Federation AGM marks transition and celebrates milestones

June 26, 2025 • Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Federation AGM celebrates milestones and achievements

Leadership transitions and community impact were front and centre at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s 91st Annual General Meeting. The event honoured outgoing Chair Karen Palayew, welcomed incoming Chair Danya Vered, and celebrated outstanding volunteers through the Community Service Awards—including Linda Kerzner, Esti Fogel, Toby and Joel Yan, and Jasmine Kranat—for their deep commitment to Jewish life and service in Ottawa and beyond.

Meet this year's Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation award winners

The Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation recently honoured this year’s award and scholarship recipients at its AGM. Each honouree exemplifies excellence, service, and tzedakah. The awards celebrate impact across generations—supporting education and inclusion, and enhancing quality of life through initiatives that strengthen both the Jewish and wider Ottawa community.

Maddy Eisenberg: Celebrating Pride while on the brink of war

During a Ministry of Foreign Affairs–sponsored trip to Israel, Maddy Eisenberg joined a North American LGBTQ+ delegation for what became a firsthand experience of war, resilience, and intersectional identity. Amid bomb shelters and cancelled Pride events, Eisenberg found profound solidarity and safety as a queer Jew — something she reflects is still lacking in Canada.

Ottawa rabbi is named one of the city's 'Forty under 40'

Rabbi Idan Scher of Congregation Machzikei Hadas has been named one of Ottawa’s “Forty Under 40,” recognizing his leadership, community service, and professional impact. Chosen from 159 nominees, Rabbi Scher credits this honour to the support of his congregation and community, emphasizing humility, service, and relationship-building as the core values guiding his work.

How an Ottawa teacher sparked Israel’s largest volunteer English program

When Ottawa teacher Sarah Gordon went on maternity leave, she launched Israel Connect — now Israel’s largest non-governmental English education program. By pairing Israeli students with volunteer retiree English-speaking mentors, the initiative fosters language skills and emotional support, especially in war-affected areas. With support from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the program continues to grow and make a profound impact.

Marking life's milestones

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of June 19, 2025.

Click here to view fund contributions