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

Uncover the unsettling rise of antisemitism as we delve into Episode 19 of the Federation CJA 360 Podcast. In a thought-provoking conversation, Yair sits down with Karen Payne  (Federation CJA’s Strategic Advisor – Antisemitism Advocacy), to explore the ongoing war of words in Montreal amidst the hundred-day aftermath of terror attacks by Hamas. Gain insights into understanding and combating the spillover of antisemitism beyond university campuses.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Israel at War: Alexandre Look’s Story | Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 18

Two months after the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel we hear the personal and heart-wrenching story of Alexandre Look. Yair speaks with Raquel Look, as she shares the painful story of her son who was murdered by terrorists at the Nova Music Festival for Peace.

We also have a news capsule from the Jewish community’s rally on Parliament Hill, an update from our twin community of Beersheva - B’nai Shimon, and Chanukah greetings from Federation CJA Board Chair Steve Sebag as well as from the President of Israel. 

And we’ll wrap up with One More Thing from Yair.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Israel continues to battle against Hamas terrorists, and a different kind of fight
is going on here in Montreal, especially on our college and university campuses.
Today we’re looking at the scourge of antisemitism that is bubbling over on our
streets and on CEGEP and university campuses. What can we do about it? How
can students deal with the situation? Who should they turn to?

We will be in conversation with Naomi Mazer, Director of Hillel Montreal, as well
as two university students, Ora Bar from Concordia and Claire Frankel from
McGill.

Listen in on an interview, slightly delayed, that we recorded two months ago
about a special Hillel McGill mission to Israel and the West Bank, featuring Nati Ben Ami, Felix Desrochers and Nicole Nashen.

And we’ll wrap up with “One More thing, from Yair” with his reflections on the last
month.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Eta Yudin, Vice President for CIJA Quebec and Yair Szlak, President and CEO for Federation CJA welcome Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher to their offices for a special message to the Montreal Jewish community.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

On this special edition of the podcast, we will be sharing a recording of our recent emergency briefing, as we understand the importance of staying informed during these trying times. Federation CJA remains dedicated to closely monitoring the situation in Israel. In the recording, we were joined by Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA; Yifat Zailer, a Family member of kidnapped victims, Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin; Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, Chair of the Jewish Agency Victims of Terror Fund; Arie Levy, Director General of Federation CJA Israel; and more. This briefing provides valuable insights and live updates directly from Israel.

To continue supporting the urgent needs of Israelis, donate to Federation CJA’s Israel Emergency Fund by clicking here. Thank you.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Within 24 hours following the horrific attacks on Oct. 7, Jewish Federations of North America and Federation CJA launched an urgent, unprecedented appeal in order to support the Israeli people at this crucial moment in history. Here in Montreal the Federation activated an Israel Emergency Fund.

Federation CJA and its global partners are supporting the immediate needs arising from this horror by supporting victims right now:

• Funds for Victims of Terror
• Evacuation and Support for Frontline Communities 
• Emergency Medical Assistance and Healthcare

In this episode we'll talk about this emergency appeal with Natou Suissa, Director of Financial Resource Development. 

To donate, please click here. Thank you.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

We are focusing today on safety and security here in the Montreal Jewish community. Many members of the community are understandably concerned for their personal safety and that of their family, be it out in the community, at school, synagogue, wherever. 

We’ve invited David, Federation CJA Director of Community Security, to answer a few questions.

Federation CJA is in close contact with our overseas partners, and we have been called upon with an unprecedented need for cash to assist victims of terror and their families.

 Federation CJA will absorb all administrative costs to this emergency appeal so that 100 percent of funds donated will provide critically needed aid to victims and their families.

 You can help right now. Visit Federation CJA .org to donate to the ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUND.  

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Community members and leaders gather at vigil in support of Israel and to mourn the victims.  This episode presents a condensed recording of the vigil with highlights from the speeches. 
Am Israel Chai. 

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Episode 11:
We’re back to talk about one of the most crucial roles in Federation CJA, fundraising!
Episode 11 gives a further look into the power of YOUR impact to the Combined Jewish
Appeal.
Here’s a sneak peek:
- Yair Szlak speaks with Natou Suissa, Director of Development, on the power and
impact of your contribution.
- Get a Mini-Fed segment for a behind the scenes with Lindsay Eiley, Director of
Passport to Jewish Life.
- Celebrate Israel’s 75 th with an “Israeli Moment” from our brand-new special
emissary from Israel, Daniella Elmaliach.
- Expanding on her story from the CJA23 Annual Campaign video, Victoria
Medvedeva discusses how Federation CJA supported her family’s journey from
Ukraine.
- The detailed incredible philanthropic journey of the one and only Harley
Finkelstein, and how it found him back in Montreal.
- We’ll wrap up with “One More Thing, from Yair.”

✉️ Send your questions for Yair about the Jewish community and federation services. Send us
your first name, where you’re from, and your question to [email protected], and we’ll
try to answer them in the next episode.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.

Exciting news! With the launch of our 2023 Campaign, episode 10 explores the impact of community, and how strong we can be when we #StandUp together.

Here’s a sneak peek:
- Yair Szlak gets into the behind the scenes of fundraising with David Cape, Chair
of the 2022-2023 Comprehensive General Campaign of the Combined Jewish
Appeal.
- Rabbi Getzy dives in to the incredible work done at The Family Store, a
subsidized community grocery warehouse.
- Celebrate Israel’s 75 th with an “Israeli Moment” from Stephen Rabinovitch as he
gives us the run down on the upcoming Journey of Hope!
- Get a boots-on-the-ground update from Oxana Pasternak on the Jewish-
Ukrainian community.
- Eta Yudin, from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, gives an overview of her
newly published article in the Times of Israel, “Our Common Values,” detailing
the enduring relationship between Quebec and Israel.
- We’ll wrap up with “One More Thing, from Yair,” as we look forward to the
upcoming High Holidays.
✉️ Send your questions for Yair about the Jewish community and federation services. Send us
your first name, where you’re from, and your question to [email protected], and we’ll
try to answer them in the next episode.

The Pulse of Montreal's Jewish Community.