Bearing witness at the Nova Exhibition in Toronto

May 22, 2025 • Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Communications Specialist Ethan Rode shares his emotional journey through the Nova Exhibition in Toronto, a harrowing yet essential experience sponsored in part by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. Through immersive visuals, sounds, and firsthand survivor accounts, the exhibit recounts the October 7 Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival. Raw, intense, and unforgettable, it serves as both a memorial and a call to bear witness, offering healing through remembrance and the vital work of the Tribe of Nova Foundation.

Guiding the next generation: trip focuses on remembrance and resilience

Oren Baray, now with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, returned to March of the Living in 2025 as a chaperone for 11 teens. From Holocaust sites to war-affected kibbutzim, the journey was shaped by both history and current conflict. Facing wildfires, floods, and even a missile strike, the group witnessed the resilience and strength that defines the Jewish people — then and now.

Students reflect on their experiences from March of the Living trip

Ottawa teens Freida Kaplan-Myrth and Leah Freedhoff reflect on their transformative experiences from March of the Living. Following the story of the Jewish people from the dark days of the Holocaust in Poland to the current conflict in Israel, this is an experience neither will soon forget. Their journey deepened their connection to Jewish identity, memory, and resilience.

Building bridges with Christian allies

from across the nation

In this article from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa's Interfaith and Advocacy Specialist, Jodi Green, she discusses how over 200 Christian leaders from across Canada gathered in Ottawa for the Israel Conference on May 6–7, showing solidarity with the Jewish community. Moving allies from prayer to action through heartfelt dialogue and shared purpose, participants committed to combatting antisemitism and deepening interfaith support across the country.

Breaking down barriers for people

of all abilities in the Jewish community

At the Pushing the Boundaries Conference in Toronto, Jodi Green of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa joined Jewish leaders and accessibility advocates to explore inclusion in Jewish life. Sponsored in part by the Federation, the event featured powerful speakers and national panels. Green emphasized the importance of community-wide engagement to drive change, leaving the Ottawa team inspired to further inclusion back home.

22nd annual Israeli Film Festival returns to Soloway JCC this June

For the 22nd year, the Israeli Film Festival returns to Ottawa this June at the Soloway JCC. Featuring four powerful films that explore history, identity, and human connection, the festival offers a rich glimpse into Israeli culture. The films cover diverse themes and will have English subtitles. From romance to war stories, it promises to be a compelling cinematic experience for all. Screenings run June 5-15.

Exhibit at Queen’s Park shines light

on Ottawa’s Jewish heritage

Just in time for Jewish Heritage Month, a new exhibit at Queen’s Park in Toronto spotlights the vibrant Jewish history of Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Curated by Teigan Goldsmith Hitsman of the Ottawa Jewish Archives, it features artifacts, photos, and a striking replica of the D. Wolfson pawnshop clock. Open through December 2025, the display honours Jewish-owned businesses that helped shape Ottawa’s commercial legacy.

Marking life's milestones

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of May 15, 2025.

Click here to view fund contributions