Community Relations

The Community Relations Committee of Calgary Jewish Federation plays an active and on-going role in external, interfaith, ethno-cultural and government relations and takes a leadership role in the Calgary community in the priority areas of advocating on issues of concern to the Jewish community and fighting anti-Semitism.

 

The objectives are to:

  • provide a respected voice for the Calgary Jewish community and serve as its ambassador

 

  • Enhance relationships with the numerous ethno-cultural, religious and political organizations in the city and province

 

  • Enhance understanding and support in Calgary for Israel.

 

  • Increase community dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community.

 

  • Ensure that adequate and appropriate security measures are in place at all Jewish institutions.

 

Together with our partners at CIJA (The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs), we are dedicated to improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada by advancing the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.

 

To become involved with or inquire about the work of the Community Relations Committee, please contact info@jewishcalgary.org

Communicating and Connecting

As your representative in the broader Jewish community, Calgary Jewish Federation hosted or participated in the following:

  • Stampede Breakfast co-hosted by Federation, CIJA and CJPAC
  • Community Security Briefing for staff of all agencies
  • All-party Federal Election Forum
  • Police Diversity Training
  • Wine and Cheese at the Alberta Legislature
  • Panel “Grassroots in a Dry Land” hosted by Intercultural Dialogue Institute
  • Diversity Day at Bob Edwards Junior High School
  • Faith in Canada 150: workshop
  • Canadian Race Relations Foundation Panel on Diversity as part of the Urban Agenda
  • On-going meetings with RCMP and Calgary Police Service
  • On-going relationship building with faith/cultural groups

Statements and Media Releases

Media Release: Jewish Federations Commend the Alberta Government’s Announcement to Mandate Holocaust Education

November 10, 2023 - Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Federation of Edmonton applaud the Government of Alberta for taking the step to mandate Holocaust education as part of the province’s new social studies curriculum.

 

Opinion: Never Again is Now – The Need to Denounce Antisemitism and Hatred

On November 3, 2023, Federation President Lisa Libin shared an important OpEd in the Calgary Herald, urging that all good citizens and leaders must use their voices to denounce antisemitism and hate.

 

Situation in Israel

On March 13, 2023, Jared Shore shared a message to our community regarding the current situation in Israel.

 

Alberta Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

On September 23, 2022, Alberta became the fifth Canadian province to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

 

Opinion: Calgarians must Demonstrate Peaceful Coexistence in Our Own Backyard, Rather than Importing the Middle East Conflict Here

On May 27, 2021, Federation Co-President Jared Shore penned an OpEd in the Calgary Herald, speaking to the need for coexistence in our city, calling out the antisemitism and hatred our community is experiencing.

 

Opinion: We Must All Step Up in the Battle Against Hatred and Racism

On March 25, 2021, an important OpEd in the Calgary Herald was issued by Lisa Libin, VP – Board of Directors and Chair – Community Relations Committee.

 

Strong Criticism for Protestors Comparing Public Health Measures to Holocaust

On March 23, 2021, continued concern stemming from an anti-COVID restrictions rally in Calgary where protestors wearing the Star of David around their neck with the message “Mask Exempt,” a holocaust comparison few are willing to tolerate. As reported by 660 News.

 

Calgary Groups Calling on Police, Politicians to do More to Combat Hateful and Racist Imagery in Alberta

On March 23, 2021, groups representing religious and racialized Calgarians are pushing for more to be done in what appears to be an increase in racist and hateful symbolism in Alberta. As reported by CTV News.

 

Calgary Jewish Federation's Response to Incident at Purple Perk

On April 21, 2020, Calgary Jewish Federation issued the following statement regarding the disturbing incident at Purple Perk wherein the owner compared the enforcement of social distancing rules to the rule of Hitler's regime in Nazi Germany.