We are uplifted by the announcement of a hostage deal that would see the release of 33 hostages in phase one of this ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal, mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, involves a gradual release of the hostages across three phases, alongside an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of many Palestinian terrorists from Israeli jails.

“As the President of the State of Israel, I say in the clearest terms: This is the right move. This is an important move. This is a necessary move. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, or Israeli obligation than to bring our sons and daughters back to us—whether to recover at home, or to be laid to rest.” - Israel’s President Isaac Herzog

Read more on this from Yair Szlak, our President and CEO.

As this story unfolds, we continue to pray for the safety, release, and healing of all the hostages. Our commitment remains steadfast: we will not rest until every single hostage is reunited with their loved ones.

Please join us for an important community update on the evolving situation in Israel, hosted by renowned historian and scholar Gil Troy.

Jewish Community Members Honoured for Dedication and Commitment to Canadian Society

47 Montrealers were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a special ceremony Wednesday night at the Atwater Library. The ceremony highlighted the outstanding contribution and commitment of these individuals to the well-being of their communities and to Canadian society.

Federation CJA congratulates the honourees on this special distinction and thanks them for their continued dedication to the Montreal Jewish community.

Innovative Lab Opened in Be’er Sheva Thanks to Federation CJA’s Support

A brand-new state-of-the-art research laboratory was recently inaugurated in the heart of our sister city Be’er Sheva’s Innovation District, thanks to the financial support of Federation CJA and our Israel Emergency Fund. The NUR (Negev Urban Research) Lab is bringing the Israeli community together to meet with city planners and other professionals in the planning and simulation of potential challenges that cities in Israel and around the world face. Our support allowed for the renovation of the lab located within the Greenberg Teachers Centre, first donated almost thirty years ago by the Montreal family.

Jewish Federations of North America Chair Awarded Presidential Medal of Honour in Israel

We wish to extend a hearty Mazal Tov to Julie Platt, chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) on receiving the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour in Jerusalem. Julie was one of eight recipients of the honour, bestowed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The award, which is the highest one given to civilians by the Jewish State, goes to global leaders for their outstanding contributions to Israel and the Jewish people. We are so proud to have Julie as a leader and representative of our collective work.

International Lion of Judah Conference Celebrates and Honours Power of Community

Federation CJA was one of 86 North American and international federations that gathered in Atlanta, Georgia this week for the International Lion of Judah Conference. Over 1,600 Lions in attendance heard from The First Lady of the State of Israel Michal Herzog, Israeli superstar Eden Golan and hostage advocate Rachel Goldberg-Polin, among many others. This transformative gathering of dynamic, philanthropic women from across the globe was a welcome opportunity to celebrate traditions, empower the next generation of leaders and pave the way for a brighter future within our communities.

60 community leaders were honoured at the conference with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland (KWF) Award, including Montreal’s Sue Carol Isaacson. The award honours extraordinary “women of valour” who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism within the Jewish world, as chosen by their peers. Yasher Koach to Sue for this well-deserved honour.

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.

Campus Micro-Grants Pave the Way for Israel Advocacy Retreat

Federation CJA launched its first ever Campus Micro-Grants Initiative for students to combat antisemitism, celebrate Jewish life, and support Israel. The initiative received three times the expected number of applications, demonstrating the enthusiasm and leadership of young Jewish students across campuses. A total of 20 grantees received funding, which will support initiatives on a wide range of campuses, including McGill, Concordia, L’Université de Montréal, l'Université Laval, Marianopolis, and off-campus projects.

One of the newest initiatives stemming from these Micro-Grants is the upcoming student Israel advocacy retreat, scheduled for Friday January 31st- Sunday February 2nd in Sainte Agathe.

Hillel Montreal and Start Up Nation, supported by Federation CJA and partners Shaar Hashomayim, Maspik! and JNF Canada are offering this enriching opportunity 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.

Lev Fellows Hosting Falafel Night to Kick off Winter Semester

Hillel Montreal’s Lev Fellows, supported by Federation CJA and the Azrieli Foundation, invite students to attend a Falafel Night to help celebrate the start of a new semester on campus. It’s the first of many programs and events this semester being organized by our Lev Fellows, an initiative that encourages young student leaders to enhance and actively engage with their respective Jewish communities.

Hizb ut-Tahrir Conference Cancelled… Thanks to You

More than 13,000 Canadians united to call on the federal government to stop the pro-Hamas Hizb ut-Tahrir from spreading its dangerous agenda in our country. With your help, our community and allies have made our voices heard – and we've made an impact.

On Tuesday, radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir announced that it is cancelling its controversial Khilafah conference, which was originally scheduled for January 18th.

This is important progress in keeping Canadians safe. We are relieved that this conference isn't happening, but we also know that the fight against extremism cannot stop. We will continue to urge the Government of Canada to qualify Hizb ut-Tahrir as an illegal terrorist organization, as has been done in the UK and Germany.

The March of the Living is Returning to Israel

We are delighted to announce that the March of the Living 2025 program will now include both Poland and Israel! The addition of the Israel portion transforms this journey into a truly unparalleled experience, where our students will not only honour the past, but also immerse themselves in the unbreakable strength, resilience, and inspiring spirit of the Jewish people today.

Dates: April 21 – May 4, 2025 (Poland: April 21-28 / Israel: April 28-May 4)

Deadline to apply: January 23, 2025

*Financial assistance is available to a wide range of family incomes through JCAP or HFLA.

Summer 2025 Birthright Israel Registration Now Open

Are you between the ages of 18 and 26? If so, we invite you to be a part of a transformative summer 2025 Birthright experience. This is your opportunity to travel to Israel and experience the magic and resilience of our homeland for FREE!

Federation CJA will have departures from Montreal for young adults aged 18-22 and 22-26. Apply now to secure your spot on an upcoming trip!

Summer Trip Dates:

• May 19-29, 2025 (ages 22-26)

• June 29-July 9, 2025 (ages 18-22)

• June 30-July 9, 2025 (ages 18-22)

• July 28-August 7, 2025 (ages 22-26)

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 on one of our 8-day missions to Be’er Sheva, Montreal’s partner city. Make a tangible impact and work with locals to address critical needs.

• March 3-10, 2025

• March 17-24, 2025
  
  

Eligibility: Montreal students aged 18-22. Participation won’t affect future Birthright eligibility.

Cost: $50 USD fee + flight (everything else is FREE!)

Application deadline: February 5th, 2025

Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience!

Concerns Persist Amidst Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement

While many are applauding the hostage deal, some right-wing Israelis have taken to the streets to protest the ceasefire agreement. Read more about why they are skeptical this deal is a good one and the impact it will have on Israel’s overall security.

Los Angeles Wildfires Bring Together Jews and Non-Jews Alike

The raging wildfires engulfing the Los Angeles area destroyed the over 80-year-old Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. Unable to celebrate Shabbat in their synagogue, the Jewish community instead gathered in a new location, demonstrating resilience and the enduring spirit of their faith.

United by Art With UBAB MAD | Tuesday January 21, 2025
Not to be missed! 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 and emotional art, and now he’s using it to heal and inspire communities around the world. This paint night will be more than just a creative evening. It will be a chance to hear about his time in Israel post October 7th. Let’s create something beautiful together, inspired by his story and the power of community.

Beyond Bialik | Wednesday January 22, 2025

Bialik High School invites you to a panel discussion of community leaders, including Federation CJA’s President & CEO Yair Szlak and our Director of Security David Zarfati. The panel will discuss the issues of antisemitism, community safety and Israel’s history & geopolitics. Questions from the audience are welcome. Registration is mandatory.

Babka Bake with Sabrina Benizri | Thursday January 23, 2025

Join us for an unforgettable evening of baking alongside food blogger Sabrina Benizri, better known as Hungry4Anything on Instagram. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to bake alongside her and indulge in some delicious treats.

Peter Mansbridge in Conversation with Holocaust Survivor George Reinitz | Monday January 27, 2025

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, the Montreal Holocaust Museum welcomes award-winning journalist Peter Mansbridge, who will be in conversation with Holocaust survivor George Reinitz. This extraordinary discussion will touch on George’s story of survival after being deported to Auschwitz at the age of 12 and how he rebuilt his life in Canada, becoming a world-class wrestler and successful businessman.

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.

Baking for Kindness (West Island) | Wednesday January 29, 2025
Families, join us for an afternoon of fun and meaningful challah braiding and decorating! By the end of the session, you’ll have created two beautiful challahs—one to take home and enjoy, and one to share. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, create, and give back to the community.

We’ll be serving pizza dinner for the whole family to enjoy, making it a fun and delicious time for everyone.

Pizza Amore (West Island) | Sunday February 2, 2025
Grab your aprons, bring your date, and get ready for a fun-filled evening of delicious pizza making! Enjoy crafting your own personalized heart-shaped pizzas, sharing laughs, and savouring the tasty results together. Don't miss out on this deliciously fun opportunity to connect, create, and indulge!

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!