Passover Message from Federation CJA: A Message of Freedom and Renewal from Board Chair Steve Sebag

As we welcome another Passover, join Steve Sebag, Board Chair of Federation CJA, as he shares with our community a powerful message of freedom that defines Passover. As we celebrate with family and friends this year, let's draw inspiration from our shared history and look forward to building a future full of hope and togetherness.

Passover of Freedom: A Call to Action for the Hostages

As we approach Passover, also known as Chag hacherut – the holiday of freedom, the Hostages & Missing Families Forum has a special request to increase awareness around the world for the hostages still being held in Hamas captivity. Here’s what you can do:

• Illuminate the way home for them. This Friday, April 19^th, Jews across the world will take part in a global lighting of Shabbat candles, while praying for the safe and sound return of the hostages. Click here for the special blessing for Shabbat Hagadol.
  
  

• On Seder night, leave an empty chair at the table, and place a picture of a kidnapped person or wrap a yellow ribbon on a glass. Click here for photos of the hostages for easy download and printing.
  
  

• During the reading of the Haggadah, it is customary to raise 4 cups representing 4 types of redemption. This year, you can raise a 5^th glass with a blessing created especially for the return of the hostages and for modern redemption. Click here for the blessing.
  
  

• The Hostages & Missing Families Forum has created a special Passover Haggadah, which can be downloaded in different languages for a fee. All proceeds go to the family headquarters. Click here to purchase and download the Haggadah.

Noa Tishby Met With Jewish Montreal Students on Confronting Antisemitism with Pride

In an enlightening session, the influential Noa Tishby engaged with Jewish students and community members, imparting crucial strategies for confronting antisemitism on campus. She delivered a powerful message of resilience, reminding us that we are not victims and to stand proud of our Jewish heritage.

Tishby stressed that while antisemitism cannot be completely solved, it is essential to learn how to navigate it effectively. The cornerstone of her advice was to expand our community, inviting people in to build bridges of understanding.

Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 24: Advocacy and Insight—Navigating Campus Challenges and Celebrating Israeli Innovation

Join us for the next installment of our Israel Advocacy series with Dr. Mijal Bitton, part of the B'Yachad CEGEP Fellowship program. This episode delves into the challenges Jewish students face on campuses, offering strategies to address and counteract misinformation about Israel. Moderated by Avishai Infeld and Jenna Yaffe, their insights make this a crucial listen for those navigating complex dialogues about Israel.

Also, don't miss Leah Morali's report on Hagal Sheli, an innovative Israeli NGO helping young Israelis thrive. Founders Yaron Waksman and Ephy Shapiro share their insights during their recent visit to Montreal, highlighting the support from our Israel Emergency Fund.

Celebrating Community Spirit: GenMTL's Special Third Night Seder for JEM Workers

On Monday night, Federation CJA’s GenMTL hosted a third night Passover Seder dedicated to our amazing JEM workers. Thanks to all the volunteers and donations, we ensured everyone felt the warmth of the holiday spirit.

Mother's Day Baskets

This Mother’s Day, sweeten the bond from generation to generation—L’dor v’dor— and honour important mothers in your life while also supporting vulnerable mothers and women in our community.

Give a gift that gives back by donating a thoughtful Mother’s Day basket to a community member in need. A Mother's Day card announcing that a generous gift has been donated in their honour will be sent to your loved one(s) upon purchase of each basket.

Impact Diaries Episode 2: Rebuilding Hope – Federation CJA's Commitment to Kibbutz Nirim

With five lives lost and five taken hostage, Kibbutz Nirim experienced significant damage, both physically and emotionally. While the ultimate goal is to rebuild the devastated Kibbutz Nirim, the community has some critical needs while temporarily relocating to Beer Sheva. Thanks to you, they’re not alone. With your support, Federation CJA has committed $1M as only a starting point to supporting the kibbutz over a three-year period. These are your dollars at work.

“I want to go home. Aside from getting our hostages back, the thing I want most right now is to go back to the community and home that I have been lovingly building for decades.” -Adele Raemer, Member of Kibbutz Nirim.

CIJA: Canada must end the defensive arms embargo, list the IRGC

Tell Minister Joly that Iranian aggression can’t be given a free pass – reverse Canada’s defensive arms embargo on Israel and ban the IRGC now.

CIJA: 4 More Questions

This Passover, there will be empty chairs at more than a thousand seder tables in Israel. As you gather with your loved ones in Canada, take time to honour the memory of those killed on October 7 and to pray for the return of all the hostages and for a return to peace in Israel.

Chag Sameach – and next year in Jerusalem!

Cote Saint Luc City Council Stands Against Hate on Campus

The Cote Saint Luc City Council adopted a resolution on Monday, April 8, 2024, calling upon Quebec universities and institutions of higher learning to apply and enforce existing laws and codes of conduct to address violence, harassment or discrimination occurring on campuses and throughout these institutions.

“Israel is Facing a completely irrational actor," says Quebecer living in Israel [in French]

Listen to Myriam Azogui-Halbax, a Quebec-born jurist now living in Israel, as she addresses the ongoing conflict in a powerful interview. Working with CIJA, she urges Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to stop the violence. Myriam conveys the urgent needs and realities of Israeli families affected by the conflict, emphasizing the importance of real, actionable solutions.

Mark Your Calendars: From Remembrance to Celebration

This year, more than ever, join Federation CJA and the Montreal Jewish community to commemorate Israel’s National Days in a series of deeply meaningful events that bridge the past and the present, the solemn and the celebratory. Join us in commemorating Israel’s National Days through a variety of events designed as a powerful testament to our resilience, our shared history, and our hopes for the future.

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

Shabbat Candlelight
April 19 | 7:28 PM