“Agony. Pain. There are no words.

Our hearts — the hearts of an entire nation — lie in tatters.

On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day. Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely.

May their memory be a blessing."

- Israeli President Isaac Herzog on X, yesterday

Yesterday was an extremely difficult and emotional day in Israel, as the bodies of 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifshitz, four-year-old Ariel Bibas and nine-month-old Kfir Bibas were returned home without their mother Shiri.

We are appalled, outraged, and disgusted by Hamas’ cruel and deceitful psychological warfare against the Bibas family, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people. For so many, the Bibas boys, with their distinctive red hair, were a global symbol of the hostages. Their faces became known around the world, particularly through heart-wrenching footage of their terrified faces as they were taken captive.

Not only did these terrorists kidnap Kfir and Ariel - but forensic evidence shows that they brutally murdered them roughly a month into their captivity. Further, they lied about returning the body of their mother, adding to the immense pain of the family.

Last night, with broken hearts, we joined Israelis and fellow Jews around the world in mourning as a community. The vigils, held at Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation and at Beth Tikvah, brought together congregants of Montreal-area synagogues and other community groups in solidarity with the Bibas and Lifshitz families.

We send our deepest condolences and love to both families and to our brothers and sisters in Israel during this horrific period.

Debunking Myths and Propaganda: Rethinking Israel Education Post-October 7th

Federation CJA is taking a bold and visionary approach to teaching students about Israel. It’s coming in the form of a brand-new curriculum that will be rolled out across all Montreal Jewish day schools this fall. Learn more about this unique initiative and how it is already striking a chord with educators across the Jewish day school system.

Send Your Child to Camp This Summer Through Our CAMPS Access Grants

The snow is piling up, and we’re already dreaming of campfires, lifelong friendships, and endless days by the lake. This unforgettable Jewish overnight camp experience is more accessible than ever thanks to Federation CJA’s CAMPS Access Grants. We’re offering up to $1,000 off, depending on your household income and session length. Simply fill out the CAMPS anonymous calculator today to find out if you qualify.

Show Appreciation and Spread Joy This Purim

Show your appreciation for a personal hero this Purim by sending her one of our Queen Esther Kavod tribute cards. With our beautiful card and envelope designs, your tribute will be extra special. You can even add your own personal message! All proceeds from the Queen Esther Kavod Card initiative will go towards funding Mishloach Manot for the vulnerable in our community. It’s the perfect way to say thank you while supporting a great cause.

Tax receipts will be issued for a minimum donation of $18.

The White and Blue Newspaper Now Available in Print Form

Jewish students’ voices are being heard louder than ever within the pages of the White and Blue newspaper. And now, thanks to Federation CJA’s Passport to Jewish Life initiative, you can pick up a physical copy of its latest edition at the Hillel House and other Jewish institutions around town. We spoke with the paper’s founder and editor-in-chief, Emmy Rubin, to learn about how The White and Blue came to be and why it was so important for them to not strictly be an online publication.

Hear more from Emmy on next week's episode of our Federation 360 podcast.

Jewish Student at McGill Describes Just How ‘Bad Things Are’ at her University

McGill University student Maris Brail paints a picture of the campus climate in an opinion piece originally published in The Algemeiner. An active member of McGill’s Hillel and Students Supporting Israel executive boards, Brail encourages fellow students, no matter their affiliation, to consider the validity of the claims they encounter on campus instead of blindly following the crowd.

Addressing the Systemic Bias in CBC’s Coverage of Israel

The CBC – our national, publicly funded broadcaster with a mandate to reflect Canada’s diversity – has a long, documented, and disturbing record of anti-Israel bias. The situation has gone too far, which is why we’re asking for your help. Tell CBC’s president that Canadians deserve an independent inquiry into its Middle East coverage and that they should reassign all journalists who have demonstrated anti-Israel bias.

A Transformative Experience Awaits Journey of Hope Registrants

Registration is now open for Journey of Hope (JOH) 2025- a powerful and transformative experience for CEGEP and university students! From exploring Jewish history in Poland to witnessing resilience and innovation in Israel, this immersive journey will deepen your Jewish identity and equip you with skills and knowledge to navigate your future as a young Jew in today’s environment.

Discover Israel on an Upcoming Community Mission

Federation CJA invites you to register for one of our upcoming missions to Israel. Don’t miss out on your chance to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with your brothers and sisters in Israel, gain valuable insights into the Israeli healthcare and educational systems alongside your peers, or make a meaningful difference by volunteering in areas of the country that need it most.

Become Federation CJA’s ProMontreal Entrepreneurs’ Next Success Story

Sean Jagermann started BOLD Bars, a power-packed protein bar meant to fuel active lives, out of his love for cooking and living an active lifestyle. With a full-time job in venture capital, Sean turned to Federation CJA’s ProMontreal Entrepreneurs for help in developing his “better-for-you” snack idea into a successful business.

“ProMontreal Entrepreneurs (PME) has been instrumental in allowing me to start BOLD,” he said. “Simply put, without PME, BOLD would not exist. PME’s capital has allowed me to go from an idea to launching a real business, including ordering my first batch of inventory and developing a beautiful brand.”

You can receive up to $75,000 in funding to help build and strengthen your business roots in Montreal by applying for PME’s Spring 2025 Funding Round. Take advantage of veteran entrepreneurs, angel investors, VCs, and senior executives through our mentorship and coaching program.

Second Suspect Arrested for Shooting at Yeshiva Gedolah

A 19-year-old suspect was charged Wednesday in connection with the shooting at Yeshiva Gedolah in November of 2023. He faces charges of discharging a firearm and vehicle theft with aggravating hate factors.

To read Federation CJA and CIJA’s joint statement on the arrest, click here.

Canadian Businessmen Say Everyone Has a Role to Play in Fight Against Antisemitism

In the wake of the vandalism committed at Westmount’s Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom last weekend, some of Canada’s leading businessmen penned an opinion piece this week in The Montreal Gazette. In it, they call on leaders across all levels of government and branches of society nationwide to speak up and take action to eradicate antisemitism.

Baking 4 Kindness x Zera Café (Pizza Dinner Included) | Wednesday February 26, 2025

In honour of Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), Federation CJA West Island is collaborating with Zera Café for an afternoon of fun and meaningful baking to promote inclusion! During this session we’ll be guided by a neurodivergent employee from Zera Café, with step-by-step instructions to make delicious chocolate chip cookie squares. These treats will then be donated to Kerry’s Kitchen, part of the Hope and Cope division of the Jewish General Hospital. To accommodate families with diverse abilities, we will be including a quiet, calming space for those moments when we need a minute away from the crowd.

LAST CHANCE! Sweating for a Cause
Montreal's top gyms have generously partnered with Federation CJA, donating all proceeds from one of their classes to support Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Only two sessions remain:

• Sunday February 23rd, 8:45 AM at Ryan L Fitness (5400 Westbury Ave.)

• Tuesday February 25th, 6:30 PM at Cadence Cycle (100 av. Dresden)

Let's come together, get fit, and make a difference in our community.

Women’s Philanthropy - Alpine Impact | Wednesday March 5, 2025

Are you ready for a fabulous and fun day on the slopes? Join us for Women’s Philanthropy Alpine Impact, a women-only ski day where we blend the thrill of skiing, the joy of giving back, and some serious après-ski vibes! Don’t miss out and let’s make some memories on (and off) the slopes!

Parents Night Off! PJs & Popcorn (West Island) | Saturday March 8, 2025

Federation CJA West Island is thrilled to host our very first Parents’ Night Off—a special evening where we entertain the kids while you enjoy some well-deserved free time. Kids aged 5-10 are invited to wear their comfiest PJs, bring a blanket and pillow, and settle in for a fun-filled night featuring a classic film, tasty treats, arts & crafts activities and exciting surprises throughout the night. This is an after-dinner event—just drop off the kids and enjoy your evening! If you’d like to stay, relax in our Parent Lounge while the kids have fun.

Purim at the Port | Wednesday March 12, 2025

We’re bringing the Golden Twenties to life. Step into a speakeasy-style party where vintage glam meets modern vibes—think jazz, craft cocktails, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Dress sharp! Let’s raise a glass, celebrate in style, and make a difference—because some nights are too good to be forgotten. All proceeds will go towards supporting Federation CJA's 2025 Annual Campaign.