Federation CJA 360 Podcast: The Pulse of Montreal’s Jewish Community

Katherine Korakakis is the manager of Federation CJA’s ProMontreal Entrepreneurs program, a mentor-driven accelerator helping young entrepreneurs build and strengthen their business roots in Montreal. Yair Szlak speaks with her, and with Jonathan Abitbol of Mobispaw pet grooming, a beneficiary of the program. And From Israel: we check in with participants of Birthright Powered by Federation CJA; with our man in Be'er Sheva, Arie Levy, and with the Association des Médecins Juifs du Québec (AMJQ) about their recent mission to Israel.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

CIJA and Federation CJA stage a protest outside Montreal City Hall calling for more concrete action on antisemitism from Mayor Valerie Plante, Rudy Rochman, IDF reservist and social media superstar comes to Montreal, and a resilience worker and evacuee from northern Israel visits Federation CJA

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

• It continues to be a tense time for the Montreal Jewish community. Glenn J. Nashen talked with Federation CJA President and CEO Yair Szlak about Federation’s priorities and strategies for safety in the community now and moving forward.

• Plus, UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer came to Montreal, and spoke at a Federation CJA event, where he had strong words, as always, for the UN, UNRWA, Amnesty Internation, and others. Dan Laxer has that story.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

In this episode, we’re introducing a brand new News Edition for a more news-style format. Join us once a month with host Glenn J. Nashen and his team as they cover news and events pertaining to Federation CJA and its impact partners. 

Today we’ll hear a story about one of Federation CJA’s newer impact partners: HaGal Sheli, an organization that empowers troubled youth in Israel. How they do it is amazing.

Plus, our own Jordan Stoopler went out to cover events for what we’re calling the three yoms: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut.

And Leah Morali attended an event at Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s residence in Jerusalem.

We’ll also hear about Federation CJA’s new campaign chair.

Listen in now.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

In this episode, we talk about using the law and the courts to fight back. Meet lawyer Neil Oberman who is STANDING UP for the Montreal Jewish community and helping fight against the scourge of antisemitism and Jew-hatred through the courts.

We’ll also hear an exclusive, behind the scenes interview with ONE LIFE film director James Hawes.

We’re happy to welcome our newest reporter Dan Laxer to the podcast. Dan is a freelance content provider whom Montrealers know from his years at CJAD Radio, and his contributions to The Suburban and CTV. Dan will bring us a report on a heart-warming Passover Seder organized by Federation CJA volunteers for the JEM Workshop employees.

Listen in now.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Continuing our vital conversation on Israel Advocacy, we are honoured to welcome back Dr. Mijal Bitton for the second part of this enlightening series, brought to you by the B'Yachad CEGEP Fellowship program.

In this episode, explore the complexities of the Jewish student landscape on campuses. Discover the most effective strategies to counteract false claims against Israel, fostering an environment of understanding and resilience. Our esteemed moderators, Avishai Infeld and Jenna Yaffe, bring their unique insights and experiences to the table, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance in navigating difficult dialogues and conflicts.

This episode is particularly relevant for CEGEP and university students, offering invaluable perspectives and tools for advocacy. Join us in this journey of learning and empowerment as we stand together in solidarity and advocacy for Israel.

But that's not all. Our reporter Leah Morali brings us an interesting piece about Hagal Sheli, a unique project created to assist young Israelis succeed personally and academically.  Their founder and CEO, Yaron Waksman and International Partnership professional, Ephy Shapiro recently visited us here in Montreal. This Israeli NGO is the recipient of funding through our Israel Emergency Fund.

So, join us as we embark on a journey of introspection, inspiration, and solidarity.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Welcome to the Federation CJA 360 podcast. In this latest episode, join Yair as he sits down with Eta Yudin, Quebec Vice President, CIJA, to explore the crucial topic of Hate crimes training for prosecutors. It's a deep dive into an issue directly affecting our community.

But that's not all – we'll also introduce you to one of our shinshinim, an Israeli student immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Montreal during their gap year. Hear their unique perspective and experiences firsthand.

Plus, our dedicated reporter Leah Morali brings you the latest scoop on a groundbreaking partnership taking shape in Kibbutz Nirim as well as info about the court injunction helping to safeguard our Jewish institutions. .

And as always, we'll wrap up with "One More Thing, from Yair", offering insights, reflections, and perhaps a touch of inspiration to carry with you until our next episode.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Federation CJA 360 podcast where we tell the stories that resonate deeply within our community. In this installment, we are honored to host Dr. Mijal Bitton, a distinguished Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and a true leader in our midst as the Rosh Kehilla of the Downtown Minyan in New York City.

Our moderator, Federation CJA antisemitism consultant Karen Payne will focus on How to Educate Ourselves in Advocating for Israel. But that's not all. Our reporter Leah Morali brings us a poignant segment titled "Heroes," where she shares the firsthand testimony of four remarkable individuals who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable evil during the October 7 massacre. Leah's storytelling transports us to the heart of their bravery, inspiring us with their resilience and determination.

So, join us as we embark on a journey of introspection, inspiration, and solidarity. 

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Join Yair in an engaging conversation with Shanie Dotan, Director of International Relations for
the Municipality of Be'er Sheva. Explore the significant impact of the Montreal Jewish
community's twinning with Be'er Sheva and the broader B'nai Shimon region, gaining insights
into our involvement and influence in that area.
Additionally, stay tuned for this month's News Capsule featuring Leah Morali's report on former
Member of Knesset Shirly Pinto's recent visit to Montreal. And as always, we'll conclude with
"One More Thing" from Yair.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Join Yair in discussion with Drs. Guila Delouya and Lior Bibas, members of the recently
established Association de Médecins Juifs du Québec. This pioneering initiative is
dedicated to combating antisemitism within Montreal and larger Quebec medical
community.
Leah Morali prepares the latest news capsule, focusing on Jewish Disability Awareness
Acceptance and Inclusion month and brings a recap of Montreal’s recent solidarity
mission to Israel and Steve Rabinovitch talks about upcoming Birthright and Onward
teen travel opportunities to Israel.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.