Issue 3
April 2008
President's Update
The National Address for Jewish Canada and Partnership with Israel and World Jewry. L'adresse nationale de la communaute juive canadienne et de son partenariat avec Israel et le monde juif.
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President's Update
Spring, our season of renewal, is finally promising to return and with it Jews all over the world will be
remembering, reflecting and celebrating through the days of Passover, Yom Hashoa, Yom Hazikaron and Yom
Ha'atzmaut.
Many of us have grown up with Israel playing a vital role in our lives. We have never known a world without
the State of Israel and we take it for granted that Israel will always be there. But for those who remember life
before the establishment of the Jewish State, those who have experienced the excitement of its early days and
the enthusiasm of its development, it has made a world of difference.
We have come so far, in such a short time. Accomplishments have been great and we have so much to cele-
brate. Our achievements span the gamut from the arts to science and hi-tech. We have transformed the land
of Israel from a barren dessert to a blooming garden, even while being challenged by persisting threats and
acts of aggression from neighbouring countries. As Canadian Jews we have participated as active partners in
the growth and development of Israel. We have shared her troubles and crisis's and have never faltered; and
we have shared her joys and celebrations and have never been more proud.
UIAFC CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF ISRAEL
Our Israel office is working enthusiastically to ensure a warm welcome to all the missions from across Canada.
This year promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants!
Over 1,000 Canadian participants from across Canada will join with international Keren Hayesod missions to
partake in Yom Ha'Atzmaut festivities in Israel this year. Canadian groups will include Montreal's Young
Leadership, a Regional Jewish Communities Yom Ha'Atzmaut Mission, the Coast-to-
Coast March of the Living Mission, Toronto's and Montreal's Prime Minister's
Missions, a group from Ottawa led by John and Sunny Tavel as well as 800 partici-
pants of March of the Living.
All Canadian missions will celebrate like the Israelis, by joining UIAC's Yom
Ha'Atzmaut barbeque picnic on May 8th at Maale HaHamisha. The celebration will
include an artisan fair, entertainment, Israeli food and a barbeque. The following
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April 2008
morning, on May 9th, we will be hosting a Yom Ha'Atzmaut Hagiga (After-party) where we will honour
our Israeli philanthropic partners Nochi Dankner, Michael Strauss and Eitan Wertheimer.. Prime Minister
Ehud Olmert will be the special guest of honour at this unique event that will acknowledge the growing
partnership of the Israeli philanthropic sector with the diaspora.
Following all of the traditional Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations, Linda, Yossi and I will accompany UIAFC and
international Jewish leadership at the "Conference of Presidents" sponsored by President Shimon Peres.
Many world leaders including President George W. Bush are expected to participate.
KEREN HAYESOD AND JAFI BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETINGS
Linda Kislowicz and I were recently in Israel for the KH and JAFI Board of Governors meetings. Canada was
recognized for its outstanding performance in the 2007 campaign, having made a significant contribution to
the JAFI core budget. Along with Randy Shiff, Yossi Tanuri and Board Chair, Menahem Kali, we visited
Canada Centre in Metulla to see the progress of its renovations. An allocation from Canadian IEC funds made
the substantial improvements possible.
UJA FEDERATION'S RALLY FOR SDEROT
While in Israel, we joined with the leadership of Toronto
UJA for a live satellite feed, linking us to Toronto's Rally in
support of Sderot. Visiting leaders including members of
the Board of Governors, and guests from Canada gath-
ered with Sderot residents and representatives from our
partner organizations to witness Toronto's supportive
community. It was an extremely moving and emotion-
al experience.
Among the speakers in Sderot, were representatives of the UIAC coalition for youth, Captain Benny Meir of
the IDF and a young wife and mother who was injured when a Kassam rocket hit their house. We heard per-
sonal accounts from a group of teens who described for us the on-
going trauma of always needing to be aware of the location of the
closest reinforced shelter lest a warning siren sound. Only seconds
exist to find safety. Meanwhile in Toronto, an overwhelming crowd
of 2,300 people came for the 40-minute live feed. Guest speakers in
Toronto included Alon Davidi from the Sderot Defense Council, and
Alan Dershowitz. The Sderot youth choir performed several Israeli
songs beautifully.
Appreciative residents of Sderot gathered with us at 2:00 a.m. in
the community centre which UIA funding recently made safe by
providing a special Kassam protected roof. Kol Hakavod to Toronto
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(left to right) In Sderot, Geut Argon , a Sderot resident, Barbara Farber,
Eddie Azran, Ted Sokolsky, Linda Kislowitz and Avi Sulimani participate
in a live telecast with the Toronto community.
Residents in Sderot gathered at 2 am to participate in
Toronto's Rally for Sderot.
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April 2008
UJA for initiating this event and yasher koach to the UIAC Israel office team who implemented the program
and provided all the technical support.
3-YEAR INTERVENTION PLAN FOR SDEROT
Sderot's struggles continue on a daily basis as they have throughout the past several years. In January alone,
400 Kassam rockets were fired from Gaza into Sderot. Montreal FEDERATION CJA was the first Canadian fed-
eration to recognize the plight of Sderot, and the difficult situation has led UIAFC to initiate a 3-year inter-
vention plan. We have partnered with leading local forces, including two young communities that serve as
the implementing bodies for the majority of UIAFC sponsored programs. These communities are comprised
of 140 and 190 young, motivated families who are bringing a revived spirit to the region.
Once again, Canadian federations are making a difference where Israel needs it the most, by providing mean-
ingful and enduring opportunities to the youth of Sderot.
NATIONAL INITIATIVES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
National Young Leadership
Canada was well represented at a recent 3-day conference of North American young Jewish leadership called
Washington 15, chaired by Steven Farber and Randi Elkind. Sixty young Canadian leaders took part in the
UJC conference, with a goal to "Make It Matter" through political, social and philanthropic action. The final
day of the conference took them to the Canadian Embassy where they met with Deputy Political Minister
Kevin O'Shea, and were briefed on U.S.-Canada relations.
In February, I was very proud to welcome UIAFC's Young Leadership Israel Advocacy's annual retreat to
Ottawa. The event was co-sponsored by UIAFC, CJPAC and CIC. Sixteen young politically minded leaders
from across Canada gathered to learn how the Canadian government works. They observed a House of
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Canada was well represented at the recent UJC Young Leadership Conference, Washington 15.
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April 2008
Commons Question Period, met with MPs, had briefings with Ambassador Alan Baker, the Honourable John
Baird, Minister of the Environment, and Peter McRae, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
from Foreign Affairs.
Young Leadership Advocacy Initiative is an important program that not only strengthens Federation's lead-
ers of tomorrow, but also trains them to be successful lobbyists for Israel. On behalf of UIAFC, I applaud these
efforts and greatly encourage all participants to stay involved and active in the Canadian Jewish community.
I am very pleased to include a follow-up on last fall's National Young Leadership conference, in Montréal. The
conference initiated new methods of measuring the success of the event, as well as ensuring follow-up with
each and every attendee. Each participant was assigned a mentor, not only to help them connect, but to
ensure that everyone finds his or her `fit' to successfully continue their engagement with Young Leadership.
As a result, of this initiative, 5 communities (Atlantic region, Edmonton, Winnipeg. Hamilton and Vancouver)
reported that they have successfully involved every dividual who attended, while other communities have
seen 80% of attendees continue on to a new initiative or program with plans in the works to engage the other
20%. Further engagement included participating in a local mission, attending UJC's Washington 15
Conference, sitting on a steering committee, or assuming a chair position.
Positive feedback is still coming in from this very successful Young Leadership initiative. I look forward to see-
ing the adaption of this model and follow-up plan of action to other
programs. Congratulations to the very capable and dedicated confer-
ence co-chairs, Elissa Lifson-Uditsky and Marc Kimmel, and to the
supportive work of Mindy Eklove, director of National Young
Leadership.
Ben Gurion Mission to Morocco and Israel
Earlier this month, 14 Young Leaders participated on the Ben Gurion
Society Mission to Morocco and Israel. Morocco, the only Arab coun-
try in the world where Jews and Arabs live peacefully together, is also
the only country in the world outside of Israel that publishes the
Hebrew date on its daily paper.
Casablanca is home to 5000 Jews, and contains 28 synagogues,
18 kosher butchers, and 7 Jewish day schools. In addition to
Casablanca, the group toured exotic Marrakech and picturesque
Essaouria.
In Israel, the BGS members saw firsthand the tremendous impact
Canadian dollars are making, while visiting such projects as the new
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Participants Josh Mamelak, Stephen Gaerber, Joanna
Barsky and Ben Weinberg learn how to make Berber
tea in a Berber village during the BGS Mission to
Morocco and Israel
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April 2008
Natal Center (Center for trauma Relief for Israeli victims of War and Terror) and the BGS project of
Investment Program Ono, that fund the higher education of Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. The group was
inspired and moved by the plight of the citizens of Sderot, and came home more determined than ever to
make a difference.
National Jewish Campus Life
Over the past few months UIAFC and CIJA have become increasingly concerned about the environment on
our university campuses. As a result, we have all been focused on examining our effectiveness and our readi-
ness to take on these growing challenges. As the campus scene is a complex field of internal and external
stakeholders, a campus retreat was held on April 10
th
in Toronto in which 30 community lay and profession-
als leaders gathered to analyze the campus context and to discuss how best to move forward.
There was definite support for expanding and deepening the scope of relationships on campus so that our
impact could be strengthened and focused.
It was also suggested that approaches to campus needed to consider regional and local needs and adapt
accordingly.
Special thanks to Linda Kislowicz, Michael Soberman, Jared Isaacson, Hershel Ezrin and Susan Davis and
a very special yasher koach to Ralph Shedletsky who facilitated the retreat with great skill and diplomacy.
NJCL's 2nd Tzedek Mission to Cuba
NJCL has worked hard over the past year at developing and sus-
taining a strong and meaningful relationship between Canadian
Jewish students and young Cuban Jews. In February, 12 students
representing Hillels from Newfoundland to Victoria participated
in NJCL's 2nd Tzedek Mission to Cuba. Accompanying the stu-
dents, were 26 suitcases filled with medical supplies and clothing.
The group, togeth-
er with local Jews
and a tour guide,
explored Cuba's
current political
system, visited his-
torical and relevant sites, worked on old synagogues, taught
English and Hebrew to young Cubans, and visited remote
Cuban Jewish communities among other activities.
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Students visit the only kosher butcher in Cuba (which is
also the only private butcher), led by Cuban guide Raul.
Canadian and Cuban Jewish students remove debris from
the rooftop of the no longer functional "Shevet Achim"
synagogue in old Havana.
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April 2008
Yakov Fruchter, Director of Jewish Leadership Development at NJCL accompanied the group, and found the
Jewish community of Cuba to be "a wonderful example of what young Jewish people can accomplish when
they take responsibility for the destiny of their community and use their creativity, energy and love for their
community, Israel and their identity to make a positive impact."
Israel Alumni Association (IAA)
Over 45 non-Jewish students recently attended a reunion in Ottawa organized for Israel Experience partici-
pants. The Israel Alumni Association was formed over the course of the weekend, with a goal of continuing
the Israel education of alumni, while educating peers and classmates. The IAA will serve as a networking body
for alumni to stay in touch with each other as well as influential leaders throughout Canada.
Hillel Summit Conference
For three days in late March, close to 700 representatives including university administrators, faculty. chap-
lains, students, Hillel professionals, lay leaders, community leaders and philanthropist, gathered in
Washington DC to discuss civility and the university and college environment.
Canada was well represented at the
Summit by delegates such as Richard
Diamond, chair of NJCL, Linda
Kerzner, president and chair of
Ottawa's newly established Hillel Jewish
Campus Life volunteer board and Marc
Gold, President of Montréal's
Federation CJA, who also participated
as a key panelist addressing the topic
"Joint Ventures: The Jewish Community
and the University".
Speakers, panelists and participants shared stories of their accomplishments and challenges in fostering a civil
society on campus and preparing students for life in the world beyond campus. Topics included, "Impacting
the World through Investing in Higher Education", "Technology and the Campus: Uses and Abuses", "Inspiring
Social Entrepreneurship on Campus", "Spiritual Exploration and Multifaith Understanding", "Preserving a Civil
Society on Campus", "Innovative Partnerships: University Advancement and the Jewish Community".
Canada Israel Experience
This year marks another banner year for CIE with a record-breaking number of applicants. Registration
closed with 2,164 students applying for 1,302 available spots on this year's Taglit-birthright israel trips between
May and August.
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April 2008
March of the Living will have its largest contingent to date this year, as approximately 700 Canadian high
school students, survivors and chaperones from across Canada, will be joined by 200 adult participants. Since
its inception in 1988, over 7,000 Canadians have participated in the two-week educational journey to Poland
and Israel.
The March of Remembrance and Hope, a program for Canadian university students of diverse backgrounds, is
also attracting record numbers with over 150 applications in 2008.
The Regional Jewish Communities of Ontario's Holocaust Education Program is coordinating its second March
of the Living program for 36 High School teachers and teacher candidates across Canada. Once again, appli-
cations have out-numbered available spots. This important program that `teaches the teachers' is spearhead-
ed by the generous support of Toby and Jay Abramsky and Carl and Sylvia Mahler.
NATIONAL WOMEN'S DIVISION
Close to 100 Canadian Lion of Judah women from Kitchener, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax, gath-
ered in Boca Raton for the 6th Annual UIAFC southern Hospitality Event. This year, in honour of Israel's 60th
anniversary, the guest speaker Yael Dayan, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv and a member of one of modern Israel's
most historically significant families, addressed the
issues facing today's generation of emerging leaders in
Israel. Ms Dayan, an exceptional woman with count-
less accomplishments and honours, also discussed
how each generation has defined a different Israel.
FORUM FOR REGIONAL JEWISH COMMUNITIES OF ONTARIO
On March 30, 2008 the leadership of London, Hamilton and Windsor Jewish communities gathered in
London with the leadership of UIAFC. The objectives were twofold: to examine the relationship between the
communities and UIAFC in order to clarify and set expectations and identify ways to engage the small com-
munities in the national agenda, as well as to discuss synergies and opportunities for collaboration among the
3 communities.
Dodi Weill and Sue Carol Isaacson with
guest speaker Yael Dayan (centre).
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April 2008
The day was effective in creating a forum for the exchange of ideas as well as some concrete proposals that
have the potential of increasing the connection of these 3 communities to each other and to the national sys-
tem. It was also helpful in bringing the Israel agenda to the local communities and identifying creative ways
to continue to do this. Special thanks to Harvey Kessler who served as the facilitator of the day, to Esther
Marcus and the London community for hosting and to Perry Romberg who organized the day.
RJCO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
On March 30th, 45 people gathered at the shul in Peterborough, Ontario to participate in a vision day spear-
headed by community leaders and facilitated by RJCO. The diverse crowd spent a full day discussing their
goals as a community, the obstacles they face and how to overcome them and who would take ownership
and responsibility for Jewish life in their community. They also engaged in discussions that fostered connec-
tions and allowed for a more inclusive, warm and welcoming community.
It is RJCO's hope that this day will serve as a template for other small communities. By developing leadership
and engaging community members, RJCO hopes to build the capacity of these small communities despite
the overwhelming obstacles they face.
RJCO PILOT PROJECT
In an effort to create neutral Jewish space for Kingston's growing community, RJCO partnered with the
Kingston Jewish Community Council last fall to fund a part time program coordinator. The pilot has been
very successful, bridging the conservative and reform communities in Kingston, engaging the unaffiliated and
providing culturally Jewish events, youth programs and holiday events. Kingston is one of several communi-
ties that has seen a surge in its Jewish population recently and RJCO is pleased to be able to help the commu-
nity build its capacity to take care of the Kingston Jews.
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(left to right)
Gerry Fisher, David Somer, Phil King, Esther Marcus, Barbara Farber, Terry Marcus, Linda Kislowicz, Monica King, Sandi Malowitz, Helen Arbour, Ruth Berger,
Bill Tepperman, Harvey Kessler, Perry Romberg. Missing from the photo is Bernie Zaifman.
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April 2008
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WORDS & DEEDS LEADERSHIP AWARD DINNER
The Words & Deeds Leadership Award Dinner honouring Tony Gagliano took place on March 6, in Toronto
with a sold-out crowd in attendance. The very successful event, emceed by former Premier David Peterson,
included an appearance by the Hon. David C. Onley,
Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and included video
greetings from Premier Dalton McGuinty, as well as
greetings, by Secretary of State Jason Kenney, on behalf
of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime
Minister of Canada.
Mr. Gagliano
was introduced by Dominic
D'Alessandro, President and CEO of Manulife Financial,
who included numerous references to the shared values
and experiences of the Canadian Jewish and Italian
communities coming together to build a strong and
tolerant Canada.
UIA IN ISRAEL
On a final note, I wish to inform you of several changes in our Israel office. After two decades of dedicated
service--including opening of the Canada desk of Keren Hayesod; opening our offices and developing the
role of UIA in Israel; serving as director of the Missions department and personally guiding visiting Canadian
dignitaries and guests--Victor Yagoda will be leaving his position as Director of Missions, and will assume
his new position as Deputy Director General, Coast-to-Coast Planning & Development. Victor will assume
his new position on June 1, 2008.
After a decade of dedication and devotion, Nurit Biderman will be leaving her position as the Galilee
Panhandle Representative at the end of the year. Nurit has been a true force in the building and rebuilding
of northern Israel by raising awareness of the communities' needs.
We wish Victor and Nurit the very best in their new endeavours!
And finally, I wish you and your families and very happy, healthy and kosher Passover. Hashanah Haba
B'Yerushalayim!
Warmest Regards,
Barbara
CIJA Co-Chair Steven Cummings (left) and UJA Chair David
Koschitzky, congratulate Words & Deeds honouree Tony Gagliano
(centre)