March 25, 2022 | 22 Adar ll 5782

One month after the beginning of the invasion, civilian and military deaths continue to mount in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians, including tens of thousands of Jews, are still attempting to flee the country. Jewish Federations are working closely with the Government of Israel and our partners to do everything in our power to support efforts that ensure the safety and well-being of the entire Jewish community in Ukraine. Please see this latest update on our collective efforts to help.

On March 23, Jewish Federations of Canada – United Israel Appeal presented an exclusive briefing from our partners on the ground in Ukraine and the region. As the situation unfolds, we are gathering these leaders and experts to share unparalleled insights into this developing crisis. A recording of this briefing can be viewed here.

If you would like to assist financially in mobilizing services on the ground and supporting our Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and The American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) partners, please donate online now.

Antisemitism is on the rise in Canada and around the world as are instances of Holocaust denial and distortions of the Jewish experience. This surge is worsened by an increasingly polarized political climate, rising extremism, and lack of Holocaust education. Last month, a Member of Parliament tabled legislation that would criminalize Holocaust denial in Canada.

Join Jewish Federations across Canada and CIJA on Tuesday, March 29 at 11am MDT for a lively exchange of perspectives on the criminalization of Holocaust denial by subject experts from Canada, Israel, and France. Register for free online.

PJ Library® invites you join in on Pesach Break Matzah Mania! We are offering free PJ Pesach @ Home Kits for children under eight. The kit has everything you need to celebrate one of our favourite Jewish holidays! A limited quantity is available so reserve yours online now to avoid disappointment!

This week, the Dorshei Tzedec Teen Philanthropy Program celebrated its final session and acknowledged its teen philanthropists as they awarded two organizations, JFSC and Save A Child's Heart Canada, with grants toward specific programs. Two-time alumnae of the program, Moriah Samchek and Hannah Silver, initiated this year's offering and served as volunteer facilitators, under the guidance of Jonah Potasznik of Beth Tzedec. Over four sessions, the teens learned about determining personal and group philanthropic values, consensus building, leadership, and grant allocations. In total, $1,000 was awarded. Our community is in very good hands for the future!

Dorshei Tzedec was a collaborative program of Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Calgary Jewish Federation, and LIFE & LEGACY®. Generous support for the program was provided by B'nai Brith Calgary Lodge 816.