UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Today, many Jewish organizations and hospitals across Canada were targeted by a mass, threatening email. Security experts believe this is a baseless attempt to spread fear and not a real threat. Our team is actively coordinating with police and Jewish institutions to ensure our community's safety. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity. In an emergency, call 911, then our 24/7 hotline at 416-635-5600. As Jews, we are resilient, prepared, and proud—and we refuse to be intimidated by those seeking to spread fear in our community.

On October 7th, 2023, everything changed for the Jewish people. Join UJA Federation and our partners as we come together, as one united community, to mark this dark day. 🕯️Together, we will cherish the memory of those who were murdered. Reaffirm our solidarity with the hostages and their families. And honour the resilience of the wounded and all who survived the deadliest attack on Jewish life since the Holocaust.    Free registration here: https://lnkd.in/gE9EsTMy

This evening, Jews worldwide will begin to mark Tisha B’Av—a day of fasting and mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in our holy city of Jerusalem.   Every year, Tisha B’Av also recalls the most painful moments of Jewish history throughout the centuries. For Jews, memory isn’t simply about the past. It’s foundational to who we are and how we live today. As prominent American Sephardi Rabbi Marc Angel notes, “the Jewish people are unified by two great national experiences: Redemption and Exile. These experiences are not merely singular historical events, but are prototypes that imbue the entire span of Jewish history—past, present and future. “We are supposed to experience the Passover seder as though we ourselves were redeemed from Egypt. We are supposed to experience Tisha B’Av as though we ourselves witnessed the razing of our Temples in Jerusalem and were forced into a long and distressing Exile. …It is the personal connection with both of these themes that serves to unite us as one people.” This solemn day—and the essential need for Jewish unity—takes on new meaning as we reflect on October 7th, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Just as we are united in our mourning for the Temples and the tragedies of our history, we are united in our determination to respond with Jewish strength and purpose to the history we are now living. To safeguard the memory of all who were murdered that terrible day last October or have fallen in the difficult months since. To support their loved ones and heal those who remain in hospital or in recovery. And to demand the immediate and unconditional return of every hostage: bring them home now. We wish all who are fasting, observing, or reflecting this Tisha B’Av a very meaningful day.

The past 24 hours have brought serious developments in our city and the Middle East that impact our community’s security. We are writing to keep you informed about what’s happening, what UJA is doing, and what you can do. Click the link for our full update: https://lnkd.in/ghPRrmNi

JF&CS has seen a rise in community members experiencing mental health challenges. As a result, we have partnered with UJA Federation of Greater Toronto to create a workshop designed to help those who work with youth and adults identify the early warning signs of mental health struggles. Participants in the free workshops might be group leaders, camp counsellors, teachers, spiritual leaders, etc. This is a two hour in person workshop, provided in a group format. Minimum group size of 10 (flexible) and a maximum of 25. To receive further information about the Because YOU and YOUth Matter workshops, email Shirley Shedletsky, sshedletsky@jf&cs.com

Update: Fire at Leo Baeck Day School A fire early this morning caused significant damage at Leo Baeck Day School. Thankfully, no one was injured and first responders quickly contained the blaze.   🔹 UJA is coordinating with Leo Baeck, Toronto Police, and security at institutions across the community. 🔹 Police Update: The fire originated in a shed used by an under-housed individual. Police report no suspicious circumstances or hate motivation. 🔹 This follows a recent school bus fire near Bathurst and Wilson, which continues to be investigated.   Community Reminder: • Healthy vigilance is key. Report suspicious activity to police or UJA Community Security (416-635-5600). • Trust verified sources for information. Sign up for critical security updates. Visit this link for the full update: https://lnkd.in/gdKxbnJn

We are aware of “Free Palestine” graffiti at multiple businesses and Jewish community sites in Vaughan, including UJA’s Vaughan Jewish Community Campus. UJA Community Security is in communication with York Regional Police, which is investigating. If you have information or camera footage that may help, please contact police without delay. Using the Middle East as an excuse to target Jews is antisemitism, pure and simple. To the cowards targeting our community: Every act of hate redoubles our commitment to Jewish pride and Zionism. And every act of hate reminds the Canadian public about the importance of Israel’s existence. We aren’t going anywhere – so get used to it.

🏅🇨🇦🇮🇱 Wishing the best of luck to Team Canada and Team Israel at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games! With 337 Canadian athletes and 88 Israeli athletes ready to compete, we can’t wait to see your incredible performances. Go for gold! We are rooting for you all the way from Canada! 🏆

Really excited to be part of an incredible initiative which brings together teens from Toronto and Eilat to strengthen Jewish identity through the love of basketball and together compete at the Jcc Maccabi Games. This is a thanks to an amazing partnership between Schwartz/Reisman Centre - JCC, Maccabi Canada, The Jewish Agency for Israel and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and in particular the leadership of Mark Goldberg, Andrew Levy, Lee Mes and many others from the Eilat-Eilot-Toronto partnership and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.