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Jewish National Fund of Toronto JEWISH NATIONAL FUND OF CANADA ROSH HASHANA 5777 blue - 300 c gree n - 362 c brown - 1535 c THE KING DAVID CIRCLE VISITS THE UNITED NATIONS PUBLISHED BY JNF CANADA | TISHREI 5777 | SEPTEMBER 2016 5160 DEVARIE BLVD.. MONTREAL, QUEBEC H3X 2H9 [email protected] WWW.JNF.CA blue - 300 c gree n - 362 c brown - 1535 c NATIONAL PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE JERRY WERGER JOSH COOPER OFFICER national president CHiEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Welcome to the Fall edition of Roots. We David’s Circle group to the United Na- this barren land has begun to prosper. are very excited to share what is happen- tions in New York, get a look at some of It is our privilege to be part of an orga- ing with JNF across Canada and Israel. our available projects, along with seeing nization whose 115-year-old mandate is We continue to be successful due to the all the hard work our cities have done to be the sole agency responsible for the generosity and support from our volun- and more. development and infrastructure of land teers and donors. All of this combined This year JNF will raise funds through in Israel. As JNF grows, we are able to with our communities as we continue to the High Holiday appeal for the youth support and preserve the State of Israel build, strengthen and revitalize the Land centre in Bnei Nezarim. Located on the for future generations. of Israel. border with Gaza and Egypt, Bnei Net- From our families to yours, we would This edition of Roots will give you an zaim was founded by Gush Katif evac- like to wish all of you a Chag Sameach opportunity to read about the outstand- uees. These pioneers understood the and a happy, healthy and sweet new year ing Negev Dinners that took place this importance of the Negev and put their to come. Shana Tovah! year, get a view on our exclusive King roots in the sand. With the help of JNF, 4 | KING DAVID CIRCLE VISITS THE UNITED NATIONS 9 | high holiday campaign 5 | FRANKLIN SIMKEVITZ Z"L 10 | JNF MISSIONS 6 | JNF U 12 | 2016 negev honourees 7 | AN ARAVA EXPERIENCE 41 | EDUCATION DEPT. UPDATE 42 | AVAILABLE PROJECTS JNF ACROSS THE COUNTRY 14 | VANCOUVER 22 | TORONTO 33 | REGIONAL ONTARIO 16 | CALGARY 30 | HAMILTON 34 | OTTAWA CAPTURE THIS MOMENT FOREVER IN 18 | EDMONTON 31 | WINDSOR 36 | MONTREAL 20 | WINNIPEG 32 | LONDON 40 | ATLANTIC THE JNF GOLDEN BOOK OF MARRIAGE The paper used for this magazine is FSC certified, which promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. GIVE THE GIFT OF ISRAEL Link an important milestone to Israel by inscribing a couple’s name in JNF’s Golden Book of Marriage. This chronicle of Jewish life has recorded special events for generations. Whether it’s a new bride and groom or a golden anniversary, the JEWISH NATIONAL FUND OF CANADA couple will receive a beautiful certificate to mark the occasion. They’ll know that the big day will be remembered forever, and you’ll know that you’ve given them a truly meaningful gift linking them to the land of Israel. WISHES YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR I I TO ORDER: JNFTORONTO.CA 416.638.7200 [email protected] WWW.JNF.CA 3 KING DAVID CIRCLE VISITS THE UNITED NATIONS Z"L In May 2016, the King David Circle had The next day was devoted to the UN; Danny Danon – Israel’s Ambassador and FRANKLIN SIMKEVITZ its annual gathering in New York City. the group was given a tour of the UN Permanent Representative to the U.N., Franklin Simkevitz was a well-known lessly as he travelled around, educating nors of his region. He was kind and fair Presidents gathered from across Canada including the General assembly and the Ambassador Marc-André Blanchard – name and face in the City of Hamilton people about the work of JNF. Frank to his staff, always ensuring them that to attend an exciting few days. The pur- Security Council. The tour was given by Canada’s Permanent Representative to as well as the Jewish communities of visited Jewish and non-Jewish commu- their lives and their families came first. pose of the gathering was to recognize Hadas Meitzad, Counsellor for political the U.N., Ambassador Michael Grant Regional Ontario for many years. As a nities, Rotary Clubs and more, encour- Frank was a leader, a mentor to many, and thank the people that have helped – Canada’s Deputy Permanent Repre- consummate community professional, aging people to visit Israel and see first- a mensch to all, and a true friend to all to make JNF Canada what it is today. THE PURPOSE OF sentative to the U.N. and Yotam Goren Frank served the regional Ontario Jew- hand the wonderful work of JNF and who knew him. The event opened with everyone gather- THE GATHERING WAS – First Secretary in the Permanent Mis- ish community with dedication and how Israel is so different than how it is Frank leaves behind his mother Eleanor, ing at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to meet TO RECOGNIZE AND sion of Israel to the United Nations passion during his time as Executive Di- portrayed in the media. He took scores to whom he was very devoted, and his other participants. The first stop was THANK THE PEOPLE currently Vice Chair of the UN Fifth rector of the Jewish National Fund - Re- of people on missions to Israel with JNF beloved wife, Elaine. He was the lov- the “Neue Gallery” which was opened Committee. The event concluded with gional Ontario. and saw people fall as in love with the ing father and father-in-law of Howard especially for the group whom received THAT HAVE HELPED a dinner hosted by Ambassador David Frank was passionate about Israel and country as he was. Simkevitz and Laura Fisch, and Steven a private tour, including Gustav Klimt’s TO MAKE JNF CANADA Roet – Israel’s Deputy Permanent Rep- the Jewish National Fund, reaching out “Frank was esteemed by his co-workers Simkevitz and Lihor Abraham-Simkev- famous “Lady in Gold” portrait. From WHAT IT IS TODAY. resentative to the U.N. This event was and visiting the smaller communities and was considered to be my right hand itz, dear brother and brother-in-law of there it was off to Ambassador Ido Aha- attended by many Israeli and Canadian throughout Ontario, from Kingston to man. I could always go to Frank for in- Judy and Paul Kupferstein and devoted roni’s home, Israel’s Consul General to affairs, before settling down in a room diplomats working in the UN. What an Windsor, from Niagara Falls to Thunder sight and heart felt advice,” quoted Josh grandfather of Zoe, Eden, Margot and the tri-state area for a dinner reception set especially for the group. There, the unforgettable experience! Bay, ensuring they maintained a strong Cooper, CEO of JNF Canada. He worked Jonah. and a very interesting talk by the Am- group received four very interesting and relationship with the State of Israel. He in partnership with the Presidents, Frank will be profoundly missed. May bassador. eye opening briefings by Ambassador worked tirelessly and seemingly effort- Boards of Directors, volunteers and do- his memory be a blessing. 4 ROOTS WWW.JNF.CA 5 AN ARAVA JNFU EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF A JNF University (JNFU) is excited to binars expose students to different and rael once you have seen the country with launch our program for the 2016-2107 unique projects happening within Is- your own eyes.” LIFETIME academic year! JNFU will bring pro- rael on a daily basis. Students will also The JNFU program empowers students grams to campus that are educational, be paired with young professionals who by strengthening their resolve towards fun and showcase Israel’s achievements are in their field of study. These young Israel through education, social events THANKS in a positive light. Students will be ex- professionals will serve as mentors for and experiencing Israel firsthand. posed to the history of JNF and how Is- the JNFU students and will be avail- If you would like to apply for the JNFU raeli communities have benefited from able to them throughout the 2016-2017 Leadership Development program the projects brought to fruition by JNF academic year. The Leadership Develop- please check out our website at www. TO JNFU Canada. ment Program will begin in October and jnfu.ca Students who are part of the JNFU will conclude with a JNFU Mission to For more information on how to get Leadership Development Program will Israel in May. As noted by Joshua Clarke, involved, contact Anna Kos, Campus & JUSTIN POLGAR interact with professionals from Israel who attended the Mission in 2016, “It's Young Leadership Coordinator at anna. This past year, I completed my first aca- bread, I have been helping Oded and the fine details of their behaviour. Such close through monthly webinars. These we- much easier to convince people about Is- [email protected] or 416-638-7200 x143 demic year at the University of Waterloo team with the observations. observations are not possible with any studying Environmental Science, special- The Arava is the lowland part of the des- other bird unless caged. izing in Ecology. I was also a fellow for ert between the Dead Sea and Eilat. De- On an average day, I leave my apartment the inaugural year of JNFU, a program spite its harsh climate and average sum- just before 5 am to be sure to see a group that encourages the fellows to promote Is- mer temperatures climbing over 35°C, all of babblers before first light, just as they raeli accomplishments on university and sorts of plants and animals thrive in this are coming down from their roost tree.
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