International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu & Gallant

Yesterday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. By issuing arrest warrants against the leader of a democratic country for the first time, the ICC has made a mockery of international law. It has given solace to Hamas, Hezbollah and behind them Iran in their war of extermination against Israel. We call on the Government of Canada to unequivocally reject this perversion of justice.

In response, we ask that you write to your Member of Parliament, encouraging them to unequivocally reject this perversion of international law and to pressure Canada to reaffirm its commitment to impartial justice. Canada has always championed fairness and the rule of law on the global stage. We cannot stand by while deep-rooted biases within the ICC degrade these principles and fuel antisemitism.

Enough is Enough

Federation CJA and CIJA are horrified by the violence that unfolded yesterday across university campuses. To be clear: yesterday was not a “strike,” but an aggressive and unacceptable campaign of intimidation. While we recognize university administrators sought to protect students yesterday, more must be done to ensure this shameful episode never reoccurs.

Hate, intimidation and harassment of a targeted student population gone unchecked for 14 months resulted in yesterday’s unacceptable so-called “strike.” We also reiterate our disappointment that Dawson College chose to pre-emptively cave in to the mob and close its doors. We are in contact with administrators, law enforcement, and other security personnel and will use every tool at our disposal to ensure student safety. Jewish students, like all others, have the right to learn in a safe and secure academic environment and yesterday they were not able to do so.

Investigation Launched

For months, CIJA and its partners at Federation CJA have engaged continuously with university and CEGEP administrations. Earlier this week, we expressed our community's dissatisfaction with Dawson College’s decision to close its campus during the recent "strike," depriving thousands of students of their right to education. However, we were pleased that Pascale Déry, Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, launched an investigation, an important and necessary step. We welcome this move and will continue to engage with universities and governments throughout the process to ensure our community's interests remain at the forefront.

Help Us Keep Our Campuses Safe

Amidst rising antisemitism on campus, we’re calling on students to speak up. Help us track, respond and address the hate by reporting any and all incidents using our Incident Report Form found on our website. Every report makes a difference and helps us secure our community.

Introducing a Fun Way to Involve Children in Annual Campaign

As part of our CJA24 annual campaign this year, Federation CJA, together with our Jewish day schools, are thrilled to launch the Tzedakah Box Project. Through this special initiative, our youngest students across Montreal can assemble their own Tzedakah boxes and turn spare change into a meaningful lesson in philanthropy. Guide your child along this process and help us teach our future Jewish leaders the power of kindness and community.

Click here to learn more about the project, to donate your child’s Tzedakah, or to order a box today.

Celebrate Inclusivity at Synagogue

We invite you to attend Shabbat services on Saturday December 7th as we raise awareness and celebrate disability inclusion initiatives in our community. We have already received commitment of participation from 16 synagogues and encourage others to dedicate that Shabbat to shining a light on disability inclusion as well. Federation CJA will provide beautiful large challahs courtesy of DeLaMie Bakery, as well as delicious baked goods from either Zera Café or DeLaMie.

List of Participating Synagogues:

Help Spread Chanukah Joy This Holiday Season in the West Island

Join us for a meaningful volunteer opportunity to sort, pack, and wrap children's books that will be gifted to new immigrant families in time for Chanukah. It's a wonderful chance to teach your children the value of kindness and generosity. Let’s come together to spread the joy of giving this holiday season!

DALFEN FELLOWS Fellowship Launching Third Cohort

Are you a Jewish teen wanting to further your Jewish leadership skills and participate in an immersive fellowship? Federation CJA is proud to present the third cohort of its DALFEN FELLOWS Teen Israel Leadership Initiative, a prestigious fellowship falling under Federation CJA’s GOTEENISRAEL umbrella and funded through the generosity of the Murray and Karen Dalfen Family.

Strengthen your connection to our homeland, your Jewish identity, and your potential to be the next great Jewish leader. Graduate as a prestigious DALFEN FELLOWS recipient and have access to future leadership opportunities.

Forgotten Exodus – A Canadian Refuge | Thursday, November 28, 2024

Sephardi Voices, together with Federation CJA and our partners The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and Communauté sépharade unifiée du Québec (CSUQ), invite you to a special evening commemorating Yom Haplitim (Jewish Refugee Day) which pays tribute to the million Jews expelled from Arab lands after the creation of the State of Israel.

Strength Through Resilience: A Krav Maga Workshop | Monday November 25, 2024

Join us for an empowering Krav Maga workshop dedicated to building mental and physical resilience! This dynamic session will guide participants through practical self-defence techniques, rooted in the powerful principles of Krav Maga, to enhance both strength and confidence. Open to all skill levels, the workshop emphasizes resilience as a tool for navigating challenges and empowering our community.

Proceeds will support Federation CJA’s Combatting Antisemitism and Security Fund, reinforcing the safety and security of our community. Step up, build resilience, and contribute to a safer future!

The ABCs of Starting a Business | Wednesday November 27, 2024

ProMontreal Entrepreneurs and PME MTL continue its series The ABCs of Starting a Business. This workshop will cover the business plan, financials and business law. Learn how to write a business plan, what to know when financing a business, and the various legalities of starting a business.

The Power Business Lunch Series: Session with Jonathan Abecassis | Wednesday November 27, 2024

Federation CJA and The Network invite you to the next session of The Power Business Lunch Series, a series of insightful sessions featuring distinguished speakers from three dynamic categories: Socio-Political, Executive Business, and Entrepreneurial. We are honoured to welcome Jonathan Abecassis, who leads CN’s Public Affairs, Media Relations, and Incident Management team. Jonathan will share his expertise on Montreal’s municipal politics, offering perspectives on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping the city’s future.

Lights, Chanukah, Action! A Family Chanukah Event | Sunday December 1, 2024

Join us as Federation CJA’s TOV hosts its Chanukah party at CineStarz Deluxe Cavendish. You and your family will get to watch either Moana 2 or Wicked. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a blockbuster film and create lasting memories. Popcorn and a drink will be included with the purchase of a movie ticket. We look forward to celebrating with you!

The Power Business Lunch Series: Session with Harley Gold | Tuesday December 3, 2024

The Power Business Lunch Series continues with Harley Gold, Partner and Managing Director of Peakhill Capital. Harley has over 20 years of experience and is a founding director and Chairman of the Board of Lighthouse Credit Union, established in 2022 to serve the Jewish community. He will provide valuable insights into growth opportunities within the commercial real estate lending space, highlighting trends, strategies, and emerging market dynamics.

Chanukah Hoopla | Sunday December 8, 2024

Join PJ Library, INTER.MTL and Jabberwocky Corner for Chanukah Hoopla! Featuring dreidel art, painting, Chanukah sensory play, and more. Come celebrate the festival of lights with your family at one of our two available time slots. Lights snacks and Chanukah treats will be served.