By Shayna Cairns, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter and Daniel Moser
(AJNews) – On August 3, at the Edmonton Heritage Festival at William Hawrelak Park, the Aviv Dancers joyfully took the stage, overpowering chants from a nearby protest. Historically protests have not occurred at the Festival. Choosing to forgo the long-held tradition that the Festival be about culture, not politics, on this day a group made their presence felt, arriving with violent imagery, with at least one protestor harassing the young dancers.
The Shiru Ha’Shir Dancers, along with the Aviv Dancers, countless Israel Pavillion volunteers, and allies, all persisted in the face of protest and adversity to make sure the Israel Pavillion, the Heritage Festival, and the performances could all still be enjoyed. Seeing Israeli Dancers perform and prevail, drowning out protest was the visual definition of the mantra, “We Will Dance Again!”
As Heritage Festival came to a close, Jewish Federation of Edmonton CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright thanked everyone who helped make this year’s Israel Pavilion possible.
In a written update to community members, she explained that earlier in the afternoon, a demonstration had taken place adjacent to the Israel Pavilion and continued for several hours. She wrote, “While the protest created a challenging environment and was upsetting for community members, Edmonton Police Service, Heritage Festival security, our own security personnel, and festival board of directors were present throughout the day and actively engaged in supporting the safety and well-being of volunteers, performers, visitors, and community members.”
She wrote that what she would remember most from the day was “not the demonstration itself, but the extraordinary strength and resilience shown by our community.”
“I am deeply proud of our volunteers and staff, who continued to welcome visitors with warmth and professionalism throughout the afternoon. I am especially proud of both of our Israeli dance groups, whose performers continued to share their talent, energy, and pride despite the disruption taking place nearby. Their commitment reflected the very best of our community.”
Leavitt-Wright expressed her gratitude to members of Edmonton’s Persian community and other allies who came to stand with the Israeli Pavilion. “Their friendship, presence, and solidarity were deeply appreciated and served as a powerful reminder that we are not alone.”
She acknowledged “Israel Pavilion Coordinator Jay Cairns and the many safety volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend. Over the past two days, they dedicated countless hours behind the scenes, helping to coordinate security, monitor the site, and support volunteers and visitors. Their dedication, vigilance, and steady presence allowed the rest of us to focus on welcoming guests, celebrating our culture, and making the Israel Pavilion a success.”
Over the course of the weekend, thousands of people visited the Israel Pavilion to experience Israeli food, music, dance, culture, and hospitality, added Leavitt-Wright. “Heritage Festival exists to celebrate the diverse communities that make Edmonton such a vibrant city, and we were honoured to once again share our culture with fellow Edmontonians.
“In the days ahead, I will be debriefing with Edmonton Police Service, Heritage Festival organizers, festival security, and our own team to review the events of the weekend and discuss lessons learned.”
“What I witnessed today was not defined by disruption. It was defined by resilience, solidarity and pride,” she concluded.