Securing Our Jewish Future

Because of you, Ottawa’s Jewish future is strong. Your generosity nurtures young leaders, fuels innovation, preserves our history, and ensures that memory and resilience are carried forward for generations.

Examples of impact:

Creating the Next Generation of Leaders

Because of you, Jewish young adults are finding purpose, connection, and guidance. Programs like J-Fellows empower emerging leaders with mentorship, learning, and lasting relationships. The J-Fellows Mentorship Program paired 14 young professionals with seasoned mentors to foster leadership.

“Being part of J-Fellows and attending the Dorot event was incredibly meaningful. Federation created an experience that was both enriching and purposeful, giving me the chance to connect with mentors whose guidance has now become an important part of my life. These relationships have inspired me and strengthened my connection to the community in ways I’ll carry forward for years to come.”
Joel Scully, J-Fellows Graduate, 2025

Jewish Journeys Grants: Investing in Innovation

Your gift powers Jewish Journeys Grants, which provide up to $30,000 over two years to sustain bold ideas and long-lasting impact.

Recent Recipients and Impact

  • CHES — Through Their Eyes
    A $20,000 grant supported a multigenerational initiative where descendants of Holocaust survivors learn, reflect, and carry memory forward.

  • Temple Israel Religious School & Ottawa Modern Jewish School
    Each received $30,000 to create post-b’nai mitzvah leadership programs, equipping teens with skills, volunteer opportunities, and Jewish pride.

Preserving Our History: The Jewish Archives

Because of you, the Ottawa Jewish Archives continues to safeguard our community’s story—preserving photographs, documents, and testimonies so our history is never forgotten. From everyday Jewish life to pivotal moments, the Archives connects past, present, and future.

“We cannot build a strong future without honouring our past. The Archives are our collective memory, ensuring that the stories of today inspire tomorrow.”

Holocaust Education: Honouring Survivors, Teaching the Future

Because of you, Holocaust education remains a cornerstone of our community’s cultural legacy.

  • $26,000 in subsidies supported Ottawa teen participation in March of the Living.

  • 11 students travelled on the 2025 March of the Living, experiencing Holocaust sites and Jewish resilience firsthand.

“March of the Living gave me friends to celebrate with, people to remember, and family to share the most touching moments with. I left knowing one other participant, and I returned feeling incredibly connected to Jewish communities across the globe. This trip gave me the courage and strength to keep doing what I believe is right, to stand with those who believe the same, and to stand for those who no longer can.”
Freida Kaplan-Myrth, Ottawa MOL participant

  • 400+ community members experienced the Yad Vashem exhibit during Holocaust Education Month.

  • 600 survivor testimonial booklets were created and distributed with the Ottawa Public Library and local schools, preserving the voices of survivors and ensuring their resilience and stories live on for future generations.

These resources ensure young people learn directly from survivor testimony, strengthening the Jewish future by upholding memory and truth.

Building Long-Term Resilience

Securing the future also means building strength today. Through advocacy and security initiatives (featured in Ensuring Jewish Life), Federation is protecting Jewish dignity and safety now—while cultivating partnerships and policies that will safeguard our community for decades to come.

Our future depends on bold leadership, resilient institutions, and a shared commitment to collective action. Federation works behind the scenes to ensure our community is ready not only for today, but for what’s ahead.

Together, with your support, we are Here for Good ensuring Jewish life, strengthening Jewish connections, and securing our Jewish future.