We Achieved Our Goals… All Thanks to You!

Our Giving Tuesday “Double Your Impact” drive was a resounding success, exceeding all our fundraising goals. A big thank you to all the donors who contributed to our matching gift campaign. Your support is paramount as we continue to stand up to hate.

Federation CJA Helps Enhance Holocaust Education Program at English Montreal School Board

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is strengthening its Holocaust education program, thanks to a generous contribution from Federation CJA. To mark the partnership, EMSB Chair Joe Ortona, members of the EMSB Council of Commissioners and students, faculty and staff at Rosemount High School visited the Montreal Holocaust Museum last week. Students were sensitized to the true story of the Holocaust and the evils of antisemitism during their guided tour of the museum, building upon the resolution adopted by the school board calling for Holocaust and genocide education to be made mandatory across Quebec. The money will also be used to increase its educational initiatives, such as guest speakers, within their schools.

Stay tuned for much more on this partnership during our next episode of the Federation 360 podcast.

We’re Helping Make Jewish Day School More Affordable

Federation CJA is proud to continue to offer subsidies and tuition CAPS as part of the Generations Fund CAPS Program. We’re helping make Jewish day school more accessible and affordable for middle-income families in our community by capping annual tuition at both Jewish elementary and high schools, ensuring our children continue to learn about Jewish history, values and traditions. Fill out the CAPS anonymous calculator today to find out if you qualify.

Choosing the right Jewish school for your children is important! Learn more about which Montreal Jewish day school is best suited for your child’s needs. Register for Hebrew Foundation School’s Open House on December 10th or call to make an appointment at Akiva School, Bais Yaacov, Solomon Schechter Academy, and Académie Yéchiva Yavné. For more information, visit www.ajdsmontreal.org.

Federation CJA Awarded Security Grant from Tepper Foundation and Jewish Federations of North America

We are thrilled to announce that Federation CJA was the recipient of a USD$250,000 early childhood security grant, courtesy of The Tepper Foundation and the Jewish Federations of North America. We are proud to be one of just two Canadian federations to have received this grant. The funds will be specifically directed towards protecting children attending Jewish daycares by employing security personnel at their CPEs. This grant is just the latest financial commitment by The Tepper Foundation in support of Jewish communities across North America. Since launching its Security Fund in November 2023, The Tepper Foundation has made grants of more than USD$12 million to address the rising security needs of North American Jewry, with its current round of grants totaling USD$10 million. With antisemitism spreading rapidly throughout our city, Federation CJA remains committed to protecting our most vulnerable populations and safeguarding their right to learn, grow and thrive at school.

Federation CJA’s Ora Collective Celebrates Its First Birthday

It was just over a year ago that Sabrina Cohen paid a visit to Rebecca Teboul’s front door to welcome her back to Montreal. That quick check-in turned into an hour-long conversation where the two discovered a shared passion for community. This all ultimately led to the creation of the Ora Collective, a new division of Federation CJA designed to be more inclusive and open to working mothers under the age of 40 such as themselves.

Now nearly 100 members strong, the group gathers regularly to champion social causes and deepen their community engagement through acts of kindness. And so, it was only fitting that the Ora Collective celebrated their one-year anniversary this past week volunteering at MADA Community Centre, as they continue to ignite the light and illuminate the path toward a bright future for our Jewish community.

Spreading ‘Gifts of Light’ This Chanukah Season

30 young adults from GenMTL’s Philanthropy division came together this week to brighten the holiday season for families and children in need. It was all part of their “Gifts of Light” pre-Chanukah event, as the group collected and prepared gift packages for clients of Chai Lifeline. Participants shared in the spirit of the Chanukah season, forging connections all the while giving back to others. Yasher Koach to Alexandra Wexler, Abigail Cohen Scali, and Dalia Baazov for chairing a successful and meaningful event.

Limited Edition Chanukah Merch Available Now

Have we got the perfect holiday gift for you! Our cozy Chanukah sweatshirts are now available in both adult and youth sizes! Plus, every purchase supports our 2024 ALL iN campaign. Order yours by December 11th to get them in time.

Quebec’s Higher Education Ministry to Investigate Campus Climate

Amidst ongoing protests and a growing number of students sharing they feel unsafe on campus, Quebec’s Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry has ordered an investigation be conducted. The investigation, initiated thanks to Federation CJA and CIJA’s ongoing advocacy, will help determine whether Dawson and Vanier Colleges “have taken all measures at their disposal to ensure the physical and psychological safety of students,” rights Déry qualifies as “non-negotiable.”

To read Federation CJA and CIJA’s full statement on the upcoming investigation, click here.

Registration Remains Open 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!

DALFEN FELLOWS Accepting Applications

Federation CJA’s DALFEN FELLOWS Teen Israel Leadership Initiative applications recently opened for Jewish students currently in grades 9, 10 and 11! The initiative allows teens to further their Jewish leadership skills by participating in sessions scheduled from January-May 2025. This leadership program also provides a USD$3,000 GOTEENISRAEL travel voucher to be used towards their summer 2025 Israel trip. Deadline to apply: December 12th.

Accountability Demanded from Montreal Mayor and Police Chief

Former federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair took to the Montreal Gazette to call for stronger leadership in the wake of the violent protests that occurred on city streets late last month. Find out why he holds Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante and Police Chief Fady Dagher especially accountable for the approach they’ve taken towards the anti-Israel hate demonstrations.

Concordia Professor Qualifies Montreal as ‘Antisemitism Capital of North America’

A Jewish professor has taken an unpaid leave from Concordia University, instead opting to teach in the United States to escape the rampant antisemitism being felt on campus and across Montreal. In his opinion piece published in the New York Post, Dr. Gad Saad breaks down the sources of Jew-hatred in Quebec and warns about the dangers of allowing hate to fester without consequence.

CIJA’s CEO Testifies at Human Senate Committee Hearing on Antisemitism

The Senate Committee for Human Rights and Justice in Ottawa heard from CIJA’s President and CEO, Shimon Koffler Fogel, this week. He painted a picture of what life is like for Canadian Jews these days amidst increased antisemitic activity, hateful demonstrations and the passivity of law enforcement when it comes to hate. Hear his plea for governmental action and the demands CIJA is making to protect Jewish Canadians nationwide.

Tell the Government to Stand Up Against Hate

We are deeply worried about Amira Elghawaby’s comments last month pushing the federal government to adopt Anti-Palestinian Racism (APR). Tell Prime Minister Trudeau and Diversity & Inclusion Minister Kamal Khera to bring Canadians together. Do not drive us apart. Do not endorse APR.

Echoes of Resilience Havdalah | Saturday December 7, 2024

Join Shaare Zion Beth-El for a musical Havdalah featuring our delegation of Israelis visiting Montreal as part of Federation CJA’s partnership with Be’er Sheva B’nei Shimon. Reflect on the events of October 7th by listening to stories of community building, resilience and inclusion from residents of the South as they share their experiences working with the special needs community in Israel.

Celebrate Inclusivity at Synagogue This Shabbat

We invite you to attend Shabbat services tomorrow morning as we raise awareness and celebrate disability inclusion initiatives at 16 community synagogues. Federation CJA will provide beautiful challahs and baked goods courtesy of DeLaMie Bakery and Zera Café.

Participating synagogues:

Town Hall With Deborah Lyons and Anthony Housefather | Monday December 9, 2024

CIJA invites you to a Town Hall with Deborah Lyons, Canada’s Special Envoy on Combatting Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance, and Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament for Mount Royal and Special Advisor on Jewish Community Relations and Antisemitism. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about their work and participate in a Q&A session.

Trivia Night - West Island | Tuesday December 10, 2024

Join the West Island Men’s Club for an exciting Team Trivia Night. Compete for the title of Trivia Nerd in a battle emceed by Quiz Master Cheri Adams. Open to all.