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A message from our President and Executive Director
As we all sit down to our Seders on a pleasant April evening, within a country that has given us every opportunity to flourish and prosper, we need to remind ourselves that – although tonight we are specifically commemorating the Exodus from Egypt - this is just a single instance in our long and turbulent history. We are basically a migratory race. “The Wandering Jew” is us. It began with the patriarch Abraham, whom God instructed to “Get thee out of thy country…”. From Judaea to Germany, from Rome to Russia, our people have been driven into the wilderness from more or less tolerant societies and supposedly secure homes. It has not ended, as our brethren in Argentina recently learned and those in France can presently attest. And whenever it has been necessary, Jews in better circumstances have welcomed and assisted those in need. Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada has for over 80 years been the organizational expression of the Canadian Jewish community’s maintenance of this tradition. Our mandate extends not only to individuals and their families – it is also to help ensure that Canada remains a welcoming environment – but from the harbour in Halifax to the airport in Vancouver, JIAS and its service providers must continue to be there to greet, to support, to assist each new Jewish refugee or immigrant who arrives in Canada. At times the need is greater, at times it appears less urgent, but it never disappears. And it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure both that we fulfill our immediate responsibilities and that the necessary capabilities are maintained. We envision a strong and vibrant Canadian Jewish community that supports Israel and combats anti-Semitism. To that end, JIAS Canada facilitates successful immigration and effective integration. On behalf of the Board and Staff of Canada, we wish all of you a safe and happy holiday. Chag Pessach Kasher V'Sameach
Shlomo Mayman
Mila Voihanski
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