Community Crisis Response Fund
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Federation CJA and the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) have launched an emergency fund to support our most at-risk community members, with all money raised going to the agencies and community partners who are on the frontlines of this crisis.

Source: Federation CJA

Our 360 includes an important update from our CEO, Yair Szlak, about the steps Federation CJA is taking to guide our community through the pandemic. Plus top news stories, coverage of Federation CJA's initiative to support front-line medical workers, and more. Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat Candlelight May 8 | 7:53 PM

COVID-19 – Important update about Federation CJA
Learn about the steps Federation CJA has taken to guide our community through the pandemic.

Source: Federation CJA

Care packages for front-line workers and Yom HaZikaron commemoration
The Suburban covers Federation CJA's Yom HaZikaron ceremony and a new initiative to support the front-line medical workers who are helping vulnerable seniors at 7 local CHLSDs.

Image Source: Federation CJA Article Source: The Suburban

Canadian politicians, diplomats celebrate Israel's Independence Day
"The Montreal Jewish community celebrates with the global Jewish world", Federation CJA President Gail Adelson-Marcovitz said during the video to celebrate Israel's 72^nd birthday; under normal circumstances, a major part of the annual downtown Montreal Israel rally has been the greetings, in person and via video, from municipal, provincial and federal politicians.

Image Source: The Canadian Jewish News Article Source: The Suburban

Natan Sharansky is using his 'Jewish Nobel' winnings to help vulnerable people affected by COVID-19
The former Soviet dissident was initially planning to use his $1 million prize money to promote issues to which he has devoted his life – human rights and Zionism – but his winnings will now go to organizations fighting the pandemic and supporting individuals most affected by it in Israel, the United States and seven other countries.

Image Source: Haaretz Article Source: The Jewish Telegraphic Agency

UK's new Labour leader is 'failing' in vow to crack down on antisemitism, British Jewish groups say
Shortly after his election to head the party a month ago, Starmer (who replaced the controversy-laden leader Jeremy Corbyn) promised to implement a zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism.

Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency

The Chanting from the Balcony [article in French]
A touching first-person account of how the Hasidic community has reached out to their non-Jewish neighbours in Mile End and Outremont with chocolate rugelach and messages of hope during the pandemic.

Source: La Presse

Watch "Hallelujah" performed in English, Hebrew and Arabic
The new version was released as part of a benefit that raised $1 Million for Israel's emergency first response organization, United Hatzalah, in its fight against COVID-19.

Source: The Jewish Telegraphic Agency

GenMTL's Cards 4 Caring project
Put a smile on someone's face during these uncertain times by downloading our rainbow image for your kid(s) to decorate; their drawing(s) will be included with groceries delivered to the vulnerable, care packages for seniors, and kits for front-line healthcare workers fighting the pandemic.

Source: GenMTL

Source: Federation CJA

We are proud to share that with funds raised through the Community Crisis Response Fund, the collaboration of 15 community organizations, and the support of over 350 dedicated volunteers, Federation CJA and the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) have already been able to provide crucial relief to the most vulnerable members of our community including:

• 1,500 households provided with basic essentials.
• 3,428 pre-prepared meals purchased and delivered.
• Over $600,000 in gift cards provided to 800 households.
• Over 15,500 calls made to individuals over the age of 60.

But there is still so much to do! Click here if you would like to volunteer.