A Special Update on the Work of UJA’s Israel & Overseas Committee 

When UJA’s Israel & Overseas Committee travelled to Hungary and Israel this spring, committee members experienced firsthand how Toronto’s Jewish community is making a tangible difference. By witnessing how UJA's long-term partners continue to transform lives and launch new initiatives in response to urgent needs, the visit reinforced the power of collective giving and the impact it creates on the ground.

History and Guiding Principles 

For more than 40 years, UJA’s Israel & Overseas Committee has advanced Toronto’s global Jewish responsibility, supporting vulnerable communities in Israel and around the world. From Ukraine and Morocco to Turkey and beyond, the committee has allocated funds, assessed proposals, and raised critical resources during moments of crisis.

Following October 7, 2023, the committee’s focus in deploying Toronto’s tremendous financial support to Israel has included leadership development, education, and mental health, while maintaining the flexibility to pivot quickly in emergencies. This model, paired with decades of trusted partnerships in Israel, ensures that donor dollars are used where they can have the greatest impact. 

“The committee typically travels to Israel twice a year to meet with our partners and determine the most impactful use of donor dollars,” said Berry Meyerowitz, co-chair. “When possible, we also visit eastern European communities as part of our overseas mission, deepening our understanding of evolving needs.” He continued, “Because we have worked in Israel for so many years with trusted partners, Toronto is a step ahead. For each project, we set clear milestones and require data to track progress, ensuring we use our resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.” 

Hungary: A Renewal of Jewish Life 

During their consultation in Hungary, the committee witnessed a revival of Jewish life in Budapest, supported by UJA’s partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Initiatives like Camp Szarvas, which brings together young Jews from more than 25 countries, are fostering Jewish identity and leadership among the next generation. 

“It was a full-circle moment to see how our investment in Jewish identity has helped these young people find their Jewish selves and then choose a path of Jewish leadership,” said Berry. 

Southern Israel: From Crisis to Recovery 

“The emergency is not over,” said Carolyn Kolers, co-chair. “Short-term needs like food, shelter, and transitional education for evacuees have been addressed, but the long-term needs will require ongoing attention for years to come.” 

Since October 7th, the committee has allocated the full $75 million raised through UJA’s Emergency Appeal for the People of Israel, providing emergency relief, essential items for evacuees, trauma care, and long-term recovery support. The funding ensures the delivery of much-needed support which is being developed and delivered quickly and impactfully. For example, in May 2024, the committee approved the creation of 16 new mental health trauma centres across the country, resulting in the first centre opening its doors within months.  

Another initiative to address early childhood PTSD resulting from the October 7th attacks and their aftermath was also up and running within months of approval. And, through Toronto’s support of its partner city Sderot, new resilience activity/therapy rooms were erected at all schools, offering cooking, carpentry, and art therapy classes to thousands of children.  

Northern Israel: A New Frontier for Impact 

While the committee initially focused on the impacted communities in the south, the urgent needs in northern Israel following heavy rocket fire from Lebanon spurred a new frontier of impact. By leveraging relationships with organizations in Israel with whom they’ve worked in the past, the committee connected local NGOs and national partners to address emerging needs in these vulnerable border communities. 

One example is Kedma, an organization that brings young Israelis to live and contribute to border communities. Through UJA support, Kedma’s successful model in the south and Eilat/Eilot is now being expanded to the north, helping attract young families and build resilience in these communities. 

Building on this momentum, UJA is now partnering with the Federations of Montreal, Vancouver, and Coast-to-Coast in a new pan-Canadian alliance to pool funds and expertise, ensuring a co-ordinated, impactful response to northern Israel’s needs. 

Responding to the War with Iran 

Most recently, the war with Iran has left a profound mark on Israel, including in Toronto’s partner city of Bat Yam, which was heavily damaged by missile strikes. In response, Toronto’s Jewish community has once again stepped up to lead North American Jewry, raising an additional $26 million to add to the $75 million already allocated through the Emergency Appeal for the People of Israel. 

These funds are already providing vital support to Israelis affected by the war, including direct assistance to the municipality of Bat Yam and other organizations working on the ground to help those in need. 

Looking Ahead 

Whether it is post-war recovery in Israel, revitalizing Jewish identity in eastern Europe, or building new partnerships across Canada, UJA’s Israel & Overseas Committee remains steadfast in its mission. This work is only possible because of the ongoing generosity and trust of Toronto’s Jewish community. 

As UJA’s 2025 Annual Campaign prepares to launch, it is important to remember that supporting Israel and global Jewish communities remains a core priority. 

When you give a dollar to another organization, it is a dollar given. But when you give to Israel through UJA, it becomes many dollars through leverage with governments and other partner organizations,” Berry shared. “Our ability to mobilize and grant is unlike any other charity.  

“Carolyn and I are honoured to help steward the trust that our community places in UJA. We see firsthand how every dollar given through UJA is amplified through our relationships and collaborations in Israel, creating lasting impact where it is needed most.” 

Berry Meyerowitz and Carolyn Kolers
Co-Chairs, Israel & Overseas Committee
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto