Imagine this: Miriam, a new arrival from Israel, comes to Ottawa seeking a fresh start, a safe place to raise her young children, and a community that feels like home. Shortly after settling, she connects with one of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s newcomer programs, where she finds invaluable support and begins to make connections with other families. Miriam learns about the microgrant program, which supports events that bring newcomers together, and soon her family starts to feel part of a welcoming community. At a Federation-hosted gathering, she hears about the Tuition Incentive for supplementary Jewish education and eagerly enrolls her children in Hebrew school. There, she learns about the PJ Library program, which now delivers free Jewish storybooks to her family each month — a meaningful way to bring Jewish stories into their new Canadian home.

Stories like Miriam’s are made possible by your generous support of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Annual Campaign. Each contribution goes directly toward improving lives in Ottawa’s Jewish community. Your donation supports Jewish education, cares for vulnerable members, strengthens community engagement, and ensures security. The programs and services supported by the Federation’s campaign are as varied as they are impactful.

Take Jewish education, for example, which becomes accessible to families of all backgrounds thanks to campaign support. Five supplementary schools and two day schools receive essential funding that benefits hundreds of students each year, making it possible for parents to connect their children to Jewish values and identity. As one parent shared, “Without Federation’s support, we wouldn’t be able to afford the education that connects our children to their identity.” Programs like “A Place for Everyone” provide further tuition support, helping new students enroll each year and increasing participation in Jewish communal life.

Alongside education, Federation support for early engagement programs like PJ Library fosters Jewish pride from a young age, bringing the joy of storytelling into homes across Ottawa and Gatineau. More than 800 children receive PJ Library books each month, with 209 new families joining just this year. For young parents like Miriam, PJ Library becomes a gateway into Jewish life for the whole family.

Community engagement doesn’t stop there. Each year, Federation-backed programs reach more than 10,000 individuals, offering a range of social initiatives from senior programs to youth scholarships. These initiatives, supported by your contributions, touch lives across generations, creating a warm and inclusive environment where everyone can belong.

Leadership development programs also help build the future of Ottawa’s Jewish community. J-Fellows, a flagship program for young professionals, provides mentorship and leadership training, empowering emerging leaders with the skills and confidence to make meaningful contributions. As one participant noted, “J-Fellows gave me the confidence to take on larger leadership roles,” helping ensure that the community’s future is in capable hands.

The Federation’s Annual Campaign also supports institutions that care for our most vulnerable members, including Hillel Lodge, Tamir, and Jewish Family Services. An annual investment of $1.86 million enables these organizations to deliver high-quality services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other community members in need. 

Education and awareness programs extend to teaching Jewish history and actively combating antisemitism. Last year, the Federation partnered with the Atlantic Canada Holocaust Foundation to bring a Holocaust education exhibit to six Ottawa high schools. More than 400 students participated, gaining insights into the importance of combatting antisemitism. The Federation also advocates for Jewish student safety on campuses and in schools, ensuring Ottawa’s Jewish community remains secure and resilient.

In fostering a dynamic community, the Federation’s MicroGRANTS program has supported more than 67 unique events and initiatives since July 2023. These small grants empower local groups to engage in community building, while the Innovative Capacity Building Fund allows organizations to strengthen their operations and innovate new approaches to meet the community’s needs.

Your support also reaches university students and seniors, providing meal programs and opportunities to ease social isolation. Last year alone, partnerships with Hillel Ottawa and the Chabad Student Network delivered over 1,150 meals to students, allowing them to celebrate Shabbat and holidays even while away from home. Similarly, programs like Hillel Lodge’s Java Project ensure seniors can stay connected, combatting isolation and fostering

community bonds.
As incidents of antisemitism rise, the Federation has responded by strengthening security at Jewish institutions across Ottawa. Matching grants have allowed six organizations to secure over $50,000 in funding for security infrastructure, ensuring that community members can gather, learn, and connect in safe spaces. 

Your gift to the Federation’s Annual Campaign ensures that Ottawa’s Jewish community remains vibrant, connected, and secure. Together, we are making an impact — As One

To make your 2024-2025 gift to campaign visit: https://www.jewishottawa.com/annual-campaign-donate or contact Yudit Simmons at ysimmons@JewishOttawa.com or 613-798-4696 x296.