• israel_war
     
    April 12, 2024
     
    “Monday's event was stressful, tense, and frankly saddening. Arriving early, I witnessed protesters preventing many, including many of my friends, from attending. While it was scary at times, especially being told we were not safe to leave, it's immensely important to continue holding these gatherings.” 
     – Adam Goren, Concordia student, on the March 4th event disruption at Federation CJA
     
    As Israel Apartheid Week events and BDS-related protests extended throughout the month of March, Adam Goren’s testimony above reminds us of the immense challenges students face on campus and of the remarkable grit and courage they have displayed since October 7th.
     
    In response, Federation CJA has prioritized Informing, Empowering, and Supporting our students and shaping our community’s future leaders. Meaningful retreats and campus programs, such as the ones outlined below, have helped counter the hateful protests, providing students with a platform to speak up, all the while celebrating their resilience and Jewish pride.
     
     

    INFORM | EMPOWER | SUPPORT

     
    “I hate that what happened on October 7th was the catalyst behind my decision to join the Lev Fellowship, but I truly feel so close to everyone right now. I wake up every day thinking of what I can do to make a difference today, inspiring others, raising awareness of what is happening now, and helping effect positive change”   
    – Olivia, Lev Fellow
     
    Lev Fellows: Empowering Campus with Impactful Events
    From challah bakes to community volunteering and more, Lev Fellow events, supported by Hillel and FCJA staff, play a vital role in equipping students with essential leadership skills for shaping the future of Jewish life. The Untold Wounds of Women in War event shed light on the impact of sexual violence in war and oppression. Attendees heard from survivors, experts, and activists standing together against sexual violence. The event drew a diverse crowd with differing opinions. Nonetheless, organizers managed to ensure that a sense of togetherness remained palpable throughout.
     
    Student-Driven Israel Advocacy Retreat
    The empowering Israel Advocacy Retreat, held the weekend of March 15-17, allowed students to explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on campus life. Students gained insights into effective advocacy strategies and forged connections with like-minded peers. The retreat proved that while students may not always see eye-to-eye, they can, nevertheless, continually find issues that unite them.
     
    Kol Hakavod to all who participated. Thank you to our partners: Allied Voices for Israel, Chabad on Campus, Dor Le Dor Canada, Hillel Montreal, StandWithUs Canada, and StartUp Nation.
     
    Jewish Canadian Youth Model United Nations 2024
    Although this year's Jewish Canadian Youth Model United Nations (JCYMUN) conference has come to a close (view photos here), its impact continues to resonate. Led by CEGEP and university students, participation in Model UN equips high school students with essential skills and fosters a deeper understanding of global issues within a Jewish context. 
     
     
     
     
    Students’ Crucial Role in Addressing Antisemitism on Campus 
    Students’ voices cannot be silenced, especially on CEGEP and university campuses. Their standing and power to combat antisemitism on campus cannot be underestimated. That’s why it is vital for them to speak up loudly, using the steps outlined in our student resource guide. By reporting an incident, students provide the data we need to monitor the situation on campuses, facilitate student support, recognize patterns and trends, and verify the efforts of CEGEPs and universities in fostering secure campus environments for all. While we understand how challenging this can be for students, once a form is filled out, they get direct access to our team to guide them every step of the way.
     
    Despite these challenges, we've made significant strides in empowering students to act and feel safer on campuses. 
     
    Since October 7th, the online reporting system has facilitated 118 antisemitic incident reports, empowering students to exercise their rights on campus. McGill announced the consequences of the protests held on March 28. According to an email from the provost, police made at least one arrest and McGill has chosen to press charges. At Concordia, campus security responded to the Hillel club room incident on March 12, and we have been advised that there is an investigation underway. While we are monitoring these situations, freedom of protest should never interfere with the right of students to attend their classes and the universities are responsible for ensuring that students can attend classes without fear of harassment and intimidation.
     
    Our Campus Security Protocol is another way Federation CJA is taking the lead. Whether students are tabling or hosting guest speakers on campus, we are there to ensure our students feel safe and secure. We have updated our security protocols for Jewish student groups, in conjunction with our Community Security Network (CSN). Our team is available to provide strategic guidance on security and tactical considerations. We will also supply CSN volunteers for campus events, where applicable.
     
    Campus Partners and Collaboration
    Amidst current challenges, Federation CJA has taken a proactive stance by organizing a convening of campus partners. This initiative was designed to foster stronger collaboration, share effective strategies, and enhance mutual understanding of supporting Jewish students and their families. The gathering underscored the importance of unity and the effective allocation of resources to better serve students. By establishing a commitment to ongoing collaboration, this effort demonstrates Federation CJA’s dedication to leading a unified front in ensuring a safer and more supportive educational environment.
     
    For more information on campus and advocacy efforts, please click here. 
     

    Stay connected with essential updates by following @hillelmontreal on Instagram

     
    Studying the Impact of Antisemitism on Campus
    A pivotal study is underway to understand the impact of the rise of campus antisemitism on Montreal university students. Spearheaded by Dr. Barbara Perry and Marlene Grossman, this research seeks to gather crucial insights directly from students, aiming to tailor anti-hate policies. This project is supported by Maspik!, CIJA, Hillel Montreal and JNF Canada.
     
    Participation is essential; students are encouraged to contribute anonymously through a brief survey or an in-depth interview, guiding the development of supportive measures tailored to their needs. This effort underscores our commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive campus environment for all. If you are student and wish to complete the survey, please click here.
     
    Montreal Academic Network Against Antisemitism 
    This faculty network, supported by Federation CJA, has continued its efforts in fostering an informed campus community. Collaborating with faculty and staff across Montreal's CEGEPs and universities, the group addresses the complexities of antisemitism and provides guidance on reporting incidents. It's important to recognize that staff members themselves are facing antisemitism in their workplace and are often approached by students for guidance and mentorship. Click here for more information. 

     

    It is important to remember that students are never alone. Federation CJA, along with many community organizations, is fighting day in and day out to do everything in its power at every single level to support our students and our community. Our goal is to turn challenges into opportunities for unity and strength, celebrating our students' resilience.

     

    Yair Szlak, LL.B
    President and Chief Executive Officer,
    Federation CJA

  • New funds allocated on March 20, 2024
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    Read the Joint Statement from Federation CJA and CIJA.
     (more)
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    Last night’s vote needs to be condemned for what it was
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  • Standing in Solidarity with our Students
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  • Drawing a clear line against hateful protests
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  • Empowering Jewish Students on Campus
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    A lifeline of hope, healing, and renewal.  (more)
  • Combatting Antisemitism ON CAMPUS
    Federation CJA Takes Action for Our Students. (more)
  • Remembering the Exile of Jews from Arab Lands
    November 30 marks the annual commemoration. (more)
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    Update on the impact of Federation CJA’s Emergency Fund. (more)
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    EMSB chair and DG welcomed to MHM. (more)
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    Federation CJA and CIJA are aware and deeply concerned about a proposed policy that the Student Society of McGill University (SSMU) voted on yesterday in its Fall 2023 referendum entitled “Policy Against Genocide in Palestine”, a policy which has yet to be ratified. 
     (more)
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  • Israel at War - Community Briefing
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    Update on the impact of Federation CJA’s Emergency Fund. (more)
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    Let's unite as a community to bring our people home. (more)
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  • Urgent Appeal: Israel Emergency Fund
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    We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. (more)
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    This announcement is a major milestone in the fight against Jew-hatred. (more)
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    We must raise our voices together against antisemitism. (more)
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    We are here to ensure that every member of our community can confidently live their lives safely.  (more)
  • Hate and antisemitism have no place in Montreal
     (more)
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Shabbat Candlelight
April 28  7:40PM
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