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MONTREAL JEWISH COMMUNITY WELCOMES FRENCH JEWS
Increasing anti-Semitism and social unrest is motivating more and more French Jews to leave their native country, and Quebec has become an attractive destination for them. The immigration influx of French Jews has been steadily increasing in past years. As of November 2005 the caseload from France is 580 individuals, including 123 under the age of eighteen. Most of the French newcomers are highly educated young families who left family, homes and good jobs behind to live a Jewish life without fear. Even though the common language makes their integration easier, they still face important challenges. Many of them lack English language skills and a network of contacts for a successful integration into the job market. To meet this demand, JIAS Montreal, which has always offered French and English skills development tools to immigrants, added an intensive English course. JIAS Montreal also works very closely with Jewish Employment Montreal, which helps the newcomers to develop contacts and find their first job in their new country. These newcomers are also enjoying the widely known hospitality of the Montreal Jewish Community. On November 6, 2005, in collaboration with the YM-YWHA, the Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec and Hillel, JIAS Montreal organized Fréquence France, a brunch for French newcomers. At this event more than 130 newly arrived immigrants were able to meet fellow French and various members of Montreal Jewish community, while Mad Science entertained their children with exciting, hands-on and educational science experiences.
“This first encounter was very much appreciated. It enabled the newcomers to meet each other and members of our community. It was an excellent occasion to have a good time and do some networking. Based on this success we are planning additional programs,” said Paul Lipinski, who arrived from France in 2004 with his wife and two young sons, and is JIAS Montreal’s Coordinator for the French Initiative.
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