A message from our President and Executive Director

Spring has come again, and we sit at our Passover tables in a country where our freedoms are guaranteed, our religion is respected and hate is condemned.  We celebrate the Exodus from Egypt and the miraculous escape of our ancestors from Pharoah’s armies without any fear of Inquisitions, blood libels, Nazi storm troopers or Islamist thugs at our doors.  It is a time of year, more than ever, when we gather together as families and friends to endorse our freedom and celebrate our special bond as a people.  It is a time when we recite the Ma Nishtanah, sing traditional songs and break matzah with strangers who have not been as lucky as we.   As we ask the four questions we are convinced that although our world has changed we have to be more united and supportive of each other, because as members of the world Jewish community, we understand that there remain many dark clouds on our horizon.   

We at JIAS Canada are very aware how quickly things can change for the worse and how important it is to be ready and equipped in order to help those in need.  Although current immigrants mostly arrive in Canada as Independents, our experience clearly demonstrates that  many come due to significant pressures such as anti-Semitism, severe financial hardship, threat of terrorism and so on.  It is therefore imperative that we maintain an adequate level of service and expertise for the newcomer population, focussing on prevention of potential problems rather than dealing with problems after they occur.  It has also been demonstrated that only successful resettlement will lead to successful integration.

 During this past year JIAS Canada has continued working with its Service Providers to help ensure that Jewish immigrants to Canada are welcomed.  Much of our effort has also been directed towards building bridges with other immigrant-serving organizations in order to combat growing signs of racism in our multi-ethnic society.  We are concerned at the lack of understanding and failure to practise core Canadian values by some immigrants, and we need to ensure that Canada does not become a new venue for fighting ancient feuds, and that our openness to immigration is not eroded by the reaction to these battles. 

Given the ever-growing demands on JIAS Canada, a significant level of effort has recently been dedicated by staff and Board members to increasing the support we receive from Governments, Foundations and private donors.  The extraordinarily generous Lewar donation has been a great help, but more is needed.  Donations and/or suggestions as to possible new sources of revenue are always welcome so that we can ensure that Jewish newcomers receive an appropriate welcome.

On behalf of the Board and Staff of JIAS Canada, we wish all of you a joyous holiday.

Chag Pesach Kasher V'sameach

Shlomo Mayman                                                       
President                                                              

Mila Voihanski
Executive Director