Dear community,

As we gather once again to celebrate the arrival of Rosh Hashanah, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and hope. On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Board of Directors, I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May this New Year be blessed with joy and peace for all.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, introspection, and renewal. It presents us with an opportunity to look back on the past year and contemplate the lessons we have learned, the challenges we have overcome, and the moments of growth and inspiration we have experienced. It is also a time to envision the future we wish to create for ourselves and our community.

As a united and vibrant community, we have accomplished so much together. Our strength lies in our diversity, our shared values, and our commitment to one another. Let us continue to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where all members can feel a sense of belonging and find support in times of need. Together, we can build bridges and foster understanding, creating a stronger and more harmonious community.

As Chair of the Grants and Evaluation Committee, I also want to thank my committee members and professional staff for all they have done this past year. They have taken on a larger-than-normal workload, allocating community dollars with professionalism and care.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a Shanah Tovah, a Happy and Sweet New Year. May it be filled with good health, and endless possibilities.

L'Shanah Tovah tikatevu v'tichatemu!

With warmest regards,

Kevin Barwin

Chair of the Grants and Evaluation Committee

P.S. It has been a busy week on the Jewish Community Campus with Federation's leadership proudly hosting several dignitaries.

On Monday, Federation leaders met with His Worship Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and City Councillor Rawlson King and had a positive discussion on the topics of antisemitism, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, support for Tamir’s housing project, and food security. Much thanks to Mayor Sutcliffe and Councillor King for their allyship.

(At left: Past Chair Ian Sherman, CEO Andrea Freedman, Councillor Rawlson King, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Chair Karen Palayew, Vice Chair Danya Vered, & Chair of the CCRC Marci Surkes.)

On Wednesday, CEO Andrea Freedman had the honour of welcoming H.E Iddo Moed, Israel's Ambassador Delegate to Canada to the Jewish community campus.

We wish Ambassador Delegate Moed, who has a wealth of experience as a diplomatic with postings in China and many other countries, well in his new post and look forward to future collaborations.