By Ranit Braun, Manager JFS
Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Ottawa, in collaboration with the newly established Israeli Newcomers Focus Group, has launched a new initiative aimed at better understanding and supporting the needs of Israeli newcomers who have recently made Ottawa their home.
The initiative centres around a community survey that invites participation from Israelis who have arrived in Canada within the past two years. The goal is both simple and significant: to ensure that new immigrants are not just settling, but thriving — socially, economically, and emotionally — within Ottawa’s Jewish community and the broader Canadian society.
“We believe that listening to our newest community members is key to helping us develop services to ensure resettlement succeed,” says Ranit Braun, Manager of Thelma Steinman Support Services at JFS. “This survey is about amplifying the voices of Israeli newcomers so that we can create programs and services that truly meet their needs. With the support of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, we hope to reach as many newcomers as we can.”
The survey is part of a broader effort to build a strong, connected, and inclusive community, and is focused on five key areas:
1. Cultural Integration & Community Engagement
Helping newcomers feel welcomed and encouraging participation in Jewish community life is at the heart of this initiative.
“We want people to feel that Ottawa is not just a place they live, but a community they belong to,” says Tal Palgi, Case Manager with the JFS Tikvah Unit.
2. Employment Support
Recognizing the challenges of entering a new job market, the survey also explores how JFS and community partners can assist with resume building, job searches, and preparing for interviews — critical steps toward gaining Canadian work experience.
3. Language & Education Support
From conversational English and French classes to guidance around academic accreditation and school enrolment, language and education support is a major pillar of the settlement process.
4. Mental Health & Well-Being
Relocation often brings emotional and psychological challenges. The survey seeks to understand what types of mental health services — including counselling and peer support — would be most beneficial to Israeli newcomers.
5. Settlement Services
Navigating the complex web of government programs and social services can be daunting. By identifying key needs, JFS hopes to improve access to relevant resources and the settlement experience.
A Community-Driven Approach
This initiative has been developed in close partnership with the Israeli Newcomers Focus Group, a dedicated team of volunteers at JFS, who have experienced the newcomer journey firsthand. Committee members Tomer Hatzir, Ravit Yakov, Misha Aronzon, Roei Levy, and Liad Amir have worked closely with JFS to ensure the survey reflects the real questions and concerns newcomers face.
“Being part of the focus group has shown us just how important it is for the community to listen and respond,” says Tomer Hatzir. “We’re not just collecting data, we’re opening a conversation.”
Make Your Voice Heard
If you or someone you know is an Israeli newcomer who arrived in Canada in the past two years, you are encouraged to participate in this important survey. It’s available in both Hebrew and Russian and only takes a few minutes to complete.
🟦 Click here for the Hebrew Survey
🟥 Click here for the Russian Survey
By participating, you’ll be helping shape the services and programs that will support not only you, but future Israeli newcomers seeking to build their lives in Ottawa.
For more information about the survey or JFS newcomer services, please contact Ranit Braun at [email protected]