Jewish Ottawa

Local news and updates on the Jewish community of Ottawa.

Federation set to unveil monument in honour of those murdered on Oct. 7

October 7, 2023, will forever mark a dark chapter in our collective memory. In an unprecedented, tragic attack, Hamas terrorists unleashed a wave of violence on Israel, targeting civilians. Over a thousand lives were brutally taken, and communities were shattered. For Jews worldwide, it was …

Embracing optimism and action at Rosh Hashanah

In this column, Pauline Colwin considers the meaning of Rosh Hashanah as a moment for reflection, renewal, and taking action. Looking back on the past year, she recognizes the gravity of our collective experiences since October 7. On a personal note, this time of year carries profound emoti…

Building community one person at a time: Thierry Lafontaine-Chicha

Thierry Lafontaine-Chicha is originally from Montreal and met his partner while in school at McGill. She was there as an international student and speaks English as a second language. When they were looking for a place to start their life together, Ottawa was appealing because Ottawa has the…

A Hidden Masterpiece: A Tribute to Connie-Gail Feller Saloman’s Legacy

Last month, members of the Feller family gathered at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) for a special visit to the Greenberg Families Library. The purpose of the visit was more than just a tour — it was an opportunity to reconnect with a cherished family heirloom: a painting by the…

Federation’s advocacy team builds interfaith connections

In today’s climate of heightened antisemitism, building personal relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds is more important than ever. In April 2023, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa hired their first professional dedicated to fostering connections with individuals and organi…