Welcome from the P2G

Chair

Some of you may ask, “What is Partnership 2gether (P2G) again?” Simply put, it is the single most visible connection that our community has with Israel. As implied in the title, it is a partnership between a consortium of smaller Jewish communities in Canada and the Galilee Panhandle (Etzbah HaGalil).

The partnership’s mission has three major components: 1) To create a ‘Living Bridge’ (Gesher Chai) between the people of the Israeli and Canadian communities, 2) Youth and Education, and 3) Capacity Building. Each of these components has a national sub-committee that meets at least twice a year to review funding requests and opportunities.

On a visit to Israel in March 2022, Stacey and I travelled to the Galil. Our trip coincided with the first post-pandemic staging of the Terry Fox Run in Emek HaHula. Seeing the region (which I love) as well as meeting the people who adopted a Canadian hero as their own was truly incredible. Observing this partnership in action, this ‘Living Bridge’, inspired me to get involved and to do what I can to promote this vision.

My first visit as the Edmonton representative to the P2G meeting in Israel in November 2022 afforded me a chance to see projects we had funded. At this visit we also had the opportunity to meet the founders of a remarkable outreach program between Jewish and Arab youth from the area.

As an overview, the project involved the communities of Metula (Jewish) and Tuba Zangariya (Arab) who historically have lived peacefully but separately. The nature of the solitude between neighbours was striking to Stacey and I and, clearly, to the program founder Miri, who felt it important to attempt to change this situation. In May of 2022 the first gathering between the teens of both communities took place in Metula and was followed up by a visit of the teens from Metula to Tuba. These were small steps in the process of creating bonds and greater understanding of each other’s lives and cultures and considering recent tensions is nothing short of remarkable in its success. The highlight of the P2G meeting for me was seeing, first-hand, the courage and kindness of the incredible women in both communities who took the risk of extending a hand of friendship to the other to facilitate these groups. The hope is to continue this program but there are costs associated with it that will require ongoing funding (e.g. transportation and activities/supplies).

Before concluding, I would like to acknowledge, with great appreciation, how the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, its sponsors, advertisers, and donors continue to support the P2G initiative. The proceeds of this rich cultural event continue to assist projects within our partnership region and the beneficiary of this year’s EJFF will be the renewal of support for the Jewish/Arab youth exchange program described above, fostering relationships to humanize each group’s little-known neighbours and build bridges for a brighter future for everyone in the Metula region.

Jews have always been story-tellers. Never mind the limitations of generations and geography; Jewish communities have connected over centuries and continents through the power of narrative. No wonder so many Jews were pioneers of the movie industry. No wonder the compulsion to tell Jewish stories on film remains as strong as ever. The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival plays such an important role in celebrating and sharing the diversity of the Jewish experience with the whole city. In a time of rising anti-Semitism around the world, this festival, which invites all of Edmonton to enjoy Jewish stories, is more important than ever. Mazel tov to everyone who makes the festival possible.

As Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 27th Annual Edmonton Jewish Film Festival.

My riding, and the City of Edmonton as a whole, have long been home to communities rich in diversity and culture. Since 1996, the EJFF has helped play a major role in supporting this heritage through film. Film offers the ability to create and educate, to explore both ourselves and those around us. In sharing stories of Jewish experience from around the world, I hope attendees are able to immerse themselves in the culture, stories, and history of the Jewish people, finding meaning, commonality, and understanding.

I want to thank all involved in organizing this event. To the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, to all volunteers, and most importantly, to all attendees: Your dedication is crucial to fostering this festival’s legacy of success!

Matt Jeneroux MP Edmonton Riverbend