New Chabad Center at University of Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia’s coastal capital, is home to several universities — including UVic, Royal Roads, and Camosun. Now, Jewish students across those campuses have something new: a dedicated Chabad presence led by Rabbi Mendy and Mushka Stiefel.

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is slower, quieter, and more nature-oriented than Canada’s major metro cities — “the kind of place that draws more ‘outdoorsy’ students,” said Mushka Stiefel. UVic alone has roughly 22,000 students, with an estimated several hundred Jews across the local campuses.

The Stiefels have been busy meeting students one-on-one — helping them put on tefillin, placing mezuzahs on dorm doors, and simply getting to know them. Their plan now is to build toward weekly Shabbat meals, regular classes, and a consistent Jewish presence on campus.

“The students want a place that feels warm and familiar,” Rabbi Stiefel says. “We’re here to build that.”