We made our first trip to Israel in 2001 to visit our daughter who was studying at Hebrew University. On the plane, we met Elaine and Ian Goldstine who were on their way to a Federation Solidarity Mission and suggested we join them for some of the speakers and sites they were attending. One memorable event was a lecture at Shaare Zedek Medical Center where they spoke to us about a doctor who was killed during a terrorist attack. We also heard a plea from the parents of one of the soldiers who was kidnapped around the time Gilad Shalit was in captivity. 

This trip inspired me to get my foot in the door and be involved in Federation. When we returned from Israel, Elaine contacted me to get involved with what was then Partnership 2000, now Partnership 2Gether (P2G). 

Our young people are our future leaders and we need to nuture and develop these young adults and P2G is just one of the many ways to do so. PJ Library is also a wonderful example. This program not only helps children but also helps parents learn about tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

The Federation, its partner agencies and our community synagogues all give us many opportunities to connect with our Jewish identity. The Federation and its GrowWinnipeg initiative engages our newcomers and makes them feel welcome in Winnipeg. We strongly believe Federation should continue to engage people by being ambassadors of our community.

We have hope that we will continue to be a strong, vibrant community. We have organizations that are making a difference. Our young adults are getting involved. We are reaching out which is very important. There is a lot of work ahead but we know the future of our children and grandchildren is in good hands.