Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the country earlier this week. In his comments, he said, “Peace and security require total victory over Hamas. We cannot accept anything else…. Without total victory, Iran and its terror proxies—Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and others—will be emboldened to subvert moderate states in the Middle East; they’ll threaten the entire free world….Only total victory will prevent that…. Total victory over Hamas will not take years. It will take months. Victory is within reach.”  

Physicians Rally Against Antisemitism | Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 20

Join Yair in discussion with Drs. Guila Delouya and Lior Bibas, members of the recently established Association de Médecins Juifs du Québec. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to combating antisemitism within Montreal and the larger Quebec medical community.

CIJA’s campaign to hold Montreal children’s author Elise Gravel accountable for antisemitic social media posts has attracted significant media attention. Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, the author’s social media posts have increasingly taken on a conspiracy and antisemitic tone, with many invoking the blood-libel trope.

Media coverage:

• CBC

• Qub Radio with Benoit Dutrizac

Eta Yudin, CIJA’s Vice-President (Quebec), appeared on CJAD 800 earlier this week to talk about Valerie Plante’s demotion of City Councillor Alex Norris after he allowed repeated antisemitic remarks at an agglomeration meeting.

CIJA’s Quebec team has launched a new phase in its social-media strategy, publishing Instagram Reels (in French) to spread awareness to Quebeckers about the antisemitic nature of popular slogans heard at anti-Israel rallies. Follow CIJAQC on Instagram for more information.  

Last week, Federation CJA and CIJA met with Francois Bonnardel, Quebec Minister of Public Security. The meeting focused on security issues and the concerns of the Jewish community. Afterwards, the team and the Minister visited Talmud Torah, which was previously hit by gunfire.

Reflecting on a Night of Solidarity

This Monday night, Federation CJA proudly united over 200 students in a powerful gathering to witness and reflect on the Supernova Massacre. The event, graced by dignitaries and voices from our community, served as a beacon of solidarity and support for Israel and Jewish identity on campus.

The evening's message was clear: it's time to stand together and #StandUp for our identity and rights as Jews on campus. Inspired by the speakers, students left feeling a renewed sense of purpose to elevate their voices on campus and beyond, ready to face challenges with resilience and pride.

Federation CJA stands committed to empowering our students, encouraging them to proudly embrace their Jewish heritage and to confidently participate in campus elections and advocacy.

How Federation CJA is Combatting Antisemitism on Campus

Amidst increasing campus antisemitism, Federation CJA is growing our presence on campus through legal advocacy and resources, with a focus on Informing, Empowering, and Supporting students. Our initiatives include establishing faculty sessions, offering Fellowships, supporting Jewish representation in student government, providing online resources to increase student involvement, and fostering community resilience through Hillel events. 

Do you know how to send a complaint to your university’s administration? Click here to learn how.

Campus Incident Reporting Protocol

As we speak to students, we recognize there may be some confusion about the steps to take to navigate the different situations students find themselves in. For that reason, we’ve outlined a specific protocol to effectively address antisemitism on Montreal campuses, emphasizing that only students have the standing to take action.

Student Government Elections 

The nominations period has opened across campuses and elections are imminent. Whether you want to nominate someone or run yourself, Hillel can show you the way. Contact Avishai Infeld at [email protected] for assistance. 

Don’t Miss Out - Make a Difference: Birthright Onward Volunteer Mission

If you're a Montrealer aged 18-25 and looking for an impactful volunteer opportunity, join us on the 8-day Birthright Onward Volunteer Mission in Be’er Sheva, Israel! Stand with the resilient community and engage directly with the vibrant city, working hand-in-hand with locals to address critical needs. Make a real difference in the lives of the members of the community. Only $50 admin fee + flight!

Trip Dates: March 4 - March 11

Location: Be’er Sheva, Israel

Your actions will resonate long after the mission ends. Please note that this won't affect your eligibility for future Birthright Israel programs. Ready to make a lasting impact? The deadline to apply is fast approaching on February 12th!

Montreal Birthright Summer 2024 Trip Applications are Now Open!

Are you 18 to 26 years old? Don't miss your chance for a free, life-changing trip to Israel this summer with Birthright. As the country is hurt and healing, NOW is the time to show your love for Israel and let Israel show its love for you! Dive into the heart of our homeland’s culture, history, and spirit—from the dynamic streets of Tel Aviv to the historical depths of Jerusalem.

This journey offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its stories of resilience and hope. Availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Secure your spot and create lasting memories.

Support Israeli Mothers: The Shabbat Basket Project

Join us in a heartfelt initiative, our new Shabbat Basket Project, part of our beloved "Mothers to Mothers" program. This special endeavour is dedicated to supporting 40 Israeli mothers in Beer Sheva and B’nei Shimon who find themselves alone with their children while their husbands serve on reserve duty.

Your generous donation is more than just a gift; it's a gesture of solidarity, a beacon of care in these mothers' lives, letting them know they are not alone.

Speaker Series with the Honourable Shirly Pinto

Discover Shirly Pinto's extraordinary path with Federation CJA's speaker series. As Israel's pioneering deaf Knesset member and a passionate disability rights advocate, Pinto exemplifies resilience. From activism to the halls of power and co-founding The Israeli Center for Deaf Studies, her journey is profoundly inspiring. Her service as a Foreign Ministry ambassador during the Iron Swords War underscores her unwavering commitment.

This series delves into Pinto's life, offering unique perspectives on overcoming challenges and championing disability rights.

Don't miss out on engaging with a leading voice in advocacy. Secure your spot now at one of three events:

• Montreal Location

• West Island

• Students – Hillel Montreal

Let’s Talk Speaker Series: Jeff Bicher

Get ready to be part of an engaging and thought-provoking conversation series as Federation CJA West Island proudly presents “LET’S TALK,” – a brand-new speaker series aimed at bringing exciting and relevant discussions to our community. 

We are thrilled to kick off the series in February with an intimate discussion featuring Jeff Bicher, Chief Executive Officer of the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA. Jeff will be diving into crucial topics such as antisemitism in our community, Israel, and the ongoing war in a candid and insightful conversation.

Celebrate JDAIM with Creativity: Flower Arranging Workshop

This Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), Federation CJA West Island invites you to a special workshop in partnership with Summit Flora. Dive into the art of flower arranging and leave with your own beautiful creation.

Join us for an evening of creativity, community, and celebration. Embrace the spirit of JDAIM by crafting unique floral arrangements that you can proudly display at home.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, create, and contribute to an inclusive community spirit.

Join this discussion with Jonny Daniels, a former IDF Staff Sergeant, Israeli Ministerial Advisor, and founder of From the Depths, a foundation that supports Holocaust survivors and those who saved them.

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

Shabbat Candlelight
February 2 | 4:54 PM