Last month, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver received the generous gift of $500,000 from the Arnold and Anita Silber Family Foundation toward the postwar renovations and expansion of Beit Vancouver in Kiryat Shmona.
The Silber family are long-time supporters of Federation’s work in its partnership region of Etzba Hagalil. This recent gift will jumpstart the launch of the centre into the next era, advancing the upgrades the facility requires in its role as the central hub of growth and resilience for the youth and children of Kiryat Shmona. As part of the renovation, the new Silber Family Wing will provide spaces for small-to-medium-sized group programs and activities, helping meet the growing needs of the community as they return to the region and rebuild their lives.
Established in 1980, Beit Vancouver has long been a centre of learning, creativity and community. More than 1,000 children and youth participate in weekly programs, including the Youth City Council, Krembo Wings (an inclusive youth movement), the Studio Program (a social-emotional therapeutic initiative) and a music centre. Since the mid-1990s, Jewish Federation and donors from the Vancouver community have invested funds to strengthen Etzba Hagalil, with Beit Vancouver at the heart of this work – supporting education, social welfare and regional development to help youth grow, lead and shape their futures.
“I don’t come from a strong home at all … and my folks are always struggling. Beit Vancouver was the one place I could rely on after school and during vacations. My other option was to hang out for hours at the park,” shared Hodaya, who grew up in Kiryat Shmona. “My experiences at Beit Vancouver have made me connected to my community and city until today. Beit Vancouver changed my life.”
Throughout the Iron Swords war, Beit Vancouver stood empty, suffering damage from nearby rocket hits and neglect. Now, as families return to the region, the need to restore and renew this space is more urgent than ever.
“Beit Vancouver represents the heart of the community in Kiryat Shmona. Our family believes in the power of youth to lead and heal, and we are honoured to help create a space where they can thrive. This gift is our way of standing with them as they rebuild their lives and their city,” said Arnold Silber.
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Liron Gertsman’s “The Frigatebird and the Diamond Ring” has been awarded the Bird Photographer of the Year title, selected from more than 33,000 entries. His image also won Gold Award in the Birds in Flight category.
“I spent well over a year of planning to capture my dream of a bird in front of the total solar eclipse,” said Gertsman. “I enlisted the help of a boat to position myself near some islets off Mazatlán that were frequented by seabirds. As the moon uncovered the sun’s edge at the end of totality, I captured this image during the eclipse phase known as the ‘diamond ring’ – a moment that lasts mere seconds.”
Celebrating bird life from around the world, the Bird Photographer of the Year images comprise some of the most incredible bird photos in the world, while also raising funds for Bird Photographer of the Year’s partner charity, Birds on the Brink.
Check out the behind-the-scenes clip at birdpoty.com/2025-winners to see the moment that Gertsman took the photograph. To attend one of Gertsman’s workshops or tours, visit vancouverbirdingtours.com.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver welcomes several new community connectors – local leaders who foster engagement, connection and belonging.
Abbey Westbury is the community connector for the Okanagan. She has been a pillar of Jewish life in the region for more than a decade, serving as vice-president of the Okanagan Jewish Community Centre and as a board member of the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia.
On Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands, Ayala Reznik has already begun her work, and Elvira Molochkovetski and Anabel Wind are on the Victoria team, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island (JFVVI).
In Squamish, Sara Evans will support local Jewish engagement, strengthen connections between individuals and organizations, and work closely with both Federation and grassroots partners.
In South Delta, Lizz Kelly has joined the team, bringing her experience in community engagement with the Chamber of Commerce to her new role.
In the Comox Valley, Jessica Benoualid’s work over the past year to create welcoming spaces for the Jewish community made her the perfect fit for this position.
To learn more or connect with a community connector near you, email [email protected].