In today’s climate of heightened antisemitism, building personal relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds is more important than ever. In April 2023, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa hired their first professional dedicated to fostering connections with individuals and organizations outside the Jewish community. 

This new role, filled by Rev. Jodi Green, was created to complement the work of the existing professional, David Sachs, who engages with all levels of government and the Ottawa Police Service, rounding out a team capable of addressing the community’s needs on every front.

During the first year, Green held more than 50 one-on-one meetings with individuals from a range of communities, including the Indian/Hindu community, Christians from various denominations, the Indigenous community, the Baha’i community, and others.

She also made connections with organizations such as the Multicultural Festival, One Way Ministries, Bridges for Peace, YECO (Youth Engagement and Community Outreach to the African, Black, and Caribbean communities), the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem, and the Great India Festival.
These meetings have led to numerous opportunities for collaboration. With the support of CIJA and its CREATE (Coalition Response to Eradicate Antisemitism through Training and Education) program, Federation’s advocacy team has spoken to more than 700 people at events across the city. In general, the presentations will begin with a historical overview of antisemitism, then shift to its modern manifestations in Canada, particularly its impact on the Ottawa community since October 7.

What Federation has learned is that most people in the non-Jewish community want to offer their support but were unaware of how widespread the problem of antisemitism is in Ottawa and were uncertain about how to combat it. Our advocacy goal is to provide them with the tools to engage in meaningful conversations with others about the problem and to help them become active allies.

One significant outcome of this networking has been the Jewish community’s partnership with One Way Ministries. Federation and partners have hosted two Christian-Jewish Friendship lunches and have a dessert reception scheduled for November. These events have brought together 180 Christian pastors to learn about antisemitism, Jewish practices, and rituals. The atmosphere was open and comfortable enough for attendees to ask difficult questions about areas where their scriptures and personal beliefs might diverge from Jewish tradition. The experience was eye-opening and positive for all involved.

In November, we are organizing a dessert reception for 150 Christian pastors and allies, along with 150 Jewish community members. The event will use text study as a foundation for discussion, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding and lasting friendships. We hope these connections will be the first ripple in a movement that helps defeat antisemitism.

These new relationships have also allowed the Federation to invite allies to Jewish community events and to feature non-Jewish speakers who share their perspectives with our community. Reverend Andrew Love spoke at the “Eshet Chayil: An Evening with an Israeli Former Hostage” event in May, Reverend Bob Davies will speak at the “Screams Before Silence” film screening on September 29, (Register here) and we’ve formed an interfaith choir with 40 to 50 singers representing various Christian denominations and Jewish singers. This choir will perform at the community’s October 7 commemoration event. (Register here)

On behalf of the Jewish community, the Federation also participates in the Capital Region Interfaith Council. This group meets monthly to explore how different faiths view world issues and to develop programs that promote interfaith collaboration.

Additionally, the Federation has launched a new committee focused on engaging business leaders outside the Jewish community. Imagine the impact if corporations take a stand against hate!

However, this work cannot be done in isolation. We encourage you to reach out if you have contacts within the non-Jewish community. Personal relationships are always the most meaningful. A member of our advocacy team would be happy to meet with you to discuss your contacts, help you feel more comfortable discussing antisemitism with non-Jewish individuals, or explore other ways to get involved with the Federation’s advocacy efforts.

For non-Jewish community members, business leaders, and faith leaders email Rev. Jodi Green at jgreen@jewishottawa.com.

For political leaders at all levels of government email David Sachs at dsachs@jewishottawa.com.