADULTHOOD & FAMILY

40+

UJA supports programs that build Jewish identity and create opportunities for connection, no matter your age or background. Following the surge in community engagement after October 7, we’re building on this momentum to strengthen relationships and grow a more connected Jewish community.

JEWISH PARTNER ORGS & PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY UJA

Jewish day school and camp

BBYO

From Talmud Torah School to Camp Gan Izzy and Camp BB Riback, our Federation provides funding and scholarships to make these programs available to the most vulnerable families.

Teens connect with each other at weekly programs that promote teen leadership and community service with support from UJA

TEENAGE YEARS

March of the Living

JCC Maccabi

Grade 10 to 12 students from around the world travel to Poland and Israel for immersive Holocaust education followed by commemorations and experiences connecting to Jewish Peoplehood.

Jewish teens from Team Alberta compete in an Olympic-style sports held each summer in North America ensuring our teens connect to the greater Jewish world.

Jewish arts and culture

Jewish seniors

Includes the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, Yom Ha’aztmaut, the Israel Pavilion at Heritage Festival, and more.

Seniors enjoy ongoing programming at the Jewish Seniors Citizens’ Centre with further support from UJA.

OLDER ADULTS 5

 Aviv Dancers performing at the Israel Pavilion at Heritage Festival

ENHANCING JEWISH LIFE The Jewish Federation of Edmonton creates meaningful opportunities to connect with Jewish life through education, culture, and community events. With your generous support, we have helped the community reflect,

Yom Hazikaron

learn, and stay engaged. We host guest speakers and mark important commemorations like Yom Hashoah and Yom HaZikaron, helping our community reflect, learn, and stay engaged. Our Holocaust education initiatives includes school programs, symposiums, and Kristallnacht commemoration, where alumni from March of the Living shared their experiences.

WE CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH ISRAEL Vigils, commemorations, and special guest speakers kept us informed and connected. We were honoured to welcome Jewish Federations of Canada-United Jewish Appeal (JFC-UIA) Director General Sarah Mali from Jerusalem, who spoke about the impact of October 7 and how emergency funds are helping communities recover. Our Federation united the community to present a profound and powerful communitywide evening dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and unity to mark the first anniversary of the attack. We advocated for the release of the hostages and held a memorial vigil for the Bibas family, bringing people together in solidarity and hope. At the Heritage Festival, the Israel Pavilion welcomed over 10,000 visitors. With the help of 42 volunteers—including many Israeli newcomers—we shared Israeli culture, food, and dance, proudly celebrating Jewish identity in a multicultural setting. The Aviv dancers brought joy and energy to the event, and our leadership worked closely with city officials and police to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all.

STRONGER TOGETHER: COUNTERING ANTISEMITISM THROUGH ONGOING ADVOCACY Keeping our community safe has always been a priority for the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. As antisemitism continues to rise across Canada and around the world, we are taking active steps to protect our community and respond to these threats.

EXAMPLES OF ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS:

419 54

Graffiti, vandalism, schoolyard and workplace incidents, harassment and intimidation, death threats, social media trolling Stats from antisemitism reporting tool — October 7, 2023 to September 1, 2025

unique reported incidents

reported to police

 Bibas family vigil

Whether extra patrols around special events, piloting active shooter training in a synagogue or making off duty policing available during high holidays, we appreciate our strong relations with law enforcement. Strengthening the ability of community volunteers to assist with safety at events and programs, we brought in a security expert from Montreal Federation CJA to train 15 local volunteers—showing how Jewish communities across Canada support one another.

We launched an online reporting tool to make it easier to report antisemitic incidents and to track local trends. This helps us gather real data and respond more effectively. It informs policy makers and is used by local nongovernmental organizations, including Stop Hate Alberta who track hate in our province.

Thanks to our ongoing advocacy, the Government of Alberta awarded our Federation a $100,000 grant to strengthen our resiliency in the face of antisemitism. These funds have supported programs for Hillel, young adults, and the online antisemitism reporting tool. This year we focused on fostering relationships with allies, engaging in ongoing advocacy, and convening local leaders to build relationships at all levels of government.

With Minister Tanya Fir at Spuds ‘n’ Suds advocacy event

YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Jewish youth in Edmonton are connecting, learning, and growing through a wide range of meaningful experiences supported by the Federation.

Thanks to support from the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), bursaries were provided to help Edmonton children and teens attend Jewish summer camps, ensuring access regardless of financial need. We also supported Israeli staff at Camp BB Riback, helping local youth build lasting connections with Israel. Shalom Baby and PJ Library continue to connect and engage families while Hillel Edmonton continues to be a vital space for Jewish students. Hillel offers ongoing social programming and campus representation. “PJ Library has been such a special part of our family life. The books spark so many great conversations with our kids and help us bring Jewish traditions into our home in a natural way. Avi always looks forward to the PJ programs—especially the holiday crafts and holiday books. He gets so excited to see his PJ friends, and we’ve met so many amazing families through these events. We keep in touch and have made lasting relationships. It’s given us a real sense of community and connection that we truly cherish!” JESS ZISIN, SHALOM BABY PARENT CONNECTOR

ENGAGEMENT BY-THE-NUMBERS Shalom Baby Eight new babies received welcome baskets.

PJ Library Edmonton PJ subscribers have received 2,460 books Events and programs reached 160 families 211 PJ Library kids 100 PJ Our Way kids

JCC Maccabi 27 teens from Team Alberta participated in the 2025 games in Pittsburgh

Hillel Edmonton 9 events and 321 people

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INTEGRATED BURSARY PROGRAM

2024 Bursary Benificiaries:

The Integrated Bursary Program (IBP) was created to make the process of applying for a bursary more dignified, anonymous, effective, and fair. All the programs covered by bursaries are on one application form and are adjudicated by a committee with representatives from each organization: Federation CEO, a Federation board member, and a Jewish Family Services social worker. All applications are kept anonymous to the committee members.

ORGANIZATION CHILDREN FAMILIES Talmud Torah

Ancillary Judaic Program (AJP) @ Talmud Torah School

Camp BB Riback

BBYO

Total

VOLUNTEERISM & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Volunteers are at the heart of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. Over the past year, community members have organized commemorations, helped welcome guests at events, canvassed for the UJA campaign, and built personal connections that lead to lifelong friendships. We are so appreciative of all their efforts to continue to strengthen our community and bring people closer together.

Over 200 volunteers have worked from the ground up—rolling up their sleeves to pitch in when needed right through leading committees and the mission of the Federation. Strengthening the ability of our community members to lead is an expressed pillar of our strategic plan. This year, six participants joined the Young Leaders Program (YLP), and seven took part in Courageous Leadership Canada through the Shalom Hartman Institute, provided to us by the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, Azrieli Foundation and Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation—developing skills to lead with purpose and strengthen our community. Beyond volunteering, there are opportunities to grow as leaders.

“Genesis Edmonton is important to me because I don’t really have much of a connection anymore with local Jews my age without it. The events are so much fun and well planned to create social events to spend time with like-minded individuals, and they aren’t anything I would think of experiencing in my regular everyday lifestyle.” PARTICIPANT COURTNEY GLEIBERMAN

The first gift to the 2025 UJA was from a volunteer canvasser

185

attendees at Kristallnacht

150

attendees at Yom Hashoah

Second Voices project presentations held, including in Lloydminster and CFB Edmonton

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION As the local leader and trusted resource for Holocaust education, the Jewish Federation of Edmonton is committed to preserving memory and fostering understanding.

Holocaust education is not only about teaching history—it is about ensuring that the lessons of the past guide the future. By commemorating the Holocaust and educating the next generation, we combat antisemitism, promote human rights, and encourage meaningful conversations about tolerance and justice. Our ongoing work in this area reflects a steadfast dedication to remembrance and dialogue. In January 2025, the Art Gallery of Alberta hosted the Here to Tell: Faces of Holocaust Survivors exhibit, which shares the powerful stories of Holocaust survivors living in Alberta. To mark International Holocaust

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION AT-A-GLANCE

394 registered for Dianne and Irving Kipnes Holocaust Education Symposium

Remembrance Day on January 27, a special event was held, featuring a reception, a screening of the documentary about the exhibit, and an opportunity for attendees to experience the exhibit firsthand. We also coordinated with the Archdiocese of Edmonton to bring together 75 Catholic community leaders for a private reception at the exhibit, fostering interfaith understanding and dialogue. In February, we supported a visit for Holocaust survivors through Jewish Family Services, ensuring they could connect with this meaningful tribute to their experiences. Ongoing support of Second Voices project, where second generation Holocaust survivors share the story of their parents who survived the Holocaust. Beyond these initiatives, the Federation continues to reach teens beyond the Jewish community through the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Holocaust Education Symposium, offering a powerful opportunity to learn about Jewish history and the importance of remembrance. These efforts ensure that the stories of survivors and the realities of the Holocaust remain relevant, inspiring young people and community leaders alike to stand against hatred and build a more compassionate future.

“The continued commitment to Holocaust education provided by the Federation is invaluable to this community. For myself, it provides continued connection to Jewish history and opportunity to show my commitment to “Never Again”. At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, especially amongst young people, it is integral to have space to learn with my community, ensure that Holocaust education is not forgotten, and to inspire future generations to continue this work.” SYDNEY PODGURNY, HOLOCAUST COMMITTEE MEMBER, MARCH OF THE LIVING ALUMNI

THANKS TO YOU… $1,747,722 DOLLARS WERE RAISED September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025

$852,552

United Jewish Appeal campaign

$517,199

Our Parents’ Home Legacy Fund One

$219,535

Grants and donations

$92,024 Other revenue

$66,411

Program revenues

$17,194

Rogers Birdies for Kids

WHERE YOUR DOLLARS GO Year ending August 31, 2025

Administration, operations, and wages

$748,084 Community relations/ advocacy and security*

$122,406

Allocations to programs and services of community organizations

$48,155 Jewish Federation programs and services on behalf of the community*

National contributions

$193,704 Israel and international

$135,319 *includes reserve funds

$107,042 Annual allocations for major beneficiaries

$253,073 17

BENEFICIARY AGENCIES AND PARTNERS The United Jewish Appeal is our community’s primary fundraising initiative. Your gift is strategically deployed to make a difference across the spectrum of Jewish life. Your UJA gift strengthens Jewish community life for everyone— and a stronger community benefits all of us. No other gift touches as many lives locally, in Israel, and around the world.

JEWISH FEDERATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY Advocacy + Birthright Israel + Community Security and Intelligence + Community Relations + PJ Library + Shalom Baby + International Holocaust Remembrance Day + October 7 Commemoration + Kristallnacht + Yom Ha’Shoah + Yom Hazikaron + Yom Ha’atzmaut + Community Speakers and Programs + Edmonton Jewish Film Festival + Genesis Next Generation Programs + Hillel + Israel Pavilion at Heritage Festival + Jewish Free Loan Association + March of the Living + Pride Events ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS TO LOCAL AGENCIES Jewish Family Services of Edmonton + Jewish Senior Citizens’ Centre + Talmud Torah School + Camp BB Riback + BBYO

ISRAEL & INTERNATIONAL Coast-to-Coast Canada Partnership and Partnership2Gether + The Jewish Agency for Israel + The Joint Distribution Committee PROGRAMS & SERVICES OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association + Beth Israel Synagogue + Beth Shalom Synagogue + Chabad Lubavitch of Edmonton + Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta + Jewish Community Centre + JCC Maccabi Games + Kadima/Ancillary Judaic Program at Talmud Torah + Temple Beth Ora NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs + Jewish Federations of Canada-United Israel Appeal

“When we first moved to Edmonton, everything felt new and a little overwhelming. We didn’t know almost anyone, and without family nearby, there were moments when we felt quite alone. Then we discovered PJ Library—and it truly changed everything. PJ Library opened the door for us to connect, meet other Jewish families, and feel part of something meaningful and familiar. It helped us build lasting friendships, strengthen our roots, and truly feel at home in Edmonton. For our family, PJ Library has been far more than just a program or a collection of books—it has been a source of warmth and belonging.” ALINA MAISTER, PJ LIBRARY PARENT

“Ever since coming to Canada from Israel I never felt like I fit in anywhere because of where I was from especially with the war and October 7. Until I became a member of Hillel. I met other Israelis and Jews who made me feel like I belonged. I will forever cherish Hillel for allowing me the opportunity to feel loved by a group of people who understand what it’s like being Israeli is like in Canada. I met many great people who have become like family to me, and I will forever be grateful for Hillel.” VITALIA FESIK, HILLEL EDMONTON MEMBER

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS Government of Canada Government of Alberta City of Edmonton Azrieli Foundation Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation Ronald S Roadburg Foundation Edmonton Community Foundation

Give today at jewishedmonton.org/donate or call us at 780-487-0585