April 2026
Rabbi Daniel Green

This year’s Hamilton Hebrew Academy Gala Dinner will be an historic evening for our community to gather in solidarity with the State of Israel as we aspire toward a new dawn of peace and security in the Middle East.

The evening will feature a special candlelight orchestral concert that reflects the passage from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, to Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Joining our ceremony will be a member of Kibbutz Kfar Aza who survived the carnage of Oct. 7, bringing a deeply personal voice to the evening and reminding us of the resilience and courage of the Israeli people during this challenging time.

During this meaningful evening, we will honour two extraordinary couples whose lives have helped shape the fabric of Jewish Hamilton: Brian and Nancy Somer, and Stanley and Sheryl Katz. Lifelong Hamiltonians, they grew up in our community, built exceptional families, and raised children and grandchildren who are now helping shape the next chapter of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. In these historic moments for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, they are preparing to make Aliyah to join their families in Israel, once again leading by example.

Over the years, both families have taken on meaningful leadership roles across many of our communal institutions, including the HHA, United Hebrew Memorial Chapel, and Adas Israel Congregation. Their commitment to Jewish life has strengthened the institutions that sustain Jewish Hamilton and helped secure its future.

During the evening, we will also present the Legacy Educators Award to Mr. Bob Childs, whose remarkable teaching career has spanned more than five decades. Since beginning his career in 1971, Childs has devoted his life to inspiring generations of students. He teaches with deep respect, genuine warmth, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. His dedication has left a lasting imprint on his students, on their families and on the entire HHA community.
This year’s Gala will  be both a moment of remembrance and a moment of celebration, honouring courage, music, education, and community while reaffirming the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Please RSVP at hha.ca/gala2026.