Yair Szlak

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Federation CJA’s Annual Campaign Launch at Hampstead Park featuring highly acclaimed Israeli singer Ishay Ribo and a spectacular drone show, was a roaring success as over five thousand people attended the event.

Last year’s March for Jerusalem, part of Federation CJA’s 2024-2025 campaign launch, attracted 25,000 people and also took place at Hampstead Park.

This year’s campaign has the theme “It’s Up To Us.” The event, billed as a celebration of culture, music and community, also featured, in a large tent, an authentic and atmospheric Israeli-style “shuk” market with a multitude of mouth watering goodies, including cake, fruits, meat, jewellery and many other items. The tent was also packed with enthusiastic shoppers and browsers.

We saw, amongst many others, Côte St. Luc councillor Dida Berku, former CSL councillor Allan Levine, English Montreal School Board chairman Joe Ortona; and Raquel and Alain Look, parents of former Côte St. Luc resident Alexandre Look, who died while defending others during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi enthusiastically posted videos on social media, writing “just a regular Tuesday night in Hampstead Park featuring Ishay Ribo! Am Yisrael Chai!”

D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass was also on hand.

“It was truly inspiring to come together and celebrate the strength and vibrancy of our community,” she posted afterwards.

“This night is our moment to stand up and say — It’s Up to Us,” stated Federation CJA president and CEO Yair Szlak. “It’s where our community comes together to take action.When you give to Federation CJA, you’re helping feed families, support the vulnerable, strengthen Jewish identity and fight antisemitism. You’re joining thousands who care deeply about making a real and lasting difference and shaping the Jewish future in this city and province.”

General Campaign chair Heather Adelson said that a successful campaign “is not only measured by dollars raised, but by the unity it fosters and the lives it touches. The launch of our 2025 campaign marks a renewed commitment to building a stronger, more connected community and what better place for us to come together than in the middle of the tradition and culture an Israeli shuk.” n

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

This month, for the seventh year, Federation CJA is marking Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month.The organization points out that it is a “unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide … to raise awareness and foster acceptance of community members living with disabilities and mental health conditions.

“This year, Federation CJA provided grants of up to $1,200 to 23 local organizations, schools and synagogues, helping them to alleviate financial costs associated with running activities and programs during JDAIM,” the organization’s statement says.

Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA, pointed out that the organization “remains deeply committed to creating a community where every individual feels valued and supported.

“From inclusive education and employment opportunities to recreational programs and community-wide initiatives, Federation CJA is proud to empower individuals living with disabilities and their families to thrive and fully participate in Jewish life.”

JDAIM also includes numerous local events as part of the awareness effort, such as an art vernissage and cooking and baking demonstrations. Events open to the public include:

• Feb. 12, 19, 25: Sensory Story Time at The Jewish Public Library.

• Feb. 13: Dorshei Emet Tu B’Shvat educational and advocacy initiative “Branches of Belonging: Cultivating an Inclusive Community”.

• The Friendship Circle presents two events including the DeLaMie Bakery “Babka Bake”, and their “Friend Blend” party bringing teen volunteers and families together.

• Feb. 16: The Adath Seniors Brunch: Where Community, Connection, and Inclusion Meet, featuring The Montreal Shira Choir.

• Feb. 18: Ometz and L ‘Annexe, the Ometz Centre for Young Adults, in partnership with Cummings Centre and Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, present “From Strength to Strength”, their annual Art Exhibition.

• Feb. 20: “JDAIM Market” at Federation CJA featuring vendors from social enterprise partners and people that employ persons living with diverse abilities.

Federation CJA also points out that “several Shabbat initiatives will take place over the month at the Adath Israel with neurodivergent speakers. Catering will be from Zera Café, a not-for-profit social enterprise with a mission to meaningfully employ neurodivergent adults.

Szlak added that the spirit of JDAIM “reflects the essence of our Jewish values—compassion, inclusion, and unity. By removing barriers and fostering understanding, we are creating a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community that welcomes and celebrates the contributions of all its members.”

For a complete listing of Montreal’s JDAIM 2025 Community Calendar of events, visit: https://jlive.app/organizations/104. For more information on how to access services in the community, consult the community resources section at federationcja.org/inclusion or contact inclusion@federationcja.org.