At a time when community connection feels more urgent and meaningful than ever, UJA’s Community Mobilization team is leading with heart and purpose. Co-chairs Joe Heale and Neil Hershcovitch have stepped forward to help channel the growing desire among Toronto’s Jews to contribute, support one another, and make an impact. Their leadership reflects a belief in the power of collective action—and in UJA’s unique role as the place where passion, purpose, and community come together.
Why did you decide to co-chair UJA Community Mobilization?
Neil:
I participated on the committee for a couple of years and found it to be really impactful. So, when there was an opportunity to co-chair with Joe, I wanted to help continue building and scaling this incredible mobilization platform. I’m very appreciative of the chance to lend my skills to something that matters so deeply.
Joe:
I have loved all my experience with UJA and believed strongly in the mobilization work. Chairing felt like a natural evolution—a way to help integrate this work more deeply across UJA’s ecosystem. Along the way, I’ve gotten to know the incredible professionals who live and breathe this mission every day.
Since October 7th, many community members feel a renewed desire to get involved. How can UJA tap into this energy?
Neil:
Since October 7th, UJA has really re-emerged as the brand that brings the community together. People are looking for tangible ways to help—whether through basic volunteer drives or more curated experiences. We continue to look for ways to leverage this. Partnerships across different segments of the community are a key element of being able to bring this to life, including non-profits, the business community, and ally groups.
Joe:
There is a real hunger for people to feel connected and useful. UJA is uniquely positioned to harness that energy and direct it toward meaningful action. We act as the connector—bringing together those who want to help with the initiatives and organizations that need them.
What are your goals for the mobilization department?
Joe:
We’re already seeing exciting evolution in how UJA brings people together. Success means engaging more community members in ways that feel meaningful to them—creating targeted opportunities that speak to diverse segments of our population, including those who don’t typically connect with UJA. At the same time, we want to enhance how people experience our mass events and moments of collective action.
Neil:
Our North Star is connection. That means giving people who are already involved access to new spaces, while also reaching those who have never engaged before. And we need to reach communities beyond the GTA. Regardless of your profession, affiliation, background, or location, there are opportunities for everyone to be as involved as they would like to be, and to create impact.
What does success look like?
Joe:
Success is a community where every Jew in Toronto—200,000 strong—feels there is a place for them. It means UJA serving as a bridge: connecting passions with opportunities, needs with resources, and people with each other. It looks like more engagement, more belonging, and more collective strength.
What are the different ways people can get involved?
Joe:
One of UJA’s biggest strengths is matching people with their passions. Whether your interest is kids, youth, connection, activism, or supporting those in need, we have a pathway. And allyship matters—our tent is open to those who are supportive but may not know how to express it. UJA is the conduit.
Neil:
A big part of our role is evolving how people access these opportunities. The new Get Involved landing page will give everyone—from seasoned volunteers to those just beginning—a place to connect. The Catalyst newsletter, in particular, has been an incredible way for people to dive in.
Any final reflections?
Joe:
As someone Jewish by choice, the community has given me immense richness and belonging. Giving back feels essential. UJA is the best place to do that because of the sheer range of ways to contribute—time, skills, dollars, networks, mentorship. The needs of the community are diverse, and UJA helps people meet them in whatever way they can.
Neil:
UJA’s professionals are extraordinary and incredibly committed. Working with them has been energizing and inspiring, and we’re grateful for their creativity, execution, and leadership. If you're looking for a way to become involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re building something meaningful—and we’d love for you to be a part of it.