Montreal Community Gathers to Mourn Six Murdered Hostages

Earlier this week, students, faculty and the community at large gathered in grief and solidarity outside Concordia University’s Hall building to honour the lives of the six hostages recently murdered by Hamas. May the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov & Carmel Gat z”l inspire us to continue standing together, resilient and united.

“Let us resolve to shine much more light through these dark days. Let us double down on being Jewish. Let us increase our Jewish engagement and treat one another with even more respect and dignity. Let us shine our light through the fragile cracks of society to make the world a better place, just as we have done for generations.” - Yair Szlak, LL.B | President and Chief Executive Officer, Federation CJA

Federation CJA President & CEO Yair Szlak Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Our very own President & CEO Yair Szlak was one of 20 recipients of the King Charles III Coronation medal in a ceremony held last week at Ashkelon Gardens in Côte Saint-Luc. The medal, commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, is awarded nationally to those who “have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province” as nominated by members of their community. Yair was presented with his medal by Mount-Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather in recognition of his tireless fight against antisemitism, particularly after the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. Other honourees include Eta Yudin, vice-president, Quebec of CIJA, as well as student activists Jamie Fabian and Nicole Nashen for their work countering anti-Israel protests on campus.

Yasher Koach to Yair, Eta, Jamie and Nicole on well-deserved honours!

Navigating the Return to Campus: Addressing Antisemitism on Campus

As we enter a new academic year, following a series of unprecedented antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents on campus, it is essential that our students, families and communities have the knowledge and strategies they can use to navigate campus incidents and ensure the safety, wellbeing and full expression of Jewish students on campus.

Join us for a Community Webinar as we share with you the proactive steps we are taking to support students as they return to campus, whether CEGEP or University.

Whether it's navigating campus life or finding the right support systems, know that we are stronger together, and we’ve got your back!

Jewish Student Clubs at Concordia University Pursue Legal Action

Hillel Concordia, StartUp Nation and four Jewish students at Concordia are seeking an injunction, as they call on the school’s administration to enforce their own policies and protect its students. Federation CJA is supporting their brave actions. All students, Jewish or not, deserve to study without fear of harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.

Empowering Jewish Students: Introducing the Campus Initiative Micro-Grants

Federation CJA is thrilled to launch the new Campus Initiative Micro-Grants, designed to support Jewish CEGEP and university students. These grants aim to foster Jewish pride, connection to the community, and a strong bond with Israel on campus. Whether you're planning an initiative to advocate for Jewish life or strengthen ties with Israel, we’re here to help bring your ideas to life.

Open to Jewish student groups and campus professionals across Quebec, grants of up to $5,000 for student-led initiatives and up to $25,000 for professionally supported projects are available. The application deadline is Sunday, September 15, 2024, for programs running from October 2024 to May 2025.

Scholarships Available for Full-Time Concordia and McGill University Students

The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) is offering scholarships for full-time students enrolled at Concordia or McGill University, in partnership with Federation CJA. Applicants must be in good academic standing and serve as leaders on campus. Awardees must also be committed to working collaboratively with various student groups to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, celebrate diversity and work towards creating a safe and healthy campus climate, free of intimidation, discrimination, antisemitism and all expressions of prejudice and hate. In addition, students must demonstrate financial need in their Personal Statement.

There are only a limited number of scholarships available. Students can apply at the link below (use access code JCFsep24). The deadline to apply is September 30th at midnight.

For troubleshooting or any other questions, please email Dawn at [email protected] or call (514) 345-6427.

Birthright Returns to Montreal, Changed but Just as Essential to Jewish Solidarity

The itinerary for Federation CJA’s Birthright Israel trips has evolved since October 7th. So, too, have participants’ connections to Israel and to their own Jewish identities. Learn more about how recent Birthright trips have built up resilience within two young Montrealers and helped forge deeper connections to their community.

ProMontreal Entrepreneurs Launch Fall 2024 Funding Round for Start-Ups

PME’s Fall Funding Round is now open! Whatever your business may be, ProMontreal Entrepreneurs can help make it a reality. Apply early and join the list of successful #PMEFundedBusinesses!

Application Deadline: October 15th at 4:00 PM

Our Working Together Grants are Back!

We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Working Together: Community Impact Grant. This funding opportunity is for organizations to launch short-term collaborative initiatives (up to 12-months) that can effectively strengthen partnerships, find solutions, maximize resources, and strengthen strategic learning for impact in areas that align with Federation CJA’s three impact priority areas.

Montreal's Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Re-Launches Ivri Anochi: A Transformative Jewish Journey for Children in Grades 1-6

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is thrilled to announce the re-launch of Ivri Anochi, an immersive Jewish journey tailored specifically for children in grades 1-6 who do not attend Jewish day school. This unique program offers an unparalleled opportunity for young Jewish children to deepen their connection to their heritage in a dynamic and engaging environment.

Jewish Students at McGill Fearful of Their Return to Campus

With classes resuming across university campuses, so, too, has the angst and dread for many Jewish students. McGill University political science sophomore Sophie Block shares her personal experiences on campus since October 7th, her fears for the academic year ahead, and her hopes for the future.

March For Jerusalem | Sunday, September 8, 2024
We cannot wait to see you on Sunday - rain or shine. Don’t forget to bring your security bracelets. They are MANDATORY for everyone participating in the March. Please also note parking will be extremely limited around Hampstead Park. We encourage you to take public transportation, an Uber or walk. Check for road closures in advance to give yourself plenty of time. Wear blue and white!

An Evening with Jonny Daniels | Monday, September 9, 2024

The West Island Jewish Community invites you to an evening with Jonny Daniels, former Chief of Staff of the Knesset. He will be joined by the family of Tal Shoham, a hostage from the tragic events of October 7th. Join us for an insightful conversation!

The Power Business Lunch Series: Session with Rachael Segal | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Federation CJA and The Network invite you to the next session of The Power Business Lunch Series! For our second session, we are honored to have Rachael Segal, co-host of the Beyond a Ballot podcast, who will offer expert commentary on the U.S. Presidential Debate taking place on September 10.

West Island Campaign Opening: Friday Night Lights | Friday, September 13, 2024

Join us as we gather with young families from our community at Federation CJA West Island for a heartwarming Shabbat dinner. Enjoy a delicious kosher meal, fun games, and engaging activities for kids. Let's come together to share in the spirit of solidarity, support, and togetherness in a beautiful evening that celebrates our vibrant community. All are welcome!

The Network Presents: The Business of Sports Betting | Monday September 23, 2024

Join us for The Business of Sports Betting, an exclusive evening with industry experts. Moderated by renowned sports journalist Elliotte Friedman, he will guide the conversation with industry experts Dale Hooper, Scott Woodgate and Jordan Gnat, as they share their insights on the intersection of sports, technology, entertainment, and the future of sports betting.