JIAS CANADA CELEBRATES CHANUKAT BAIT
On
May 1, 2003 JIAS Canada moved to a new location at 4580 Dufferin
Street, Suite 306 in Toronto. The building is a part of the 3
building complex which houses several other Jewish organizations
including the Israel Aliya Centre, the Canadian Zionist
Organization, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the
Jewish National Fund.
We were extremely fortunate that a former JIAS client
who has chosen to remain anonymous, donated all the furniture for
our new office.
Although the move happened in the midst of the
2003-2004 budget presentation and the preparation for our Annual
Conference for Service Providers, (which had to be postponed and
moved to Montreal due to SARS), we managed to have an official
opening of the new office on May 13. Approximately 40
representatives from various Jewish and non-Jewish organizations
came to join us for the Mezuzah fixing ceremony. Amongst the
guests were Rabbis, our Board members Pamila Ahlfeld, Elena
Aleinikov, Sandra Atlin and Alan Sandler; Executive Vice-President
of UIAFC, Maxyne Finkelstein, Director of Planning and
Community Services for UIAFC, Perry Romberg, Ed Segalowitz, Morris
Zbar, Karen Goldenberg, former JIAS National Executive Director
Susan Davis, and many others.
Perry Romberg talked about the symbolism of the
Mezuzah as he fixed it to the front door. This was followed by a
short emotional speech by Mila Voihanski, National Executive
Director. She spoke about the importance of the work that JIAS
performs as well as the value of immigrants to Canada and to Jewish communities
across the country. The ceremony concluded with a small
reception and a L’Chaim commemorating the 80th
anniversary of JIAS Canada.
