Please note that this edition of the Federation 360 newsletter will be our last of 2024. We will return with our next issue on January 10th. In the meantime, we wish you and your family a very happy Chanukah and a restful holiday season. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year.

Federation CJA West Island Building and Congregation Beth Tikvah Targeted Once Again

Incendiary devices were thrown at Congregation Beth Tikvah and the Federation CJA West Island building in Dollard-des-Ormeaux early Wednesday morning. It marked the second time such buildings were directly targeted since October 7th, 2023.

President Herzog doubled down, subsequently speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to express his growing concern.

Nevertheless, these cowardly acts of intimidation will not stop us from continuing to engage in Jewish life in Montreal. We will continue to proudly attend our Jewish schools and synagogues, which are closely monitored and secured by our Community Security Network (CSN).

This week’s events are a stark reminder of the vital role that our investments in security, advocacy and legal action play in safeguarding this community. But we cannot do this alone. Your gift supports the crucial work we do to ensure Montreal remains a safe, vibrant place where we can live bold Jewish lives without fear. If you have already shown your support, we are grateful. If you have yet to donate, please take a moment to do so now. Every gift matters. Thank you.

Town of Hampstead Recognized for Helping Secure our Community

Federation CJA presented plaques this week to Hampstead Public Security and Poste de Quartier 9 of the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). The plaques were accepted by the Town of Hampstead’s Information and Security Director Thierry Houle as well as PDQ 9’s Chief Mathieu Fournier-Landry in recognition of their coordinated efforts in ensuring our community’s safety at the March for Jerusalem this past September.

Montreal Jewish Community Well-Represented in Appointments to the Order of Canada

Since its establishment in 1967, over 8,000 Canadians have been honoured with the Order of Canada in recognition of the lasting contributions they have made to their respective communities. This week, 88 new appointments were revealed, including five members of our Montreal Jewish community:

Dr. Stanley Nattel – Officer

Irving Ludmer – Member

Julia Reitman – Member

Dr. Joe Schwarcz – Member

Dr. Sam Shemie – Member

Federation CJA wishes to congratulate Stanley, Irving, Julia, Joe and Sam on this well-deserved honour. May you continue to serve as an inspiration to our community.

We’ve Delivered on our Promise

It has been a trying Fall 2024 semester for students on campus. Nevertheless, their resilience in the wake of repeated challenges shone through. Learn more about how students are countering misinformation and fighting back against abuse of podium, intimidation and hate, thanks to you.

Individual Arrested for Threatening Jews Online

After months of rampant hate speech online and on campus, Federation CJA and CIJA are pleased that, following our support, an individual associated with a Vanier College student anonymous submission account has been arrested after posting threatening comments against Jews. This development follows collaboration with our campus partners, including Hillel, and a brave student who brought the offensive and likely criminal content to police attention.

The hateful post included statements such as calls for Zionists to be "put in gas chambers," "Hitler was right," and claims that supporters of Israel "love blood." This very troubling event is yet another example of the hostile campus environment that Jewish students have been facing, depriving students of their access to education, dignity, and safety.

We will continue to follow the case as it develops. Pro-genocidal rhetoric, including the invocation of the centuries-old blood libel that has fueled antisemitic violence for generations, is beyond the pale. The rise in antisemitism reflects broader societal challenges, and it is our collective responsibility to confront and eradicate hate. Only through a unified approach can we ensure the safety and security of our society and way of life for years to come.

Pressure Intensifies on Mayor Valérie Plante to Crack Down on Anti-Israel Protests

A handful of borough mayors, along with Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, have sent a letter to Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante to express their concerns over the policing of anti-Israel protests over the past year. The letter argues the Montreal Police (SPVM) ought to “use the criminal law tools and municipal bylaws available to them to protect the public.”

Fears Mount Over Premier Legault’s Proposed Prayer Ban

Jewish clergy across Montreal are greatly concerned over Quebec Premier François Legault’s proposed ban on public prayer, which some say violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Learn more about the prayer ban, which could have ramifications beyond traditional prayer services.

How One French-Canadian Québécois Nationalist Became a Strong Jewish Advocate

CIJA’s Vice-President of External Affairs and General Counsel, Richard Marceau, has taken an unconventional path from Quebec nationalist to a defender of Jews and Israel. The former Bloc Québécois MP sees many parallels between the position of French-speaking Quebecers in Canada and Israel’s place in a predominantly Arab world. Learn more about Marceau’s journey to Judaism and how he is advancing the interests of Jewish Canadians.

Shared Solidarity Unites Arabs and Jews in Israel

New data suggests over half of Israeli Arabs believe the ongoing war has brought forth meaningful connections between both Arabs and Jews. It’s a stark contrast from where they were when polled just over a year ago.

Gil Troy Shares How Zionists Have Redeemed the State of Israel

American historian and writer Gil Troy shares in a Jerusalem Post opinion piece how the core values of Zionism, such as determination and the refusal to back down, have proved to be Israel’s success story this year. Find out why Troy categorizes Zionism as the ideology of 2024.

Registration Deadline Extended 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*

New application deadline: January 20, 2025
*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!

Visit Israel in a Journey Designed by Women, For Women

The Shefa Journey is bringing together Canadian women for a unique travel journey to Israel this March. Join Chef Shawna Goodman and Via Sabra for a four-day volunteer trip to help support and rebuild Israel in the shadows of warfare and trauma.

Dates: March 3-6, 2025

Cost: Prices start at $2,500 USD per person (double room)

For more information and to sign up today, email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Zumba for Hope (West Island) | Tuesday January 14, 2025

Join us for a fun-filled and meaningful Zumba dance party, where every step you take will help make a difference. Join us as we raise funds for the Federation CJA’s supplemental campaign supporting security and antisemitism.

This Zumba party promises to be an unforgettable experience—fun, energetic, and full of heart. So, gather your friends, wear your workout gear, and let's dance together to make a real impact. Whether you're a Zumba enthusiast or a first timer, everyone is welcome to join!

United by Art With UBAB MAD | Tuesday January 21, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and connection as we come together to paint a community mural with talented artist, poet and speaker Ubab Mad. Ubab’s journey from Paris to Israel has shaped his vibrant, emotional art, and now he’s using it to heal and inspire communities around the world. It's also a chance to hear about his incredible journey, including his time in Israel and, more recently, his post October 7th experiences. Let’s create something beautiful together, inspired by his story and the power of community.

We know it has been a difficult and heavy week within our community. And with 100 hostages remaining in captivity in Gaza, the upcoming holiday season will be celebrated with heavy hearts. We conclude this week’s 360 newsletter on a more hopeful note, blending the hugely popular movie musical Wicked with the Jewish hymn Adon Olam.