Honouring Community Leadership

Shabbat Message from CEO Ezra S. Shanken
 

The Friday of a long weekend seems a good time for a message that’s short and sweet!

Please mark June 27 on your calendar and join us at our AGM.

Former MK Michal Cotler-Wunsch, who is now the head of the Nefesh B'Nefesh Institute for Aliya Policy & Strategy and a consultant for Jewish Federations of North America, will be presenting in conversation with Yaron Deckel, a former journalist who is now The Jewish Agency's regional director for Canada.

You will also get to hear from our board chair, Candace Kwinter, along with several other volunteer leaders who will deliver reports on important aspects of our work. We will be electing directors and officers as well as voting on proposed bylaw changes.

We will also honour our outstanding volunteers.

Here is what Candace said about this year's award recipients: “We are so pleased to be honouring these inspiring leaders, each of whom has made an indelible impact on our work and our community. It has been a privilege serving with them."

Diane Switzer is concluding her term as chair of the Jewish Community Foundation, and will receive the Arthur Fouks Award for her dedication to the goals and principles of our organization. One of our most seasoned leaders, Diane has held numerous roles at Jewish Federation and the Foundation, including chair of the Federation board. During her term as Foundation chair, she has overseen substantial growth of the Foundation’s assets.

Rick Kohn, our outgoing treasurer, will receive the Robert Coleman Award for ensuring our precious donations make the greatest impact. Rick brought his vast professional experience to provide strong guidance and leadership in key areas, leaving the Federation in a financial position to create even greater impact in the communities we serve.

Kyra Morris, outgoing chair of our Axis program will receive the Young Adults Award, which is awarded on behalf of the community. Kyra took on her role in the midst of the pandemic, and undaunted she successfully led the group through uncharted territory.

We will also honour the Community Recovery Task Force for effectively addressing a true crisis for our community.

Chaired by Risa Levine, this group of well-respected and experienced leaders from across the community led the development of a plan that enabled us to respond effectively to the many operational and financial challenges facing the community, and that carved a path for future sustainability. We are incredibly grateful to the 10 members of the task force: Andrew Altow; Jill Diamond; Michelle Gerber; Hodie Kahn; Candace Kwinter; Risa Levine (chair); Shawn Lewis; David Porte; Justin Segal; and Isaac Thau.

Speaking of community leadership, we want to say yasher koach to Vivian Claman who is being honoured on Sunday by the Shalhevet Board with the Guardian of the Flame Award.

Vivian was a founding director and longtime board chair who has made a significant impact on the school’s growth and financial survival. She is a consummate volunteer who has served on many community boards and was an active member of our Allocations Committee. We couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient of this special award.

There is one last thing we want to share with you before Shabbat: this video about a mother and son from Ukraine who made aliyah. At a time when war continues to rage and nothing is certain, we know there is always a ray of hope. Thank you for making this possible through your support of our Ukraine Relief Fund. Todah rabah!

Shabbat Shalom.

Ezra S. Shanken 
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver