MONTREAL, QC – November 26, 2024 – Federation CJA, in collaboration with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Sephardi Voices and the Communauté Sépharade du Québec (CSUQ), is proud to host Yom HaPlitim (Sephardi Refugee Day) on November 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Gelber Conference Centre. The evening’s theme, “Forgotten Exodus: A Canadian Refuge,” seeks to shed light on the harrowing expulsion of nearly one million Jews from Arab countries following the creation of the State of Israel. This significant event will celebrate the resilience and vibrant contributions of the Canadian Sephardi community over the last seventy-five years.

The program will feature testimonials from survivors, compelling video presentations, a curated photo exhibit, and special guests who will honour the Sephardi and Mizrahi experience in Canada. The evening will also include a tribute to the Mashaal Family—recognised for their philanthropy and commitment to preserving Sephardi heritage. As prominent members of Montreal’s Jewish community, the Mashaals exemplify the journey of loss and renewal that many Sephardi and Mizrahi families have undertaken.

“This event is an opportunity to reflect on a crucial yet often overlooked part of Jewish history. The Sephardi experience is a powerful story of resilience and adaptation, reminding us of the incredible contributions that refugees have brought to our communities,” said Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA. “We are honoured to gather and celebrate this heritage together with the community.”

The evening will be moderated by the Chair and Founder of Sephardi Voices, Dr. Henry Green, who is a professor of Judaic and Religious Studies at the University of Miami and the Founding Director of the Jewish Museum of Florida. Eta Yudin, Quebec V.P. CIJA and Kathy Assayag, President & CEO, Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal will deliver remarks along with Israel’s Consul General. Hon. Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address, further highlighting the enduring legacy of Jewish refugees from Arab Lands.

"Reflecting on my own family's journey from Morocco and the welcome and support we received from the Montreal Jewish community, I am reminded of the vital role our institutions and people play in supporting one another," said Steve Sebag, Federation CJA Board Chair. "Events like Yom HaPlitim honour the courage and resilience of Sephardi Jews, and the lasting contributions they continue to make in shaping the fabric of Jewish life in Canada."

Date: November 28, 2024 

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, program begins at 7:30 PM 

Location: Federation CJA, Gelber Conference Centre, 2 Cummings Square (5151 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3W 1L5)

Registration required at JLive.app

This event is open to the public. Join us as we honour and remember this remarkable history, one that has shaped Canada’s perse Jewish tapestry.

About Federation CJA:

For more than 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. 

Les membres des médias sont invités à y assister. RSVP par courriel au soussigné à l'avance.

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
514-734-1327
[email protected]