Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement
Ezra S. Shanken, a lifelong advocate for civic improvement and innovation at the intersection of community and culture, is the chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the third-largest Jewish community in Canada. He excels at building effective relationships with donors, partner organizations, other faith-based and ethno-cultural communities, and public officials—skills that have greatly benefited him and his constituents.
Following the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Shanken intensified his efforts to coordinate assistance and raise awareness across a wide range of community organizations. Consequently, he has played a key role in mobilizing an unprecedented response to support those affected by the attacks. Under his leadership, he and his colleagues raised a record-breaking $20 million for the Israel Emergency Campaign. Additionally, the Federation and its partners have diligently addressed various issues related to the Jewish senior population, pandemic recovery efforts, and safety sustainability. These initiatives benefit Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Regionally, the Federation's partnership with the local Jewish Community Center and King David High School has significantly enhanced the JCC, expanded child care and senior services, and created new arts and cultural spaces.
Although Shanken and his wife, along with their three young sons, enjoy their home life, they don’t always have their house entirely to themselves; he often opens it up to community members for a variety of meetings and events.