Ottawa couple helps children in Israel with toys, books

For more than 30 years, the Eisenbergs have been fundraising and supporting projects to improve the lives of children in Ottawa and in Israel. They are sharing their story now in hopes of inspiring others: ‘Who would not like to see a sick or traumatized child’s face light up after getti…

Canada to China – Jewish-Chinese connections unite a family

by Valerie (Chan) Hum

Little did we realize when our son, Jeffrey, married Sharon Szmuilowicz in August 2008, that we would find ourselves visiting China nine months later as a family and visiting all our ancestral homes. 

My family comes from the village of Sui Nam, Toi San district, Gua…

The vital importance of Federation then and now - Andrea Freedman

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, the Federation is embarking on a series of year-long initiatives about our shared journey. Among the initiatives are monthly articles delving into our history, including columns…

Horror and Heroism: Voices from Israel

By Barbara Crook

KATZRIN, Israel -- Dr. Tamar Shlezinger’s phone rang the morning of October 7th, 2023, as sirens blared in the north of Israel and the country was just beginning to understand the scope of the horrors of the Hamas terror attacks in the south.

She learned that Michael and…

Realities and Questions on Israel

By Victor Rabinovitch

I still feel like I have been living two versions of reality. Before leaving on our recent Partnership 2Gether mission to Israel, so many people warned: “Stay safe”. Others were more direct, even asking: “Why now - why go at all?”

But when I arrived in Tel Avi…