We are deeply disturbed and appalled by the targeted antisemitic attacks against Jews and Israelis that took place in Amsterdam overnight. These were innocent sports fans, there to watch a soccer match in peace. Instead, they were chased through city streets, beaten, abused and assaulted along the way.

It is a painful reminder of our collective history, as we prepare to mark the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, antisemitic pogroms that broke out in Germany, targeting Jews, their businesses, homes and synagogues.

With Federation CJA's funding support, The Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror is being deployed to help. The Jewish Agency is now working to locate the hospitalized victims to provide grants for emergency needs and rehabilitation.

The modern-day pogrom we saw in the Dutch capital last night must be condemned, with the perpetrators of these barbaric attacks prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Jews worldwide have every right to feel safe and secure in their communities and beyond.

We, at Federation CJA, remain committed to achieving that here at home. We call on law enforcement and governments to condemn these attacks and ensure that we never see such acts of antisemitism on the streets of Montreal.

Virtual Reality Experience Helps Bridge Divide with Non-Jewish Students on Campus

Federation CJA welcomed Aviv Kurnas of ISRAEL-is to Montreal this week for the first stop on his Canadian tour as he shared the “Survived to Tell” virtual reality experience. The program took participants on a journey as told by the survivors who experienced the horrors at the Kibbutzim and Nova festival. The experience combines never-before-seen footage, real-life re-enactments, and personal testimonies in the coming together of 5 strangers who have now been unified by unimaginable horror.

Aviv was joined by Muslim-Israeli-Bedouin police officer Remo Salman Alhuziyel, who rescued over 200 partygoers from the Nova festival by driving them to safety. Over the course of his 15-hour shift that day, he also lost 22 of his fellow colleagues.

Remo’s story not only profoundly resonated with Jewish students and members of our community, but also with non-Jewish students he met on campus this week.

Geopolitical Expert Avi Melamed Provides Valuable Context to Ongoing Middle East Conflict

Federation CJA was proud to bring geopolitical Middle East expert and former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed of Inside the Middle East to Montreal this past week as part of his year-long North American teaching tour. During his presentations to community professionals and students, Avi framed the events of October 7th and the ensuing conflict from a historical and geographical context. Avi’s goal? To bring clarity amidst the chaos by educating, empowering and equipping his audience with the knowledge and resources to engage in constructive, productive dialogue across diverse ideological backgrounds.

Federation CJA’s Generations Fund Program Applications Now Open
Registration is now open for all our Generations Fund programs, Federation CJA’s single most significant and ambitious investment in the future of the Montreal Jewish community. Over $80 million has been designated to strengthen Jewish identity in our Jewish day schools, summer camps, and through youth outreach, engagement, Jewish learning and Israel experiences. Discover what programs your child is eligible for today!

Come Visit Jewish Day Schools During Their Open Houses

Choosing the right Jewish school for your children is important! Learn more about which Montreal Jewish day school is best suited for your child’s needs by taking part in Open Houses this fall. For more information, visit www.ajdsmontreal.org.

Federation CJA Honours Commitment of Jeff Segel & Stephen Gross to Community

This past week, we paid tribute to the remarkable dedication and extraordinary achievements of Jeff Segel and Stephen Gross. Their contributions to philanthropy and to Federation CJA have been exceptional, particularly their tireless work in Corporate Sponsorship Development. We were honoured to present them both with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their countless years of service to community. Thank you, kol hakavod Jeff and Stephen!

The Network Hosts Successful U.S. Election Night Party

Our U.S. Election Night party hosted by the hilarious Derek Seguin was a hit! From insightful discussions to big laughs, it was an unforgettable evening of politics, comedy, and community. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this memorable event. A special thank you to our event sponsor Léger, co-chairs and esteemed panelists who expertly broke down the ballot box issues and the overall implications of the vote throughout the night.

Click here to view photos from the event!

GOTEENISRAEL Program Returns This Summer

Federation CJA looks forward to relaunching its GOTEENISRAEL program this summer. We remain committed towards ensuring even more Jewish teens can experience our homeland firsthand and understand the importance for teens to forge a connection and commitment to Israel and Jewish life.

Teens in grades 9, 10, or 11 residing in the province of Quebec can receive $1,800 USD towards the Israel summer trip of their choice when they register with one of our 10 Israel summer trip provider partners: BBYO, Bnei Akiva, Camp B’nai Brith Montreal (CBB), Camp Kinneret-Biluim, CSUQ, CTEEN, Diller Teen Fellows, Harry Bronfman Y Country Camp (YCC), NCSY, and Yachad.

Information Session to Answer All Your Questions About March of the Living

Are you interested in having your child participate in the 2025 Montreal March of the Living (MOL) trip? Join us for an in-person information session where you’ll have the opportunity to hear more about this incredible program. This information session will cover details including application information, program fees, itinerary, safety & security and more!

Now more than ever, it is vital to prioritize Holocaust education, alongside the unique opportunity to travel with Holocaust survivors. This commitment is critical in our fight against antisemitism and ensuring a resilient, strong, and vibrant Jewish future.

Natan Sharansky Inspires Students on Campus

Students heard from Natan Sharansky this week, as he shared his story of resilience and courage at Hillel. From being a prisoner in Russia to becoming the Chairman of the Jewish Agency and a minister in the Israeli government, Sharansky serves as a powerful example of standing up for human rights.

Students Relive October 7th Through Immersive Virtual Reality Experience

The “Survived to Tell” virtual reality experience came to Hillel House this week. Students had an extraordinary opportunity to hear Remo Salman Alhuziyel’s story of heroism and survival and, later, experience it firsthand thanks to the VR program. They shared how the initiative affected them as they were brought back to the Nova festival site virtually.

Last Chance to Apply for 2024 LEV Fellows Program

Hillel’s Lev Fellows Program engages CEGEP and university students with leadership potential to play a vital role in extending student engagement by connecting to diverse student social networks, fostering inclusivity, and building bridges within the campus community. The program, powered by Federation CJA and made possible through a gift from the Azrieli Foundation, empowers fellows to bring students together and create appealing content for peers in the areas of community building, Jewish culture, identity, and Israel on campus, enhancing educational opportunities for students. Students earn a $1,000 stipend and get an expense budget to run their own initiatives. Hurry, the deadline to apply is November 14th!

Commemoration of Kristallnacht: I Seek a Kind Person | Sunday November 10, 2024

Join the Montreal Holocaust Museum on Sunday November 10th in commemorating the legacy of Kristallnacht. To mark the somber anniversary, Julian Borger will be in conversation with Tarah Schwartz to discuss his book I Seek a Kind Person: My Father, Seven Children and the Adverts that Helped Them Escape the Holocaust as part of its Canadian launch.The ceremony portion of the evening will include musical pieces and commemorative prayers. In-person and online tickets are available.

Stand Together – An Event of Unity, Strength, And Resilience | Sunday November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC

Join Federation CJA at the Stand Together event in Washington, DC this Sunday. The free ticketed event, bringing together over 30,000 Jews and allies from over 200 organizations across North America, will honour heroes and strengthen our Jewish unit as we stand with Israel, for the hostages and against antisemitism. Hear from featured speakers Montana Tucker, Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor, and actress & comedian Tiffany Haddish, musical guests Shulem Lemmer and John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting and many more!

Remembrance Day Ceremony | Monday November 11, 2024

Join us as we pay tribute to the Jewish soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces. In these fraught times, with the ongoing war in Israel, it is more important than ever to unite in remembrance and honour those who have fought for our freedoms. Let us also extend our prayers for the safe return of those who are currently risking their lives daily so that we may live in peace and freedom.

Official Launch of New Permanent Judaica Installation | Monday November 11, 2024

Montreal community leader and entrepreneur, Irwin Tauben, has spent the last 25 years devotedly collecting antique Jewish ritual objects from around the world with a focus on Eastern European silver Judaica in honour of his familial roots. Now this impressive assemblage of candlesticks, kiddush cups, Hanukah menorahs, spice boxes, Torah pointers and more can be enjoyed and appreciated by the whole community on permanent display in the Gelber Conference Centre. Learn more as Claire Guttadauro introduces the project website and collection curator Mika Benesh relates the stories of a few of his favourite artifacts.

Ometz Presents the 2024 Pearl Leibovitch Conference: Roots & Branches | November 11-12, 2024

It’s back! This year, Ometz is bringing you two extraordinary events under one transformative theme: Cultivating Strong Sibling Bonds from Childhood Onwards. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering experience hosted by Ometz!

November 11th, 2024: Virtual Webinar For Parents

November 12th, 2024: Clinical Day for Professionals

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!

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.