Your October 7th Messages Have Reached the Kotel

Hundreds of you left messages of remembrance, hope and solidarity at our October 7th memorial installation. One of our Shinshinim, Hadar Kraus, recently delivered those messages to the Kotel. We continue to pray for the safe and speedy release of the remaining hostages still being held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza.

Chanukah Candle Lighting Brightens Small Communities Across Canada

10% of the Jewish population in Canada live in small communities. However, when grouped together, these same communities would make up the third largest in the country. Public Chanukah candle lighting was organized in small communities across Canada by our partners at the Jewish Federations of Canada-United Israel Appeal (JFC-UIA), demonstrating the vibrancy of Jewish life and educating non-Jewish neighbours about the presence of the Jewish community, and each community’s pride as Canadian Jews. You can find a collection of some of these gatherings here.

School Survey Helping Better your Child’s Jewish Day School Experience

If your child attends a Jewish day school, an invitation was sent out on Monday of this week asking parents to fill out a Léger survey about your child’s experience at school. The survey, conducted every three years, is a critical investment we make in ensuring that this community is delivering on its promise to provide high-quality education to our children enrolled in Jewish day school.

If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you to fill out the survey. Your responses will remain anonymous.

Empowering Students on Campus: Israel Advocacy Retreat

Hillel Montreal and Start Up Nation, supported by Federation CJA and partners Shaar Hashomayim, Maspik! and JNF Canada, are offering an Israel advocacy retreat in Sainte Agathe from Friday January 31st - Sunday February 2nd. This enriching opportunity is designed to equip Jewish students in Montreal with practical skills and strategies to advocate for Israel on campus through keynote addresses and workshops with Shai Davidai, Shabbos Kestenbaum and Eitan Chitayat, among others, as well as through collaborative social bonding activities, empowering discussions and learning opportunities.

October H8te Documentary Hits Close to Home for Montreal Students

Hundreds gathered at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim this week for the Canadian premiere of October H8te. The documentary chronicles the explosion of antisemitism in the United States since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack, on city streets, university campuses, and social media. Over 80 interviews were conducted by director Wendy Sachs for the project, including Debra Messing, Michael Rapaport, Sheryl Sandberg, Noa Tishby and Congressman Ritchie Torres. Although the film focuses on events south of the border, it nevertheless deeply resonated with Jewish university students in Montreal, who noticed direct parallels between what they have experienced on campus and the reality of their American counterparts. Missed the screening? Sachs plans to bring October H8te back to Montreal this winter for special screenings at McGill and Concordia. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

Israel Impact Workshop Aiming to Provide Students with Advocacy Tools and Strategies

Hillel Montreal, supported by Federation CJA, Maspik! and JNF Canada, and partners StandWithUs and Allied Voices for Israel, are set to launch an Israel Impact Workshop series later this month. Students will learn effective responses to anti-Israel claims they may hear on campus as well as where to draw the line between legitimate criticism and antisemitism, among other topics, across the six-session program.

The first session is scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd, with the final one slated for Tuesday, February 25th. The February 11th special session will feature Gil Troy, celebrated author of The Essential Guide to October 7th and its Aftermath: Facts, Figures, History and To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to My Students on Defending the Zionist Dream. Doors will open at 6:30pm and the program will begin at 7 pm. Food will be served. Students who attend at least four of the six sessions will receive a $100 stipend.

Tell Canada’s Public Safety Minister: Stop Hizb ut-Tahrir from Threatening National Security

In just over a week, an antisemitic, openly pro-Hamas organization plans to hold a “conference” in Mississauga, Ontario. Hizb ut-Tahrir has an agenda so dangerous that two of Canada’s closest allies – Britain and Germany – have declared it an illegal terrorist group. We’re urging the Public Safety Minister to take concrete actions to safeguard Canada’s borders and communities. Time to stop this is running short, which is why we’re asking you to join us in sending a message to the government right now.

CIJA Calls for Action Against Extremism

An extremist Islamist group is reviving its annual conference, which advocates for an international caliphate and Sharia law. This news comes after it was cancelled last year when its sister organization was labeled a terrorist entity in Britain, including for its open support for Hamas. The event, hosted by Hizb ut-Tahrir Canada and planned for January 18th, has sparked serious concerns. CIJA is calling for the conference to be cancelled and for the group to be designated a terrorist organization. As we recently saw in Detroit, Michigan, events like these are of grave concern to our community. Click here to learn more.

Apply Now to the Madrichim in Training Program

Are you between the ages of 23 and 30 years old? The Madrichim in Training (MIT) Program is your gateway to becoming a community ambassador. This is your chance to enhance your leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young adults who also share a love for our community, our culture, and Israel.

As a Madrich(a), you will guide participants through an unforgettable Birthright experience, fostering connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For 2024 participant Raphael Uzan, “the combination of activities, choice of speakers and collegiality” made for a memorable experience.

In addition to meeting the age requirement, you must be available for monthly leadership training sessions from February to May 2025. Applications are open until February 3rd.

“I can't recommend it highly enough and encourage all aspiring young community leaders to apply,” Raphael said.

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 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.

ABC’s of Starting a Business | Wednesday January 29, 2025
ProMontreal Entrepreneurs and PME MTL present a workshop on what to consider and know when starting a business. Learn about how to write a business plan, finance a business, and the various legalities of starting a company from Kurt Houghton and Katherine Korakakis.

More West Island Programs Happening in 2025

In collaboration with the Cummings Centre and Congregation Beth Tikvah, register today for Federation CJA’s programs exclusive to the West Island. From Self Defense Kickboxing & Muay Thai Training to Line Dancing and Mahjongg, Bridge & Canasta, there is truly something for everyone!