Summer greetings from CEO Michael Weisdorf
The Canadian Jewish News
T here’s something truly magical about the start of summer in Canada. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and it comes with an unmistakable buzz of anticipation as families, friends, neighbours and strangers come together for BBQs, concerts, sporting events and street parties. And nothing resonates like a festival that blends music, art and culture in one lively space. With a thousand or more of these events scheduled across Canada between May and October, you’re likely just a short commute from seeing stages come alive, food stalls tempting your taste buds, and the excitement of a roaring midway. Whether it’s the Toronto Caribbean Carnival or the Calgary Stampede drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, or smaller community events like the Bathurst Hospitality Days in New Brunswick or Dauphin’s Countryfest in Manitoba, everyone is drawn together with a sense of cama- raderie—no matter who they are or where they’re from. But as we head into a hopefully spectacular season, I also pause to reflect on how the world has changed since Oct. 7. The tragedy that sparked a worldwide wave of antisemitism began just outside Kibbutz Re’im in Israel, at the Nova Music Festival, which was billed as a “celebration of friends, love and infinite freedom.” I imagine how, when the event kicked off on Oct. 6, festival-goers were feeling the sense of excitement, happiness and wonderment that comes with being among thousands of others feeling the same way. It’s a familiar feeling to all of us. I also think of how the lives of those young people— who were full of life and hope for the future—were unimaginably and horrifically changed forever. The rest of the Jewish community has also felt the reverberations ever since, watching the world go down a rabbit hole of hate and ignorance on the heels of pan- demic lockdowns, travel restrictions, and
social distancing rules that curbed many celebrations for two years. Six months into my perch at this publication, I’m observing a lot of ignorance and generalizations, along with the condemnation of anyone who doesn’t share their views. My hope for this summer is that every- one can reset, reconnect, and revisit their priorities. Festival events provide an
Michael Weisdorf Chief Executive Officer Marc Weisblott Managing Editor
Ronit Novak Art Director Phoebe Maltz Bovy Senior Editor Etery Podolsky Designer Michael Fraiman Podcast Director Lila Sarick News Editor Grace Zweig Sales Director Kathy Meitz General Manager
Board of Directors : Bryan Borzykowski President Sam Reitman Treasurer and Secretary Ira Gluskin
opportunity to celebrate diversity, engage in experiences, and foster connections within and across communities. We can embrace our differences by appreci- ating the tapestry of cultures that make our country so great. The warmth will hopefully provide a softening of perspec- tives, encouraging people to stay open for dialogue, and help us return to feeling connected to each other. Maybe you find your summertime bliss at a cottage or campground, maybe it involves an overseas flight or hitting the highway nearby. Maybe it’s as simple as reading on a beach or catching up with friends on a patio. No matter what you do, remember to cherish each moment, and embrace joy however you can.
Jacob Smolack Elizabeth Wolfe
For all inquiries info @ thecjn.ca
Cover: Illustration by Daniel Sulzberg exclusively for The Canadian Jewish News
Printed in Winnipeg by Prolific Group With the participation of the Government of Canada.
MICHAEL WEISDORF, MBA Chief Executive Officer The Canadian Jewish News
THECJN.CA 7
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator