By Inbal Marcovitch

A significant partnership has been established between the World Zionist Organization’s (WZO) Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad, and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) in Ottawa. This collaboration aims to create a vibrant, supportive space for Canadian-Israeli and Israeli families living in Ottawa-Gatineau through the newly launched "Beit Ha'am: A Home for the Israeli Community" project, to be hosted at SJCC’s HaKibbutz which is supported by a Jewish Journeys Grant from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

Building a Home Away from Home
The Beit Ha’am project will provide a welcoming hub for Israelis and Canadian-Israelis of all ages to gather, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging within the local Jewish community. The primary goals of the initiative include helping Israelis preserve their Jewish-Israeli identity alongside their Canadian identity, while connecting with other Jewish communities in Ottawa, Israel, and beyond. 

For HaKibbutz, partnering with WZO was a natural fit and has been in development over the past year. Our two programs share the common values of a pluralistic and democratic approach to the communities we work with. 

Beit Ha’am promotes preserving the Hebrew language and Israeli culture among first and second-generation Israeli immigrants around the world. Elements of Canadian culture will also be blended, as first and subsequent generations of Israeli immigrants form a new identity in Canada. 

Ottawa is now joining a network of communities building stronger connections that will contribute to the resilience of established and newer Israeli immigrants to Canada.  Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman, the head of the World Zionist Organization's Department of Irgoon and the Israelis Abroad, said that she "welcomes and is pleased about the growing collaboration with the HaKibbutz Program and the local SJCC in Ottawa.”

She stressed that "the expansion of the program, coupled with the Beit Ha'am project that is gaining momentum worldwide, is the fulfillment of the Department's vision – namely, to provide the Israeli communities with a home that is a central hub that draws the second generation to study Hebrew, as well a venue for Hebrew-Israeli culture for the members of the community. This also facilitates maintaining, and even strengthening, the bond with the State of Israel and the Hebrew heritage."

Throughout the year, HaKibbutz - Beit Ha’am will facilitate numerous community events, offering a range of events, such as Israeli-style Kabbalat Shabbat and holidays celebrations, support Israeli music events, family hikes, and fun activities for families and kids. 

“This has been a special year, we are now fully housing the HaKibbutz at our centre, and we are so delighted to welcome all its partners, including this meaningful partnership with WZO to further extend the programming of HaKibbutz and open the doors to the Israeli community in Ottawa,” says Sarah D. Beutel, Soloway Jewish Community Centre President and COO. 

The first event for families will take place on November 17 and will be led by Alexandra Voytko, who was an artist in Tel Aviv’s circus, “Florentine.” Alexandra will facilitate parent-child acrobatics punctuated by Israeli music and fun. 

Both the SJCC and WZO envision a long-term impact, aiming for the HaKibbutz-HaBeit Ha’am project to eventually operate independently and sustainably. By blending cultural appreciation with community support, the Beit Ha’am project offers a model for enhancing the lives of Israeli-Canadians living in Ottawa-Gatineau and fostering deeper connections.

Inbal Marcovitch is the founder of HaKibbutz.