June 2022
Gustavo Rymberg
The last couple of years have been difficult for all of us, but despite the lockdowns and many other obstacles, the Hamilton Jewish Federation accomplished great things. While continuing to offer vital services, we quickly adapted virtual programming that enabled us to reach new audiences and develop new relationships.
Most importantly, thanks to generous community support, we raised more than $1.7 million in another record-breaking campaign.
I want to thank the Federation’s board of directors for its ongoing leadership during this time, to our dedicated staff, and to everyone who made a gift to the campaign. Now, it’s time to go forward ... by embarking on the following exciting initiatives.
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE IN HAMILTON, ISRAEL AND AROUND THE WORLD
The Welcome Home Initiative
The Canadian government has set a target to land almost 1.3 million new permanent residents between 2022 and 2024. Some of these new immigrants will be Jewish, and will be looking for a new city to call home. The Welcome Home Initiative is a joint initiative of the Jewish Federations of Hamilton, London and Windsor, whose goal is to attract new Jewish residents to our respective communities by showcasing the quality of life and robust Jewish infrastructure available in all three communities through a new English, Spanish and Russian website and social media marketing and promotional videos. In addition, each Federation has developed the infrastructure to help settle newly arrived Jewish residents. To learn more, please visit jwelcomehome.com.
SUPPORTING ISRAEL AND FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
#nomoreantisemitism International Conference
In response to the alarming rise of antisemitism and BDS activity, the Hamilton Jewish Federation has organized the first inaugural #nomoreantisemitism International Conference, which will take place from Nov. 19 to 21, 2022 at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the David Braley Health Sciences Centre at McMaster University. It takes all of us to stand up together and unite against hate and perpetual violence and that’s why we’re hoping to see broad community attendance. To learn more about our impressive lineup of speakers and workshops, please visit jewishhamilton.org
EDUCATING, ENGAGING AND STRENGTHENING OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY
B’nai Brith Youth Organization’s Hamilton Chapter
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. With a network of hundreds of chapters across North America and in 60 countries around the world, BBYO reaches nearly 70,000 teens annually and serves as the Jewish community’s largest and most valuable platform for delivering fun, meaningful, and affordable experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people. BBYO is re-opening its Hamilton chapter this September. For more information, please call the Federation office at 905.648.0605.
Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Hamilton Jewish Federation has received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation from its Resilient Communities Fund that will equip our board members and professional staff with new approaches, prepare for change and build resiliency. This grant will also increase our ability to access financial resources, develop new and alternative sources of revenues, and re-imagine the delivery of programs and services to meet the community, employees, and volunteers.
From a global pandemic to a war in Ukraine, the last years have indeed been challenging, but your generosity ensures that our community could respond immediately and effectively. Now, as we go forward to strengthen and build our community, we hope you will join us on Tuesday, July 26 at Theatre Aquarius at the launch of our 2023 Annual Community Campaign for former Hamiltonian Ben Caplan’s riveting performance of Old Stock, A Refugee Love Story.
