JFO: Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Shabbat Shalom! Wishing you a restful and joyful day! ☀️

We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay safe.

Please report any suspicious activity immediately to the police. For emergencies, dial 911. For other incidents, please call (613) 236-1222

We want to say thank you to our amazing community for your strength, resilience and unity. We look forward to seeing those who were able to register for the Pride Breakfast this Sunday! 🍎🥯🧀🥝🫐🍭

A national online survey conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights has found that most Canadians oppose the recent slew of campus protests across the country that endorsed racism/hate, property damage, school disruption, and safety threats.

The full report has been posted online for you to read: https://www.pollara.com/canadian-views-on-campus-protests-about-israel-hamas-war/

Shabbat shalom

As we bring in Shabbat tonight, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the amazing Jewish community we have❤️

After the hard week have had in the ongoing aftermath of Capital Pride’s statement, we could not be more appreciative of our community’s strength and unity - a key message from this week’s Shabbat greeting.

To read the message follow this link:
https://conta.cc/4fPZM9E

Today, the 9th of Av, is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar as it marks the destruction of both temples. However, amongst the sadness there must be hope. Hope for the hostages return, hope for the prosperity of Israel and hope for the future of the Jewish people

Powerful words from one of our own community members. ❤️❤️💛💚💙💜

Shabbat shalom 💙💙💙

This photo, taken in May of 1983, exemplifies Jewish Ottawa strength. During times of adversity our community must stand together, united, as one.

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is shocked by the statement issued yesterday by Capital Pride. We're consulting with community leaders and stakeholders to draft a response and decide on our next steps.
In the meantime, the Pride Breakfast, hosted by our community, remains unaffected and will proceed as planned. We stand firmly with LGBTQ+ members of our Jewish community.
Stay tuned for our upcoming statement and recommendations.

To view Capital Pride's statement: https://capitalpride.ca/capital-pride-statement-in-solidarity-with-palestine/

To register for our Jewish Pride Breakfast: https://jewishottawa.redpodium.com/capital-pride-community-breakfast-2024

Shabbat Shalom This week’s shabbat message was written by our CEO Adam Silver. He shares a message of hope: “As one, we are strong. As one, we are vibrant. As one, we support each other. As one, we will thrive.“
https://conta.cc/3AbuaLC

We will never stop praying for your safe return💛💛💛

We were joined for a dinner and discussion with Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and MPP Lisa MacLeod. MPP MacLeod has been an outspoken ally to Ottawa’s Jewish community, and a leader in the fight against antisemitism.

Minister Kerzner is proud to be the first kippah-wearing member of the Ontario legislature. He is also proud that he made relationship-building with Ottawa’s Jewish community a priority after becoming Solicitor General in 2022. The Solicitor General is a cabinet position in Premier Doug Ford’s government, and is charged with public security and law enforcement, critical areas for our community today.

The Minister and new Federation CEO Adam Silver were able to connect over the shul they used to attend in Toronto. Both the Minister and MPP MacLeod had longstanding relationships with many of our community members present, showing the depth of their personal connections to Ottawa’s Jewish community.

Community members at the table each got a chance to speak; telling their stories as related to antisemitism, and sharing their personal concerns: of fears for children and grandchildren just to attend schools, of harassment on university campuses, of workplace bullying.

Our community speakers raised specific legislative changes or other tools to enhance security for the Jewish community, focusing on hateful and dangerous protests; promotion of terror support on campuses and in public service unions; prioritization of resources for hate crimes; and security costs.

The Minister responded to each speaker, and showed real understanding of our community’s concerns and fears. He emphasized that the vast majority of Ontarians and Canadians stand with us against hate. He spoke of the  importance of Jewish pride right now, of speaking up, and of finding ways to tell our story and grow our allies. He spoke of the hate he has received as a proudly and visibly Jewish politician, of his dedication to standing with Toronto’s Jewish community as they faced weeks of harassment in their own neighbourhoods, and of standing with MPP MacLeod to continue to speak out against this hate.

Shabbat Shalom 💛☀️
Enjoy the stunning weather this relaxing Shabbat!

SHABBAT SHALOM this weeks shabbat greeting was written by our new CEO Adam Silver! He shares about his first week at the Federation in Ottawa and the excitement he has to join our community. Everyone give Adam a warm Jewish Ottawa welcome!

https://conta.cc/3LxoHRM

4 Ottawa educators who are currently on the binat halev pan-Canadian professional journey around Israel 🇮🇱📚✏️🧑‍🏫

The parents of hostage .hersh.home have launched a week of goodness that runs until shabbat. The week is filled with volunteering, studying, giving to charity, praying, singing and more. For more information visit their website in our bio

Shabbat shalom 💙💙 Enjoy the beautiful weather and have a relaxing shabbat ☀️

This years golf tournament helped us raise $268,000!!!! This money helps us continue to support agencies like , , , Jewish Family Services and , as well as programs such as the Kosher Food Bank!

Yesterday we hosted our annual golf tournament at Rideau View Golf Club! 130 golfers joined us and helped to raise $268,000 for our annual campaign in support of the Ottawa Jewish community.
Ashley Fraser from the Ottawa Citizen came to the event to take pictures and share the impact of our event with the greater Ottawa community. Her article will be attached in the comments bellow

This is what jewish community looks like: Thierry, an associate wealth advisor at RBC, heard about all of the new Israeli arrivals to our city and wanted to do something to help. We would like to thank him for volunteering his time and hosting a Canadian finance workshop to help our new community members.
Yasher Koach!

shabbat shalom 💜wishing you all a relaxing and sunny shabbat ☀️☀️☀️

Young adults (18-40) join us on Thursday July 18 for a FREE mocktail pool party at the SJCC outdoor pool🌊☀️🍹

RSVP required: https://jewishottawa.redpodium.com/sip-and-dip

🚴‍♂️ Join Hillel Lodge for the 16th Annual Biking for Bubbies on September 15, 2024! 🚴‍♀️ Whether you register to bike, sponsor a rider, or bring your family to the Family Fun Zone, your participation makes a huge difference in the lives of residents at Hillel Lodge. Let’s pedal with purpose and make this year the best one yet! 🌟❤️

Wishing you all a relaxing and peaceful shabbat and long weekend!
This week’s shabbat message was written by Marina Milyavskaya - a Federation board member. She shares an encouraging message about staying optimistic: https://bit.ly/3xsy1mx

today is Canadian multiculturalism day. The day has made us reflect on our own rich and diverse culture in our community with great pride❤️❤️

some pics from our amazing 90th celebration and AGM last week

Summer is here! The JFO invites you to complete your 40 hours of volunteering with us this summer! There is something for everyone – please click here https://bit.ly/4dzyXWf for more details.

Shabbat Shalom! Wishing everyone a happy and meaningful Shabbat. 💙💙💙