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May 14, 2010

Keeping us connected

Mutual support is the key to continued growth.
RICK NELSON

From the front doors of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCC) we have had the unique vantage point of watching our Jewish community interact, develop and grow over the years.

Like an airport control tower, the JCC watches organizations, events and members of the community of all ages, political views and sects head in and out of our doors. Various organizations and agencies have played vital roles over the past 82 years as we’ve seen many changes take place. However, one community partner that has stood side by side with the centre with the same sense of support and leadership has been the Jewish Independent.

If the JCC is the community’s control tower then the JI is the jet fuel that feeds the community and allows us to reach out and keep connected. Sounds a little flighty, we know. But the JCC has a long- established and strong relationship with the Jewish Independent because we have mutually respected and appreciated the vital roles we play within the community. We also appreciate the need for each other’s support.

Several years back the paper changed its name from the Jewish Western Bulletin to the Jewish Independent. This change was a strong statement which declared the paper as an independent voice of the community rather than a public relations magazine that served specific community will.

While many Diaspora Jewish community publications are formally operated and funded by the JCC or Federation in that city, we are extremely fortunate to have an independent voice to represent us all. A voice that speaks of the morals, values and sincerity that our community depends on to thrive. A voice whose words are genuine, balanced and from the heart. A voice that, while delivered honestly, brings legitimacy and perspective to all that we do.

When someone reads about an event, program or newsworthy item in the pages of the Jewish Independent, they can be sure that the message was delivered with care and integrity.

At the JCC we put a lot of trust and faith in our partners at the JI to represent us fairly and accurately with an understanding that building community is a responsibility we all must accept.

Specifically, in the past 10 plus years, the JI has played a significant role in assisting the growth of the JCC. The paper has sponsored and supported many of our key events, programs and initiatives both on the promotional side of the paper as well as the editorial side. Our annual JCC Sports Dinner could not be the premier event of its kind without the support of the JI. The same could be said for various other community initiatives, such as the upcoming Festival Ha’Rikud.

More than anything else that could be put in writing or in a reserved spot on an advertising page, our open and honest line of communication with the JI has always been a source of strength for us. It has served us both well for 80 years and we look forward to sitting back, putting on our safety belts and flying with them for at least another 80 more.

Rick Nelson is executive director of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.

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