“I grew up both geographically and spiritually distant from the Jewish community with a Jewish mother and a Catholic father. Four years ago, I decid...

“I grew up both geographically and spiritually distant from the Jewish community with a Jewish mother and a Catholic father. Four years ago, I decided to get involved, but I struggled to find ways to meet Jewish people my own age, to learn Hebrew and to find out more about Judaism.

A free trip to Israel allowed me to get in touch with my roots while building new friendships. The following summer, I spent six more weeks in Israel, immersed in Jewish culture. I was recently selected for a leadership training program that could lead to my becoming a Madricha, leading my own trip, and I look forward to impacting others in a positive way.

Getting involved with the Israel experience trips and the leadership training program have helped to deepen my connection to the Jewish community and I couldn't be more thankful. I owe all of my knowledge, friendships, and love for Israel to Federation CJA.”

With your support to Federation CJA, over 8,400 young adults from Montreal have been enriched by an Israel experience trip since 1999.

“Over the past 20 years, I have become attached to educating eleven and twelve-year-old children, because I can share my own experience as a young c...

“Over the past 20 years, I have become attached to educating eleven and twelve-year-old children, because I can share my own experience as a young child Holocaust survivor. I meet children from many different schools all over Quebec and North America, and I can understand their perspectives and the questions they ask; they’re ones that I would have liked to ask as a child.

It’s very uplifting to know that I’m changing lives with this knowledge. Many of the children reflect and realize that such things happened to ordinary families like their own. It’s important to educate them as young as possible, so they learn the lessons of history, carry our stories with them, and consider the role they play in making the world a more tolerant place.”

Each year more than 16,000 people, 70% of whom are students, are sensitized to the dangers of intolerance through Holocaust education, thanks to your support.

“When the Concordia Student Union adopted a BDS resolution against Israel, we students on campus took it upon ourselves to advocate for and support ...

“When the Concordia Student Union adopted a BDS resolution against Israel, we students on campus took it upon ourselves to advocate for and support the State of Israel. A negative resolution only made us stronger. This past October, we held the first ever Israel Education Month on campus, hosting a number of speakers and a memorial event for Rabin. The month culminated in a huge party celebrating the beauty of Israel.

Without the constant support of our community, none of this would have been possible. Thank you so much for providing the students of Montreal safe spaces, advice and encouragement during tough times on campus.”

With the support of Federation CJA, over 1,000 Jewish students at 7 CEGEP and universities in Montreal participated in on-campus activities related to Israel last year.

"I decided to emigrate to Montreal by myself, knowing only 2 people. I enrolled in workshops offered by the Jewish community, participated in events f...

"I decided to emigrate to Montreal by myself, knowing only 2 people. I enrolled in workshops offered by the Jewish community, participated in events for young adults, and took the time to speak with other French newcomers recommended by my advisor to assist with their immigrations.

Since I was known as an enthusiastic immigrant, as well as a communications consultant and someone who wanted to give back to the community, I was offered the position of Integration Consultant for the community's Initiative France-Montréal. I am happy to have the opportunity to welcome newcomers and help them on their journeys, because I know first-hand how emotional the process can be, and how reassuring it is to benefit from personal support and an attentive ear."

Over the last year, Federation CJA has experienced a 62% increase in the number of French Jews looking for information and support to immigrate to Montreal. The Initiative France-Montréal, a multi-partner program, was created to facilitate the immigration, employment and integration process into the Montreal Jewish community.