Please note that our 360 newsletter will take a brief pause these next few weeks because of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We will be back on Friday November 1st for our next edition. In the meantime, wishing you and your family a G’Mar Chatima Tova. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

More Action Needed to Combat Alarming Rise in Antisemitism Across Quebec

Federation CJA and CIJA spoke with a common voice to denounce antisemitism and outline their priorities for the coming year in a joint press conference held at the Gelber Conference Centre Tuesday afternoon. The briefing, given by Federation CJA Board Chair Steve Sebag and CIJA’s Vice-President (Quebec) Eta Yudin, was held under the backdrop of a resurgence of antisemitism that saw 212 hate crimes and incidents targeting the Jewish community reported to the SPVM since October 7, 2023 and just one day after demonstrators glorified Islamic terrorism on city streets to mark the anniversary of the October 7th massacre. We reiterated our call for the removal of Bochra Manaï, Montreal’s antiracism commissioner, and highlighted the need for strong moral clarity, particularly from political leaders. Major Quebec media outlets, including La Presse and the Montreal Gazette, covered the conference. We also called for an increase in arrests, and the creation of special prosecutors trained in recognizing hate crimes to best combat the rising hate directed at the Jewish community across Quebec.

Volunteer at our Annual Yom Yocheved Clothing Giveaway

As winter quickly approaches, many community members risk not having proper winter clothing to keep themselves and their families safe and warm in Montreal’s brutal cold. This year, due to inflation, the number of vulnerable individuals and families in the community has increased dramatically. And you can help us transform their lives.

Federation CJA’s annual Yom Yocheved Clothing Giveaway will provide winter wear to over 960 vulnerable individuals in our community this year. Help your teens get their volunteer/community service hours started early this year by volunteering for the unpacking and sorting! Proof of community service hours will be provided.

Apply to be a Chaperone on the Journey of Hope

Do you have a passion for Holocaust education? Do you enjoy working and interacting with young people between the ages of 18 and 22? Are you able to facilitate programs and discussions?

If so, becoming a chaperone on the Journey of Hope is just for you. Apply today for our next trip, scheduled for June 8-18, 2025.

PME’s Fall Funding Round is Now Open! Application Deadline: October 15th at 4:00 PM

Whatever your business may be, ProMontreal Entrepreneurs can help make it a reality. Apply early and join the list of successful #PMEFundedBusinesses!

Federation CJA counters “Week of Rage” with “Week of Love”

In response to the “Week of Rage,” Federation CJA organized a heartwarming counter-event titled the "Week of Love". The goal was to promote positivity, unity, and kindness within the student communities at McGill and Concordia. By offering snacks and engaging with students, we aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere and spread love across campuses.

Hillel Concordia Celebrates Superior Court Win

Hillel Concordia and The StartUp Nation applauded a recent Superior Court decision to prevent pro-Hamas and anarchist groups from blocking access to university classrooms and buildings between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The ruling was a welcome respite from months of hostility on campus and ensured students were able to pursue their studies without fear of intimidation or harassment. Federation CJA and CIJA are proud to have supported the brave actions of the students seeking injunctive relief.

Last Chance to Register for B’Yachad Fellowship & Lev Fellows Program!

CEGEP students are invited to apply to join the 4th cohort of the B’Yachad Fellowship. The sessions, beginning on Sunday November 3rd and running until February 2025, will equip students with the tools they need to LISTEN, LEARN, and LEAD in response to antisemitism on campus and in their advocacy for Israel.

Meanwhile, Hillel’s Lev Fellows Program is also accepting applications from both CEGEP and university students. The program empowers future student leaders to enhance their engagement on campus and foster inclusivity by leading initiatives focused on Jewish culture, identity, Israel on campus and educational opportunities.

Hurry, the deadline to apply for both programs is this Tuesday October 15th!

Help Ensure Samidoun is Designated a Terrorist Entity

CIJA is supporting a House of Commons petition launched by Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong calling on the Government of Canada to designate Samidoun as a terrorist entity. Samidoun is openly connected to the PFLP, a Canadian-listed terror entity, and is a frequent organizer of pro-Hamas and pro-Hezbollah demonstrations that include calls for violence. The Vancouver-based hate movement is banned in Germany and listed as a terrorist group in Israel.

One Montreal Rabbi's Views on Zionism

Israel’s right to exist has been questioned by many since October 7th, 2023. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow, senior rabbi of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, wrote into the Montreal Gazette to explain why she is a Zionist and to clarify what the term truly means.

Canada’s Special Envoy on Combatting Antisemitism Condemns October 7th Celebrations

While Canadian Jews nationwide gathered to mourn on October 7th, simultaneous celebrations occurred across the country glorifying and justifying the horrific massacre and ongoing captivity of 101 hostages in Gaza. Canada’s special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism, Deborah Lyons, condemns such behaviour and hopes the events of October 7th serve rather as a reminder of the dangers of antisemitism and its threat “to our social fabric, political norms and democratic institutions.”

Assassination of Hassan Nasrallah Seen as Opening for Radical Change in Lebanon (in French)

The recent murder of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has offered a glimpse of hope for some in Lebanon. Jonathan Elkhoury, an Israeli-Lebanese Christian speaker, activist and public diplomacy advisor, is one of them. He sees his death as an opportunity to change the power dynamic in Lebanon by replacing Nasrallah with someone who truly has Lebanon’s best interests at heart.

Laila Basukah - West Island | Sunday October 20, 2024

Join us for an evening of mingling, mixing and music while we learn how to make our favorite cocktails! Cocktails & Refreshments included. Age 18+. Special presentation by “At Your Service” mixologist.

Join the West Island Commemorative Havdalah | Saturday October 26, 2024

We invite the community to come together in the West Island for a commemorative Havdalah service marking the first anniversary of the Simchat Torah massacre. Join us for a special Torah cover dedication honoring Alexandre Look z”l.

PME Hub Workshop: Legal Considerations in Business | Tuesday October 29, 2024

There are many legal considerations that impact start-up companies and entrepreneurs, particularly in the areas of business formation and structuring, employment, and intellectual property protection.

The workshop will feature Scott Rozansky, Rhonda Grintuch and Eliane Ellbogen from Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. The topics of the workshop include raising capital, shareholder agreements, key employees and advisors, IP, and risk management.

Q&A segment to follow presentation.

The ABCs of Starting a Business | Wednesday October 30, 2024

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.

The Network Presents: US Election Night Party | Tuesday November 5, 2024

Tune in for an unforgettable US Election Night filled with excitement, insights, and special guests as we watch the future unfold together! This exclusive event will be THE place to experience the commotion of Election Night, surrounded by fellow news enthusiasts, political junkies, and community leaders. Join us to explore how the election results will impact Canada and the Jewish community worldwide.

With real-time coverage on every screen, you won’t miss a second of the action!

Moderated by comedian Derek Seguin.

Inside the Middle East with Avi Melamed - West Island | Thursday November 7, 2024

Join us in the West Island for an evening with Inside the Middle East's Avi Melamed. There is no fee to register, but pre-registration is required.

Hollywood and the New Antisemitism | Thursday November 7, 2024

Join the Jewish Public Library for an enlightening and timely conference featuring New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist Ian Halperin. Halperin will discuss his latest book, "Bigot: Roger Waters, Mel Gibson, Kanye West and The New Antisemitism," in a riveting conversation with renowned journalist Barbara Kay with an introduction by Member of Parliament and Special Adviser on Jewish Community Relations and Antisemitism, Anthony Housefather. Dive deep into the themes and revelations of Halperin’s newest work during this insightful talk based on his seven-year research into antisemitism in Hollywood.