Israeli Delegation from Be’er Sheva-B’nei Shimon Offer ‘Echoes of Resilience’

Federation CJA was visited this week by a delegation of six Israelis from our sister cities of Be’er Sheva-B’nei Shimon. During their week-long stay in Montreal, they fully immersed themselves in our community through inspiring speaking engagements where they reflected on their personal and professional journeys since October 7th. The delegation’s visit also helped mark 30 years of partnership between our communities as part of the Partnership Together program, as we continue to nurture relationships and build new friendships with our brothers and sisters in Israel.

What Can a Ball of Yarn Teach Students About Tzedakah?

Students at Jewish day schools across the city were taught an important lesson about tzedakah, thanks to an in-class activity spearheaded by our Montreal Shinshinim. It’s all in line with Federation CJA’s Tzedakah Box Project, aimed at empowering children to participate, too, in our annual campaign.

One of our Shinshinim, Ya’ara Mano, led an activity at JPPS, where students unraveled a ball of yarn, string by string, ultimately creating a giant web. The goal of the activity, Ya’ara said, was to show the children how the act of charity can connect us all. “Each good deed that we do, big or small, affects society,” she said. “I wanted to show the students that when they help others, whether in class or within their community, it creates a domino effect.”

Disability Inclusion Celebrated Across Montreal Synagogues Over Shabbat

This past Shabbat, 16 local synagogues took part in the first-ever community-wide Shabbat to Celebrate Disability Inclusion. As part of their morning services, congregations helped raise awareness and shine a light on disability inclusion through guest speakers, special d’var torahs (you can listen to one here), inclusive children’s activities facilitated by our Shinshinim and educational sessions with students. During Kiddush, congregants enjoyed delicious challah and dessert prepared by DeLaMie Bakery and Zera Café, two of our impact partners who employ adults living with diverse abilities.

Disability inclusion was also the theme of a special evening Havdalah service at Shaare Zion Beth-El on Saturday night. The synagogue welcomed 60 congregants and community members in song and in prayer. As part of the service, Moran Nechemya and Dr. Shiri Granot of our Israeli delegation from Be’er Sheva-B’nei Shimon spoke about their experiences working with those with disabilities in the aftermath of October 7th.

Hillel Neuer’s protests, Irwin Cotler’s UN battle and Commemorating Jews from Arab Lands | Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 39

In this episode: Meet news reporter Paola Samuel, learn about EMSB Holocaust Education, hear from Hillel Neuer, Shai DeLuca and Irwin Cotler, commemorating Jews from Arab Lands, an update from Arie Levy in Be'er Sheva and One More Thing from Yair.

A New Chapter in CIJA’s Leadership: Honouring Shimon Koffler Fogel’s Legacy

Shimon Koffler Fogel recently announced that he will conclude his role as President & CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Under his leadership, CIJA has built strong relationships across the political spectrum, advanced critical policies and ensured the voice of Canada’s Jewish community was heard at the highest levels. On Monday, Federation CJA expressed our profound gratitude to Shimon for having served our community with such extraordinary distinction and dedication for over 40 years.

Make Your Gift Before Year’s End

We’re counting down to the end of 2024, which means there are only a few weeks left to take advantage of year-end giving. Your donation to Federation CJA’s annual campaign and/or our Combatting Antisemitism and Securing our Community campaign helps us fight antisemitism, secure our community’s Jewish institutions, engage the next generation of Jewish leaders and support Jewish needs in Montreal and Israel. Donate and pay your pledge by December 31st to ensure you receive a tax receipt.

Students File and Obtain an Injunction Against Students’ Society of McGill University

Jewish students at McGill University have obtained a provisional injunction from Quebec Superior Court preventing the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) from ratifying its Antisemitism Policy for at least the next 10 days. The policy, which is harmful and discriminatory towards Jewish students on campus, was initially adopted by the SSMU Legislative Council last week, despite not having provided prior notice or a consultation period for debate of the issue.

Back by Popular Demand: John Abbott College Hillel Students Gather for Shabbat in the West Island

20 Hillel students who attend John Abbott College were hosted for Shabbat dinner in the West Island last week. It marked the second such Shabbat, following a successful inaugural edition in September 2023 held in conjunction with Federation CJA’s Shabbat in the 514. First and second-year John Abbott students alike embraced their Jewish identity through prayer, discussion and camaraderie.

“It was truly amazing to see so many students showing up for Shabbat dinner,” said Kaia Shvarts, Hillel Co-President at John Abbott College. “It has been a difficult semester. Despite it all, there are now 90 Jewish John Abbott students showing up at Hillel events, up 50 percent from last year. We’ve been a safe space for Jewish students on campus, a place where they can freely express who they are. The Shabbat dinner was a perfect way to have our fall semester culminate!”

Celebrating Ethiopian Jewish Traditions During Sigd

Hillel McGill hosted a special event last week at the Hillel House to observe Sigd. The holiday, held 50 days after Yom Kippur, celebrates the rich heritage of the Ethiopian Jewish community through reflection, prayer, food and connection. The night began with a flavorful Ethiopian meal, allowing students to savour the rich culinary traditions of the country. Following the meal, participants were captivated by heartfelt and inspiring stories from members of a large Ethiopian Jewish family in Montreal. Students left with full stomachs, full hearts, and big smiles, having gained new insights into the vibrant traditions within the global Jewish community.

Registration Closes Monday for 2025 March of the Living

Send your child on the March of the Living this spring!

Trip dates: April 21- April 28, 2025

Who can register: Sec. V students

Cost: $7,500 CAD*

Application deadline: December 16, 2024
*Financial support available.

Now more than ever, it is vital to prioritize Holocaust education. Your commitment is critical in our fight against antisemitism and ensuring a resilient, strong, and vibrant Jewish future.

Visit Our Partner City Be’er Sheva This Winter as part of Onward Volunteer Program

Show your solidarity with Israel! Join Federation CJA and Birthright Israel’s Onward Volunteer Program for an 8-day mission in Be’er Sheva, Montreal’s partner city. Make a tangible impact and work with locals to address critical needs.

Eligibility: Montreal students aged 18-22. Participation won’t affect future Birthright eligibility.

Dates: March 3-10, 2025

Cost: $50 USD fee + flight (everything else is FREE!)

Application deadline: December 27, 2024

Don’t miss this life-changing experience!

Federal Government Releases Comprehensive Report on Antisemitism

The fight against antisemitism in Canada has taken a major step forward, thanks to a brand-new report. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST) released Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It, which underscores the alarming rise of antisemitism, extremism and hate across the country. CIJA played a key role in this report by testifying before the committee and contributing our insights and policy recommendations.

Côte-St-Luc Mayor Claims Jews Feel Unsafe in Montreal

The mayor of Côte-St-Luc says rising antisemitism in Montreal have left Jews feeling unsafe in their own city. In a video posted to YouTube, Mitchell Brownstein criticized Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, sharing his demands for a safer Montreal.

Montreal Jewish Community Anxious Amidst Continued Hate & Subsequent Lack of Response

Recent protests in Montreal have made international headlines, spreading the word that antisemitism is alive and well in our city. It has even left many questioning whether it has become “the new normal” in the face of a continued lack of response from public authorities. The Times of Israel spoke with prominent Jewish Montrealers, including our President & CEO Yair Szlak, about the issue and how we’re fighting back.

Investigation Uncovers Just How Much Antisemitism is Deeply Embedded Within Canada

Antisemitism is not just a Montreal problem. It is one that has been embedded throughout the country. National Post columnist and senior fellow with the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Terry Glavin, crunches the numbers in this long-form investigative piece, painting the picture of how we ended up here.

Navigating Resilience with Federation CJA’s Yair Szlak | Saturday December 14, 2024

Join our President & CEO, Yair Szlak, at Shaare Zion Beth-El this Shabbat morning as he speaks about the resilience of our Montreal Jewish community. Services begin at 9:30 am, with Yair speaking at 11:00 am. Kiddush to follow.