Social Action Equity Programming and Action - First Narayever Congregation

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SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMMING AND ACTION

The Narayever is committed to building a world that promotes access and opportunities to all people without discrimination. While the Narayever has long provided programming in this area, our focus for the year 2024- 2025 is specifically to engage in action and programming fighting discrimination, hate and polarization in the context of religious identity. Last year we focused on issues relating to immigration and displacement as well as other social issues. We also supported organizations in Israel that were dealing with the impact of the October 7 events.

Past Events in 2023- 2024:

Panel Discussion

Resilience and Bravery: Refugees and Displaced Persons: Panel discussion moderated by Sarah Fulford and featuring: Tesfazgi Asgedon (JIAS settlement worker), Loly Rico (Director of FCJ Refugee Center), and Francine Dick (community member and host to refugees).

Funding Activities

Last year, funds from our Yom Kippur appeal were disbursed to 10 charities. Approximately half of the funding went to Magen David Adom, Brothers And Sisters for Israel, and IsrAid to address consequences of the October 7 events. The remaining funds focused on the theme of immigration and displacement. Substantial funding was provided to Jewish Immigrant Aid Services, Romero House, and Working Women Community Centre. Some funding was also provided to local organizations like the Out of the Cold Program.

Rethinking the Land Acknowledgement

After research and consultation with various people, Narayever members developed a Territorial Prayer (which replaced the Land Acknowledgement) to reflect the congregation's connection to the First Peoples of Canada. This Territorial Prayer recognizes the indigenous peoples and ties the meaning to the First Narayever Congregation. It is said out loud on a monthly basis during Shabbat services.

Looking Forward

Next year we would like to organize a panel on hate and polarization in our schools. We will use the funds collected from the Yom Kippur Drive to support organizations that address our theme as well as issues in Israel.
In addition, we will continue to support programs such as Out of the Cold and visits to Kensington Gardens senior facility. We will also repeat Mitzvah Day which organizes members of our community (both young and old) to work in groups that will make a visit to Kensington Garden, clean up trash in our neighborhood and other activities to support those in need.

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