Federation CJA recently launched its boldest and largest campaign in its 106-year history. At a sold-out concert of 3,000 featuring Israeli pop star Omer Adam at Place des Arts, the 2023 Combined Jewish Appeal kicked off the second year of its $130 Million campaign.
“Our purpose is simple. We’re bringing people together to think big. To be bold. To act like the future of our community depends on it. Because it does, it’s the only way we will build the community we want for ourselves and for generations to come,” announced David Cape, General Campaign Chair. “We’re leaning into innovative approaches to solve the biggest problems of our day. To care for people in need. Respond to crises close to home and far away. And shape our Jewish future
“But we can’t do it alone,” Cape told the crowd. “We need people like you to stand up and join us. To give generously. To help us deliver on our promise to this community.”
“Core Jewish experiences are critical to the next generation choosing to live Jewishly, particularly for our teens. They need to know who they are and where they come from, especially if we are going to stem the erosion of Jewish pride and activism in our youth. And equip the next generation of young adults to take a stand on issues of concern to all of us,” added Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA. “We must help those who struggle daily and are already vulnerable: Seniors on fixed incomes, Holocaust survivors, single-parent families and those living with a disability, dealing with abuse, addiction, or mental illness. No one should choose between getting groceries, paying rent, eating a meal, or filling a prescription.”
The Montreal Jewish community is facing an alarming surge of antisemitism. Vandalism, violence, and online hate aimed at Jews is up substantially. On campus, students face a virtual tsunami of anti-Zionist and anti-Israel rhetoric, which invariably seeps into the media, politics, and broader public discourse.
“Through our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), we’re investing in outreach to Canadian leaders and influencers,” Szlak said. “We’re advocating for the inclusion of antisemitism and Holocaust education in anti-racism initiatives in all schools and providing Holocaust education through the Montreal Holocaust Museum.
“Our Community Security Network is training community members in basic security skills so that volunteers can play a greater role in protecting Jewish lives and institutions. Because we believe that living Jewish life to its fullest, without fear, is a priority,” Szlak continued.
Natou Suissa, Director of Financial Resource Development, said: “We stand in solidarity with Israel during times of peace and conflict. When crisis strikes, through our national and international partners, we are there. Whether in Ukraine, Israel, or anywhere in the world with a vulnerable local Jewish population, we’re there to provide critical assistance quickly.”
The war in Ukraine. The pandemic. The Beer Sheva bombing. Federation CJA marshalled the resources to get people in crisis the help they desperately needed. We voiced opposition to Québec’s Bill 21 on secularism and launched the Community Security Network in response to rising antisemitism.
“While we can’t plan for the unexpected, we can pivot as needed. We have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the hard-earned experience of getting the job done,” Suissa explained.
Federation CJA brings this community together. In times of crisis. In times of celebration. And every day in between. We’re Jews of every level of observance. We’re Sephardi and Ashkenazi. Canadian. Israeli. Iraqi. Argentinian. Ethiopian. We speak English. French. Hebrew. Russian. Spanish. What do we have in common? A desire to do good, core Jewish values, and the conviction that when all Jews stand up for community, we are at our strongest.
“When you give to Combined Jewish Appeal, you’re touching a whole range of issues. You’re supporting our vulnerable and fostering Jewish identity,” Cape summed up. “You’re combatting antisemitism and touching thousands of people. You’re joining a community of people who care deeply about making a real and lasting difference. And you’re shaping the Jewish future we want for ourselves and for generations to come.”
Omer Adam, the featured performer at the Campaign Launch, is an Israeli singer whose music fuses elements of eastern Mizrahi music (Oriental-Middle Eastern) and Western Pop instrumentation.
For more go to www.federationcja.org
