CIJA mourns the passing of our cherished colleague David Ouellette
Montreal, QC—It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our colleague and friend David Ouellette died early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer.
For immediate release
Montreal, QC—It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our colleague and friend David Ouellette died early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. David dedicated his career to fighting antisemitism and building bridges between Quebec and Israel. David was well known for his frequent appearances as an expert commentator on issues of importance to the Jewish community and will be deeply missed by so many who benefited from his knowledge, expertise, insight, and passion.
“We have lost a dear friend, an invaluable colleague, and a bridge-builder who leaves a great void. A few months ago, I had the honour of being present when, on behalf of Premier François Legault, Minister Benoit Charrette presented David with the medal of the Quebec National Assembly for his tireless work building bridges between the people of Quebec and the Jewish community. On behalf of all of us at CIJA and the community we serve, I extend our deepest condolences to Karina, his beloved wife. I am personally deeply saddened to have lost a good friend with whom I have enjoyed such a rewarding professional collaboration.”
– Eta Yudin, CIJA Vice President, Quebec
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our beloved friend and colleague, David Ouellette. David was a devoted Jewish public servant who worked on behalf of the Jewish communities of Quebec and Canada with wisdom, courage, and tireless devotion. He carried himself with rare dignity and humility throughout his illness and kept fighting for the ideals he cherished. Our friend David will be sorely missed.”
– Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Co-Chair, Quebec Local Partner Council
“David was a passionate advocate for the Jewish community in Canada and in Quebec. In addition to his exceptional mind and deep knowledge of the issues that impact us, David was a keen observer of the world, a loyal colleague, an accomplished linguist, and a superb and gifted photographer. His contribution to CIJA and the Jewish community are unrivalled, and his legacy of intellectual integrity and principled commitment set a standard for us all.”
– Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, CIJA
Additional Background:
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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations across Canada.
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