Jewish Edmonton

Our community is feeling the weight of rising online hate & the normalization of anti‑Israel sentiment. Harmful words have real consequences. We stand with Chief Driechel despite divisive attacks. Read the full Shabbat message: ow.ly/pzhj50YtMia

A message from Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO Jewish Federation of Edmonton - albertajewishnews.com/a-message-from…

Watch our CEO @yegStacey present to the Edmonton Police Commission today about Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel's trip to Israel: youtu.be/pRTh1IH6OR4.

Our community deserves leadership that recognizes the real impact of harmful public statements and stands firmly against actions that undermine Jewish safety. In her new @nationalpost op‑ed, our CEO @YegStacey responds to Mayor @AndrewKnack's statement: ow.ly/ByAl50Ywon7

Our community in Edmonton and across the country is proud to join Canadians from all backgrounds to stand with Chief Driechel. We commend Chief Driechel for his moral clarity and commitment to serving his community with distinction, as he has done for the past three decades. Click here to take two minutes and join us in standing with the respected Police Chief: actionhub.ca/alert/stand-wi…

Join us TOMORROW, March 18 at 12pm ET for a briefing on the rapidly unfolding conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran. We’ll be joined by Haviv Rettig Gur, who will provide timely insight and analysis on the latest developments. Register now: jfeds.org/March18Briefing

In mid-February, I joined police Chiefs from Canada and the United States, on a visit to Israel where we met police and community leaders in several cities. I spent time with police officers from Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze faiths representing a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I also met with Muslim community leaders who shared openly about their concerns and their reasons for working with police. These officers and community leaders operate in an environment that demands extraordinary vigilance - managing crime, counter terrorism, supporting community and crisis response all amid extreme complexity. Police to police we were able to talk about the toll this work takes on the people who do it. We talked about building trust in communities where there is little trust. We were able to get a glimpse of the undertaking required to police in complex environments. I am grateful for what I was able to learn and share with those we visited and among my North American peers. These missions offer a great deal of insight and valuable perspective. I am grateful for the continued leadership and support of the Edmonton Police Commission who have supported me in this. As police we focus on behavior, not beliefs. Where I have felt challenged this week is in the implication that any community group should have the right to direct where we can learn. I stand by my decision to take the trip to Israel and continue to view it as valuable, among multiple learning experiences I will have in this role. I remain focused on my longstanding and ongoing commitment to dialogue, learning and connection across communities and across boundaries.

@westtoeastt We value the relationship between our communities. Thank you for standing with us and for Edmontonians.

The Republic of Somaliland's recent re-recognition by Israel & Abraham Accords show bridges beat boycotts! Edmonton's Somalilanders stand with Jewish community & Chief Driechel vs. antisemitism & division. The Abraham Accords & recent re-recognition of Somaliland are reshaping the world for the better—building bridges, not walls. In Edmonton, and around the world Somalilanders stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community against antisemitism and efforts to demonize Israel or divide neighbors.

Open letter to Mayor Knack, City Councillors and the Edmonton Police Commission, We write to express support of Chief Warren Driechel in light of his participation in a trip to Israel... Read and share the full letter: ow.ly/QzI250Yun79 #yegcc

@Royalircalegion Thank you!

@JewishEdmonton standing in support of this brave and committed Police Chief 🫡

Extremists are targeting our Police Chief for an educational mission to Israel. It’s a fact that antisemitic extremism leverages anti-Israel activism as a platform to justify violence. In these dangerous times, we can’t afford any escalation. Go to 👉ow.ly/gweR50YtbIS

🎬 EJFF turns 30! Celebrate decades of powerful Jewish & Israeli storytelling. 300+ films and 10k+ attendees over the years. Support the milestone season—become a sponsor: ow.ly/hogZ50YpNS1

Join us today at 11am ET for a briefing on the current situation in Iran, featuring Israeli Journalist and Political Analyst, Amit Segal jfeds.org/briefingmarch12

The Government of Canada has announced a $10 million investment to enhance Jewish Community Security, at a time when we face serious threats. What the Minister of Public Safety said bears repeating: “An attack on a synagogue is an attack on Canada.” Protecting communities with security infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government. At the same time, these threats must also be addressed at their root, using every tool available. And we need sustained moral clarity and leadership, like that demonstrated by the Minister today, from every single one of our elected officials. Read more: cija.ca/cija_welcomes_…

Responsible communication is essential for public safety. We remain committed to working with partners at all levels to protect the security and well‑being of Israeli and Jewish Edmontonians. 5/5

Jewish history shows that harmful words can lead to harmful actions. These discussions are happening during a time of increasing threats to Jewish communities across Canada, including recent synagogue shootings and a rise in hate‑motivated incidents. 4/5

.@JewishEdmonton wishes to address recent conversations surrounding @edmontonpolice Chief Warren Driechel’s participation in a longstanding professional program in Israel organized & funded by the Major City Chiefs Association. 1/5