A violinist played tunes from Fiddler on the Roof, as dignitaries and community members joined the JWest groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 14, amid tight security. A mound of soil in the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver parking lot symbolized the start of construction of the new JWest campus.
“What a way to start 5787!” exclaimed David Porte, chair of JWest Corp. “In the coming months, this will become a construction site for a six-storey community centre with expanded child care, a rooftop play area, senior services, an eight-lane swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a theatre, art gallery and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. It will be a jewel in the neighbourhood.”
Porte introduced the speakers at the ceremony, many of whom spoke affectionately about what the JCC meant to them. Wendy Cocchia, lieutenant governor of British Columbia, described JWest as an “extraordinary legacy. At a time when antisemitism and hatred remain painfully present, this work could not be more important,” she said.
“I’m very grateful that JWest has put meaningful inclusion at the heart of this project,” she added. “One of the greatest gifts is that our future generations will truly feel they are welcome and meaningfully included. What you will be doing here is remarkable, and it’s the gold standard for the future in BC.”
Taleeb Noormohamed, member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, said that, while the dignitaries present represented different political parties, “as parliamentarians, we’re all united in our support of JWest.
“This project is what happens when we bring the best of ourselves forward,” he said. “JWest represents the future where our kids can play together and where we can live side by side. This is a moment of hope and excitement when things feel difficult in the world, a moment of deepening roots. And the roots you’re putting down today are not just for yourselves – you’re growing the trees that will give shade to every community that sets foot here for years to come. It’s a gift from your community to this city, province and country.
“The Jewish community of Vancouver belongs here,” he concluded. “This is your home – and, as elected officials, we’ll make certain you will always feel safe here.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim recalled how he visited the JCC when he was a child in grades 2 and 3. “I still remember the generosity of spirit of the Jewish community – it’s played a big role in my life,” he said. “What you’re doing here has a massive impact and, by supporting this, you’re planting seeds of understanding, compassion and caring to the broader community for generations to come.”
Ezra Shanken, chief executive officer of Jewish Federation of British Columbia, became emotional when he took to the podium. “This is not really a parking lot, it’s a promise our community made to ourselves and, today, we start keeping it,” he said.
“When times are hard, our community doesn’t shrink, it builds – with partners who believe in a stronger community for everyone,” he continued. “To my sons, your abba is doing this for you. At a time when you had to walk past police to go to school, I’m doing this for you, because I know you will do this for the next generation, when it comes your time to lead.”
Jill Diamond spoke of how the JCC has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. “Our parents sent us to day camp here. I learned to swim here, and I brought my own children here,” she said. “Today, my parents’ seven great-grandchildren come to the JCC. So, when I say it’s a special place for our family, I really mean it.
“Our parents and grandparents taught us we have a responsibility to make our community stronger for those that come ahead, and that belief is at the heart of JWest,” she said. “This will be more than a new JCC – it will create a true community campus, serving people through every stage of life. For our family, helping write the next chapter in the JCC story is an incredible source of pride.”
While the community has raised more than $150 million towards JWest, approximately $12 million is still needed, noted Porte. “It will take a good ‘tush push’ to get this across the line,” he quipped, urging more donors to commit funding.
For more information on the project, visit jwestnow.com.
Lauren Kramer, an award-winning writer and editor, lives in Richmond.
