Descendants of Jewish internees seek apology from government

February 19, 2026 • Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Remembering Canada’s Jewish internees as descendants seek official apology

When Jewish refugees fled Nazi Germany, they never expected to be interned in Canada as “enemy aliens.” Nearly 2,400 were held behind barbed wire in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, including Rabbi Rudolph J. Adler z"l. Now, their descendants are urging the Canadian government to formally recognize this injustice, calling for an official apology, in the hopes that more can be done in the future to prevent similar atrocities from happening in the future.

Roadburg Foundation commits
$50 million to Tel Hai University

The Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation has pledged $50 million to Tel Hai University, supporting its transition to full university status and strengthening Israel’s Galilee Panhandle. For the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, which partners in Etzbah HaGalil through Partnership2Gether, the gift builds on decades of Canadian engagement, positioning Tel Hai as a driver of regional recovery, growth, and resilience.

PJ Library Gives Back:
Kindness in action across Ottawa

This Kindness Week, Federation’s PJ Library program partners with Jewish Family Services Ottawa’s StreetSmarts Outreach Program for “PJ Library Gives Back.” Families will assemble winter care packages at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC), supporting Ottawa’s unhoused neighbours with essential supplies while building connection, compassion, and community impact.

Tailor Made Birthright makes Israel accessible for all

Birthright Israel’s Tailor Made program, proudly supported by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, is an inclusive experience designed for participants who benefit from added structure and support. With adapted pacing, trained staff, and iconic stops across Israel, the trip proves accessibility and authenticity can go hand in hand, ensuring every young Jewish adult can connect, explore, and belong.

Living Jewishly at Tamir:
Inclusion in action

Tamir, a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, brings Jewish life to people with developmental disabilities through vibrant, accessible programming. In a recent interview, Judaic Programmer Chani Teitlebaum shares how person-centred goals, staff education, and community partnerships foster dignity, inclusion, and meaningful Jewish engagement for all.

Marking life's milestones

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of February 5, 2026.

Click here to view fund contributions