Heading into into Shabbat we are moved by this heartwarming video of released hostage, five-year-old Amalia Aloni, returning to her kindergarten for the first time since being released.

At the same time, it is believed that 138 hostages remain in Gaza, including approximately 20 women and two young children. Read the stories of those who are still missing.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. 

In case of emergency, please immediately call 911, and report all incidents to the Community Security Nework hotline at 514-343-4343 or CLICK HERE to report an incident online.

Informing Our Students: Federation CJA is dedicated to guiding students through effectively reporting and addressing antisemitic incidents on campus. Our three-pronged approach focuses on informing, empowering, and supporting students, ensuring they know the proper channels for reporting antisemitism. Learn more about how we're taking action to prioritize student safety and empower their response.

Facing antisemitism on campus? Our Student Resource Guide has you covered with practical steps on what to do, how to stay safe, and where to find support. 

Standing up for the women of Israel: UN Women is an organization that claims to be "a global champion for women and girls" and yet Israeli women and girls have received almost no support from them. For 50 days they were silent on the matter, and when a discussion about the impact of the war on women finally did take place at the UN just days ago, nothing was mentioned about Hamas terrorists attacking Israeli women and girls. After receiving global backlash, the organization posted a half-hearted condemnation of Hamas, and then immediately deleted the post claiming it was no longer relevant. 

As a global community, we need to demand that UN Women urgently acknowledge these atrocities which are a blatant violation of international law, to issue a clear-cut condemnation of Hamas’ sexual war crimes, to urgently act to protect the special humanitarian rights of women and children, and to do everything in their power to expose and recognize these atrocious and horrific acts of sexual violence against women and girls and to bring the release of all the hostages immediately. Click below for pre-written email templates and send them to UN Women's key offices to stand for justice and support:

• Executive Director of UN Women and Under-Secretary-General of the UN, Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]

• UN Women Liaison Office in Geneva, Email: [email protected]

• UN Women Liaison Office in Washington, D.C., Email: [email protected]

• UN Women Liaison Office in Brussels, Email: [email protected]

Tell Mayor Valerie Plante that Bochra Manaï must go. Join the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and Federation CJA in calling on Mayor Valerie Plante to do the right thing and replace antiracism commissioner Bochra Manaï. Tested in crisis, Manaï failed and has now lost the confidence of Montrealers.

Monday, December 4, was a historic day for our community. Along with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and federations across Canada, we witnessed an extraordinary gathering of solidarity and strength at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, over 20,000 strong!

It was a day so powerful it was written in the snowflakes. As Magen Davids fell from the sky and covered Parliament Hill, Jews and non-Jews across Canada stood proudly, shoulder to shoulder, in support of Israel and fiercely against antisemitism. The spirit was palpable, and the sentiment was strong. We will continue to stand together and #StandUp for our people. Am Yisrael Chai!

A sincere thank you to every Montrealer who came out to represent our beautiful community. 

At the rally, we honoured the bravery of Alexandre Look z"l, a Montreal resident tragically murdered while heroically saving others during the Supernova outdoor music festival. Hear his mother, Raquel Look, share his courageous story on Parliament Hill. Watch her powerful tribute and carry forward the message: Never Again. 

Get ready to be part of something extraordinary. Join Federation CJA's upcoming Missions to Israel and see for yourself the remarkable courage and spirit of its people. Don't just hear the stories—live them.

Before you embark on this journey, don't miss an insightful perspective from Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA, as he discussed his recent visit to Israel, sharing personal observations and why the people of Israel need our support now more than ever. 

Federation CJA has announced a hopeful plan to resume the GOTEENISRAEL program. Amidst the challenging context of current events in Israel, this initiative stands as a beacon of positivity, offering Jewish teens substantial financial assistance to immerse themselves in a meaningful and enriching Israel summer experience. It's more than a journey; it's a chance to deepen ties with Jewish culture and history, particularly as Israel embarks on a period of recovery and rejuvenation in 2024.

#StandUp and Wear Your Support! Get your limited-edition CJA23 merch! This exclusive collection isn't just apparel—it's Merch for a Cause! Every purchase supports vital causes like community security, combatting antisemitism, and standing with Israel. 100% of proceeds go to these efforts. Act now, shop and show your unity. Limited stock available! 

Join Women’s Philanthropy in the 'Mothers to Mothers' initiative this Chanukah to support mothers in Israel with loved ones in the IDF. Sign up to send a thoughtful gift to a mother from our partner region, Beer Sheva & Bnei Shimon, and forge a special bond that transcends borders. Illuminate their lives with your kindness and solidarity. 

Have you heard about the gentleman walking the streets of Côte Saint-Luc, NDG, and Westmount with a huge Israeli flag? Meet Edwin Brownell, a dedicated musician whose extraordinary act of carrying the flag is a stirring symbol of support for Israel. His journey, marked by conversation and community support, showcases the power of a single individual's commitment.

Put two menorahs up in every public square: Tune in to the CJN Daily podcast for an immersive account of the historic rally on Parliament Hill, where over 20,000 Canadian Jews united against antisemitism and for the release of hostages. Don't miss the inspiring stories and voices from this monumental gathering.

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

Shabbat Candlelight
December 8 | 3:53 PM