Federation CJA 360 - November 10, 2023

Amidst the ongoing crisis in Israel, we're shifting from our regular 360 newsletter to provide you with vital updates on Federation CJA's emergency response.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Federation CJA held an important community briefing today. Watch it Here

 

This week, our community faced an attempted arson attack at Federation CJA West Island and Congregation Beth Tikvah, shots fired at two Jewish schools overnight, alongside disturbing incidents of violence against Jewish students at Concordia University. Montreal Police are investigating.

 

The Police department has released an update on community safety and the ongoing investigation. Read it Here

 

We also encourage you to tune into the press conference held yesterday with Yair Szlak, President & CEO of Federation CJA, and Eta Yudin, Vice President of CIJA, to understand more about these events and our community's response. Watch it Here

 

Federation CJA held a webinar with guests Col. (res) Kobi Marom, Expert on Security in the Middle East, and Yarden Greenfeld & Shay Shoham, family members of Israeli hostages. Watch it Here

Take Action: Amplify Our Call for Hostage Information through the Red Cross 

 

Federation CJA and Jewish Federations worldwide are joining an urgent campaign for transparency on hostage welfare with the Red Cross. International law grants the Red Cross visitation rights to hostages, yet access has been denied, constituting a war crime. 

 

Help us demand action by flooding the Red Cross with messages advocating for our abducted loved ones. Amplify the call to "Bring Them Home" by sending a pre-drafted message to the Red Cross and standing together in this critical cause. Take Action Here

 

Your voice is powerful—let’s unite and demonstrate our strength.

 

Read: In a letter to Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, Federation CJA's CEO and President Yair Szlak, Board Chair Steve Sebag, and Eta Yudin of CIJA highlight critical concerns about public safety and the well-being of Montreal's Jewish community. 

Read it Here
 

Read: Federation CJA's Yair Szlak and Steve Sebag extend appreciation to Quebec Premier François Legault in a significant letter, commending his consistent advocacy for the Jewish community and his firm stance against antisemitism.

Read it Here
 

UNITED WITH ISRAEL – HOW WE ARE HELPING

See the direct impact your generosity has on supporting Israel and its people.

 

Watch: As Israel navigates through challenging times, Israeli President Isaac Herzog extends a profound thanks on behalf of Keren Hayesod, our partner on the ground in Israel, for unwavering support. In a touching video address, he underscores the nation's commitment to combating antisemitism and Jew hatred not just in Israel but around the world.

Watch it Here
 

COMMUNITY SECURITY

Ensuring the safety of our Montreal Jewish community is paramount:

Take Action: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Help keep our community safe by reporting any suspicious behaviour or antisemitic incidents. In emergencies, dial 911.

Report Here

ON CAMPUS

If you have a child on campus, here in Montreal, or anywhere in the world, they can turn to Hillel for support. Hillel is Here for You

If you are a university student, graduate, or parent of a student, please speak up! Email the president of your university and ask them to prioritize the issue of campus antisemitism. Hillel and other student groups are urging university administrations to condemn and hold accountable those who target our students. It’s crucial that universities now hear from our entire community.

Read: Amidst rising antisemitic incidents, students and parents within the Jewish community can find essential support and resources with this guide. It outlines the policies, codes of conduct, and mechanisms available at CEGEPs and universities to combat hate and foster a respectful, inclusive environment. For institutions not listed in the guide or for more personalized support, please reach out to [email protected] or check your school’s official website for further assistance. 

Read it Here
 

STAND UP. TAKE ACTION.

Your involvement is crucial. Every step, every action, and every voice is needed now more than ever:

Some good news: Our first volunteer, Jerry Arnstein, has left for Israel with ten duffel bags packed with vital essentials—clothing, medical supplies for first responders, and other basic necessities. A huge thank you to all our donors and volunteers for their incredible generosity and effort. The mission continues as the needs are ongoing. We asked Jerry why this cause is important to him.

Read About it Here

Urgent: Donations are still needed for essential supplies for Israeli families

 

A comprehensive list of required items, along with drop-off times and locations, can be found on our Israel Collection Page. Please ensure that all donations are new, unopened, and strictly the items listed.

 

In addition to your generous donations, you can also help by:

 

  • Volunteering to sort and pack donations. Sign up for updates here.

  • Creating cards for IDF soldiers. Follow this guide for instructions and drop-off info.

  • Supporting Israel by attending local events. Find programs and gatherings here.

  • Joining #BlueRibbonsForIsrael to show solidarity with hostages and their families. Learn more here.

You can also help raise awareness by continuing to display posters of the kidnapped. Order your high-quality posters at no cost and collect them from designated points. Request your set of posters by filling out your details here. Alternatively, download and print posters in various languages at kidnappedfromisrael.com.

 

STRONGER TOGETHER: COMMUNITY CARE & UNITY

We’re Here to Help! We're actively assisting Israelis wishing to temporarily relocate to Montreal amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. Federation CJA has created a confidential form to gather essential information from these individuals or families to efficiently connect them with community resources.

 

Help us help them by sharing the form link with Montreal locals who have Israeli contacts and by directly sharing the form with Israelis inquiring about temporary stays in Montreal.

 

Access the form here 

This past weekend, Federation CJA’s PJ Library, RSJ and the West Island community joined together as a community, empowering children to make a difference. Teaching the importance of giving back, the children made bracelets and cards for the brave IDF soldiers in support of Israel.

VOICES FOR CHANGE:  ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Your voice matters.

Read: CIJA praises the government's additional $5 million for the Security Infrastructure Program to bolster safety for communities facing hate crimes. This timely support following the Israel-Hamas war is set to enhance the security of community centres, places of worship, and other institutions at increased risk of hate-motivated crimes. While celebrating this progress, CIJA urges continued action to comprehensively combat antisemitism.

Read More Here
 

Read: Yesterday, a poignant speech by Brian Mulroney addressed the critical fight against antisemitism, reflecting on how our sense of Canadian identity has been impacted since October 7th.

Read it Here
 

Read: In a letter of solidarity, Marc A. Grenon, President of the Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council, United Church of Canada, has articulated his profound sorrow and heartache over the anguish experienced by the Jewish community due to the actions of individuals fueled by hatred.

Read it Here
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Disclaimer
Federation CJA 360 is a news aggregate, offering readers a variety of articles and opinion pieces on topics of concern to the Jewish community and presented in a concise, convenient platform. The opinions expressed by contributors shared in Federation CJA 360 do not necessarily reflect the policies or the positions of Federation CJA, its staff or its Board of Directors.


About Federation CJA
For over one hundred years, Federation CJA has been at the heart of the organized Jewish community in Montreal. In partnership with a vast network of agencies and organizations locally, nationally and internationally, Federation CJA builds and sustains this community by providing leadership and by supporting the delivery of services and programs to care for the vulnerable and those in need, to ensure a bright Jewish future, to represent communal interests and to positively affect issues in the wider society.

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Shabbat Candlelight
May 3  7:46PM
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