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This year’s Yom HaZikaron ceremony was especially powerful and moving. Led by our students, the assembly opened with Grade 12 students Tom and Isabelle, who both spoke about the deep meaning of the day. They reminded us that Yom HaZikaron is a solemn time to reflect on the profound cost of maintaining our eternal homeland—that independence was achieved only through tremendous courage and sacrifice.
The ceremony continued with the sounding of the siren and a minute of silence observed by all. Grade 12 student Ido recited Yizkor, followed by Isabelle’s heartfelt tribute to our cherished alumnus, Ben Mizrachi. Ido then lit a memorial candle in Ben’s honour.
We were also deeply honoured to welcome King David parent, Moti Kotik, who lit a candle in memory of all the fallen IDF soldiers. He shared heartfelt reflections on the significance of Yom HaZikaron in Israel and spoke passionately about the vital role the IDF plays in ensuring the survival and future of the Jewish people.
As Tom concluded so meaningfully, “I am going to serve in the IDF next year not because Israel needs me, but because I need Israel.”
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Although it was a serious assembly, we were able to transition the following day with the excitement and joy of celebrating Israel’s Independence Day!
Israeli flags were hanging, stations were stocked, food was prepared, and bouncy castles were ordered! Anticipation filled the air on Thursday morning as everyone prepared to start Operation Blue and White!
What a day! Our Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration was nothing short of spectacular! It was a glorious sunny day full of ruach, blue and white, and just the right amount of chaos (the good kind!). We were thrilled to host VHA, VTT and RJDS and show off our Achdut High School pride (and our top-tier falafel-eating skills). The students had a blast, and so did the staff, many of whom found themselves unexpectedly excelling at Israeli accents and managing bouncy castle logistics.
A huge Kol Hakavod to the Grade 11 students who escorted groups from room to room, and to our amazing Grade 12 students who stepped up as leaders by planning and guiding the day. They began with an excellent presentation, led various stations including a vibrant recreation of a shuk (complete with all the yelling and haggling), facilitated an in-depth discussion with two Nova Music Festival survivors, Inbal Binder and Raz Shifer, and brought Israeli culture to life in creative and joyful ways.
But the biggest shoutout goes to Orly Naim, the mastermind behind it all. Orly, thank you for organizing, overseeing, and keeping everything running smoothly. We’re pretty sure Orly could actually run Israel after this! Orly recognized her Student Service Team, Fina, Isabelle, Netanel, Tom, Zoe, and Maayan, who’ve worked hard behind the scenes all year. Their commitment and leadership have been outstanding.
Thank you to everyone who chipped in, from setup to clean-up, from dancing to crowd control. Todah Rabah to our phenomenal PAC for feeding us all a really yummy falafel and hummus lunch. No celebration at King David does not include delicious food!
A special thank you to the Jewish Federation for bringing Inbal Binder and Raz Shifer, Nova Festival survivors, who shared their powerful, moving talk and celebrated Israel with us.
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Yasher Koach to Adora, Grade 10, for leading the Federation community celebration with impressive confidence and grace!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Please enjoy the video below.
| | | For Yom HaShoah, students in our Hebrew classes participated in a meaningful and reflective activity to honour the day. Each student designed a paper yahrzeit candle in their unique style. In the flame, they chose a meaningful Hebrew word, such as תִּקְוָה (hope), that resonated with them. Inside the candle, they wrote a short sentence or thought in Hebrew about the importance of remembering. This creative project deepened students' connection to the day, enhanced their understanding, and provided a thoughtful space for expression and remembrance. | | RABBI FEUERSTEIN'S z"l ENDURING LEGACY | | |
Rabbi Mordechai Feuerstein z?l, who passed away on April 5, was instrumental in establishing Vancouver’s first Jewish high school, founding Maimonides High School in 1987. His vision and commitment to Jewish education helped expand the city’s communal infrastructure beyond the elementary level, making it possible for Vancouver’s Jewish community to grow and flourish. Without his pioneering efforts and belief in the city’s potential, King David High School might never have come into existence.
Reisa Schwartzman, a former board member at King David, praised Rabbi Feuerstein and his wife, Shayndel, for their pioneering spirit. “He was really involved in establishing the high school when it was Maimonides. Many years later, when we needed to make changes to make it more financially viable, we started the King David High School. But without his foresight of making Vancouver ‘bigger minded’ than just having a Talmud Torah, it would have been a lot harder to start the expanded King David High School.”
The Feuerstein/King David connection continues ... Rabbi Feuerstein's youngest daughter, Nechama, is married to David Rosengarten, a King David alumnus. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
May his memory be for a blessing.
| | DAFFODIL GARDEN DEDICATION EVENT | | The community came together for a heartfelt dedication ceremony to honour the 1,200 innocent lives lost in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel. In the fall, Grade 11 students from King David High School helped plant hundreds of daffodils—each one symbolizing a life tragically cut short. The ceremony featured a moving rendition of Hatikvah led by Grade 11 student, Tamar M., followed by a powerful performance of October Rain by Grade 10 student, Miri G., who then led O Canada, creating a poignant and respectful tribute to those we remember. | |
SHARING SWEETNESS AND SUPPORT | | |
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, the staff and students of King David High School, in partnership with Breka Bakery and Café, delivered sweet treats to the staff of John Oliver Secondary. This small act of kindness was offered in response to the recent tragic events at the Lupo Lupo Festival, as a way to express support and care for the John Oliver and Filipino community. We hope this small gesture brought a moment of comfort and reminded them that they are not alone during this difficult time.
A sincere thank you to the Steen family and Breka Bakery and Cafe for the generous donation of the sweet treats!
An online book of condolences for the victims’ families is available for signing until the end of day on Monday, May 5.
| | CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AT KING DAVID | | |
In the lead-up to the recent Federal election, Grade 12 students had the valuable opportunity to engage directly with guest speakers, two MLAs, Selina Robinson and Michael Lee, representing different political parties.
Organized by Grade 12 students, Zev Baum Singer, this event gave students the chance to hear firsthand about the importance of civic engagement and why participating in the democratic process matters, especially for those who are now eligible to vote. The speakers shared what drew them to their respective parties and spoke candidly about their political journeys, creating a space where students could ask thoughtful questions and explore the issues that resonate with them.
| | Students took part in a nationwide mock election designed to simulate the real voting process running parallel to the real federal elections. Through this initiative, students cast ballots that will be counted and released by Elections Canada alongside the official results. This hands-on experience not only introduced students to the mechanics of voting, but also encouraged them to reflect on their own values and priorities. By combining direct political engagement with experiential learning, these activities helped deepen students’ understanding of Canada’s democratic system and empowered them to see themselves as active participants in shaping the future. | | Another week of volunteering at the Jewish Food Bank during lunch! | | JOIN OUR CELEBRATION! BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! | | SHABBAT SHALOM! !שבת שלום | | |
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on image for more information
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Mind Care Talks #3 – Mental Wellness Resource Fair
Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 PM
Congregation Beth Israel
- Connect with local therapists and wellness professionals in an informal, open-house setting.
- Stay for a featured talk by Dr. Annie Simpson on “Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens – How Parents Can Help.”
Admission: $12
Register here.
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EMERGENCY MEDICINE IN ACTION: Healing the Negev Post October 7
This event will feature Dr. Oren Wacht, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Ben-Gurion University, Director of the Field Family Medical Simulation Building and a volunteer paramedic with Magen David Adom.
DATE: Sunday, May 25, 2025
TIME: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
VENUE: To be shared with registrants 24 hours prior to the event.
Register here.
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59 - Leave No One Behind!
Rally
Sunday, May 4
2:00 p.m.
Location: Vancouver City Hall
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Cantorial Concert
Wednesday, May 7
7:30 p.m.
RSVP here.
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Parent + Teen BBYO Info Night
Wednesday, May 14
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Register here.
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JFS Support to Filipino Community
In light of the recent tragic events on Saturday, April 26, JFS wants to extend support to the Filipino community and anyone affected by these unfortunate circumstances. JFS is offering free counseling services to those in need during this challenging time.
Community Care Hotline: 604 558 5719
| | King David High School acknowledges we teach, learn and live on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish nations of Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̀ilwətaʔ). | | | | |
