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"The Basketball Game" is a graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning National Film Board of Canada animated short of the same name – intended for audiences aged 12 years and up. It's a poignant tale of the power of community as a means to rise above hatred and bigotry. In the end, as is recognized by the kids playing the basketball game, we're all in this together.

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Tag: Karen James

B.C. helps JCC re-do

B.C. helps JCC re-do

Left to right: The Hon. Selina Robinson, B.C. minister of municipal affairs and housing; Michelle Pollock, past president of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver; and Eldad Goldfarb, JCCGV executive director. (photo from JCCGV)

Selina Robinson, British Columbia’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, visited the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver last month to make an announcement regarding the centre’s planned redevelopment.

On June 13, Robinson announced a provincial contribution to support the planning phase of the redevelopment, which intends to replace the existing JCC with a new facility where the existing parking lot is located, as well as a multi-use tower to be located on the site of the existing JCC, most of which will be housing. (For details of the plan, see jewishindependent.ca/jcc-site-to-be-redeveloped.)

“The B.C. government is committed to increasing the affordability and availability of housing in B.C. and we welcome opportunities, like the community centre-led project, that can support these goals,” the ministry of municipal affairs and housing said in a statement to the Independent. “A total of $200,000 has been provided to the Jewish Community Centre to support further development of the housing component of their plan. This plan has the potential to serve people at all ages and stages of life with housing, a new community gathering place, and services for seniors, children and their parents.”

Eldad Goldfarb, executive director of the JCCGV, said the province’s support for this component of the process is an important recognition of the value of the project for the community.

“It’s a very helpful contribution toward the planning process. It’s not money that will be used toward bricks and mortar because, at this point, we’re doing the planning, the rezoning, the budgeting and all these parts that are comprised of planning,” he said. “It’s an initial infusion of support, an investment by the province, to help us move the planning along towards getting this project started and completed.”

The redevelopment dovetails with a number of the provincial government’s priorities, including affordable rental housing, the creation of new childcare spaces, supports for seniors and cultural spaces.

Goldfarb said the community centre is keeping federal, provincial and civic officials closely informed about the project’s progress.

The City of Vancouver is expected to convene a public hearing on the proposed redevelopment this fall.

“We’re excited to see the B.C. government provide planning funds for the JCC redevelopment,” said Karen James, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, in a statement to the Independent. “This will be a transformational project for our community and the Oakridge area.”

*** This article has been edited to reflect that the redevelopment will no longer include a new home for the Louis Brier Home and Hospital. ***

Format ImagePosted on July 13, 2018October 3, 2018Author Pat JohnsonCategories LocalTags Eldad Goldfarb, JCC, JCCGV, Karen James, redevelopment, Selina Robinson
Record-breaking Federation campaign

Record-breaking Federation campaign

Alex Cristall, chair of the 2017 Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign, with Federation board chair Karen James, centre, and Megan Laskin, women’s philanthropy chair. (photo from JFGV)

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign surpassed its 2017 goal and generated $8.7 million to meet community needs, including $850,000 in targeted funding. An additional $1.1 million in funding was generated outside the campaign for specific projects. Nearly 500 new or lapsed donors were inspired to give for the first time or to renew their giving, which is a record.

As the local community’s primary fundraising initiative, the annual campaign supports programs and services delivered by 35 partners locally and globally, reaching thousands of community members who rely on them.

Targeted funding supports specific programs that address particular community priorities. Many steadfast supporters of the campaign have the capacity and motivation to fund such projects or programs and Federation works with these donors to connect them to the priorities that align with their philanthropic interests.

Exceeding the campaign goal and growing the donor base positions Federation and its partners to continue to address the many needs identified in Federation’s 2020 Strategic Priorities. It’s a clear indication that partner agencies can continue to rely on the campaign as a consistent source of ongoing funding.

“The strong campaign achievement means we can make an impact on the issues of affordability and accessibility of Jewish life, which affect people across our community,” said Alex Cristall, chair of the 2017 Federation annual campaign.

In the emerging Jewish communities outside of Vancouver, Federation is focused on extending its reach and that of its partners to develop grassroots Jewish programming, such as its Connect Me In initiative. In Vancouver, with its very high cost of living, the focus is on keeping the cost of Jewish programs and services low, and on funding more robust subsidies for those who need additional help.

“At its heart, Jewish life is about community, and this year’s campaign reflected that. We could not have achieved this incredible result without the support of our nearly 3,000 donors. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated,” said Cristall.

Overall, Federation generated an unprecedented $18.5 million this year. This includes a record $8.7 million in contributions to endowment funds at the Jewish Community Foundation, along with the $8.7 million campaign total and the additional $1.1 million in targeted funding.

“Diversifying the ways in which Jewish Federation generates funds is a key factor in being able to address growing and evolving community needs,” said Karen James, Federation’s board chair. “Jewish Federation is adapting to changing philanthropic trends and working proactively with donors to meet these needs. At the same time, we continue to deliver a strong annual campaign that benefits thousands of people, and that is great news for our community.”

Format ImagePosted on May 25, 2018May 24, 2018Author Jewish Federation of Greater VancouverCategories LocalTags Alex Cristall, annual campaign, fundraising, Jewish Federation, Karen James, philanthropy
Volunteering connects

Volunteering connects

Karen James, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. (photo from JFGV)

Volunteers are integral to almost every nonprofit organization, and Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver is no exception. With this year’s annual campaign well underway, the Jewish Independent spoke with Karen James, who became Federation’s new board chair earlier this year.

Jewish Independent: You’ve been involved with various organizations over the years, such as the Jewish Family Service Agency and the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee. With which organizations are you currently volunteering?

Karen James: When I took on the role of chair of Federation, I let go or passed on most of the other things I was doing. I had been on the board of JFSA and chaired for the past year, but have passed that on. I am still representing Vancouver on the Jewish Agency for Israel board of governors meetings but that is the only other thing I am doing. That still connects to Federation, as we support the agency and Vancouver now has a stronger voice with the agency. I still support CJPAC and JFSA in any way I can.

JI: How do you balance volunteering with working? Is it a challenge?

KJ: I am very fortunate to have a business that does not demand too much time of me right now. Mostly, the balance is between volunteering and time for myself and time for a social life.

The board chair is a significant role. There is no question that I would not be able to do much else. There are many different and moving parts to Federation and this role. I couldn’t imagine having a full-time job and doing this. I want to learn and support everything going on in our community but there are limits to my time and energy sometimes.

JI: How and when did you become involved in Federation, and in what capacities to date?

KJ: I first became involved at Federation in 2007 when I came back from a Federation-led mission to Israel. I took on the role of vice-chair for community and sat at the campaign table. After that, I was women’s philanthropy chair, then chair of financial resource development and then, in 2013, chaired the Israel and overseas affairs committee for four years before stepping into the board chair role…. Because of my involvement over the past 10 years, I can see the full picture of what Federation does and what is happening in the community.

JI: What motivated you to take on the role of Federation board chair?

KJ: I like working with people and the move to chair of the board did seem like a natural progression. I also know that Federation is looking at longer-term succession and was looking at me possibly filling the role, so it wasn’t a surprise…. I want to give back. I have the time and energy to give to my community. Community means everything to me. I was disengaged and, when I moved back to Vancouver, I said I wanted to be part of community, that it was missing from my life. We can be there for each other in times of need and in times of celebration and naches.

JI: In what ways have you witnessed Federation evolving with the community and its needs?

KJ: The 2020 Strategic Priorities. As we developed [it], we sought input from a wide cross-section of community stakeholders, partner agencies, etc. – 2020 is a commitment to more flexible funding models and more grassroots.

I have witnessed that we all [are affected by] the affordability issues in our city. We not only need to address this within our community in the city but also in the suburbs of Vancouver, where our Jewish population is moving to. Over half of our community now lives outside of Vancouver. How can we address their needs, because, if we don’t, we run the risk of losing them entirely? We will need to provide services and programs closer to where this population is living.

It’s also expensive being involved in community life in the city. Housing payments, food, transportation, these are all issues that affect our community members. And then, the cost of Jewish day school, synagogue membership, JCC membership. It all adds up. We have to be able to support these families and individuals, too.

JI: What excites you most about this year’s campaign?

KJ: Incentive and the opportunity it represents to grow the base of support. If we’re going to help everyone, we need everyone. Everyone has a role to play. Tzedakah is a mitzvah you have to do yourself.

Sense of urgency: the community is at a turning point. If we can connect people – either by bringing programs and services to where they live or by keeping the programs and services affordable and offering subsidies – then we can keep them connected to community. Otherwise, we’ll lose them. We only have so much time to make a real difference.

JI: What, if any, of the 2020 priority items speak to you personally, or most?

KJ: Food security and affordability, but especially regional communities and reaching out them. I lived in White Rock/South Surrey for almost 30 years and was there when the WRSS JCC got started. There was nothing out there when I was raising my children and it was a long drive into Vancouver. I know how important it is to provide Jewish [options] outside of Vancouver…. The affordability issues are driving them out there, now we have to take care of them.

JI: When you’re talking to people about the campaign, what do you say to them about the benefits of contributing or volunteering?

KJ: I get more than I give. It is rewarding to me and I feel so lucky to be able to volunteer and give of my time and my resources. The rewards for being involved, for giving and helping are the connections to my Jewish family/community.

JI: If there is anything else you’d like to add, please do.

KJ: I know what it feels like to be disconnected from community, and it has been so valuable for me to connect. I barely knew anybody and, by getting involved, I’ve learned what community is all about.

One of the incentives to which Karen James was referring is that annual campaign chair Alex Cristall and his family will donate an additional $250 to the campaign for each gift from a donor who missed last year’s campaign or who is making a first-time gift. For more information on this initiative, the campaign in general and the types of programs and services Federation supports, visit jewishvancouver.com.

Format ImagePosted on November 10, 2017November 9, 2017Author Cynthia RamsayCategories LocalTags Jewish Federation, Karen James, philanthropy, volunteering
החלטות ממשלת ישראל פוגעות

החלטות ממשלת ישראל פוגעות

הכותל (צילום: Golasso)

יו”ר מועצת המנהלים של הג’ואיש פדריישן: “החלטות ממשלת ישראל פוגעות במרקם היחסים המיוחד בין הקהילות בקנדה לישראל”

“ההחלטות האחרונות שהתקבלו על ידי ממשלת ישראל פוגעות מאוד מרקם יחסים המיוחד שקיים בין הקהילות בקנדה לישראל”. דברים חמורים אלה נאמרים על ידי יו”ר מועצת המנהלים של הג’ואיש פדריישן של מטרו ונקובר, קרן ג’יימס. זאת, בתגובת להחלטות הממשלה על הקפאת מתווה הכותל שהיה אמור לאפשר להכשיר את החלקה הדרומית, שם יהיה ניתן לקיים תפילה שוויונית. וההחלטה בנושא חוק הגיור שקובע כי כל הגיורים יהיו רק במסגרת הרבות הראשית בישראל, וכן תהיה בחינה של כל הגיורים שכבר קיימים. משמעות הדבר שיהודים שמשתכיים לזרמים שונים ביהדות דבר שמאפיין את הרוב הגדול של יהדות התפוצה, יהדותם לא תהיה מוכרת על ידי ישראל. אם כן גל המחאות הקשות נגד החלטת הממשלה שהתחיל בקרב יהודי ארה”ב מתפשט גם לקנדה. יש לזכור שבקנדה יש כיום את הקהילת היהודים השלישית בגודלה בעולם, מחוץ לישראל.

ג’יימס (ילידת 1952) כיום היא אשת עסקים שגרה בוונקובר, ועבר נמנתה על נבחרת השחייה של קנדה לאולימפיאדת מינכן שערכה ב-1972, בה נרצחו תשעה ספורטאים ושני מאמנים של נבחרת ישראל על ידי טרוריסטים.

ג’יימס ביקרה בחודש שעבר בישראל כולל אצבע הגליל, במסגרת השותפות של שש קהילות יהודיות בקנדה (מוונקובר, אוטווה, קלגרי, אדמונטון, וויניפג והליפקס) עם האזור שבצפון. השותפות בין הקהילות לאצבע הגליל כוללת קצאת מיליוני שקלים לטובת מערכות החינוך והרפואה באזור, וכן פעילויות משותפות עם אחד עשר בתי ספר באזור, משלחות נוער ותורמים רבים. ג’יימס מזכירה שהקהילה היהודית בוונקובר מקיימת מערכת יחסים מיוחדת עם אצבע הגליל לאורך עשרים השנים האחרונות, שכוללת השקעות כספיות גדולות, על מנת לשפר את איכות החיים של התושבים המקומיים. “במהלך שנים אלו נבנה גשר חי בין שתי הקהילות, שכולל חברויות רבות של בני משפחה אחת גדולה, של עם אחד”.

ג’יימס מוסיפה: “כל זה עומד בניגוד מוחלט להחלטות ממשלת ישראל בנושא מרחב תפילה שיווני בכותל ובנושא חוק הגיור, שמעניק לרבנות שליטה על הגדרת מי הוא יהודי. ובכך מעמיד את הסטטוס של אלפי יהודים בסימן שאלה”. היא מדגישה כי החלטות הממשלה בסוגיות חשובות אלה פוגעות במשמעות התפיסה של מה זה להיות עם אחד, והממשלה שולחת מסר לרוב היהודים בצפון אמריקה כי היא איננה מכירה ביהדותם. “זה מעמיד את המשך תמיכתם של יהודי התפוצות בישראל במצב של סיכון משמעותי. ולכן המצב כרגע הוא חמור ביותר”.

לדברי ג’יימס היא משתייכת לאחד מבתי הכנסת הגדולים ביותר של ונקובר, בו גברים ונשים יושבים ומתפללים ביחד. וכן נשים חובשות כיפה וטלית אם כך הן חפצות. לא מעט גברים ונשים מבית כנסת זה עשו עלייה לישראל. סגנון תפילה זה המשותף לגברים ונשים הוא הנורמה המקובלת עבור מרבית היהודים החיים בצפון אמריקה. ג’יימס מסיימת בדברים אלה: “אני מאמינה כי הזהות המשותפת של כולנו כעם יהודי אחד, ללא קשר לזרם היהדות אליו כל אחד מאתנו בוחר להשתייך, גדולה ומשמעותית לגשר על כל שוני באשר הוא”.

יצויין כי הקונסולית הכללית של ישראל בקנדה, גלי ברעם, שלחה מברק למשרד החוץ בישראל כי קיבלה מסרים חריפים מבכירים בקהילות היהודיות בטורונטו וונקובר, שמזהירים כי שתי החלטות הממשלה יחמירו את הניכור כלפי ישראל, בקרב הדור הצעיר של יהודי קנדה. לדבריה אחד הרבנים בקנדה אמר לה כי סטודנטים יהודים אומרים שמה שישראל עושה זו אנטישמיות”.

Format ImagePosted on July 12, 2017July 11, 2017Author Roni RachmaniCategories עניין בחדשותTags Canada, Diaspora, Gali Baram, Israel, Karen James, Kotel, גלי ברעם, התפוצות, ישראל, כותל, קנדה, קרן ג'יימס
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