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A detailed look at how Jacob Brodovsky was targeted by one particular website – and how that led to him losing his job as co-executive director of BB Camp

By BERNIE BELLAN (Posted April 25) The following is taken from Bnai Brith Camp’s website as the camp’s mission statement:
“BB Camp’s mission is to provide a fun, supportive, and inclusive Jewish environment in which youth can explore, grow, and mature. Campers are provided opportunities to develop independence, foster lasting friendships, and strengthen their identities within a natural wilderness setting. BB Camp is committed to making sure that every camper leaves with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
“Since its founding in 1954, BB Camp has remained committed to ensuring that all children, no matter what their financial situation might be, have the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of attending Camp. At BB Camp, our goal is to offer a summer ‘home away from home’ where children can learn about and take pride in their Jewish culture, community, and heritage. It is a place where children can grow both individually and as a group. It is a place where important socializing skills are developed and where lifelong friendships are formed. It is a place where connection to the Jewish community can become part of a child’s life forever.”

Elsewhere on the website, under the category “Jewish Life at Camp,” this is what the site has to say about the role that Israel plays at the camp: Our main focus in Israel-based programming is to provide interactive opportunities for our campers and staff to develop a connection to Israel. We create connections to Israel by hiring Israeli staff to teach our
campers about daily life in Israel. Each summer we run an Israel Day program for both of our summer sessions where campers can learn about Israeli culture, food, and geography. In addition to this day-long program, we entwine Israel-based education with day-to-day camp life, including a ‘Hebrew word of the day’ at morning services and by using basic Israel education pieces including using Hebrew names for our camp buildings, flying the Israeli flag, and singing Hatikvah (Israel’s national anthem) as a camp each day when we lower the flags for the evening.”

Jacob Brodovsky had been a staffer at BB Camp for 15 years. Since 2021 he and his wife, Lexi Yurman, had served as camp co-executive directors. In an article posted to The Times of Israel website in August 2024, writer Jon van der Veen wrote: “He (Brodovsky) mentioned that BB has had a positive growth in campers over the years, “about 10 percent year over year” (emphasis mine). Lexie gave me the rough numbers, saying, (BB Camp) ‘consistently in a summer through both sessions, and including our LTP and AC programs, we have 300 to 350 campers.
“Jacob describes BB as a ‘Jewish camp for everyone,’ which is important because he also informed me that ‘about 15 percent of campers are non-Jewish‘ (emphasis mine). Jacob and Lexie believe this number is a testament to the appeal of BB camp and its good reputation. Lexie added, ‘Most of our non-Jewish campers, they just come with their friends, because their friends talk about camp, and they want to be a part of it.’
In the camp’s mission statement nowhere does the word “Zionism” appear.


But, following a series of three incendiary articles that appeared on a website known as thej.ca, beginning with an article that was first posted on April 6, and which was titled “Winnipeg Parents Outraged Over Camp BB Kenora Director’s Apparent Anti‑Israel Social Media Activity,” a campaign to oust Jacob Brodovsky as camp co-executive director quickly gathered steam. Ordinarily I would not lend credence to the vituperative attacks on Brodovsky that were posted to that website, but I think it important that readers see first hand the evidence that was used to martial what became an online campaign to have Brodovsky removed as camp co-executive director.
That article went on to make several statements that might well be considered defamatory, including describing Brodovsky’s behaviour as “incendiary.” The article also quoted (from an unnamed parent): “Parents send their children to BB Kenora for a safe, enriching Jewish experience—not political indoctrination against Israel.” (There is no evidence offered as to what “political indoctrination against Israel” in which Brodovsky might have engaged.)
The entire basis of the case against Brodovsky seemed to revolve as his having “liked” certain social media posts that had been posted by someone or some group that went by the name “Rusty_Robot,” and which were posted to Instagram in April and May 2024. Those social media posts were sympathetic to Palestinians.
Further, there were comments that levelled very serious allegations, not only against Brodovsky, but also his wife, Lexie, including: “Anyone who supports the dangerous and vicious views regarding the Jewish right to exist should be held accountable and fired. Our children deserve better !”
Another commenter write: “I’m confused why there is no commentary on his wife, who runs the camp along side him and has allowed for this behaviour from him for years. She is complicit to his actions.”
A third commenter writes: “if you are the director of a Jewish camp who shuts down support for hostages and protests the raising of the Israeli flag and singing Hatikvah, then your politics are affecting your role and the climate at camp.”

There were other very serious allegations made against Brodovsky, yet there were also comments that came to his defence, including: “My children came home from BB camp last summer more secure and attached to their Jewish identity than when they left.
“They sang Hatikva. They prayed at meals. They participated in a Havdalah service. Most importantly, they got to experience the sense of community that comes from being in a secure Jewish environment.”
At first, the BB Camp Board reacted by giving Brodovsky a vote of support following an emergency meeting of the board held on April 8, at which time the Board issued a statement that read, in part: “After conducting painstaking due diligence, the BB Camp Board of Directors unanimously (emphasis mine) voted to retain Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky, following his full apology for his serious error in judgement on social media. 
“After listening to all comments and concerns, the Board made a decision that it believes is best for the organization moving forward. 
“ ‘While we know not everyone will agree with our decision, we have full confidence that Jacob will continue to provide our campers, families, and clients with the same safe and nurturing environment that they have come to expect and enjoy over the last four years,’ said Board chair, Leah Leibl. 

Leibl pointed to Jacob’s sincerity in issuing an apology. 
“’ ‘I accept full responsibility and sincerely apologize for the gravity of my mistake and lack of judgement in liking posts that did not align with the values of BB Camp,’ said Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky.  ‘ am extremely remorseful for my actions and most grateful to be able to continue in my role serving our Jewish community.’
“Jacob also reaffirmed his belief in the State of Israel and is working closely with others to examine steps that can be taken to strengthen Jewish life and deepen support for Israel at Camp. 
“Jacob added, ‘I ‘ believe in Israel’s right to exist and care deeply about the safety of all Jews and Israelis.’ 
“In addition to the apology, the Board requires their Co-Executive Director, who agreed, to exercise due caution in his use of social media and avoid any activity that may run counter to the mission of the organization. The Board of Directors has also expressed to Jacob the extreme seriousness of this matter, and has reinforced to him his obligation to uphold all Camp policies.” 
 
On April 9, however, thej.ca once again criticized the BB Camp Board of Directors in an article titled “Weak Leadership Exposed: Camp BB Kenora Board Keeps Controversial Director Despite Overwhelming Outcry”.
The lead line of that article said: “Despite irrefutable evidence of his anti‑Israel bias and incendiary pro‑Palestine online activities, the board’s decision to retain Jacob Brodovsky reveals a dangerous capitulation to woke (emphasis mine) pressures—at the expense of true Zionist values.”
On April 16, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg held an emergency meeting for the purpose of discussing the BB Camp situation. On April 17 the BB Camp Board released a statement in which it reversed its decision to retain Brodovsky as co-executive director, noting “the camp’s Board of Directors has announced that “the Board of Directors and co-Executive Director Jacob Brodovsky have amicably agreed to part ways, having regard to the best interests of the Camp and the community at large.”
We have been in contact with various camp staffers, some of whom who wished to remain anonymous, but all of whom have denied that there were any instances where Hatikvah was not allowed to be sung or where the Israeli flag was not raised.
Another issue which was raised by other commenters had to do with campers not being allowed either to make or wear “yellow ribbons,” which have become symbolic of sympathy for the hostages still being held in Gaza.
Following the BB Camp Board’s complete reversal of its position, the j.ca ran a third article, on April 17, titled “Stunning Turn Of Events At BB Camp Kenora As Board Reexamines Leadership Choice.”
Following the article, however, a commenter who identified as a camp staffer posted this comment: “As a current staff member at Camp BB, I have to say it’s outrageous that Jacob is being slandered over baseless rumours and social media activity taken wildly out of context. What’s even more ridiculous is that most of the people fuelling this outrage haven’t stepped foot on camp during the summer and have no idea how things are actually run. Jacob’s personal political views never once interfered with camp life. Camp BB remained very much a Jewish camp, rich in tradition and community, under his leadership.
The camp staffer goes on to refer to the “yellow ribbon” situation – in apparent reference to a paragraph which appeared in the April 6 j.ca article, which wrote: “Several parents told TheJ.Ca that Brodovsky also refused campers’ requests to create yellow ribbons in solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. ‘My daughter was heartbroken,’ said one mother. ‘She wanted to show support for the hostages in Gaza, but Jacob wouldn’t allow it.’ “
The camp staffer who posted a comment in defence of Brodovsky on the j.ca site wrote – with specific reference to the “yellow ribbon” situation: “It’s also interesting that none of the staff can recall this supposed ‘yellow ribbon’ situation—so where did that even come from? Are we really at the point where rumours and assumptions are enough to justify firing someone?”
Questions now remain as to why the BB Camp Board reversed its original decision to retain Brodovsky as camp co-executive director? Was it a result of some well-heeled donors exerting financial pressure on either the BB Camp Board or the Jewish Federation?
We have also received a copy of a letter that was sent to the BB Camp Board which also levels some very serious allegations against Brodovsky, especially with respect to his interactions with camp staffers. That letter offers specifics which the articles in thej.ca do not. Whether that letter – and perhaps other letters that were sent to the BB Camp Board played an influential role in the dramatic reversal of the Board’s original unanimous decision made on April 9 to retain Brodovsky as co-executive director, only to be followed by a decision eight days later to part ways with Brodovsky, we do not know.
Unlike the j.ca, however, we do not engage in idle speculation. We ask questions and await answers.

There is one final – and somewhat intriguing aspect to this controversy, and that has to do with BB Camp’s charitable status. As some readers might be aware, Jewish National Fund Canada had its charitable status revoked by the CRA in August 2024. To read more about how that came about, go to https://jewishpostandnews.ca/faqs/rokmicronews-fp-1/jnf-canada-responds-to-cra-decision-to-revoke-its-charity-status/
In order for any charity to retain its charitable status it has to clearly state its charitable object. If BB Camp were now to include, as part of its charitable object, “to better reflect the Camp’s fundamental support of Israel” (emphasis mine), which it says is now part of its mission in the statement issued on April 17, one might well ask whether that constitutes quite a departure from its previous mission statement, which makes no reference at all to Israel, and in particular, “fundamental support of Israel?” Based on what happened with the JNF, which lost its charitable status, allegedly for having deviated from its “charitable object,” one might wonder how the CRA would react to BB Camp becoming politicized to that extent?

We had sent a copy of this article to both the Federation and BB Camp Board asking both of them whether they had any response to issue before this article was published. Neither organization responded.

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Gustavo Zentner talks about his role as CIJA Vice-President for Manitoba and Saskatchewan

By BERNIE BELLAN Gustavo Zentner has played many roles since arriving in Winnipeg from his native Argentina in the late 1990s.
In a May 2022 article written for The Jewish Post & News by Myron Love, Love wrote this about Zentner, who had just become President of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg at the time:
“The new president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg – who originally hails from the city of Corrientes in northeastern Argentina – notes that his great-grandfather, among the earliest Jewish immigrants to the country, was one of the founding members of the organized Jewish community and its cemetery – and his mother was the first (and thus far still the only) female to lead the community.
‘My earliest memories are of my mother always chairing meetings of the Federation,’ he recalls.
Thus, it is no surprise that Zentner threw himself into volunteering with the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg very soon after he arrived in our community – among the wave of Jews from Argentina who immigrated here 20–25 years ago.
‘I was delighted to come to Winnipeg,’ the new Federation president said. ‘I found a warm and welcoming community and was happy to contribute in any way I could.’ Zentner added, ‘This is a wonderful community, and I believe that everyone counts. Every person has a story to tell and something to contribute. Let’s make sure everyone is part of the conversation.’
As a board member, Zentner has, over the past 15 years, chaired first the Human Resources Committee, followed by the Community Planning and Allocations Committee, and most recently served as Treasurer, chairing the Finance and Audit Committees. He has volunteered with many other organizations; no doubt that experience will serve him well as he builds bridges throughout the community.
In his business career, Zentner was the president of InterPOC, an international business consultancy, and Honorary Consul of Brazil in Manitoba. Zentner places a lot of emphasis on consultation and planning.”
It was during his term as President of the Federation, in the immediate aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, that Zentner played a pivotal role in rallying not only members of the Jewish community, but also members of the broader Winnipeg community, in support of Israel. Zentner headed a Manitoba government secretariat dealing with economic diplomacy and worked with many organizations developing trade and investment relations.
That year, Zentner chaired three major rallies: the first at the Asper Campus in October, when more than 2,000 individuals gathered on the campus lawn; a second at the Manitoba Legislature; and a third in the Rady JCC gym, held in memory of the late Vivian Silver.
Each time, Zentner struck just the right chord, demonstrating eloquence and a sincere passion for Israel and the Jewish community. In 2024, he developed strong lines of communication with various levels of government to raise awareness about the surge in antisemitism that followed the October 7 attack. He was especially successful in forming a strong bond with then–Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth, along with other WPS members, to respond to and, where possible, prevent antisemitic incidents in the city.
Thus, it was no surprise that shortly after completing his term as Federation President, Zentner assumed a new role as Vice-President for Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
On September 25, Zentner spoke at the Remis Forum Luncheon, where he outlined his role with CIJA.
Zentner began by describing his firsthand experience with terrorism as a young Argentine Jew during the 1990s:
“I was there when there were two terrorist attacks – on March 17, 1992, and July 18, 1994. That forged my Jewish identity and my commitment to becoming more visible in terms of leadership in the Jewish community, while building a business or working for others or government. I understood that antisemitism shouldn’t define me; instead, it highlighted a path for my involvement in open society, celebrating the contributions of those who came before me – our leaders who built community and led countries.”
While much of his talk focused on the need for Winnipeg Jews to support Israel and engage younger generations, Zentner also explained CIJA’s mission and his particular role within the organization.
“Our main business is Canadian Jewish advocacy,” he said. “CIJA is the advocacy agent of Jewish federations across the country.”
The head office of CIJA is located in Toronto. Zentner noted that the organization’s President and CEO, Noah Shack, made his first official visit to Winnipeg shortly after assuming his new role.
“We met with Premier Kinew, Mayor Gillingham, MP Ben Carr, and with community organizations, funders, and allies,” Zentner said.
In addition to Winnipeg, CIJA has staff in Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
“Our core objective today is to combat antisemitism across Canada,” Zentner stated.
In addition, CIJA consults with other Jewish advocacy organizations worldwide in a group known as the “J7,” modeled after the G7 economic alliance.
“Canada’s is one of the seven largest Jewish communities in the world,” he explained. “Our counterparts include Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. When the Prime Minister of Australia or Great Britain is considering a policy, we engage in discussion with our counterparts so we can anticipate and respond—not only to support another Jewish community abroad, but also to understand the implications for Canada.”
Zentner also noted that CIJA represents Holocaust survivors in Canada through the Claims Conference.
When it comes to combating antisemitism, he emphasized, it cannot be left to one organization alone.
“In Canada, antisemitism has to be confronted by society at large, not exclusively by the Jewish community,” he said. “Working closely with the Jewish Federation, other organizations, volunteer groups, and individuals is the only way forward.”
“The ideal scenario is one where we identify advocacy channels, messaging, and issues, and support organizations and individuals to advance our cause—protecting Jewish life and ensuring that Jews have access to all aspects of society, free from intimidation, harassment, or hostility.”
We are placing a strong emphasis on community partnerships and recently celebrated a meaningful example through the Asper Community Shabbat program. The Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre and CIJA co-hosted a special Shabbat gathering with members of Indigenous communities, including First Nations Elders, representatives from the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Inuit community, and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.
As CIJA’s representative, Zentner described his approach to working with governments, the Winnipeg Police Service, and other law enforcement agencies:
“As the advocacy agency for the federation system, we support Jewish organizations and individuals when they need advocacy or policy change. Our work includes engaging with the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba, driving accountability and action when our community is attacked or discriminated against.”
He added that he has been direct in telling officials, particularly the police, to take concrete action against antisemitism.
“To do that, we consult and engage with law enforcement on an ongoing basis,” he said. “When it comes to defending Jewish members of the community, we look to law enforcement to do that for us. At the same time, the community can play an important role through volunteers and professional programs through the Jewish Security Network.”
Zentner clarified that asking governments to protect Jewish Canadians is not a special plea for the community:
“We’re not telling civil society to defend the Jews,” he said. “We’re saying: defend Canadian citizens, Canadian values, and minority groups under attack.”
A second objective, Zentner explained, is revitalizing partnerships with Israel so that governments can maintain “positive, healthy relationships” with the Jewish state.
“In my role, I’m responsible for ensuring that we have viable, credible, open lines of meaningful engagement with all levels of government. That is not easy. We hope that the U.S.-led peace plan will open opportunities to reimagine and strengthen Canada–Israel friendship and collaboration. A recent example was the official visit of H.E. Iddo Moed to Saskatchewan, advancing economic diplomacy, collaboration, and market diversification opportunities for both countries.”
A third component of his work, he said, is “community mobilization”—educating and activating members of the Jewish community.
“This is where I spend a lot of time speaking with members of our community—those born here and those who immigrated from elsewhere, like me. There is a large South American Jewish community that began with the Federation’s Grow Winnipeg initiative 25 years ago, as well as significant Hebrew-speaking folks from Israel and Russia. These communities bring valuable lived experience in facing antisemitism and security challenges. Working with them and mobilizing their networks gives us greater access to the broader community.”
Zentner also highlighted CIJA’s ongoing advocacy efforts:
“We advocate for Jewish life, protecting synagogues, community centres, and schools, and influencing policy,” he said, citing the federal government’s recent passage of Bill C-9, which strengthens laws against hate crimes.
Zentner also addressed the federal government’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state, pointing to their communication with the PMO:
“Recognition cannot come without clear conditions for Palestinian statehood,” he said. “We have been communicating with Prime Minister Carney since he first signalled that intent in July, to ensure it was not a unilateral, pre-emptive gift to Hamas. CIJA advocates not only for Israel or the Jewish community, but for upholding Canadian values.”
Another aspect of CIJA’s work, Zentner added, is providing antisemitism training and Holocaust education.
“We support organizations qualified to deliver training for all levels of government and civil society. Currently, we are working with the provincial government, the Civil Service Commission, and others to increase training opportunities and accountability, ensuring anti-racism policies are in place and enforced.”
During the Q&A, Zentner discussed CIJA’s consultations with police during Folklorama, when regular pro-Palestinian protests occurred outside the Asper Campus.
“We reached an understanding to ensure that, whether through permits or other mechanisms, such protests would not take place immediately outside the campus in the future,” he said, adding that the Winnipeg Police Service has committed to a stronger presence and more effective action next year.
To advance these advocacy projects, he emphasized, CIJA works collaboratively with the Jewish Federation, Asper Campus, Rady JCC, and community representatives who share their perspectives with police leadership.
At the close of his remarks, Zentner returned to his personal story, recalling that his family left Argentina following two terrorist attacks against Jews in 1992 and 1994.
“We must not go into a dark space,” he said. “That’s my role every day—and it’s a difficult role. But I won’t let that define who I am or how we define our community.”
He noted that collective advocacy has already produced tangible results, such as the provincial government’s appointment of a hate crimes prosecutor, commitments to hate training across public institutions, and increased financial support for Jewish organizations in Winnipeg resulting from a first time ever pre-budget consultation held with the province earlier in the year. CIJA has also worked with the City of Winnipeg on measures to protect Jewish institutions from hostile demonstrations and to ensure that publicly funded cultural organizations do not engage in antisemitic programming.
“Our community is not alone,” Zentner concluded. “We have countless allies who actively support our right to exist—here at home and in Israel. The Jewish community has played a significant role in building this country and contributing to all aspects of life. We need to continue engaging allies to stand visibly and vocally with us today.
I believe we all have a role to play in improving Jewish life in Canada and supporting the relationship between our community, Canada, and Israel. There is truly no work I could imagine more meaningful or impactful than serving our community, advancing our advocacy, strengthening government relations, and expanding our partnerships.
We are resilient, strong, and proud of our Jewish identity, and our relationship with Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish nation.”

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New play structure – “Gan Reut” (Friendship Garden) opens at Asper Campus

By BERNIE BELLAN It was a gorgeous Friday afternoon, October 3, when Lori Binder, Gray Academy Head of School (also Board of Jewish Education CEO) welcomed about 40 individuals to the opening of a brand new play structure on the Asper Campus – situated exactly where the old play structure (which had opened in 1997 with the opening of the campus) had been.
Most of the individuals who were there that day had played a role helping to see the new play structure built – either as donors, or as members of organizations that had participated in the planning and construction of the new play structure.

Gray Academy CEO Lori Binder

As Binder explained, “We wanted to call this the Friendship Garden. We wanted it to have a Hebrew name. ‘Reut’ – play, is the language of friendship and it’s also the language of learning. And so today for the very first time, as our kids were watching the structure be built – and that too was also an amazing learning tool, they began to learn to use the structure.”

Why was there a need for a new playground, some might wonder – when the old one was only 28 years old?

Binder cited several reasons for wanting a new play structure: “A lot of injuries were happening because there was pea gravel, and the pea gravel was surrounded by a border of wood. And if you did not have the ability to step over or walk through the pea gravel, you could potentially have an injury.”
She added that “pea gravel is only used in 3% of playgrounds today because you might skid and need a bandaid or have a cut.”

“But we also recognized that with the broken structure and the inability for all children in our community to play we wanted to begin to envision a new structure,” Binder added.

The actual project took shape in a relatively short period of time. Design and construction was handled by a company known as Playgrounds R Us. President of the company, Matt Lacroix, noted that “typically a playground of not even this size” would take much longer to plan and build.
“We typically work with schools probably three to five years, sometimes two. So, from start to finish, for us to start a year and a half ago to now is pretty phenomenal,” Lacroix observed.

The structure can even accommodate a child in a wheelchair – as seen in the photo above, where the young girl seated has casts on both one of her arms and one of her legs

There are many new innovations included in Gan Reut, including the resilient rubber foundation, the handicap accessible play structures (that can even accommodate children in wheelchairs) and, on an unexpectedly hot October day – something that proved to be most welcome: shade everywhere you went.

Getting the project done required cooperation among Gray Academy, the Rady JCC, and the Asper Campus. When Binder first approached the Jewish Foundation for funding assistance, however, she said that initially, “we got denied.” However, rather than that being an impediment to moving forward, Binder said “it turned out to be a blessing.”

The reason, she explained, is the Jewish Foundation “plays such an integral role in matching us with potential donors, helping us bring something to light or getting something started.”
In the case of the playground project, it was the Rich family, led by Gavin Rich, who stepped up as lead donors. There were many other donors as well. (You can see all the donors’ names in the accompanying photo.) Also, the Jewish Foundation did come through with a grant – for the rubber foundation.

Names of all the donors

Binder spoke of the important role that play serves in children’s development: “Diane Ackerman states that play is the brain’s favourite way of learning. And if you go into the daycare or into any of our early childhood classrooms, you will see that they learn through play. Dr. Stewart Brown notes that nothing lights up a child’s brain-like play. And I bet some of you will want to also play because even at as adults, we like to play.”

The blue and white colour of the playground was also a deliberate choice, Binder noted. “Blue and white,” she suggested, was “very purposely chosen to match the colour of the Israeli flag and give us a reminder every day of coming to this amazing Jewish community campus.”

When it came to planning what would go into the playground, Binder thanked Rob Berkowits from the Rady JCC and Curtis Martin from the Asper Jewish Community Campus, “who were along for the journey…We also have many of our educators, an occupational therapist, early childhood specialists, elementary specialists, student life coordinators, all coming together with all of the different ideas.”

“I have to say it is overwhelming,” Binder added. “I’ve not really been involved in such a renovation project; it’s hard to make decisions. You can have a million different kinds of playgrounds.”

Not only will the playground, however, serve as a major enhancement to be enjoyed by students at Gray Academy and the Rady JCC daycare during weekdays, it will be open to everyone in the community 24/7, Binder noted.

Rady JCC CEO Rob Berkowits

Following Binder’s remarks, attendees heard from Rob Berkowits, CEO of the Rady JCC, who acknowledged the key role Binder had played in bringing the project to fruition: “I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Lori Binder, Head of School at Gray Academy, for unwavering leadership in bringing this vision to life.”

Member of Asper Jewish Community Campus Board Jill Winograd

Finally, Jill Winograd, who was representing the Asper Jewish Community Campus, offered remarks: “Spaces like this are more than slides or swings. They’re about belonging, imagination, and giving kids a safe place to grow together. So this project wasn’t about starting fresh, but renewal, taking something well used.

“So what makes this playground matter isn’t just the newer equipment or the safer surfaces, but the thoughtfulness behind it. Accessible roots, quiet corners. And spaces that welcome kids, parents and grandparents together. It’s built for inclusion and community. And I think grandparents is such a key word here because it’s really so lovely to see from our sponsors how many are in memory of grandparents and how special that time is at the playground for them.”

Ribbon cutting by Gavin Rich and Marni Slonim

And, with that – and a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Gavin Rich and Marni Slonim, Grade 2 students from Gray Academy descended upon the structure – many with parents in tow, to demonstrate all the many features of the beautiful new playground.

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Gray Academy registration numbers continuing their upward trajectory

Gray Academy Head of School Lori Binder

By MYRON LOVE Lori Binder, Gray Academy’s Head of School and CEO of the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education, is happy to report that this year’s enrolment stands at 517 – the highest back-to-school number since 2013-2014.  “We have had to add a second Junior Kindergarten class and, for the second consecutive year, a third kindergarten class,” she says.
Gray Academy students speak of feeling safe and being able to connect with their roots.  As Binder points out, many of the students have parents and even grandparents who attended Gray Academy or its founding high school, Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. In addition, 25% of the staff are Gray Academy alumni. 
 
The school also plays an integral role in helping families moving to Winnipeg from Israel, Argentina, Brazil and other countries to adapt to their new homes.  Over the past two years, the EAL (English as an additional language) program has expanded significantly to accommodate growing needs.
Gray Academy is one of the only JK-12 Jewish day schools in Canada. The school remains committed to academic excellence, along with programming that builds community and connection. Gray Academy was the first Jewish day school in Canada to receive accreditation from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), a community of independent schools that meet and exceed rigorous national standards that inspire excellence and ongoing school improvement.
 
New this year, Binder notes, is the just-built AJCC Gan Re’ut (Friendship Garden), a fully accessible playground that children of all ages and abilities can use and enjoy. A new rubber foundation and accessible equipment make the new playground safer and more accessible for everyone.
She further reports that the four-year-old Gray Academy-Tough Duck Community Ice Rink, located on Danzker Field, has been enhanced with an asphalt base so that the facility can be used year-round for a wider variety of activities.
The school has also expanded its after-school music programs this year. In addition to traditional band and drumline programs, students can also take part in jazz, rock and vocal ensembles.
 
Binder notes that parents and grandparents of children are welcome to engage with the school.  “Last year we launched a new “Grandpals” program for grandparents,” she says.  “We offer several different ways for grandparents or any special seniors in students’ lives to engage with the school while being able to see their grandchildren.”
 
And did I mention that, over the years, Gray Academy’s outstanding debating program has been placing very well in national and international competitions?
In terms of tefillah and spirituality, Binder reports that the school is building on past informal connections with local clergy to allow more student interaction with our community’s rabbis and cantors.  Throughout the year, clergy from various congregations will be coming in to the school in a more formal way.
 
A very important part of Gray Academy’s mission is fostering a love of Israel.  Over the years, quite a few Gray Academy graduates have made Aliyah.
 
An important part of Israel education has been the nearly 30-year-long Jewish Federation of Winnipeg P2G (Partnership 2Gether) student and teacher exchange programs linking Gray Academy high school students with their counterparts at Danciger High School in the northern Israeli community of Kiryat Shmona and Nachshonei Hachula Elementary School in Yesod Hamala in the Hula Valley. For many years, Gray Academy would send groups of six to eight Grade 10 and 11 students to visit Danciger. Likewise, Danciger would send students to visit Gray Academy. 
In fact, a group of Danciger students and faculty happened to be in Winnipeg on October 7, 2023. When the group was forced unexpectedly to extend their stay in Winnipeg until flights to Israel could resume, Danciger students and staff participated in our community’s subsequent show of support for our brothers and sisters in Israel.
 
While the program has been paused since then, Binder reports that she was in Israel in July and visited both schools.  “With many Israelis having been able to return to their homes in the north after nearly 18 months of displacement, we are hoping to restart the exchange programs in the spring,” she says. 
 
Binder adds that two young Israelis volunteering with Shaarey Zedek Congregation in something called the “ShinShinim program” (which is a year of service in the Diaspora prior to serving in the IDF) have recently arrived in Winnipeg and will be paying weekly visits to the school. The Jewish Agency for Israel’s ShinShinim program sends Israeli Grade 12 graduates to Jewish communities in the diaspora to enhance the teaching of Hebrew and love for Israel. 
 
To commemorate October 7, the school – for the third year in a row – will be holding “Havdallah for Hope,”  a memorial program for high school students, followed by Havdalah for the entire student body and community guests.
Binder points out that the school has a strong focus on affordability.  “It is very important to us that no child is turned away because a family can’t afford to pay,” she says.
 
She notes that Manitoba is one of only a few Canadian provinces that fund independent schools such as Gray Academy, with the school receiving approximately 50% of comparable public school funding per student.  Binder adds that the school offers a robust Bursary Assistance program, strongly supported by funding from the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg’s Combined Jewish Appeal. “Over 60% of our families receive some level of bursary support,” she reports.  “We work with every family to ensure that no child is ever turned away because of inability to cover the full parental contribution.”
 
Just weeks into the new school year, Gray Academy is already looking ahead to enrolment for next September. 
 
For more information about what Gray Academy has to offer and application dates, phone 204 477-7425 or email admissions@grayacademy.ca.

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