Federation CJA 360 - November 24, 2023

Amidst the ongoing crisis in Israel, we're shifting from our regular 360 newsletter to provide you with vital updates on Federation CJA's emergency response.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

On October 7th – Israel’s Black Saturday, Hamas perpetrated inhumane crimes against humanity.  Amongst those crimes, they took hostage civilians—women, men, the elderly, Holocaust survivors and children as young as nine months. 

 

This week, Israel had to make the excruciatingly difficult and painful decision to accept a negotiated deal to free women and children taken hostage by Hamas. In doing so, at least 50 women and children will be freed starting today. 

 

As a Jewish people, we live by the ideology that if we save just one life, we save the world. While there is a brief period that the country can exhale as we witness Israeli children, some of them orphans, returning home, there is also profound disbelief and anguish over the many hostages left behind in the hands of Hamas.

 

It is hard to describe the feeling in the country.  There is no feeling of “relief”.  There is only a sense of heartbreak that, while this is the right decision, it still feels tragically unbearable.

 

Yair Szlak

President and CEO

Federation CJA
 

Please read our latest Israel Emergency Fund allocation update, as our third transfer went through on November 20th, bringing the total funds allocated thus far to $11.4 million. See how your donations are impacting our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Allocation Update

SAVE THE DATE! National Rally in Ottawa: Join us on December 4th as we unite and rally in our nation's capital. For the hostages. For the people of Israel. For the safety of Jewish Canadians. Transportation will be available.
Register Here

VOICES FOR CHANGE:  ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Raise Your Voice: Almost 15,000 Canadians have sent a letter to our Prime Minister since last Thursday asking him to stand with Israel. We need to continue to tell PM Trudeau the problem isn't Israel; it's Hamas. Tell our government that the time to stand up for the people and land of Israel and Canada’s Jewish community is now.
Join CIJA’s Action Alert

Want to do something to support your local Jewish community? 

 

Join CIJA’s Legal Task Force

 

The dramatic rise in antisemitism isn’t just isolated to other parts of the world; it’s happening here in Canada, too. Led by CIJA and UJA, a group of 150 lawyers is already hard at work to use the law to combat the Jew hate we are seeing with legal groups being created across the country. Specializing in various law fields, including human rights and criminal law, they are focusing mainly on the education system because universities and schools have failed to keep our kids safe. Volunteer now to make a change.
Inquire Here

UNITED WITH ISRAEL – HOW WE ARE HELPING

Witness Your Impact: Discover the powerful impact of your generosity with our partner on the ground in Israel, Lev Tov, in this heartwarming video. See firsthand how your support is helping displaced families in Israel. 
Watch it Here

Show solidarity: Create your own personal fundraising page for the Israel Emergency Fund. Just visit the link, click 'Join this fundraiser,' and choose to start a team or a personal page. Stand with Israel in this crucial time.
Create Your Fundraising Page

We’re Here to Help! We're actively assisting Israelis wishing to temporarily relocate to Montreal amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.

 

So far, about 34 households, totaling 94 individuals, including over 50 children, have expressed a need for assistance. Of these, about 30 households have arrived since the start of the war. We are focusing on immediate needs like food, clothing, psycho-social services, schooling needs, activities for children, housing, and financial assistance.

 

If you know someone from Israel seeking temporary refuge in Montreal, please share our confidential form to connect them with vital resources.
Access the form here

COMMUNITY SECURITY

Ensuring the safety of our Montreal Jewish community is paramount:

Take Action: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Help keep our community safe by reporting any suspicious behaviour or antisemitic incidents. In emergencies, dial 911.
Report Here

ON CAMPUS

Facing antisemitism on campus? Our Student Resource Guide has you covered with practical steps on what to do, how to stay safe, and where to find support. Don't navigate this alone – get informed and empowered. For institutions not listed in the guide or for more personalized support, please reach out to [email protected] or check your school’s official website for further assistance.
Review the Resource Guide

If you have a child on campus, here in Montreal, or anywhere in the world, they can turn to Hillel for support. Hillel is Here for You

Read: Federation CJA and CIJA are actively addressing the concerning outcomes of the SSMU's "Policy Against Genocide in Palestine" referendum at McGill. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus. 
Read the Full Update Here

Episode 17 of Federation CJA 360 Podcast: Fighting antisemitism on campus

 

Discover the latest insights on the rise of antisemitism in Montreal's universities and colleges. Our recent podcast features discussions with Hillel Montreal's Naomi Mazer and students from Concordia and McGill, offering a deep dive into their experiences and strategies for combating these challenges on campus.
Tune in Here

IN THE NEWS

Federation CJA and its advocacy agent CIJA have been relentless in ensuring our community’s perspective remains front and centre in English and French media, locally and even around the world.

 

Here are some examples of CIJA’s French coverage:

 

Le Devoir

La Presse

Journal de Montreal

Radio Canada

 

During this crisis, Eta Yudin, CIJA’s Vice-President (Quebec) has been interviewed by nearly every outlet in Quebec. Click here to listen to her most recent appearance on CJAD 800 with Elias Makos.

 

Yair Szlak has been called upon for response and perspective from media outlets across Canada and in Israel. Some of these interviews have been carried by newsrooms in more than 15 countries in several languages.

 

This week Yair was interviewed on the CJN Daily.

 

Some examples of Federation’s coverage:

 

Jerusalem Post

Jewish News Syndicate

Radio France Internationale

CTV News

STRONGER TOGETHER: COMMUNITY CARE & UNITY

Spread Light: As we continue to navigate these challenging times, this Chanukah is a time to stand in solidarity with Israel and bring light to our community.

 

Celebrate the festival of lights by sending a special Federation CJA Chanukah e-card to your loved ones. Personalize your message and choose the delivery date, knowing that your contribution will support those impacted by the war and safeguard our community.
Purchase Chanukah e-cards

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
 
 

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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March 21  6:50PM
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