Injunction Extension

Last Friday was a significant step forward for the Jewish community of Montreal as Federation CJA has been steadfast in seeking to advance and support strategies to ensure the safety of our community and its institutions. We now have a total of 27 institutions that are covered under the Safe Guard injunction, preventing demonstrations within 50 meters of Jewish institutions, until April 19^th, 2024. The judgement rendered after a contested hearing reaffirms that the right to demonstrate and to free speech does not supersede the right of the Jewish community to participate in Jewish life. We are proud of the work of the legal team leading out on our efforts. We will be back in court on April 19^th seeking a 6-month extension to this injunction.

Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episodes 23: Insights and Action on Jewish Identity and Hate Crimes Training

Episode 23 takes a critical turn as Yair and Eta Yudin, Vice President for CIJA Quebec, tackle the urgent issue of hate crimes training for prosecutors, offering a profound exploration of its impact on our communities.

Decoding the New Online Harms Bill: Fact vs. Fiction

Join CIJA via Zoom for a special briefing on the New Online Harms Bill. Knowledgeable experts Dr. Michael Geist and Dr. Emily Laidlaw will separate fact from fiction, clarifying the bill's intentions and impact. Register now to gain clarity on this crucial legislation.

Make Your Voice Heard in Politics With CJPAC

Now more than ever, it’s critical for Jewish and pro-Israel Canadians to stand up, take action, and make our voices heard. Join CJPAC (the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee) for an online introduction to strategic political engagement — what it means, why it matters, and where to start. In less than an hour, you’ll learn how to translate passion into action by participating in the political process. After this crash course, we’ll follow up to personally connect you with the candidate, campaign, or party of your choice. Even if you’ve been involved in politics before, CJPAC’s training programs will empower you to maximize your impact on behalf of our community.

The Political Engagement Crash Course will be offered on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 16 | 12 PM

• Wednesday, April 17 | 3 PM

• Wednesday, May 1 | 12 PM

• Thursday, May 2 | 5 PM

• Thursday, May 2 | 7 PM

Please register for your preferred date at www.cjpac.ca/crash-course.

If you have any questions or would like to be notified of future dates, please contact Emile Scheffel, CJPAC Managing Director, at [email protected].

Secure Your Special Haggadah in Time for Passover: Remembering Our Hostages

As we approach Passover this year, celebrating our freedom from slavery, we will gather around our tables with a special Haggadah dedicated to the 133 of our brothers and sisters still held captive by Hamas. This Haggadah, featuring messages of inspiration from Israeli spiritual and cultural leaders like Rabbi Yisrael Lau, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel and former Chairman of Yad Vashem, also includes a unique prayer from Rachel and Jonathan, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who remains in captivity in Gaza.

Produced by Kibbutz Be'eri, a community deeply affected by loss and still waiting for the return of more than 20 of its residents taken hostage, this Kosher Haggadah directs all proceeds to The Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Impact Diaries: Hagal Sheli’s Wave of Change

In the aftermath of October 7th, Federation CJA swiftly mobilized resources to support those most affected by the crisis, thanks to the overwhelming solidarity of our Montreal community. Among the initiatives funded, $75,000 from our Israel Emergency Fund was dedicated to the remarkable efforts of Hagal Sheli.

Hagal Sheli has been instrumental in helping Israeli children regain a sense of control and security amidst the turmoil. By engaging with communities hardest hit by the crisis, their team has brought therapeutic surf lessons to the shores, offering more than just a sport. This unique approach to healing and empowerment exemplifies the impactful change your donations bring about.

Unity and Hope: McGill Students Silent Vigil for Hostages

On Tuesday, McGill University students united in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and hope. Organized by student representatives from various Jewish groups on campus, the silent vigil was held at the iconic Y Intersection to mark six months and amplify the call for the release of hostages.

Students gathered to receive signs bearing the faces of the hostages, forming a line across the Y Intersection. Faculty members and the wider community joined, holding signs of support. Through the convergence of students, faculty, and community members, the message was clear: Together, we are united in our demand to #BringThemHome.

Lev Students' Celebration of Resilience at Hillel House

Following a year filled with challenges, Lev Students orchestrated an uplifting End of the Year Celebration at Hillel House, embracing the hopeful theme, "We Will Dance Again." This event saw over 200 students come together in a display of resilience and solidarity. After facing non-stop adversity on campus all year, this gathering provided a much-needed sanctuary for celebration. It was a moment to acknowledge their unity and collective strength, offering students a chance to connect over something profoundly positive. This gathering served as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of our students committed to rising above challenges together.

Meet & Greet with Jonathan Elkhoury

Students recently had the opportunity to engage with special guest Jonathan Elkhoury, Israeli-Lebanese Director of International Relations at DiploAct and a commentator on Israeli affairs. Elkhoury's lectures deliver an engaging narrative exploring the cooperation between the South Lebanese Army and Israel and their combined efforts to counter terrorism from Hezbollah and Palestinian groups in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. Offering a unique personal viewpoint, Elkhoury, a gay Lebanese Christian who sought refuge in Israel in 2001, illuminates the experiences of minorities in a complex region.

His presentation offered profound insights into contemporary Israeli situations, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Lebanon's current state, and the continuous influence of Hezbollah.

Holding Hope: Standing Together at Six Months – A Recap of Unity and Remembrance

Last Sunday, in collaboration with Bring Them Home Montreal, in the heart of our community, we gathered for the "Holding Hope" ceremony, a solemn occasion marking six months since the harrowing events of October 7th. We were honoured to have distinguished speakers share their stories and insights with us. You can view their speeches by clicking on the names below:

• Steve Sebag, Board Chair, Federation CJA

• Paul Hirschson, Consul General of Israel for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces

• Iddo Moed, Ambassador of Israel to Canada

• Raquel Look, a courageous mother whose son, Alexandre Look, was tragically murdered by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival

• Jonathan Elkouri, a vocal advocate for Israel and the LGBTQ+ community, sharing his journey as a Christian Lebanese refugee

• Eric Hazan, who provided a heartfelt testimony as the cousin of hostage Omer Tov

• Yair Szlak, President and Chief Executive Officer of Federation CJA

• Gail Adelson-Marcovitz, National Chair of CIJA

• Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament, offering his insights and support

• Elisabeth Prass, MNA for D’Arcy-McGee, extending her solidarity and encouragement

Empowering Growth: Federation CJA's Grant for Building Stronger Jewish Organizations

Unlock new growth opportunities for your organization with the Federation CJA and JCF's Organizational Capacity Building Grant. Dedicated to enriching the Montreal Jewish community, this grant provides critical resources to build your organization's internal capabilities, from modernizing technological tools to enhancing management strategies. Aimed at supporting community care, Jewish continuity, and communal interests, this initiative promises to nurture more effective and sustainable organizations. Applications are open until May 8, 2024—apply now to make a lasting impact.

Strengthening Community: Federation CJA's Impact through Cummings Centre

Federation CJA's commitment to Cummings Centre continues to make a profound impact, with over $2.3 million allocated in 2022/23. This investment isn't just about funding a service; it's about nurturing a sense of belonging and community camaraderie.

Israel & Community Update | April 18, 2024

Join us for a special discussion session with Yair Szlak, our President and CEO & Arie Levy, Director General (Israel office), to provide an important update on the impact of the Israel Emergency Fund and to discuss our local response to the concerning rise of antisemitism.

Volunteers: JEM Third Night Passover Seder | April 15, 2024

Many of our JEM workers do not have the opportunity to celebrate Passover with their loved ones. In keeping with the spirit of Passover, we wish to ensure that no one is left behind during the holidays.

To make this evening possible, we are reaching out to YOU to ask for your support. We are looking for kind, sensitive, caring individuals to join us in volunteering for JEM's 3rd Night Passover Seder.

Taste of Torah | April 8 – June 10, 2024

Savour your wisdom with a Monthly Taste of Torah with Rabbi Leibel Rodal from Shulounge.

Book Club | April 8 – June 10

Meet in person with a group to discuss books in a fun, relaxed and interactive setting.

Federation CJA West Island Jlive Hub

Federation CJA West Island invites you to take part in the power of community through different activities and initiatives tailored to each interest and age group.

Hello from the Canadian Jewish News!

We've been busy creating a brand-new magazine that's launching this fall — and we're hoping you can help us name it. We'd be so grateful if you took a few moments to fill out this survey. It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes, and you can enter a draw for a chance to win a $100 Indigo Books gift card in thanks.

Explore Rabbi Sacks' z”l wisdom, insights, and teachings on the Torah. Read this week’s parsha.

Shabbat Candlelight
April 12 | 7:19 PM