In this edition of 360, our focus is on delivering timely updates on Federation CJA’s emergency response to the rapidly evolving crisis in Israel.

As our community grapples with the weight of these challenging times, we strongly urge you to advocate for the safe return of innocent kidnapped Israeli citizens. Inside this edition, you’ll find essential resources for our Montreal Jewish community and learn how to extend your support to our brothers and sisters in Israel. Shabbat Shalom.

As we welcome Shabbat, we are still struggling with immense grief for our Israeli family. In times like this, we often turn to our children's purity and innocence as a positive distraction and guiding light. While they may not understand the entirety of what's going on in the world, they do understand what it means to be Jewish. They understand what it means to support one another and #StandUp for Israel, now and forever.

Click here for some heartwarming photos of Jewish children and students in Montreal and around the world banding together in solidarity and Jewish pride. Bring this bright sentiment into your own homes tonight as you light your Shabbat candles and continue to spread light through the darkness.

Shabbat Candlelight
October 20 | 5:42 PM

Urgent Appeal: Stand With Israel – DONATE NOW

As the world is learning of the brutality and devastation levied by Hamas in Israel, Federation CJA and its global partners are currently focused on supporting the immediate needs arising from this horror. NOW is the moment to rally and stand with Israel. Click here to DONATE. Your support is crucial to provide immediate relief to those affected. Together, as one global voice, we stand up in the face of adversity. Our spirit remains unbroken – Am Yisrael Chai.

Federation CJA 360 Podcast; The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community: Ep. 14: Special Edition - Israel Emergency Fund

Within 24 hours following the horrific attacks on Oct. 7, Jewish Federations of North America and Federation CJA launched an urgent, unprecedented appeal in order to support the Israeli people at this crucial moment in history. Here in Montreal, Federation CJA activated an Israel Emergency Fund to support the immediate needs arising from this horror. In this episode, we'll talk about this emergency appeal with Natou Suissa, Director of Financial Resource Development. 

Bring Them Home Now

On October 7, 2023, the world was shaken by the kidnapping of over 200 innocent Israeli citizens by Hamas terrorists. Federation CJA is actively working to raise global awareness and advocate for their safe return. Your support plays a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing their release.

The World Zionist Organization, in collaboration with HP Indigo, is making a powerful statement by distributing posters featuring the abductees in major cities across the globe. You can show your solidarity by requesting these free posters and even downloading them for printing. We urge you to share the names and faces of those who have been unjustly taken with politicians at all levels of government.

Now is the time to stand united in bringing our fellow Israelis home safely. Please spread this message widely within your network. Am Israel Chai.

Watch or listen to the recording of our recent Emergency Briefing on the Situation in Israel

For those who may have missed our recent emergency briefing, we understand the importance of staying informed during these trying times. Federation CJA remains dedicated to closely monitoring the situation in Israel. In the recording, we were joined by Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA; Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, Chair of the Jewish Agency Victims of Terror Fund; Arie Levy, Director General of Federation CJA Israel; and more. This briefing provides valuable insights and live updates directly from Israel. Click here for the video recording, or click here to listen to the podcast audio.

Emergency Response: Supporting our Montreal Jewish Community

In response to the devastating attacks in Israel, Federation CJA has acted swiftly and decisively to extend a helping hand to our Israeli brethren. Within a mere 24 hours of these tragic events, we initiated the Israel Emergency Fund, a rallying cry answered with an astounding $14 million in contributions from the Montreal Jewish community. These vital funds have already been dispatched to Israel, offering much-needed aid to victims and their families.

But our commitment doesn't stop there. Federation CJA has mobilized resources to provide support to Jewish students on campuses, teenagers, young adults, families with young children, and Jewish day schools. We're also gathering supplies for IDF soldiers and creating a central hub for community initiatives. Our unwavering promise is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel during these challenging times.

Furthermore, we are proud to collaborate with other organizations like CSUQ, YM-YWHA, Ometz, CBB, Cummings, and more, who are also taking steps to support and strengthen our Montreal Jewish community during this challenging time.

Find out more here and join us in community during this period of crisis. 

Quebec National Assembly stands firmly against terrorism and promotes peace

The Quebec National Assembly has taken a strong stance against terrorism and is committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. The recent motion recognizes the right to peace and stability for all residents of the region and condemns ideologies that promote terrorism, such as that of Hamas. We extend our appreciation to all parties that supported this important motion, reaffirming Quebec's values of peace and security for its inhabitants.

Honouring Alexandre Look: Building a bomb shelter in Israel in his memory [article in French]

Earlier this week, we gathered as a community to commemorate the memory of a true hero, Alexandre Look z”l. It was an evening filled with warmth, compassion, and a shared commitment to making the world a safer place. About 300 attendees came together to remember Alexandre and raise funds for a vital cause - constructing a public bomb shelter in Israel, much like the one he was in when the attack occurred.

World Zionist Organization: My Home is Your Home initiative

As the war in Israel has forced many residents to become refugees overnight, the 'My Home is Your Home' initiative, in partnership with the World Zionist Organization and local Israeli municipalities, aims to address one of the most pressing challenges: finding housing for residents of the settlements surrounding Gaza and the North, who have suddenly become refugees in their own country. This initiative allows individuals to open their homes to those in need, providing crucial support during these difficult times. By raising awareness about this initiative, we can all play a part in making a meaningful impact. Click here to learn more.

Five things you can do to help Israel

In the wake of the devastating events on October 7, 2023, our hearts are with our fellow Israelis who have endured an unimaginable tragedy. As we pray for their safety and peace, we're taking action to support them. You can make a difference by:

1. Donating essential supplies
2. Volunteering
3. Sending heartfelt cards to IDF soldiers
4. Attending local events
5. Contributing to the Israel Emergency Fund

Ometz Mental Health Webinars – How to cope in these challenging times

During these difficult times, many of us are struggling. Agence Ometz, in collaboration with BJEC, Federation CJA, PJ Library and Hillel Montreal, invites parents of Jewish children to join us for a discussion about how to cope with stress and anxiety for both your child(ren) and yourself. Led by Ometz mental health professionals, the three Zoom workshops will be geared toward the parents of older and younger children and will include topics such as social media, fear of going to school, dealing with antisemitism, and parental anxiety. Dr. Karen Gazith, PhD will moderate these sessions. Register now for the workshop that matches your child's age group: university students, high school or CEGEP students, or preschool and elementary students.

Click to register now for the workshop that matches your child's age group: university students, high school or CEGEP students, or preschool and elementary students.

What it means to say Am Israel Chai

Following the heart-wrenching events in Israel, Lior Zaltzman beautifully reflects on the profound meaning of "Am Yisrael Chai." Amidst the heartache and loss, this phrase, meaning "the people of Israel live," stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. Despite the deep pain of each innocent life lost, the essence of "Am Yisrael Chai" remains a powerful reminder of resilience and unity.

These Jewish songs are made for times of crisis

More than 40 songs with messages of peace, healing and strength. In moments of adversity, music has the incredible power to soothe our souls, offer hope, and unite communities.

Source: LBPSB

Flowers have long been used as symbols of life, growth, and renewal. Thanks to an anonymous generous donation of 1400 flowers, we can remember and honour the precious lives lost to hatred. These purple flowers signify the dignity of our community, the pride for Eretz Israel, and the success of our brothers and sisters on the frontline.

Source: JLive

JLive Hub: Rallying Montreal's Community in Solidarity with Israel

Jlive Hub is your gateway to local events and programs echoing our solidarity with Israel. As the tragic events unfold in Israel, it's crucial to rally our community in support. If you're organizing any programs, gatherings, or initiatives in response to or in support of the situation in Israel, ensure you select 'Israel in Crisis' as an event Topic/Theme when creating it on JLive. This will make it accessible on our community-wide page, allowing us to engage easily and attend. Although distance may lie between us, our unity and collective action bridge that gap, sending a powerful message of solidarity to our kin in Israel.