This week, we connected you to Israel's decisionmakers, celebrated democracy in action in Israel, and analyzed the impact of the 2023 Federal Budget on the Canadian Jewish community. 

Read on to learn more. 

The CIJA Team  

While the Jewish community in Canada watches with interest the ongoing developments in Israel, CIJA has put together the following list of key political contacts in Israel.

Should you have thoughts you wish to share as Israel faces the challenges ahead, these are available for you to send messages of support, constructive criticism, and concern.

Have your say 

“Like you, during the past few weeks I have watched the unfolding turmoil in Israel over the proposed judicial reform, the continuing and escalating – but largely peaceful – protests, and the hour-by-hour developments. And I am relieved that the people of Israel, who raised their collective voice loudly and repeatedly have been heard. It demonstrates the power the people hold and that change is possible even between trips to the ballot box. Truly a democracy in action and one of which we can all be proud!” 

Read now 

This week in Jerusalem, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, postponed the controversial judicial reform legislation to allow more time for dialogue on the proposals and developing a negotiated consensus. In response, CIJA issued a press release in support of the delay, celebrating the Israeli people’s ownership of their cherished democratic rights by peacefully protesting to ensure their voices were heard.

In recent weeks, CIJA has been working to provide Canada’s Jewish community and media with resources and clarity regarding the evolving legislative issue in Israel. These efforts include an interview on CP24, explainers about what is happening in Israel and Judicial Reforms on social media, and two Unity Not Uniformity webinars (A Look at Israel’s New Government and Unpacking the Controversy).

Our statement

In this week's 2023 federal budget, CIJA was pleased to see several measures, including specific requests from communal agencies, that benefit and support the Jewish community in Canada.

We are grateful for the government’s enhancement of the Security Infrastructure Program, which provides funding to non-profit organizations, including synagogues and Jewish community centres, at risk of hate-motivated crime. This funding mitigates the costs of security infrastructure improvements.

We expect the government’s renewed commitments to assist those requiring food security, to increase Holocaust education, and support community safety through existing and enhanced programs and grants.

CIJA in the News 

Community Calendar

April 5-April 13 | Passover 
April 17-18 | Yom HaShoah 
April 24-25 | Yom HaZikaron 
April 25-26 | Yom Ha’atzmaut
May 25-27 | Shavuot

Careers

CIJA is Hiring:

• Chief Operating Officer 
• Associate Director, Policy and Communications (Pacific Region)
• Program Coordinator, CIJA/Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
• Associate Director, Communications and Media Relations (Quebec)

Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg