On Monday, the global community will commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this solemn day, we remember the six million lives taken, and honour and cherish those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust and whose stories we continue to carry with us today. In the face of rising antisemitism, we commit to preserving the memory of those who were lost and building a world rooted in dignity, justice, and love for all.

Hear from 92-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor George Reinitz in Conversation with Peter Mansbridge. The 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.

Visit the Montreal Holocaust Museum for Free. To mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, admission to the Montreal Holocaust Museum will be free on Sunday January 26th and Monday January 27th.

CIJA invites you to watch a live stream of the commemoration taking place on Monday at 11 a.m. from the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa. The one-hour event will include remarks from Holocaust survivors, Jewish community leaders, as well as diplomatic and political representatives.

Four-Part Documentary Chronicles Holocaust Survivors in Quebec. Tune in to Shoah, je me souviens, a four-part French-language documentary being broadcast on Savoir média on January 27th at 9:30 pm. The series offers a rare look into the lives of Holocaust survivors who settled in Quebec after the Second World War and their impact on our society. The documentary, which features the Montreal Holocaust Museum, will also later be available online.

Watch and share the testimonies of Holocaust survivors on social media. The Montreal Holocaust Museum has made it its mission to preserve the testimonies of Holocaust survivors across Canada by digitizing their stories. Learn more about their stories of heroism and courage and help spread the message of Never Again.

Learn more about a remarkable object known as the Heart from Auschwitz

This heart-shaped notebook was made at great risk by Zlatka Pitluk as a 20th birthday gift for Fania Fainer in Auschwitz and is an amazing example of solidarity, resistance, and humanity during the horrors of the Holocaust.

Irwin Cotler in Search of Information on Raoul Wallenberg’s Fate

As chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Irwin Cotler has long sought to find out more on what exactly happened to Wallenberg after becoming a political prisoner in the Soviet Union and disappearing 80 years ago. He is now calling on nations around the world, including Canada, to lead an international consortium calling upon Russia to open its archives and reveal the truth about his disappearance.

Babka Bake Brings Women Together

Nearly 200 women came together last night for GenMTL’s Babka Bake. The event, featuring Sabrina Beniziri (@hungry4anything), was an opportunity to take pride in the Jewish culture and traditions that unite us all. Yasher Koach to event co-chairs Valerie Choucroun, Carly Choueke, Cayla Karls, and Adina Zairi Eichenbaum for all their hard work in putting together such a successful event.

Jewish Community Leaders Participate in Town Hall Discussion at Bialik High School

Bialik High School hosted a panel of community leaders this week, including our very own President & CEO Yair Szlak and our Director of Community Security David Zarfati. They took questions from the audience on a wide range of topics, including Federation CJA’s presence on campus, our plans to further educate students at Jewish day schools, and the most effective ways for the community to respond to ongoing protests. Stay tuned for much more in an upcoming episode of our Federation CJA 360 Podcast.

École Maïmonide Student Messages Reach the Kotel

Shay Bar Margolin, one of our Shinshinim, delivered messages written by elementary students at École Maïmonide to the Kotel during his recent return visit home to Israel. Follow Shay on his journey from Montreal all the way to the Kotel.

Landmark Survey on Antisemitism Being Conducted at Montreal Universities

A first-of-its-kind antisemitism survey is being conducted right here in Montreal. Jewish students at McGill, Concordia and Université de Montréal are asked to fill out a 15-minute survey online and make their voices heard. Hear from one of the researchers on why this study is paramount in creating positive change on campus.

A Weekend Featuring Shai Davidai, Shabbos Kestenbaum and Eitan Chitayat

Students are invited to join us next weekend in Sainte-Agathe for our Israel advocacy retreat. Hillel Montreal and Start Up Nation, supported by Federation CJA and partners Shaar Hashomayim, Maspik! and JNF Canada, are offering an 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.

Before heading up north on the retreat, Shai Davidai will be recording an episode of his Here I Am podcast in front of a live audience at the Shaar Hashomayim alongside special guest, Senator Leo Housakos. The event will also honour Peter Mammas, the President and CEO of Foodtastic (parent company of Second Cup) for his leadership and courage. Tickets are FREE for all students.

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 2nd, 2025

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

Nova Music Festival Survivor to Compete in 2025 Eurovision

Yuval Raphael, who survived the Hamas terrorist attack at the Nova festival on October 7th, will represent Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest this May in Basel, Switzerland. The 24-year-old credits music with helping her through the healing process of that day and is eager to share her story with the world via song.

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.

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.

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!

Super Bowl Sunday (West Island) | Sunday February 9, 2025

Don’t miss the ultimate way to watch the big game. Enjoy unlimited food and drinks while you cheer on your team during what promises to be the most exciting game of the year. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today and make sure you are part of the action!

Gil Troy in Montreal | Monday February 10, 2025

Join us for the launch of Gil Troy’s latest book, To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to My Students on Defending the Zionist Dream. It promises to be a meaningful evening of conversation, insight and reflection on the intersection of academia, Zionism, and the future of Israel. Q & A session to follow. All tickets include a signed copy of the book.