Montreal Mega Mission participants visit Beer Sheva
Hagar School: Creating a Common Future in Israel through Jewish-Arab Education
Access for AllClose to 600 Jewish Montrealers took part in a historic Mega Mission to Israel.
On May 14, Federation CJA embarked on its most ambitious mission to Israel in close to 20 years: The Montreal Mega Mission, which touched down at Ben Gurion International airport May 15. The 577 participants of this mission represent a broad cross-section of the Montreal Jewish community, ranging in ages from 19 to 94, and 20% of whom were first-time visitors to Israel. The eight day trip took participants across the country, from the holiest sites in Jerusalem, to the modern marvels of Tel Aviv, to our sister city of Beer Sheva and the region of Bnei Shimon, where we have worked with Israeli partners to build a thriving community since 1988. This momentous mission symbolizes not only the Montreal Jewish community’s deep commitment to Israel, but also an investment in the collective future as Jews living in the diaspora.
Participants on the Montreal Mega Mission to Israel.
Special moments included the Montrealers’ arrival in the holy city, where they were welcomed to Israel by Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat, in an impressive opening ceremony that culminated in a parade from Safra Square to the Jaffa Gate. On May 18th, M3 participants gathered atop Masada, where they witnessed a highly prestigious IDF commendation ceremony recognizing excellence in service, and took part in the equally moving wedding ceremony of two Montrealers. During the closing celebrations, Montrealers were treated to a memorable performance by Einat Sarouf.
Greeting the delegation, Gail Adelson-Marcovitz, Co-Chair of the Montreal Mega Mission with fellow Co-Chair, Jonathan Wener, said : “When this mission was conceived, almost two years ago, it was our dream to bring hundreds of Montrealers to Eretz Yisraeltogether… and here we are. Our dream has come true, and we are thrilled and very moved to be here, in the heart of our spiritual homeland, together with all of you.”
Mega Mission Chairs Gail Adelson-Marcovitz and Jonathan Wener.
Federation CJA President, Susan Laxer, said: “This momentous mission symbolizes our deep commitment to Israel. It is an investment by Federation CJA in our future as a community: our very special Montreal community – which has a rich heritage and strong bond with our historical Jewish homeland of Israel.”
On May 20th, Montreal Mega Mission participants visited Montreal’s our sister city of Beer Sheva and the region of Bnei Shimon–where Federation CJA has worked with the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Keren Hayesod (KH) and with officials and volunteers— to see firsthand the work done on the ground.
That evening, the Montreal Jewish community celebrated its historic connection and ties to the state of Israel and honoured the Bronfman family, highlighting their philanthropic and transformative commitment to Israel and the Jewish World. The celebration, which took place in Latrun with over 2,000 people in attendance—including IDF Soldiers, past Montrealers living in Israel, the Mega Mission participants, Birthright Israel participants and alumni, and representatives of various organizations—featured key note speaker, the Honourable Tzipi Livni, Israel’s Minister of Justice, and live entertainment by Shiri Maimon
This was the trip of a lifetime. Kol hakavod to Federation CJA for a mission well done and a journey well taken.
This was the trip of a lifetime. We saw Israel as only Federation can show her to us. Kol Hakavod to federation C jA for a mission well done and a journey well taken.