Montreal, Quebec - February 14, 2024 - Federation CJA, in collaboration with the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre, Hillel, and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), is proud to announce a special speaking tour featuring the Honourable Shirly Pinto, as part of Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) 2024.

Shirly Pinto's remarkable journey as a social-political activist, her role as an ambassador for the Foreign Ministry during the Iron Swords war, and her contributions as a co-founder of The Israeli Center for Deaf Studies make her a truly inspiring figure. Fluent in Israeli Sign Language and Hebrew, Shirly's insights promise to be both enlightening and inspiring.

"We are delighted to have Shirly Pinto join us as part of our JDAIM 2024 programming," said Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA. "Her personal journey and contributions to Israeli society exemplify the spirit of acceptance and inclusion that we aim to promote during this important month."

Shirly Pinto will be speaking at three exclusive events in Montreal (with English interpretation):

• On Monday, February 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM, hosted by Hillel (students only)
• On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM, at the Gelber Conference Centre, at 5151 Cote Saint-Catherine Road
• On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM, at the Federation CJA West Island Office, at 96 Roger Pilon St, Dollard-Des Ormeaux

Registration for all events is available online at jlive.app. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited

About Shirly Pinto: As Israel's pioneering deaf Knesset member and a passionate disability rights advocate, Pinto exemplifies resilience. From activism to the halls of power and co-founding The Israeli Center for Deaf Studies, her journey is profoundly inspiring. Her service as a Foreign Ministry ambassador during the Iron Swords War underscores her unwavering commitment.

This series delves into Pinto's life, offering unique perspectives on overcoming challenges and championing disability rights.

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.

Media Opportunity :
Shirly Pinto will be available for interview on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM, at the Gelber Conference Centre, at 5151 Cote Saint-Catherine Road.

Media Contact:
Glenn J. Nashen
Director, Media Relations and Crisis Communications | Directeur, Relations avec les médias et communication de crise
Strategic Marketing and Communications | Marketing Stratégique et communications
FEDERATION CJA
1 Carré Cummings Square | 5151 Chemin de la Côte Ste-Catherine Road
Montréal, Québec  H3W 1M6
[email protected]