Montreal – September 22, 2023 – Federation CJA held its 106th Annual General Meeting last night, celebrating the past year's achievements along with its outstanding volunteer leaders.
The evening kicked off with Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo of the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue and the Shira Choir performing the national anthems.
Joel Segal, outgoing Board Chair, introduced the Consul General of Israel for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces, Paul Hirschson, saying, “ We are all watching with concern about what is transpiring in Israel, as her citizens are exercising their democratic rights advocating for and against the proposed Judicial Reform. We are struck and saddened by the division the proposed reform has exposed in Israeli Society, and hope that strong leadership and democratic process will prevail.”
Hirschson remarked, “We, as Israelis, are having a discussion – actually an argument – but that’s how we talk. We’ll come out better and stronger and united.” The Consul General concluded, “It’s a joint venture. Stay involved.”
Segal looked back, saying, “This past year has been a testament to the indomitable spirit of our community,” speaking about the many achievements of the 106-year-old organization and its dedicated leadership. “Through the incredible generosity of our donors, we raised $63 million as part of our comprehensive campaign, reaching a total of $120 million over two years, including international commitments, advancing Jewish life and continuity, delivering community care, and other allocations.
“We ensured our community is always ready to respond rapidly and effectively to any crisis threatening Jewish well-being. A crisis like a global pandemic, like rising antisemitism, and the war in Ukraine.”
“I feel grateful for these past two years,” Segal said. “Federation CJA is a catalyst, a convener, an amplifier. Together, our power is limitless.”
A new slate was voted in including: Board Chair, Steve Sebag; First Vice Chair, Patrick Essiminy; Treasurer, Marc Yedid; Secretary, Karen Soussan; Immediate Past Board Chair, Joel Segal, Sandra Abitan, Michael Aronovici, Michael Dadoun, Shlomo Drazin, Leon Garfinkle, Karyn Saragossi Lassner, Daniel Lieberman, Alissa Rappaport, Jonathan Sigler, Marnie Zigman Stern, Samantha Mintz Vineberg, Jonathan Wener, Presidential Appointees: Steeve Azoulay, Ruth Bensimon Choueke, Adam Weinstock, The Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal Representative, Anne-Marie Boucher.
The Samuel Bronfman Medal is the most prestigious award granted by Federation CJA in recognition of extraordinary service and leadership to the Jewish community. Since its inception in 1971, it has been awarded to individuals who are significant role models within our community.
Charles Bronfman, patriarch of our Montreal Jewish Community, along with Stephen Bronfman, past Campaign Chair and Bronfman Medal recipient in 2021, introduced this year’s Samuel Bronfman Medal winner, Robert (Bobby) Kleinman.
Stephen Bronfman said, “Bobby has done a remarkable job and taught so many of us in supporting community and in being philanthropists. You’ve done so much for so many.”
Charles Bronfman remarked that it was as though three generations were present for the ceremony. “I see my father standing here with us,” he said. “Bobby, you’ve dedicated yourself with love to this community.”
Kleinman moved into philanthropy in August 1994 by becoming the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal. The JCF is seen to be Canada’s most donor-centred foundation. He is presently a planned giving consultant.
He previously was a partner in taxation at Ernst and Young.
Bobby specializes in tax-assisted giving, has written numerous articles on the subject, and has published the JCF Gift Planning Handbook, available to the public at www.jcfmontreal.org.
He has helped many Canadian charities design their planned giving programmes.
Robert is past president of the Conseil de la Philanthropie du Quebec, the Table Ronde du Quebec of the CAGP, JIAS Canada, JIAS Montreal and the Mount Royal Tennis Club.
Robert Kleinman responded to the accolades in commending his predecessors, fellow professionals and lay leaders who have strived on behalf of community. “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” he began. “CRB was my charitable hero. My greatest influence was my mother. I dedicate this honour in her memory.”
“It has been such an amazing privilege. What an honour this has been,” Kleinman said of his lengthy professional and volunteer career in community. “What a joy it has been to help people, to do what’s best for the donor and for the community. How lucky I am to be working in this field, as we create light for others and light the way for ourselves too.”
Yair Szlak, President & CEO, congratulated outgoing Board Chair Joel Segal, who he called, “an incredible champion for this Jewish community.” He praised Segal who, “led quietly and with humility.”
“The changes you helped implement will yield results in years to come and this community is lucky that you were here at this time to ensure the future is strong,” Szlak remarked.
Of Robert Kleinman, Szlak had this to say, “He has dedicated his career to helping philanthropists achieve their maximum impact and truly making this world a better place.”
“While the world around us seems more difficult to navigate these days, with lingering inflation and increased cost of living; persistent rise in antisemitism, and the real and tragic rift in Israeli society created by the current government’s proposed Judicial Reform; Federation is steadfast in our mission to ensure that Montreal remains one of the greatest Jewish communities in North America, if not in the world,” Szlak told the assembly.
Szlak spoke about fundraising success through the incredible generosity of our donors, raising $63 million as part of our comprehensive campaign, reaching a total of $120 million over two years. He also highlighted efforts to combat antisemitism, support entrepreneurship to ensure the continuity of the community, construct a building as a centre for engagement in the West Island, implement technology measures, equipping over ten buildings with new cameras and access control, ensuring the safety and security of our community.
Other highlights included:
Szlak concluded in saying, “Federation CJA is the only organization that has a mandate to Stand Up for the entire community. An investment in Federation is an investment in a stronger Jewish community and provides the best opportunity to make a significant, extensive, and long-term impact. No other organization has the depth and breadth to support the community today, evaluate our community’s changing landscape, rise to our greatest challenges, and capitalize on our most exciting possibilities. This is our debt to our ancestors, and our promise to future generations.”
“I'm humbled and deeply honoured to take on the role of Board Chair. As we embark on this next chapter together, I'm reminded of the strength, resilience, and unwavering support our community consistently exhibits,” Incoming Board Chair Steve Sebag told the audience. “I have been fortunate enough to receive much from this community, and today, it feels like a full-circle moment as I get the opportunity to give back.”
“This year's "Stand Up" campaign embodies our collective call to action, urging each of us to rise with conviction, unity, and purpose. I want each of you to see the tangible outcomes of our collective endeavours—to witness the lives uplifted, to understand the depth of the positive change your generosity triggers,” Sebag said. “More than just reporting our successes, I want to share the stories, the narratives of lives transformed. I want you to meet the families rekindled with hope, the individuals who've rediscovered their identity, and the children who now dream without boundaries.”
“Our overarching goal remains: to foster a thriving community that wears its Jewish identity with immense pride and purpose. The bonds that tie us together are unique, and as we move ahead, I hope to further cement our unity—our shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future,” Sebag concluded.
The event was sponsored by Oberon Capital, KRB and National Bank.
For 106 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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