The Community Relations Committee of Calgary Jewish Federation plays an active and on-going role in external, interfaith, ethno-cultural and government relations and takes a leadership role in the Calgary community in the priority areas of advocating on issues of concern to the Jewish community and fighting anti-Semitism.
The objectives are to:
Together with our partners at CIJA (The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs), we are dedicated to improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada by advancing the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.
To become involved with or inquire about the work of the Community Relations Committee, please contact info@jewishcalgary.org.
Communicating and Connecting
As your representative in the broader Jewish community, Calgary Jewish Federation hosted or participated in the following:
Media Release: Jewish Federations Commend the Alberta Government’s Announcement to Mandate Holocaust Education
November 10, 2023 - Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Federation of Edmonton applaud the Government of Alberta for taking the step to mandate Holocaust education as part of the province’s new social studies curriculum.
Opinion: Never Again is Now – The Need to Denounce Antisemitism and Hatred
On November 3, 2023, Federation President Lisa Libin shared an important OpEd in the Calgary Herald, urging that all good citizens and leaders must use their voices to denounce antisemitism and hate.
Situation in Israel
On March 13, 2023, Jared Shore shared a message to our community regarding the current situation in Israel.
Alberta Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
On September 23, 2022, Alberta became the fifth Canadian province to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Opinion: Calgarians must Demonstrate Peaceful Coexistence in Our Own Backyard, Rather than Importing the Middle East Conflict Here
On May 27, 2021, Federation Co-President Jared Shore penned an OpEd in the Calgary Herald, speaking to the need for coexistence in our city, calling out the antisemitism and hatred our community is experiencing.
Opinion: We Must All Step Up in the Battle Against Hatred and Racism
On March 25, 2021, an important OpEd in the Calgary Herald was issued by Lisa Libin, VP – Board of Directors and Chair – Community Relations Committee.
Strong Criticism for Protestors Comparing Public Health Measures to Holocaust
On March 23, 2021, continued concern stemming from an anti-COVID restrictions rally in Calgary where protestors wearing the Star of David around their neck with the message “Mask Exempt,” a holocaust comparison few are willing to tolerate. As reported by 660 News.
Calgary Groups Calling on Police, Politicians to do More to Combat Hateful and Racist Imagery in Alberta
On March 23, 2021, groups representing religious and racialized Calgarians are pushing for more to be done in what appears to be an increase in racist and hateful symbolism in Alberta. As reported by CTV News.
Calgary Jewish Federation's Response to Incident at Purple Perk
On April 21, 2020, Calgary Jewish Federation issued the following statement regarding the disturbing incident at Purple Perk wherein the owner compared the enforcement of social distancing rules to the rule of Hitler's regime in Nazi Germany.