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President’s Update
 March 2007
It’s hard to believe that my term as President is soon ending. On reflection, which seems like an appropriate thing to do, I believe that we have accomplished much of what we envisioned two years ago… and then some! I hope that you agree.
As most of you know, my commitment to Israel and Jewish life will continue to occupy me as I take on new responsibilities as the co-chair of JAFI’s Communications Committee and serve on the Executive of Keren Hayesod, as well as the JAFI North America Council. I am both excited and honoured to have these ongoing opportunities to work for the global Jewish community and will do so with all my heart and soul.
The first few months of 2007 have been active both in Canada and Israel. We have been heavily focused on the IEC allocations process and the developments of the coming year.
In response to the overwhelming Canadian contributions to the Israel Emergency Campaign, the Israel staff of UIAFC has set out to identify the most pressing needs in Israel after the war and to build a long-term strategy to support the north. The programming strategy, which focuses on facilitating meaningful development change over the course of the next three years, was built according to the specific strategic interests of each Canadian Jewish Community: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Montreal Federation CJA, and Coast-to-Coast Canada.
The general unifying themes include efforts to bridge economic inequality and attract young leaders to communities of Northern Israel as well as initiatives to encourage educational excellence and support youth-at-risk, and building a broad coalition of support for Sderot.
Within these themes, the Jewish Federations of Canada are supporting innovative and strategic projects that support Israel's youth and build Israel's capacity for a stable and secure future. The three-year strategy will ensure continuity and allow us to monitor the projects to guarantee a powerful and effective influence in rebuilding the north.
I commend the work that has been undertaken to date by lay leadership and professional staff from all the federations, as well as our UIAFC (Canada) and UIAC (Israel) offices.
We are now approaching finalization of the allocation process which we believe, once approved by all communities and UIAFC, will result in allocations to the following sectors of need:
- Support for vulnerable populations - the elderly, the disabled, and new immigrant populations whose capacity to cope in crisis is diminished by their life stage or life transition ($4 million)
- Young children and families through the building of day care centres and strengthening the programming offered in these centres ($2.5 million)
- Capital improvements to schools whose facilities are not up to a good standard or who lack the necessary equipment to offer a high level of education ($1.5 million)
- Educational program focused on youth at risk, scholarships for youth with potential and support for programs aimed at encouraging and strengthening Jewish/Israeli identity ($17.5 million)
- Leadership development for volunteers and civil servants in the north ($700,000)
- National project, which is still under consideration ($6 million)
- Sderot, under constant and relentless attack ($1 million)
- Initial emergency allocations during the summer provided respite to children and placed them in summer camps in the centre and south of the country ($6 million)
Once we have reached a final approval by all communities and UIAFC, we will allocate $39.3 million, leaving $5.7 million available for emerging needs that may still be identified.
Our approach has been rigorous, it has engaged volunteers and professionals in all parts of Canada—and we can be proud of how we raised and allocated the money.
On that note, I would like to introduce Eran David as UIAC’s new IEC coordinator. Eran will follow up on all IEC allocations, reports and issues, ensuring the proper use of funds and an ongoing relationship with the recipients of the funds.
UIAFC is committed to professional excellence. One of UIAFCxs major roles is leadership development. This involves ensuring that both our lay and professional teams are knowledgeable, skilled and motivated to do their jobs.
This February 17 Campaign staff from across the country participated in a unique training mission. There is nothing more powerful than meeting with our partners, visiting our projects and developing a network of Canadian colleagues—all under the inspirational leadership of our scholar in residence, Mark Gryfe, former Toronto UJA Campaign Director. Markxs experience and knowledge served to stimulate and motivate the group in outstanding ways. Over the course of the mission, the Campaign staff visited the Israel offices of UIAFC, heard briefings from Yossi Tanuri and the Marketing and Communications department, and visited various physical and social projects in their Partnership 2000 regions, including the youth village Adanim for at-risk youth, education centres Nitzanai HaNegev and Kif-Kef Camps, and technology projects Unistream and Net@. The group also visited the construction site of the new residential student dormitories of the Ben Gurion Campus in Eilat. Afterwards, the staff traveled to the North to witness damage from the recent war, and held a memorial ceremony for the soldiers who fell at Kfar Giladi. The visit to Sderot was particularly moving, as participants heard first-hand about the impact of living in a community constantly under siege.
It was a great opportunity for staff from across Canada to see the impact of our support on the people living in Israelxs north. It was abundantly clear, how much they appreciated the fact that Canada was not only there for them, but the first to be there, in their time of need,x said Mark Gryfe. Jessica Steinberg from the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver added, xI had an incredible experience on the UIAFC Staff Mission and am excited to share what I learned with my colleagues and the Greater Vancouver Jewish community. Visiting the projects in our partnership region, meeting the staff as well as some of the recipients ... instilled a deep sense of pride in what Federation does. Upon my return to Vancouver, I will be doing a presentation for the Federation staff on what I learned on the mission, and will present new fundraising strategies and ideas that that were discussed during the mission.
Incoming UIAFC President Barbara Farber visited Israel in February with Linda Kislowicz in order to begin to familiarize herself firsthand with our partners and projects in Israel. In addition to meetings with director-general of UIAC Yossi Tanuri, deputy-director Victor Yagoda and head of the Jewish Agency Zeev Bielski, Barbara and Linda visited physical and social projects in our Partnership 2000 regions and got a taste of the breadth and scope of Canadian influence in Israel. For this first visit, they saw a few flagship programs in each Canadian partnership region. They were exposed to the ongoing, strong relationships between UIAFC and our partnership regions, as well as the broad impact of UIAFC-sponsored projects on Israeli communities.
My wife Barbi and I recently chaired the Top Gifts Mission to South America. The 32 UJA/CJA lead donors from across Canada learned of the issues and challenges facing the South American Jewish community. Some are challenges that we share but others are unique to the region. We were excited to meet dedicated community leaders who were passionate about the future of a rich Jewish life in their countries and deeply committed in their support of Israel and its people. It was clear to all that we were “mishpacha”.
The bonds were immediate. We also learned of the strength of the communities in their recovery from tragedy and economic difficulties, particularly in Argentina. We shared our concern for the future generations, and our deep belief in the strength of world Jewry through our commitment to each other. South American Jewry has a rich history that is believed to trace back to Columbus’ discovery of the New World. Our itinerary, which was focused on learning more about these Jewish communities, included visits to the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, Jewish day schools, community centres, and museums—but most of all, meetings and social events with the leadership in each country to which we traveled. Our sense of Jewish peoplehood grows exponentially when we visit Jewish communities around the world. We discover common challenges, we share ideas, and we build relationships. We are able to extend support when required, enabling us to learn and become enriched through the process. We wait with great anticipation for next year’s journey, and we hope that many of you will decide to enjoy this next opportunity with us. It is a unique travel experience with purpose and pleasure.
More than 90 women attended the Fifth Annual Lion of Judah Southern Hospitality Luncheon on February 21st, co- chaired by Montreal’s Sue Carol Isaacson and Toronto’s Dodi Weill in Boca Raton. The Guest speaker was Brigadier General (Res.) Eival Gilady who gave an enlightening analysis of the Israeli Palestinian situation from his unique position as the former director of the IDF Strategic Planning Division.
UJA TOP GIFTS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY DINNER
Immediately following the Lion of Judah Event, Florence and Sid Cooper and Tobie and Ted Bekhor hosted the Toronto Top Gifts Southern Hospitality Dinner. Over 80 donors were in attendance including those invited from the coast-to-coast communities.
Israeli parliamentarian, Colette Avital was the guest speaker. She has served as Deputy Director in Charge of Western Europe, the third most important position in the Ministry, Chair of the Ethics Committee, and currently chairs the Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Committee, as well as the International Secretary of the Israeli Labor Party.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION CIJAxs Democracy in Action took place in Ottawa over two and a half days. The event ensured that those who guide our country are well briefed on the issues that are important to our communities in Canada, Israel and throughout the world. As such, it was an incredibly successful event.
Community leaders, activists, student leaders, parliamentarians, including the leaders of each of the Federal parties, and senior bureaucrats all gathered in a range of workshops, dialogue meetings and public events. There were 231 individual meetings, and a dinner attended by 1000 guests, including all political leadership and more than 230 parliamentarians.
Bloc Quebecois leader, Gilles Duceppe was one of the four party leaders to address the Democracy in Action audience.
But above all, the addresses by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Stephane Dion, Gilles Duceppe, Jack Layton—and their pledged support for Israel—was a strong indication of the effectiveness of our message to Canadian political leadership.
Harper addressed the audience with a powerful and inspiring speech:
“…a battle between a democratic state and terrorist groups who seek to destroy both it and its people is not a matter of shades of grey – it is a matter right and wrong… And when faced with such threats, Israel will always have a steadfast friend in Canada's New Government.”
Clearly, our goal of addressing key issues and making an impact was achieved during the Democracy in Action evening.
UIAFC has embarked on a new program, which has already proved very successful in two communities–Sault Ste. Marie and Fredericton. Perry Romberg, Director of Campaign and Regional Community Services has teamed up with Israel Trade Commissioner, Ephraim Shoham, to present non-Jewish business leaders with a rare glimpse of everyday life in Israel. The presentation focuses on economic growth and development, creativity, business expertise, trade and commerce. The goal is to strengthen and develop economic opportunities between Canada and Israel.
The two communities that have so far participated in this program are optimistic, in fact two Sault Ste. Marie businesses have already followed-up with further discussions with the Trade Commissioner.
Perry is looking forward to bringing this program to more regional communities across Canada. Those interested, are asked to contact Perry at 416 636-7655 ext. 240 for more information.
NJCL continues to be extremely active both on and off the university campus. Their activities increasingly are oriented at educating and contributing to the development of non-Jewish students who are in positions of leadership. To that end, this past December, NJCL held three very successful missions to Israel. The Rhodes Scholarship Mission, funded and supported by Judy and Larry Tannenbaum, the political leaders mission and the student leaders mission. In total, 40 student leaders participated in a life changing experience as they visited, experienced and learned about Israel.
Many students have already expressed a radical change in their perspective and were very moved by what they saw. It is evident that the participants have developed new sensitivities to the issues in the Middle East and the needs of Israel.
At home, NJCL was also active with two student conferences, hosted by the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students. OWN was held at Queen’s University in Kingston, for Jewish university students from Central and Atlantic Canada. It was an amazing weekend with over 200 Jewish students and professionals in attendance.
Western Canada’s LOUD conference in Vancouver was also well attended with over 100 Jewish students and professionals.
The conferences provided an opportunity for Jewish university students from across Canada to gather, learn, connect and to become inspired. Speakers addressed important issues which included, leadership development, Jewish identity and innovation, social actions and social justice, civic engagement, the global Jewish community and of course, Israel.
However the focus of both conferences revolved around the theme of what Jewish university students can and should do with regards to enhancing social action and concerns in Canada.
Our youth are our future!! But are we doing enough to ensure that the next generation will be committed to our people, our communities and Israel?
In response to this challenge, UIAFC has taken a new, innovative and important first step in reorganizing our approach to engaging our next generation of community leaders. Our goal is to create a seamless series of programs and contacts for young people from their mid-teens into their mid-forties. We are focusing on improving the natural progression of programs and available services and encouraging our next generation to become our future leaders, donors and volunteers, with the same passion to our future that so many of us share.
We hope that this new approach will enable us to attract and involve volunteers and dedicated leaders from the time of their early participation in one of our Israel experience programs, through to their university experience, and into early career, family and business life, which will stimulate and develop a dedication to the future of Jewish life.
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Soberman, Director of CIE (Canada Israel Experience), to the newly created position of Director of National Initiative for the Next Generation. In accepting his new position, Michael expressed his enthusiasm in having the “opportunity to bring together all departments that serve the next generation, planning strategically and looking at creative ways to connect them to Canadian Jewish life”. Michael’s experience, energy and drive will serve us well and at the same time will be very rewarding for him.
Hundreds of young leaders from across Canada will be in Montreal for UIAFC’s Young Leadership Conference May 11-13, 2007. The weekend promises an exciting line up of activities and inspirational speakers. Please go to www.inmontreal.ca for more information and to register online.
This should be an incredible event with a reception for Board Members at Joyce and Marvin Tannerxs house on Saturday evening (June 2), our meeting on Sunday June 3 will include a special lunch with some very special guests, and a reception for Board Members on Sunday evening at Susan & Steven Cummings home. Make sure that you firm up your plans to attend our Annual General Meeting in Montreal on the weekend of June 2-3, 2007.
My warm wishes to you and your families for a Happy and kosher Pesachxanother opportunity to reflect on our past, the challenges that we have overcome, and to strengthen our resolve for the future.
Please remember our xmishpachax in Israel, especially those that have suffered so badly because of the war of this past summer, and remember Israel's captive soldiers –Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev and Gilad Shalit, and say a special prayer for them at your Seder.
Stan
Crisis Update #11 UIA Federations Canada
December 15, 2006
From: Stanley K. Plotnick, President UIA Federations Canada
To: UIAFC Executive Committee, Federation Presidents and Chief Executives
I have traveled extensively over the past few months, to Israel for the JAFI/Keren Hayesod meetings; to London England for the International Leadership Reunion (ILR); and to Los Angeles for the General Assembly (GA). But these annual meetings have taken on a new and very special meaning in the wake of Israel’s recent war and the fragile state of the world.
Today we face some of our most difficult challenges in witnessing, the fragile ceasefires on two of Israel’s fronts, the increasing and very real threats coming from Iran, the rise of European anti-Semitism, the ever-growing genocide taking place today in Darfur which has now reached Chad, and the weaknesses and inefficiencies of the UN.
Over the past few months, I have joined with thousands of Diaspora Jews, meeting to share and express our love of Israel and discuss our role inthe strengthening of our homeland. This year’s GA clearly emphasized the need to continue developing effective advocacy efforts. We need to encourage all Canadians—both Jewish and non-Jewish—to protect Israel’s right of existence and to support a free democratic world.
In Canada, our on-going support of the Galilee and the Negev development has never been as urgently required as it is today. As David Ben-Gurion so boldly wrote in his 1970 Memoirs, “On what is accomplished in the Negev (and the Galilee), Israel will stand or fall.”
I am confident in our Jewish destiny and as we face another historical challenge, we can only become stronger.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver held their third annual Night of 100 Dinnerswhich recognized donors in the Women’s Division, and included a cocktail reception before the guests dispersed throughout Vancouver to have dinner at one of fifteen hosting venues. The women donors attending this event collectively increased their gifts by $100,000 over
last year, representing about 25% of the total anticipated campaign increase for the 2006 CJA campaign. On November 7, JFGV held its final community fundraising event called Choices. Over 350 women attended this event, which included keynote speaker, Rabbi Naomi Levy who was the first female Conservative rabbi to head a congregation on theWest Coast.
Edmonton—a small community—decided to pool resources and work together on cooperative efforts with other local community organizations including Magen David Adom, Jewish National Fund and Hadassah WIZO. The community purchased two ambulances and equipped another 5 in Israel. collectively, over $360,000 has been sent to Israel Emergency relief efforts, with the hope of more to come. Gayle Tallman, Executive Director of the Edmonton Jewish Federation stated, “We are very pleased that as a community, in times of need, we can take off our organizational hats and use the community for the interests of Israel.”
On November 21, Calgary hosted “An Evening With Elie Wiesel”. This exciting event, coordinated by UIAFC’s Department of National Jewish Campus Life, brought together a broad cross-section of Calgarians, including hundreds of high school and university students as well as leaders of the Calgary community, to hear from the man who has been called “the conscience of a generation.” Other campaign activities included a Lion of Judah event on November 5 and a telethon on the 5th and 6th of November.
The Lion of Judah opening dinner andWomen's Campaign general opening, were held at the Home of Gina Guertin and co-chaired by Karen Leipsic and Candice Freed. A cocktail reception for the Lions with Lesley Binstock Offman preceded a wonderful dinner followed by remarks fromLesley about the importance of endowing the Lion gift. It was an inspiring speech that was well received by over 30 of the 56 Lions. Nora Kaufman, spoke about her trip to the international Lion of Judah conference and invited all Winnipeg Lions to join her in two years for the next conference scheduled for Israel. The evening highlight was the pinning of 5 new lions and 2 of them endowed. Following the Lion presentation the evening moved on with the Women's opening, with a total of 70 women present. The overall Campaign chair, Dr. Ian Goldstine welcomed the group as did Federation president, Dr. Ted Lyons. To kickoff the evening the Women's campaign co-chairs, Hope Morry and Tova Vickar welcomed everyone and promised that this year, the Women's Campaign would reach even greater heights on route to cracking the 1.1 million dollar mark. Lesley Binstock Offman once again inspired the group with her heartfelt message of community and Israel, and the need for both to play an important role in each of their existence.
The Israel Emergency and UJA Campaign 2007 were off to a great start with an informative evening for Leadership and Major Gift Donors, at the home of Chair, Dr.William Frydman and his wife Rachelle. Guest speaker Micah Halpern’s remarks moved many donors to increase their support of the current Campaign. The London UJA also held a Leadership Gifts Luncheon, with guest speaker, Linda Kislowicz, CEO of UIA Federations Canada. Linda provided relevant and personal insights on the status of Israel following her recent visit. Over 100 guests attended “An Evening of Hope and Promise” which highlighted the Israel Emergency and 2007 UJA Campaign. The event included informative guest speakers, entertainment, refreshments, a Promise Basket Auction and a presentation of the David Rubinoff Family Leadership Award. The evening provided an opportunity to share an enjoyable evening with friends while also reinforcing the urgent need to support Israel during these difficult times.
A second UJA Federation Solidarity Mission, chaired by Wendy and Elliott Eisen, departed on a fourday mission to northern Israel to learn about the current situation in Israel. This mission served to expose the tremendous renewal effort and the resilience of the people of Israel. A group of 33 UJA Federation donors, led by co-chairs Irwin Michael and Andrew Shiner, participated in a fly-in toWashington, for an intense day of meetings and presentations with political officials in the U.S. Capital. Speakers included Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the first ever Jewish Congresswoman; David Frum, renowned commentator and former speechwriter to President Bush; Dr. Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer Prize winning author and columnist; Canadian Embassy Officials and Israeli Embassy officials, as well as representative from various US Jewish lobbies. The day offered a snapshot of the climate in Washington and allowed varying Jewish perspectives to be heard on world issues, including Israel and terrorism.
A Scotch-tasting Canvasser Appreciation Night was held at the home of Alan and PamPerlis, arranged by the chairs of UJA Federation’s Young Finance Division, Bram Belzberg and Evan Cooperman. The evening provided the 25 young canvassers with a campaign update, encouraging them to attend upcoming telethons and to continue to canvas for Israel Emergency Campaign 2007.
UJA Federation’s Professions Cabinet co-chairs Karine Krieger and Fred Myers hosted an event for approximately 140 professionals, entitled Managing Your Investment Portfolio. A panel discussion featured Newton Glassman, Managing Partner of The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., Ira Gluskin, President and Chief Investment Officer, Gluskin Sheff & Associates, andMartin Braun, Senior PortfolioManager, Adaly Opportunity Fund. Earl Rotman, Principal, Genuity Capital Markets, moderated the discussion.
This year’s annual UJA Federation Lion of Judah Luncheon was held on October 18 and featured Linda Hooper,Whitwell Middle School Principal, who inspired the world renowned Paper Clips Project. The lunch was attended by 300 people—the largest attendance ever—also featured a special appearance by Toronto’s Mayor David Miller, as well as a long list of past Women’s Campaign and Advocacy (WC&A) chairs, and other members of campaign leadership, and served to thank A York Region parlour meeting, held on October 18 at the home of York Region residents Trevor and Andrea Cohen, featured Dr. Ranaan Gissin, former Foreign Press & Public Adviser to Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, and attracted some 60 donors who reside in the northern end of the GTA. The event served as an exclusive program for donors who reside specifically in York Region—which includes the city of Vaughan, the fastest growing Jewish community in North America.
On Sunday, November 12th, a community-wide event entitled, “A Hopeful Dialogue: Building Trust Through Understanding”, was held at Hamilton Place. The event focused on positive, respectful dialogue for cross-cultural understanding. Featured Speakers were Dr. Judea Pearl, Professor at UCLA, and father of Daniel Pearl z”l and Dr. Akbar Ahmed, Chair of Islamic Studies at American University. The evening included performances by the multi-cultural children’s choir and the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
Windsor Jewish Federation hosted an event with Micha Feldmann who discussed the Ethiopian olim in Israel. The Windsor Jewish Federation also co-sponsored Sir Martin Gilbert who spoke at the University of Windsor.
In October, Canada-Israel Committee presented guest speaker, JimLederman, who gave several media interviews, presentations at JCC and presentations at the University of Windsor regarding the war in Lebanon.
Past President, Jay Armeland and Executive Director, Harvey Kessler, participated in the UIAFC National Solidarity Mission to Israel. Jay's son Brad, who is participating in OTZMA this year in Israel, joined the mission in Jerusalem.
In NovemberWindsor Jewish Federation hosted a young jazz pianist who immigrated toWindsor from the FSU and Israel in 2005.
Two programs were recently held in Sault Ste. Marie. Perry Romberg, Director, Campaign and Regional Community Services for UIAFC, presented the Israel Emergency and Annual Campaign message.
Adding support to thatmessage, Israel Trade Commissioner, EphraimShohamprovided a detailed analysis of trade and economic potential for northern Israel. The following morning, the Israel Trade Commissioner and the Economic Development Corporation of the Sault met for a briefing on possible trade ventures between Israel and northern Ontario communities. This “shidduch” was made possible by Marra Messinger of the CIC, and included 22 representatives from businesses and government agencies. The participants left the meeting with a very positive impression of Israel and of our efforts as an organized Jewish community not only in the Sault, but across Canada.
On Sunday, November 12th, 33 members of the Peterborough community attended a program at the home of community leader and top donor, Mrs. Erica Cherney. After presenting the Israel Emergency and Annual campaign message, Perry Romberg introduced, Steven Shulman, Director, Regional Director, Ontario and National General Counsel, Canadian Jewish Congress. Steven spoke on the topic “The Canadian Jewish Community: Facing New Challenges”. He focused his presentation on issues facing our community such as the United Church Divestment policy, the changing Canadian voting pattern on Israel related issues at the UN and anti-Semitism/anti-Zionism in Canada today. Dr. Mark Siegel later thanked Steven and also made some very moving remarks about the very positive effect RJCO youth programs have had on his son and other youth in the Peterborough community. The successful program facilitated some very generous and new donations and brought out many members of the community with whom we have had no or limited contact.
Led by Rickey Blatt, General Campaign Chair for the 2006 Combined Jewish Appeal, participants from Montreal’s leadership mission to Israel visited the areas of the north that had come under direct attack over the summer. They were able to witness the devastation as well as how money allocated to the Israel Emergency Campaign, is already helping Israelis rebuild their lives. Dr. Raanan Gissin addressed an exclusive gathering at the home of Stephen Cummings at a Campaign Leadership meeting. Dr. Gissin acknowledged that Israel exhibited certain shortcomings in its battle against Hezbollah, but called the outcome a "victory for the Israeli people."
"The terrorists failed to unravel Israeli society," he said. "Our great achievement was to ring the warning bell about Iran’s threat to world stability." He praised Montreal’s Jewish community for its quick response to the war, saying that it was further proof that Israel can rely on the support of Diaspora Jews in times of crisis.
Ottawa sent four people on the UIAFC National Solidarity Mission. Ottawa was proud to announce that it received a $50,000 designated donation to Tel Hai Academic College to support scholarships for returning students. The delegation also visited the newly renovated computer lab at Hanadiv School in Metula, where students were excited to show off how they use the new technology to create movies, radio programs and class presentations.
As you read this update, the Atlantic region will have celebrated their 15th Biennial Convention. The three day event consisted of a full and varied range of presentations and discussions covering major Dr. Raanan Gissin at FEDERATION CJA ‘s Leadership breakfast issues and topics of relevance to the Jewish community. The Honourable Myra Freeman and Lawrence Freemen were honoured for their dedication and service to the people of Nova Scotia and its Jewish community. UIAFC also presented a “Chai” Award to Mark Rosen for his outstanding work and leadership within the Jewish community.
UIA Federations Canada held a very successful Board meeting on December 10th, thanks to the warm hospitality of Barbara and Len Farber and Ingrid and Gerald Levitz. Highlights of the meeting included the endorsement of CIJA’s continuation, the passing of the 2007 budget and a presentation of the CIE evaluation by Rona Shaffran Tannenbaum. The meeting also included a report of the governance process, the adoption of new bylaws and passing of the IEC committee allocations report which will provide the framework for our ongoing emergency relief efforts.
The Honourable James Flaherty, Minister of Finance, was the guest speaker during lunch and provided the Board with the opportunity to voice their issues of concern, ask questions, and express appreciation for Canada's principled stand on issues of special interest to us.
My wife Barbi and I were thrilled to have recently chaired a mission to Cuba, in which we joined the Cuban Jewish community in celebrating their milestone 100th anniversary. During the celebration, Canada was singled out for our invaluable support for the community over the years. I pledged our continued support for Cuban Jewry and the development of it’s next generation of leaders. We were greeted by the warmth of the Cuban community and invited to share in Shabbat services as well as a Bar and Bat Mitvzah. This special occassion allowed us to experience and learn from this small, yet vibrant and active community.
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Keren Hayesod recently held its first International Communications and Marketing Seminar. The intensive week-long event allowed professional staff to meet and discuss various approaches to campaign marketing, exchange ideas and learn about the unique Jewish communities throughout the world. Canada was represented by Yair Szlak, FEDERATION CJA’s Campaign Director, Howard English, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Communications Vice-President, and Sheila Kornhauser, UIAFC Communications Director. Once again, Canada played a leading role at this international forum, Howard English helped to break the ice with an insightful and inspiring presentation on the role of global Jewry. Canada’s representatives later presented various approaches to marketing federations’ regional campaigns. Howard remarked that the seminar “reinforced that we in Canada are part of a cause which is so much more powerful than anyone country or individual”.
This year’s International Leadership Reunion (ILR) took place in London, England shortly after the JAFIKeren Hayesod meetings. The ILR brings together international leading donors of local UJA/CJA/Keren Hayesod campaigns and provides them with the opportunity to get together in a strong Jewish community to learn and inspire each other. This year's events were highlighted by an outstanding dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum with Sir Martin Gilbert, renowned Jewish historian giving an incredible overview of the Jewish people, and a closing banquet with guest speaker Shimon Peres. Seminars were held throughout the event on diverse issues including the rise of Islam extremism, community security, business successes and opportunities in Israel.
Yair Szlak presents volunteer students of the Ayalim Project in Kiryat Shmonah with a plaque in recognition of their hard work and contributions to the development of Israel’s north. Elisa, Stephen and Saryl Gross with Shimon Peres. Canadians once again had a very strong presence. This year, 51 of the 106 Keren Hayesod representatives were Canadian, topping the 44 U.S. participants and the 18 from the UK. I am so very proud of the surging role that Canadians have taken on, especially in the recent past.
Several thousand Jewish community leaders across North America attended this year’s GA in Los Angeles. It was a busy 3 days with insightful presentation, fascinating speakers and many meetings. Highlights of the GA were Irwin Cotler’s passionate and informative speech which led to a standing ovation. Other powerful and emotional plenary speakers included Carnit Wasserman, wife of kidnapped soldier, Ehud Wasserman, Tzipi Livni, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Olmert.
CIJA has recently introduced a new committee called the University Outreach Committee (UOC) advance the outreach to University administrators, faculty, donors and others outside of the student realm. UOC will work closely with NJCL to ensure respect for academic freedom and to facilitate academic exchanges between institutions in Canada and Israel.
National Jewish Campus Life is coordinating 3 separate Missions to Israel. The Canadian Rhodes Scholar Israel Experience will take place from December 10-18, 2006. The Tanenbaum Fellowship, established by philanthropists Larry and Judy Tanenbaum, offers Canadian recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships the opportunity to spend nine days in Israel—to travel beyond the media images, to challenge assumptions and to raise new questions and ideas in order to further an understanding of the complexities of the Middle East.
The 2006 NJCL Campus Leaders and Political Leaders’ Israel Experience Program will take place December 14-23. These unique educational experiences will award 28 Canadian university students with the opportunity to spend one week in Israel studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Campus leaders include: representatives from student government and campus media, and Presidents from various campus clubs. Political leaders include student activists involved with the Federal, and Provincial Conservatives, Liberals, NDPs and Greens. Participant selection for each program is based upon academic standing, extra-curricular involvement and interview performance. The intellectually enriched programs allow Canadian students the opportunity to learn—first hand—about the conflict in the Middle East and was designed to enhance university experiences by providing exemplary students with a better understanding of our global community and Canada’s role in it. These NJCL missions will include visits with political figures and journalists. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from academics, business people, NGO leaders, Canadian government representatives and university students, while exploring Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites throughout the trip.
NJCL recently coordinated a tour of university campuses with Elie Wiesel who met with campus leaders in Montreal, Calgary and Kingston. On Nov 14th, he addressed 1000 students in Montreal, most of who were francophone. Calgary had a turnout of 1600 students, with a telecast to an additional 400 students. Approximately 1,200 campus and community members attended his presentation in Kingston. The tour was co-sponsored by 25 student groups and partnered with 6 organizations.
NJCL is also pleased to announce that the student-led group, SHOUT (Students Helping Others Understand Tolerance) has been recognized for their peace work on campus and throughout the Montreal community through the receipt of the 2006 YMCA Peace Medallion in Montreal.
Visiting Metula on the Lebanese border in the north, Quentra on the Golan heights border with Syria and Sderot which borders with Gaza, 42 Canadian participants met with the people in these areas and learned first hand how Israeli's dealt with living in bomb shelters and how their daily life has been affected by the war. They learned about the Kassam missiles that fell of Sderot on a daily basis for the past year. The group was later honoured on behalf of the Canadian Jewish communities, in a special ceremony at the Galilee’s Tel Hai College in the north. The ceremony acknowledged our significant contributions to the school’s development. Mission participants had much to say about their experience of meeting with the resilient people of the north...
Joel Lipkind, Executive member of the Calgary Jewish Community Council, on his first mission, commented how impressed he was with “the degree of appreciation from mayors, teachers and students … of Canada’s efforts to help and partner with them, ... it was meaningful to understand that they value not just the dollars that are sent to help, but also the moral support, calls and emails from their Canadian friends”. Joel added, “I was also impressed by the strength shown by the high school students we met with, in handling the war situation and looking towards a future.”
Nelson Halpern, President of the Calgary Jewish Community Council, said, “this was a very important time to visit Israel. They need our support now more than ever. In general we felt very safe and glad that we had an opportunity to affirm our support for Israel.”
Shelley Ail from the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, stated that the “Solidarity Mission to Israel was educational, inspirational and emotionally nourishing as it provided us with an understanding of how important our Partnerships are all over the country both to us and to the people who benefit from them. What an amazing learning experience!”
It has been a busy autumn for the Jewish communities across Canada, and our efforts are being felt in Israel. But let us all remember that through all that we do, we must never overlook the fact that 3 of Israel’s sons still remain in captivity. We must continue our efforts to bring them home—safe and sound.
B’ Shalom,
Stan
Guest speaker Micah Halpern’
UJA Federation’s Professions Cabinet co-chairs Karine Krieger and Fred Myers hosted an event for
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