UJA Federation's GroHamilton Committee Hosts First Annual Welcoming Barbeque for Newcomers

On a warm, late summer evening, the JCC lawn filled up with a large gathering that included dozens of recent arrivals to the Hamilton community and a large representative of long time community members who turned out to warmly welcome the newcomers to the Hamilton Jewish community.  The event, hosted by the GroHamilton committee of UJA Federation, and the Jewish Community Centre, was a huge success and attracted close to 100 people. 

GroHamilton chair, Vicky Wylson Sher, and honourary chair, Justice David Steinberg, were delighted with the turnout and warm response by both newcomers and established community members.

The idea for a welcoming barbeque was conceived, "so that people who have moved to the community over the past few years would be made to feel really welcome and to show them what the community has to offer" said Vicky.

She said the feedback from the newcomers was just as she had hoped.

"People thanked us profusely, and said that they truly appreciated the gesture and felt very welcome."

Newcomers were invited to fill out a form entitled, "How Can we Help You?" and given index cards and a pen to exchange information and to write down the names and phone numbers of people and organizations that could provide them with services.

A highlight of the evening was the informal remarks made by Liora Malka, who moved from Toronto two and a half years ago.  She spoke with enthusiasm about her family's delight in its new community and how, within six months, they and their children felt fully settled.  They made friends quickly through their synagogue and through the many local community programs offered by the city of Ancaster.

"The Jewish community here is warm and welcoming" she said "as is the Hamilton community at large."  "In Hamilton", she continued, people can enjoy the benefits of a big city and a small town all in one.  Her advice to recent arrivals....

"Get connected and enjoy yourselves!"

The GroHamilton committee plans to make the summer barbeque an annual event and hopes that this year's newcomers will be there next year to welcome the next group.

If you are new to Hamilton's Jewish community and were unable to attend the barbeque please call or email Wendy Schneider at 905-628-0058 (wendy.schneider@sympatico.ca) so we can put you on our mailing list and keep you informed of upcoming community events.

Editor's Note:  The GroHamilton campaign welcomes all newcomer families to the Hamilton area; immigrants and Canadians who have chosen to move to Hamilton.