Dear AJL-Canada members,
The past summer and present autumn has been filled with both positive and negative
happenings in our world and at home. As I write this note, the peace plan between Israel and
Hamas has been signed and twenty hostages have been returned to Israel and their families.
We wish them a “refuah shlema”. We wait with bated breath for the return of the remains of
the hostages who died during their captivity.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Since AJL-Canada’s revival several years ago, I’m delighted to say that our membership has grown to forty members. You live in various places in Canada and are involved in different literary pursuits. You are authors, librarians, archivists, teachers, Holocaust educators, and/or more. Why do I think this revival of AJL-Canada is so important? In our troubled world, I feel passionate about the importance of staying committed to our Canadian values and perspectives. Through AJL-Canada, we can feel connected to other like-minded colleagues and friends, no matter where they live in this beautiful land of ours. As Canada Day will soon approach, let us celebrate our great country with love and pride, and may we go from strength to strength!

Anne Dublin

Dear AJL-Canada members,
It grieves me to inform you that our beloved AJL-Canada president and friend, Anna Skorupsky, passed away on Saturday March 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
We put the “spotlight” on Anna in the October 2022 issue of this Newsletter, but I’m copying the (edited) article here in her honour.
May her memory be for a blessing.
B’shalom,
Anne

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear colleagues and friends, I’m delighted to express my best wishes for Chanukah to you and your families! May all of you be blessed by the spirit of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, that is shared by all people who love freedom. Chanukah celebrates freedom from oppression. This Festival of Lights teaches us that even a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness! Let’s hope that the lights of Chanukah will bring us many bright ideas of how to make our world better and happier. Your AJL-Canada Executive continues to respect our traditions. One of them is by organizing wonderful programs. (See page 5 for information about our next program on January 20, 2025.) Many thanks to the members of the AJL-Canada Executive: Anne Dublin, Marjorie Gann, and Caroline Ingvaldsen, whose amazing devotion and great knowledge make our chapter so important and indispensable. CHANUKAH SAMEACH to all of you from the bottom of my heart! Anna Skorupsky