The Friends of JNF Canada 2025 Negev Gala, in Ottawa, honouring Ian Sherman with special guest Erin Molan. Funds from this event will support the rebuilding of Kibbutz Holit. Sponsorship opportunities are available online or by contacting the Friends of JNF Canada office. Tickets will be available starting after Labour Day weekend September 2025.

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We cordially invite you to join us for an evening of celebration and meaningful impact at JNF Ottawa's Annual Negev Gala on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.
 
This distinguished event will honour Ian Sherman, whose exemplary leadership and dedication have profoundly strengthened both Ottawa's Jewish community and the broader civic landscape. Through his numerous leadership roles and meticulous commitment to excellence, Ian has created an enduring legacy of service that continues to inspire.
 
The 2025 Negev Gala carries special significance as it will support the rebuilding of communal facilities at Kibbutz Holit—a community situated directly on the Gaza border. Before October 7th, Kibbutz Holit was home to 120 residents. Tragically, the community suffered devastating losses that day, with 11 members of the kibbutz killed during the attacks. This community holds deep connections to Ottawa through the memory of Adi Vidal-Kaploun (z"l), who called it home.
 
We are delighted to announce that Erin Molan, one of Australia's most respected broadcasters and a fearless advocate for Israel, will be joining us as our keynote speaker at the 2025 Negev Gala in support of rebuilding Kibbutz Holit and other areas affected by the October 7th attacks.
 
Erin Molan rose to prominence as a trailblazing television and radio presenter, becoming one of the first women to anchor a major sports show in Australia before hosting the prime-time program "Erin" on Sky News. However, it was her response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre that truly defined her character and cemented her place as a global voice for justice.
 
When terrorists killed 1,200 innocent people and kidnapped 251 others into Gaza, Erin didn't hesitate to speak truth to power highlighting the plight of the hostages and defending Israel’s war in Gaza. "This is a war not just against Jews but against the West," she declared to her audience. "This is a moment where we choose what side we're on, and if we get it wrong, the consequences will be catastrophic."
 
Erin’s unwavering moral clarity has resonated deeply in Israel, where she has become a beloved figure—people approach her on the street simply to thank her for her support. Unfortunately, her principled stance has come at an extraordinary personal cost. Erin has endured death threats against herself and her six-year-old daughter, faced intense public criticism, and ultimately lost her position at Sky News Australia—a sacrifice many believe was directly connected to her pro-Israel advocacy.
 
As a Catholic woman who chose to stand with the Jewish people when it mattered most, Erin Molan embodies the courage and moral leadership our world desperately needs. In an era marked by rising antisemitism and hate, Erin stands out as a leading voice championing the rights and dignity of the Jewish people. Her presence at our Negev Gala will remind us that support for Israel transcends religious and political boundaries, that there must be voices of clarity and compassion, and that sometimes doing what's right requires great personal sacrifice.
 
Mark your calendar for this extraordinary evening where community and purpose unite in support of Kibbutz Holit’s renewal and other areas affected by the October 7th attacks and celebrate the unbreakable bonds between Canada and Israel.
 
Together, we rebuild. Together, we stand strong.