Federation CJA 360 - October 27, 2023

Amidst the ongoing crisis in Israel, we're shifting from our regular 360 newsletter to provide you with vital updates on Federation CJA's emergency response.

BREAKING NEWS:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with community members at the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA. Federation CJA and CIJA leadership were onsite to greet the Prime Minister. He also spoke with Hillel students about their experiences of antisemitism on campus in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and subsequent war. 

 

Also this morning, CIJA and Federation CJA leadership had a productive discussion with Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons.

 

Details on both of these significant encounters to follow in the coming days.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

FREE TRANSPORTATION to and from Victoria Square is available. Click the link below to secure your spot now.

RESERVE HERE

To ensure your safety, there will be a high volume of police presence surrounding the rally location, in public transit to and from the event, as well as at the bus pick up and drop off locations.

UNITED WITH ISRAEL – HOW WE ARE HELPING

We are grateful to the more than 4,400 donors who have already chosen to #StandUp and support our Israel Emergency Fund. Over $9 million has already been sent overseas and is addressing the most urgent needs.

Read: See the direct impact your generosity has on supporting Israel and its people. 

You Save Lives
 

Watch: We've allocated $250,000 to fund ZAKA's crucial equipment for recovering and identifying those murdered in terror attacks, ensuring they receive a proper burial. In this interview, ZAKA’s commander discusses their challenging efforts following the Hamas attacks. [Warning: extremely disturbing content].

Watch it Here
 

Watch: We've directed $400,000 toward essential emergency supplies for United Hatzalah medics, providing them with vital tools such as first-aid kits and defibrillators. Learn more about their crucial, life-saving efforts during the recent attacks. [Warning: disturbing content].

Watch Now
 

Listen: Be sure to tune into Episode 14, our 360 Podcast, for a comprehensive update on our fundraising efforts and the difference they are making.

Listen Now
 

COMMUNITY SECURITY

Ensuring the safety of our Montreal Jewish community is paramount:

Watch: Tune into a meaningful conversation with Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA, and the Montreal Police Chief as they discuss the importance of living in a peaceful and secure environment and the measures they are taking to achieve that. 

Watch Now
 

Take Action: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Help keep our community safe by reporting any suspicious behaviour or antisemitic incidents. In emergencies, dial 911.

Report Here
 

STAND UP. TAKE ACTION.

Every step, every action, and every voice is needed now more than ever:

Your voice matters. 

 

THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

  1. Tell Canada's leaders to stand strong with Israel and send a note urging continued support of Israel and thanking these political leaders for their strong messages to date. This call to action is urgent and only takes a minute to make a significant difference. Take action here.
  2. Call your Member of Parliament. Phone calls are more effective than email. Need their numbers? Find them here.
  3. Share this hashtag on social media and tell the world: #BringThemHomeNow.

 

This is all you need to say: "It’s day 20 of the war. Bring the hostages home."

Your involvement is crucial.

 

  • Donate urgently needed supplies and essentials for Israeli families. See the list and drop-off info here. For the Amazon wishlist, click here.

  • Volunteer to sort and pack donations. Sign up for updates here.

  • Create cards for IDF soldiers. Follow this guide for instructions and drop-off info.

  • Support Israel by attending local events. Find programs and gatherings here.

  • Join #BlueRibbonsForIsrael to show solidarity with hostages and their families. Learn more here.

STRONGER TOGETHER: COMMUNITY CARE & UNITY

Discover the stories highlighting our community's strength, resilience, and commitment to caring for each other during these challenging times.

In the past two weeks, we've seen an outpouring of support:

 

  • Hundreds of posters displayed at key locations across the city, from the Old Port to Atwater Market, Jean-Talon Market, Place des Arts, Sherbrooke, Verdun, Concordia University, McGill University, NDG, and more.
  • Some posters were removed, but many prompted positive conversations and support.
  • Our message is clear: We won't stop until ALL the hostages are home.

     

Take Action: Support Israel and help raise awareness by displaying posters of the kidnapped. Order your high-quality posters at no cost and collect them from designated points. Request your set of posters by filling out your details here. Alternatively, download and print posters in various languages at kidnappedfromisrael.com.

 

#BlueRibbonsForIsrael

Read: So many Federation CJA impact partners are invested in the #blueribbonsforisrael global solidarity campaign. JEM Workshop has the privilege of being directly involved in this important project through its mandate to assemble 10,000 blue ribbons for community participants. JEM Workshop is well-equipped to take on diverse packaging contracts for customers from all industries, and this one is particularly meaningful. 

GET YOURS NOW!

SUPPORTING STUDENTS ON CAMPUS:

Watch: With everything that has been going on across North American campuses, know that you are not alone. Federation CJA and CIJA are actively working to support and protect Jewish students. We stand with you. Learn more about our efforts. 

Watch here

Here's some of what's been happening at Hillel Montreal since October 7 to support our students:

 

  • A heartfelt gathering took place after Simchat Torah, providing students with the opportunity to find comfort in one another and share a meal as they processed the situation.

  • An informative Zoom session was held for Cegep students, outlining what they might encounter on campus, how Hillel can assist them, and other valuable resources.

  • A vigil was held at McGill University. Organized by Hillel, Chabad at McGill, and the Jewish Law Students Association, students came together to mourn the losses and stand united with Israel.

  • The Unity Shabbat saw a gathering of over 200 students for egalitarian services at Hillel and Orthodox services at Chabad, followed by a Shabbat dinner hosted collectively by Hillel, Chabad at McGill, and the Jewish Law Students Association.

 

If you have a child on campus, here in Montreal, or anywhere in the world, they can turn to Hillel for support. Click here for details. For additional resources click here.

Read: Ometz is here to support you and your children during this difficult time. To provide guidance on talking to your children and teenagers about the war, as well as addressing stress and anxiety, Ometz mental health professionals have curated a list of age-appropriate resources.

Learn More
 

Register: Join Ometz’s upcoming webinar on coping strategies for parents of preschool and elementary school-aged children. Learn practical tips and gain support to help you and your family. Topics include social media, fear of going to school, dealing with antisemitism, and parental anxiety. 

Register Here
 

PJ Library Israel Hub: Navigate discussions about Israel's events with your children or grandchildren with ease using PJ Library's Israel Hub. Discover a curated list of articles, videos, songs, and more to support meaningful conversations. 

Explore the Resources
 

VOICES FOR CHANGE:  ADVOCACY IN ACTION

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) remains our beacon of advocacy during these turbulent times. Get insights into CIJA's most recent advocacy initiatives.

Read: CIJA and Canadian Jewish groups urge Canada to correct the false Hamas narrative on the Gaza hospital explosion. 

Read the Joint Statement
 

Listen: Hear from Eta Yudin, Vice President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), on CJAD Montreal about Sunday’s rally calling on Hamas to release the hostages in Gaza. 

Listen Here
 

OUR GLOBAL JEWISH COMMUNITY

A plea to the United Nations addressing the hostage crisis

Watch: Families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th came to New York this week to speak to the United Nations about the plight of their loved ones and to keep the hostage crisis at the forefront of the world’s attention.

 

Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, spoke about her 23-year-old son who was critically wounded in the attack at the Supernova Music Festival when Hamas terrorists fired on their son before taking him hostage. She called the situation “a global humanitarian tragedy.” 

Watch it Here
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us on November 9th to 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.

Join Us
 
 

Disclaimer
Federation CJA 360 is a news aggregate, offering readers a variety of articles and opinion pieces on topics of concern to the Jewish community and presented in a concise, convenient platform. The opinions expressed by contributors shared in Federation CJA 360 do not necessarily reflect the policies or the positions of Federation CJA, its staff or its Board of Directors.


About Federation CJA
For over one hundred years, Federation CJA has been at the heart of the organized Jewish community in Montreal. In partnership with a vast network of agencies and organizations locally, nationally and internationally, Federation CJA builds and sustains this community by providing leadership and by supporting the delivery of services and programs to care for the vulnerable and those in need, to ensure a bright Jewish future, to represent communal interests and to positively affect issues in the wider society.

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