The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) represents 146 Jewish Federations and over 300 network communities, which raise and distribute more than $2 billion annually and through planned giving and endowment programs to support social welfare, social services, and educational needs. The Federation movement, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning).
To support Canadian Jewish federations and communities by increasing our philanthropic capabilities, national and international influence, connection to Israel and each other and capacity for collective thought and action. A dynamic national organization that partners with the Canadian Jewish Federations and communities to maximize our commitment to Israel and our collective impact on the local, national and global Jewish agenda. As steward for the philanthropic investments of Canadian Jewish Federations and donors in Israel, JFC-UIA assumes an important role in maintaining key partner relationships with the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod. The organization oversees Canadian-funded programs and projects and ensures that there is active Canadian input and influence on matters of global Jewish concern. Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA invests in programs that make Judaism and Israel inspiring and accessible to young Canadians across the country in the belief that a strong personal Jewish identity based on a deep connection to Israel is the foundation of a strong Jewish community. In regional communities across Canada, Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA is often a significant source for Jewish community experiences - educational and social - particularly for youth and young families. Regional community services focus on five main areas:
Who CIJA is
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations across Canada. CIJA represents the diverse perspectives and concerns of more than 150,000 Jewish Canadians affiliated with their local Jewish Federation.
As the Canadian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, representative to the Claims Conference and to the World Jewish Restitution Organization, CIJA is also connected to an international network of Jewish community agencies.
What CIJA does
Working in partnership with Jewish Federations and non-federated Jewish communities, CIJA identifies issues important to Canada’s Jewish community. CIJA then implements strategies to ensure that leaders in government, media, civil society, business, and academia understand the Jewish perspective and that it is considered in Canada’s public policy discussion.
CIJA’s mission
To protect the quality of Jewish life in Canada through advocacy.
Learn more about CIJA
Contact CIJA
Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. We were instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continue to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled us to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, we connect the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. We build a better society in Israel - and beyond - energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.
JDC was founded during World War I, when prominent U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Henry Morgenthau, Sr. wired New York philanthropist Jacob Schiff to ask for money to help Jews suffering in Ottoman Palestine. We were the first Jewish organization in the United States to give large-scale funding for international relief. World War I left in its wake the seeds of many additional catastrophes pogroms, health epidemics, famine, revolution, and economic ruin and JDC played a major role in sustaining Jews in Palestine and rebuilding the devastated communities of Eastern Europe.
Mission: To build and strengthen relationships between people and communities in Coast-to-Coast Canada and in Etzbah Hagalil through programs that build Jewish identity and promote the welfare and wellbeing of all partners involved.
Vision: To be leaders in the field of Capacity Building and Youth & Education in Etzbah Hagalil – providing innovative projects and leveraging resources with others who have similar interests in these fields and doing so by having Canadians and Israelis work together in true partnership. Furthermore, our vision is for the Gesher Chai to build strong people to people connections.
Located along the confrontation line on the Lebanese border, just steps away from heavy fighting during the 2006 war against Hezbollah, the Galilee Panhandle region knows what it’s like to be under threat. At the same time, with a predominance of small communities and its location in the northernmost part of Israel, the Galilee Panhandle faces the great challenge of providing its 50,000 residents with social, educational and employment opportunities.
Canada Israel Experience (CIE) is the leading Israel program organizer in Canada offering unforgettable trips to Israel for youth and young adults. We want young Jewish people across Canada to come to Israel: see it, experience it, talk about it, and think about what Israel means for them and the Jewish people (and put those feelings into action in their home communities). CIE ensures that all programs provide participants with an unparalleled Israel experience that strengthens Jewish identity and provides a connection to Israel. CIE creates a meaningful Jewish journey with each trip, handcrafted by our team, to bring participants the most incredible moments of their lives. Since established 1996, CIE upholds a tradition of excellence in providing the highest standards of education, logistics, and safety.
World ORT is the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non-governmental organization. Started in 1880, World ORT is today operational in 37 countries and helps around 300 000 students around the world. Specialized in technology, our mission is to provide communities wherever they are, with the skills and knowledge necessary to cope with the complexities and uncertainties of their environment.
Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal has been at the forefront of Israel’s growth and progress for over nine decades! Founded in 1920 as the fundraising arm of the Zionist movement, Keren Hayesod played a decisive role in marshalling the resources needed to establish an independent, sovereign state and helped lay the foundation for the state-on-the-way. With the help of donations from throughout the world, KH brought tens of thousands of Jews fleeing Europe to Eretz Israel, helped absorb them and started over 900 urban and rural settlements. It provided the newcomers with homes and jobs, and developed the economic, educational, and cultural framework of the Yishuv. After Israel’s independence, Keren Hayesod-UIA became one of the country’s National Institutions; the 1956 “Keren Hayesod Law” recognized the organization’s unique status.