Twice a month, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa shares a Shabbat greeting from a member of our Board of Directors. This Friday, we are pleased to share this personal message from Alice Retik.

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday, I sat on my sofa watching the news anxiously awaiting the safe return of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doran Steinbrecher. I was filled with so many emotions, thinking of all the hostages waiting to come home and their families and friends. When we finally heard that the three women were safe with the IDF I cried with relief. Additionally, the body of IDF soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, was recovered and brought home to Israel. This moment brought a mixture of sorrow and solace.

Thinking of this heartrending situation reminded me of a book I used to read to my boys, I Promise I’ll Find You by Heather Patricia Ward & Sheila McGraw. The story explores a child’s fear of separation and provides reassuring examples of the lengths a parent will go to find their child.

Now, with the latest news that four more Israeli female hostages are set to be freed tomorrow, I know that I, along with the entire Jewish world, will again wait, watch, and pray that they are safely returned to their loved ones.

As Jews we are mishpacha (family) and as a family, provide reassurance to one another that we will always be there for each other and nobody will be left behind. Whether it’s physically or emotionally being present, donating time or money we always find ways to help our fellow Jews in Ottawa and around the world. 

The essence of this message was captured on a large sign that members of the IDF left for the hostages to see while they were en route to safety after 15 months as hostages. The message was translated online to “It’s so good to have you home. We turned worlds to find you.”

At the same time, this week's Parsha, Vaera, reminds us of the importance of perseverance. Hashem reassured Moshe and the Israelites of their eventual redemption despite the hardships they faced. Today, we must continue to act with the same commitment and dedication to bring our family home.

Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom,

Alice Retik

Member of the Board of Directors

Upcoming events

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11 am

The National Holocaust Monument Committee, in collaboration with its partners, is honoured to host the official commemoration at the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa, 1918 Chaudiere Crossing, (across from The Canadian War Museum). Kindly RSVP by email here.

You may also join remotely and watch the event live on Facebook here.

Jew Hate and its Assault on Canadian Values

Sunday, February 9, at 3 pm

Join Professor Gil Troy, a senior fellow in Zionist thought at the JPPI, a global think tank of the Jewish people as he discusses tangible actions we can all take to reduce antisemitism, and other forms of hate to ultimately recreate a Canada we can take pride in and where we all feel safe.

Click here to register.