National Council of Jewish Women of Canada - Vancouver

10/07/2026

Today, October 7, we remember the lives lost and forever changed by the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, and we hold all those still living with unimaginable loss in our hearts.

Today, we remember every life taken, every family forever changed, and all those who continue to carry the pain and trauma of that day anf all that has followed.

We remember together — with sorrow, with love, and with a renewed commitment to stand beside our Jewish community.

May we never lose sight of the humanity in one another, and may the days ahead bring safety, healing, and peace.

10/07/2026

Today is October 7.

It is hard to believe that three years have passed since that monstrous day — a day forever seared in the memory of our people, forever a marker of before and after.

The magnitude of the date weighs so heavily that it has asserted itself as a permanent fixture on the Jewish psychological calendar. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, October 7.

This is the first year that we mark the date without hostages in Gaza. The first time, in a sense, that we commemorate the day as a chapter finally closed. But the reality is October 7 is not a closed chapter. It is still very much open — still a painful, bleeding, open wound. We know that the wars triggered by October 7 are not really over. With no permanent diplomatic solutions to end war across its multiple fronts, we know that we could be running to our shelters again at any second.

For many of us, the ongoing suffering in Gaza and escalation of violence in the West Bank are additional sources of despair. We know that only a political horizon can bring real security and hope for the future.

Read NCJW Israel Director, Kalela Lancester’s full October 7 reflections: https://www.ncjw.org/news/october-7-reflections/

09/24/2026

Been seeing a lot of posts about “things to do” on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - things that have nothing to do with what the day is meant for.

September 30 isn’t just another day off or an opportunity to find something fun to do. It is a day to remember, to learn, to listen, and to bear witness to the history and ongoing impact of residential schools and the trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.

So we’re inviting members of our community to take at least part of the day to engage with what the day is actually about.

Go to an Orange Shirt Day event. Read a book. Watch a film or documentary or kids show. Watch the televised National Gathering. Or explore the free educational programs and webinars offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/

There are also many events happening around the Lower Mainland (which apparently cannot be linked here because it’s considered “news” which is still stupidly banned from being shared on Facebook 🙄).

We know there are complicated feelings within our community right now about some Indigenous positions on Israel. We also know that some people may find it difficult to engage with Indigenous communities because of those disagreements.

But we don’t think disagreement should prevent us from listening.

As Jews, we understand the weight of intergenerational trauma. We understand that the experiences of one generation can profoundly affect generations that follow. That gives us a particular reason to recognize and bear witness to the experiences of Indigenous peoples.

We don’t have to agree on every political issue to listen to someone’s history. In fact, this is exactly what we’re asking of others to do for us so we must model it ourselves.

We can acknowledge the children who were taken from their families. We can learn about residential schools and their lasting effects. We can recognize the history of the land on which we live. And we can do all of that while continuing to have our own beliefs about other issues.

For us, that is what it means to be a grateful settler: to appreciate the life we have built here while being willing to learn about the people and communities who were here long before us, and the harms they have endured and the discrimination they still face.

So this September 30, we’re asking our community to take some time to stop, listen, learn, remember, and bear witness 🧡

(Jordana will be at the Vancouver event with her kiddo if anyone wants to join).

09/24/2026

Sharing this here in case anyone feels they’d like to donate:

We need your help to raise $90,000 to make Sons of Jacob Synagogue s… Hadas Brajtman needs your support for Help Us Rebuild and Secure Sons of Jacob Synagogue

09/14/2026

True Love Club is a limited collection celebrating Jewish pride, love, music and resilience. It’s about standing proudly in who we are, choosing love over hate and remembering that, no matter what, we will dance again.

Proceeds will be donated to Federation's Combatting Antisemitism Fund.

Get your merch here: https://trueloveclub.buyswag.store/

09/11/2026

What a magical night 💛

09/09/2026

What a GREAT night! We gathered 50 friends to join us in the fun support of Boy George at his Vancouver concert last night. Anti-Israel protesters tried to get the show canceled, encourage ticket-holders to ask for refunds and protested outside of the fairgrounds.

It was a fabulously fun event and we are so thankful that so many community members showed up!

09/07/2026

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/keep-vancouver-focused-on-vancouver?source=direct_link&

KEEP VANCOUVER FOCUSED ON VANCOUVER Say NO to Bringing International Political Conflicts Into Vancouver City Hall To Vancouver’s Mayor, City Council, municipal candidates and residents: Vancouver is home to people from many backgrounds, religions and nationalities. What happens overseas can affect...

09/04/2026

Honoring Gloria Steinem: A Champion for Women and Girls

The International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) mourns the passing of Gloria Steinem, who died on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92. A pioneering journalist, activist, and women’s movement leader, Steinem dedicated her life to advancing equality, dignity, and opportunity for women and girls.
Her lifelong advocacy for reproductive rights, equal pay, and an end to gender-based violence strongly resonates with ICJW’s mission. As co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and Ms. magazine, she helped bring women’s rights to the forefront of public life and championed the principle that women’s rights are human rights.
Steinem believed deeply in the power of collective action and in amplifying the voices of women from every background. Her courage and commitment inspired generations and transformed countless lives.
ICJW honors her remarkable legacy by continuing to work toward a world where every woman and girl can live with freedom, equality, dignity, and hope.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Debbie Wasserman
ICJW President

09/03/2026

https://mailchi.mp/58dd8bab5af1/we-3-boy-george-10151888