Shalom Chaverim,

This week was very difficult for the people of Israel, and for our global Jewish community. Once again, we saw how the Jewish people are powered by love and community, even in the face of immense grief. In recent weeks, we have felt the joy of welcoming home several hostages from Gaza, but we have also endured the heartbreaking recovery of hostages who were murdered on or after October 7.

Perhaps the most painful of these recoveries was that of the Bibas family, whose story became a symbol of both hope and tragedy. In a cruel act of psychological warfare, Hamas initially returned a body that was not Shiri's, before ultimately releasing her remains, allowing her to rest alongside her young children, Ariel and Kfir. Her husband, Yarden, who was freed in an earlier release, is now left to grieve his beautiful family. Yet, he was not alone as he laid them to rest. Thousands of Israelis lined the route to the cemetery, standing in solidarity, offering comfort, and paying tribute to three innocent lives stolen from our people. For kilometres, orange balloons, signs, and mourners filled the streets — demonstrating, once again, the resilience, love, and unity that define our community.

Here in Ottawa, we began our week with a powerful vigil on Monday night, bringing together over 300 community members and allies in an evening of sadness, comfort, unity, and strength. We were joined by His Excellency Ambassador Iddo Moed, who shared moving remarks and a call to stand strong and stand together. The night was a much-needed evening of remembrance and comfort, and a collaborative effort of Federation and grassroots Israeli volunteer leaders. While we came together as one, there are still many living and deceased hostages to be returned from Gaza and we will not rest until every last one has come home. (Please view the photo gallery here. A video of the event will be shared early next week.)

I will have the honour of making another visit to Israel next week, my third time since the horrors of October 7th. Each visit brings with it new experiences, and new feelings. The main purpose of the visit is to attend our Partnership2Gether meetings in Etzba Hagalil, the Galilee Panhandle, the first such meetings since October 7, 2023. The meetings are at a time when displaced Israelis are slowly returning to the north, assessing the damage and determining the future of northern Israel. We have a strong partnership and a long history in the region, and I am excited to embrace long lost friends and to bring energy and love from Ottawa to our extended mishpacha (family) there. The group will also spend one day in the south, visiting the site of the Nova Festival, kibbutzim most impacted by the attacks of Hamas, and Sderot, a city that despite being a regular target of rockets and of attacks, is determined to thrive and grow. I will be accompanied on the mini-mission by members of our P2G committee, and we will share photos and highlights from our visit along the way. 

I want to highlight a few opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and future of our Ottawa community. Two exciting opportunities are now open for submission – nominations for Federation’s community service awards, and grants and scholarships provided through the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. I encourage all qualifying members of our community to apply or to nominate someone. Please be sure to carefully read the eligibility criteria, as well as the content and deadline information. 

As a community, we will continue to hold hope that all of the hostages will be brought home swiftly, that Israel will see calm and peace in the near future, and that our local Ottawa community will continue to thrive, even in the face of adversity and hate. We are strengthened by our love and resilience, and we will continue to be vibrant, caring, and supportive of Israel, of our community, and of one another, as one. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam 

Celebrate Purim with Jewish Ottawa!

Purim is just around the corner, and there’s something for everyone! From lively dance parties and family carnivals to megillah readings and banquets, Jewish Ottawa is coming together to celebrate in full spirit.

Explore our Purim 2025 Community Events Calendar, where you’ll find a variety of celebrations hosted by local synagogues, organizations, and community groups. Events are listed by date, so you can easily find the ones that suit your schedule.

See calendar here.