Over the last decade, Federation CJA has experienced many changes and milestones – the launch of two new campaign divisions, YAD FedNext and the Network, as well as the Generations Fund. In 2008, Ometz was created out of the merger of Jewish Employment Montreal, Jewish Immigrant Aid Services and Jewish Family Services. The agency celebrated 150 years in 2015, and the Jewish Public Library celebrated its own centennial in 2014. Federation CJA continues to be at the forefront of responding to a number of local and international crises. When the 2008 recession hit, Federation CJA created its dignified soup kitchen, Le Café. In response to the 2013 proposed Charter of Values and Freedoms, Federation CJA helped to fight before the assemblée nationale. That same year, Federation CJA’s emergency outreach campaign for the Lac Mégantic explosion totaled $100,000. Funds have also been raised in several appeals to assist victims of terror in Israel and around the world, and to help resettle Jews in Montreal who were fleeing persecution and instability in their home countries. Involvement in matters relating to Israeli advocacy and defense has also remained strong, whether it be a Mega Mission to Israel, upholding its commitment to Beer Sheva and Bnai Shimon, or helping Hillel Montreal to fight the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement on campuses.
The principles for which Federation CJA was originally founded – to rationalize fundraising and service delivery – remain as relevant today as they were 100 years ago. Federation CJA remains the place where Jewish values are put into action and where those in need are offered help and comfort. The Jewish values of tzedakah (justice and charity) and tikun olam (repairing the world) continue to guide the community in its efforts to assist the most vulnerable. The Combined Jewish Appeal is generously supported by close to 15,000 donors who, in the most recent 2016 campaign, pledged more than $41 million.
A journey through 100 years
