Over the past few months, we’ve shared updates about the what, when, and where of JWest—what’s being built, the construction timeline, and yes, where everyone will park. But one important question remains: Who are the people behind this once-in-a-generation project?

This project is about more than replacing aging buildings—it’s about building community. By bringing KDHS and the JCC together on a single campus, we’re creating a central hub for Jewish life in Vancouver. This shared space will serve everyone - from preschoolers and teens to older adults and our Oakridge neighbours. It’s an opportunity to build something inclusive, connected, and deeply rooted in Jewish values and identity - something that can grow with us, as a community.

Last month, we shared an overview of the JWest project and responded to some thoughtful questions from our community. Since then, even more questions have come in — and we’re always happy to keep the conversation going.

Since the launch of the JWest campaign, the vision for redeveloping the current Jewish Community Centre (JCC) site at Oak and 41st has continued to evolve. Now, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2026, the future is beginning to take shape — and naturally, many in our community have questions.

The JWest Capital Campaign’s philanthropic goal of raising $161 million is only possible with the generous spirit and acute foresight of community members who rally to this generationally important project. Daniella Givon and Bernard Pinsky’s gift is an inspiring example of bringing the future JWest campus closer to reality, and we are grateful for their steadfast commitment as well as permission to share their story.

The JWest Capital Campaign is thrilled to acknowledge a generous gift from Dan and Trudy Pekarsky. The Pekarskys are longtime stalwarts of the Vancouver Jewish community, and we are deeply indebted to the family for their philanthropy, which brings us ever closer to our goal of raising $161 million.

The JWest Capital Campaign Cabinet is deeply grateful to Dr. Robert and Marilyn Krell and their families, Shoshana and Shawn Lewis,Simone and Howard Kallner and Michaela and Matthew Singerman for generously supporting the redevelopment of the JCC site.

Security has always been a priority for community buildings and the future JWest campus is no different. Planning the security and safety systems for the campus began long before any semblance of a structure will be visible.

JWest project is pleased to announce two significant milestones in the project’s historic journey from vision to reality: the implementation of a new governance structure that will serve the project moving forward, and a generous $5 million Founder level gift from the Cristall family.

The new space will be a cultural bridge, a space open to everyone, regardless of background. Honouring the legacy of the current JCC, JWest will result in a distinctly Jewish hub that welcomes everyone.

A cornerstone of the JWest project, the new King David High School is poised to nurture and cultivate more well-rounded Jewish leaders who will lead change and growth for our community for generations to come.

JWest will address the demand for childcare spaces by nearly doubling the available spots of the current ECE program and creating a purpose-built space for children.

JWest is pleased to announce a leading $36 million capital campaign matching challenge by the Roadburg family foundations, the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation and the Al Roadburg Foundation.

This significant investment joins the $25 million in support provided by the Provincial Government of BC in April 2021, as well as the generous $25 million gift from the Diamond Foundation and support from donors who matched the Diamond Foundation gift. The Government of Canada’s support now takes this project to the next step.

It is with gratitude and appreciation that we announce a generous gift of $5 million to the JWest project from the Dayhu Group of Companies in association with the Ben & Esther Dayson Charitable Foundation, under the leadership of Shirley Barnett and Philip Dayson.

The Diamond Foundation is leading the way in contributing to the JWest project. Their matching gift is the first philanthropic contribution to the project and is the largest donation ever made by the Diamond Foundation. Completing the match means that we are $50 million toward the JWest capital campaign target of $125+ million.

We are very happy to announce a new milestone for the JWest project: the establishment of the Capital Campaign Cabinet! We have brought together an extraordinary group of community leaders and philanthropists who represent a cross section of our community, and we are extremely grateful to these amazing volunteers who will steer the fundraising for JWest.

The JCC site redevelopment project now has a name: JWest! More than just a name, JWest is a new infrastructure of the heart, soul and spirit, reimagining Jewish life here, on the West Coast.

The proposal calls for a nine-storey, 121-ft-tall building containing a replacement community centre with new recreational space, pools and gyms, ground-level retail space, an early-childhood education centre with 104 private daycare spaces, cultural arts spaces with an auditorium and theatre, and non-profit office space.

Announcements of support for the new JCC redevelopment from the Liberal Party of Canada and Conservative Party of Canada.