President's Message

Federation CJA represents a profound idea, with deep roots in our Jewish values and our history as a people: Kol Yisrael arevim zeh lazeh - All Jews are responsible for one another. That we stand “for one another” is central to all that we have achieved in the last year and will achieve in the future.

We faced a serious challenge to our system due to the recession, but our community donated almost $41.4 million (including designated local and Israel gifts) to the 2009 Combined Jewish Appeal. We were required to make cutbacks to our core operations and in allocations to our partner agencies, and to find efficiencies while continuing to serve our community.

We began a dynamic of change in our system:

• Our women’s division reinvented itself as Women’s Philanthropy.
• Imagine 2020 reached out for input to thousands in our community, fueling the re-visioning and renewal of Jewish Montreal.
• We helped to improve governance of key organizations through a process of institutional strengthening.
• GEN J has launched programs that put us at the forefront of Jewish education, identity building and youth engagement.

We are proud of our ongoing role in supporting Israel and that we have been recognized by the Beer Sheva Municipal Awards Committee who chose the Montreal Jewish community for its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Thank you.

Jack Hasen
President, Federation CJA