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Supporting Peace at McGill University
This Thursday, in a powerful display of unity and support, a coalition of Jewish students, faculty, and community members took a decisive stand at McGill University, rallying together to champion campus safety and academic freedom. Federation CJA took action and proudly supported this student-led event, which served as a vibrant counterpoint to the pro-Hamas encampment that has marred the campus with messages of violence and hate.
The gathering shone with a message clear and true: our love is stronger than their hate. Thank you to everyone who joined us in solidarity — together, we affirm that peace prevails. Am Yisrael Chai.
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Experience the Rally: Watch Our Videos
Get a closer look at the passion and unity demonstrated during the rally. Click below to feel the energy and hear directly from participants:
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW
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This year, the observance of the Yoms takes on new meaning. Whether you have never participated before or have long commemorated these significant days, we invite you to join us in solidarity. Celebrate, remember, and honour with us as we stand united and experience the profound impact of these moments together.
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Commemorating Yom HaShoah: A Solemn Tribute | May 5
Join us at the Montreal Holocaust Museum for a meaningful Yom HaShoah Vehagvurah observance. This year’s theme, "ONE PEOPLE, ONE FATE," emphasizes the unity and resilience of Jewish communities affected by the Holocaust. The evening will feature survivor testimonies and highlight our commitment to Holocaust education and combatting antisemitism.
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Yom Hazikaron Memorial Ceremony | May 12
Join us at the Gelber Centre as we pay tribute to Israel's fallen soldiers, security personnel, and victims of terror at Montreal’s annual Yom Hazikaron service, hosted by the Consulat général d’Israël and Federation CJA. This solemn occasion is a chance to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Tekes Ma'avar: From Commemoration to Celebration | May 13
Experience the profound transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut at the Tekes Ma'avar ceremony, led by Shinshinim. Hosted by Shaar Hashomayim and Federation CJA Israel Engagement, this event is a vital part of Israeli culture, encapsulating remembrance, resilience, and hope. This ritual invites participants of all ages to honour the past while celebrating the future in a deeply meaningful gathering.
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Israel Rally: Sing, Dance, and Unite | May 14
Join us at Place du Canada for a heartwarming celebration that resonates with unity and joy. Now in its 22nd year in downtown Montreal, this grand event stands as the largest celebration for Israel in Canada, drawing thousands—including students, seniors, politicians, and people of all faiths—to share in the festivities. The larger the crowd, the stronger the support!
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West Island Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel Celebration | May 14
Join us for the ultimate celebration of Israel’s 76th birthday! Bring your family and friends and get ready for an afternoon filled with carnival games, delicious food, and tons of fun. You can also become a Yom Ha’atzmaout volunteer!
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ON CAMPUS
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United for Safety: Ensuring a Secure Campus for Jewish Students
Ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students is paramount. Amidst the ongoing situation at McGill University, we continue to stay vigilant and proactive, working in close collaboration with Hillel and CIJA. Together, we have engaged with universities and Cegeps across Montreal, maintaining robust communication with administration officials to pre-emptively address and mitigate any potential risks.
Our collective message is clear and firm: there is no place for hate on our campuses. We continue to urge academic institutions to be prepared, take assertive action to protect Jewish students, and strictly enforce policies that keep off-campus extremists from intruding into educational spaces.
Since October 7th, our dedication to advocating for student safety has not wavered. We sincerely appreciate our community's overwhelming support, especially evident at Thursday’s student-led rally at McGill, which celebrated the enduring strength and resilience of our Jewish students. We also continue to advise our community members to exercise caution and responsibility in their interactions, avoiding engagement with the encampment protesters for their safety.
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Nurturing Connections: Federation CJA’s Working Together Grant Powers Comfort Cuisine
Comfort Cuisine, a partnership between Chai Lifeline, Bikur Cholim and Zera Café, stands out as a beacon of hope and support within our community. This initiative is a part of Federation CJA’s Working Together Grant project, designed to provide meal support to families facing the immense challenges of critical illness. By alleviating the stress of meal preparation, Comfort Cuisine offers caregivers a much-needed respite during intense crisis periods and prolonged stressful situations, ensuring that every meal is a gesture of empathy and understanding.
As one of the eight projects celebrated under the Working Together Grant, Comfort Cuisine showcases the strength of collaboration in addressing urgent community needs. Through this program, Federation CJA continues to champion projects that deliver community care with compassion, strengthen Jewish life, and advance communal interests, underscoring our commitment to a vibrant, supportive Jewish community in Montreal and beyond.
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Mother's Day Baskets
Give a gift that gives back by donating a thoughtful Mother’s Day basket to a community member in need. A Mother's Day card announcing that a generous gift has been donated in their honour will be sent to your loved one(s) upon purchase of each basket.
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Women's Philanthropy Volunteering at JEM workshop
We invite you to join Women's Philanthropy in a volunteer opportunity at the JEM workshop. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create positive change in the lives of those who need it most.
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How a $300 Loan Built Generations of Success for the Dankoff Family
Discover the inspiring story of the Dankoff family and their journey from hardship to a prosperous future in Montreal thanks to a pivotal $300 loan from the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) in 1930. This story emphasizes the crucial role of community support and celebrates a family's resilience and determination across generations. Read the full article to explore how HFLA continues to empower individuals and families, just like the Dankoffs, to build brighter futures.
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UPCOMING EVENTS 
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Ethan Zohn - Tikkun Olam, The Ultimate Survival Tool | May 8
Join "Survivor" winner Ethan Zohn as he discusses how Tikkun Olam serves as the ultimate survival tool in his life. Don't miss this engaging talk, during which Ethan shares inspiring stories from his journey, blending Jewish values with lessons from both reality TV and real-world challenges.
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UMATTER: Let's Talk Mental Health | May 8
Get real about children mental health with UMATTER and Federation West Island. Our panel of experts and mental health activist will bust myths and spark on his conversations. This will also be an open space for the audience to contribute ideas and be part of the change our community!
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An evening with Rudy Rochman | May 16
The West Island Jewish Community invites you to an evening with RUDY ROCHMAN: Social media influencer, Columbia University alumni, Israeli activist. Join us for a discussion on combating antisemitism and empowering the Jewish community in today’s society, with perspectives relevant to all generations. For security purposes, the location of the event will be provided upon registration.
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Taste of Torah | May 13 & June 10
Savour your wisdom with a Monthly Taste of Torah with Rabbi Leibel Rodal from Shulounge.
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Book Club | May 13 & June 10
Meet in person with a group to discuss books in a fun, relaxed and interactive setting.
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Game Day | May 27
Join hundreds of women for a fun-filled day of MAH-JONGG or CANASTA! This year, we play for Israel! Get your foursome together or join a new group and partake in a memorable event you won’t want to miss. You can choose to play the tournament or non-tournament options!
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SHABBAT SHALOM
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Explore Rabbi Sacks' z”l wisdom, insights, and teachings on the Torah. Read this week’s parsha.
Shabbat Candlelight
May 3 | 7:46 PM
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IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
In case of emergency, please immediately call 911, and report all incidents to the police and then to the Community Security Network hotline at 514-343-4343 or CLICK HERE to report an incident online.
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Disclaimer
Federation CJA 360 is a news aggregate, offering readers a variety of articles and opinion pieces on topics of concern to the Jewish community and presented in a concise, convenient platform. The opinions expressed by contributors shared in Federation CJA 360 do not necessarily reflect the policies or the positions of Federation CJA, its staff or its Board of Directors.
About Federation CJA
For over one hundred years, Federation CJA has been at the heart of the organized Jewish community in Montreal. In partnership with a vast network of agencies and organizations locally, nationally and internationally, Federation CJA builds and sustains this community by providing leadership and by supporting the delivery of services and programs to care for the vulnerable and those in need, to ensure a bright Jewish future, to represent communal interests and to positively affect issues in the wider society.
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