Remembering the Fallen – Celebrating the Jewish People

Dear friends –

I have always marvelled at Israelis’ ability to transition between the deep pain and mourning of Yom HaZikaron and the joyous celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. But this year will be even more of an emotional rollercoaster and a tragic reminder that freedom is anything but free.

On Yom HaZikaron, our hearts are heavy as we remember the fallen soldiers and victims of terror who gave their lives defending our Jewish homeland. The pain is palpable as we mourn and reflect on the astounding number of newly bereaved families who lost loved ones on October 7th and all those who have since fallen in battle. The knowledge that hostages are still being held by Hamas and the world’s indifference amplifies our collective sense of grief and urgency. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family of Canadian-Israeli Adi Vital-Kaploun Z”L, murdered on October 7th on Kibbutz Holit. Adi was an outstanding graduate of BGU's master’s program in desert studies, solar energy and environmental physics. According to Professor Muhammad Bashouti with whom she worked closely, “Adi was the brightest student I ever worked with”. She was an incredible, humble, giving, loving, precious, and accomplished person who died a hero – protecting her children and her father until her last breath. Thanks to generous donors, we at BGU Canada are proud that a permanent endowment has been established for a scholarship in Adi’s name.

As the sun sets and Yom Ha’atzmaut begins, the transition is bittersweet. While we carry the weight of sorrow from Yom HaZikaron, there is also a glimmer of hope as we celebrate Israel's Independence Day. Despite the hardships and uncertainties of the present moment, we draw strength from the enduring spirit of our people and the remarkable journey that led to the establishment of the Jewish state. In the midst of conflict and captivity, Yom Ha’atzmaut becomes a poignant reminder of our resilience and determination.

Too often, many of us here in Canada, have experienced a sense of helplessness as horrible events unfold around us and as a people, we are faced with a cacophony of hate. I encourage all those who are able to attend Yom HaZikaron commemorations and Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations in the community in which you live. At the bottom of this email are links to events taking place in some Canadian cities.

On a personal note, on Tuesday at 11:00 AM you will find me at Place du Canada for a public celebration of Israel in downtown Montreal. This rally has been taking place since 2001 and I am proud to have staffed it in its early years. The first rally was organized on short notice after the Passover massacre in which a Hamas suicide bomber murdered 30 civilians at the Park Hotel in Netanya and injured hundreds.

From coast to coast, let us send pictures of our gatherings to our Israeli friends and relatives and give them a much needed collective and virtual hug. Let us send a strong message to the lawless, hateful, masked protesters who now permeate our cities and university campuses, that we are not afraid and that Jewish lives matter.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Yisrael Chai,

Andrea Freedman
CEO, BGU Canada