The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is gearing up to launch its 2025 Annual Campaign under the theme "As One." This campaign highlights the strength and unity of the Jewish people, emphasizing a shared commitment to uplifting and empowering the community. "As One" reflects the belief that together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. The 2025 campaign calls on the community to come together to face challenges, support one another, and build a brighter future.

 

The campaign focuses on three main priority areas:

 

1. Countering Antisemitism: Federation is committed to a multi-faceted approach to combating antisemitism through education, government advocacy, and public engagement, building strength and resilience in the face of rising hate.

 

2. Empowering Our Most Vulnerable: Federation ensures that everyone in the community, from seniors seeking connection to families in crisis, has access to vital support and meaningful Jewish experiences, helping those in need live full and enriched lives.

 

3. Ensuring Access to Vibrant Jewish Life and Education: Federation is dedicated to celebrating Jewish culture, history, and traditions, providing access to Jewish education and opportunities for all community members to embark on meaningful Jewish journeys.

 

As the Federation prepares for this critical campaign, we spoke with co-chairs Gary Viner and Leila Ages about their roles, goals, and the importance of coming together in these challenging times.

 

 

Gary Viner, who began co-chairing the Annual Campaign in 2024, admits he was taken aback when first asked to take on the role. "I was quite surprised and felt incredibly honoured," he recalls. Having semi-retired and already dedicated to fundraising for the Jewish community, Viner saw the opportunity as a natural fit with his long-standing commitment to supporting Jewish causes. "I hope that I can help make a difference," he says.

 

However, the landscape changed dramatically in the wake of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel. "It was an initial shock that was compounded by the flood of sponsored antisemitism that was unleashed, which was almost as terrifying as the trauma to our beloved Israel," Viner notes.

Goals for the Annual Campaign

 

Viner’s primary goal for the campaign is clear: raising the necessary funds to support Ottawa’s Jewish institutions and initiatives. Yet, he emphasizes that it goes beyond fundraising. "We need to better engage the local Jewish community," Viner explains, pointing out that many community members may not fully understand the vital role the Jewish Federation of Ottawa plays in comparison to individual institutions. "Many do not realize how important it is to have a strong backbone to support all the efforts and needs of our community."

 

A recent trip to Israel with the Montreal Jewish Federation’s Solidarity Mission further solidified Viner’s belief in the power of community generosity. "We need to find effective communication strategies to inform our community of our strength and offer them the opportunity to provide necessary support locally and abroad," he stresses.

 

 

The campaign theme, "As One," holds particular significance this year. "We are not a monolithic community, and being Jewish, we have a variety of opinions," Viner acknowledges. Despite this diversity, he sees the importance of unity in the face of external threats. "Our enemies seek to drive wedges between those with varying opinions, hoping to prevent a united front. We need to act in unison to address this and our community objectives."

 

 

Viner underscores the urgency of this year’s campaign in light of rising antisemitism. "We need to act ‘As One’ to combat the insidious, coordinated, and heavily funded antisemitism," he warns, noting that this hostility, often disguised as anti-Zionism or support for the BDS movement, is likely funded by offshore entities. The effects are being felt acutely in Canadian universities and media, making it imperative for the Jewish community to respond.

"We need effective projects and promotions to sway public opinion, and we urgently need to enhance our security to allow our community to feel safe," Viner says.

 

 

Viner’s answer to the question of why now is straightforward: "If not now, when?" Quoting Hillel, he stresses the critical moment the community is facing. "This is a crisis, which some are calling a form of communication warfare," he explains. He believes the Federation is uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges. "The Federation is the central organization in our community that speaks with a single voice and coordinates with Canadian Jewish leadership to manage all the required priorities."

 

 

Leila Ages, who joined Viner as campaign co-chair in 2025, has a long-standing relationship with the Federation dating back to 2002 when she began developing its website. Over the years, she has volunteered with various organizations in the Jewish community, including Jewish Family Services, the Soloway JCC, and the Ottawa Jewish Community School (OJCS), where she served as board chair from 2019 to 2021.

 

 

Leila’s passion for the Federation’s work is evident. She has been a canvasser for the past four years and has witnessed firsthand the impact the Federation has on partner organizations and the broader Jewish community. "I’ve seen the difference it makes," she says.

 

Her dedication extends beyond her involvement with the Federation. Leila’s volunteerism began early with her work at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) in the early 2000s, where she collaborated on marketing and public relations efforts. She later helped establish Ottawa’s shinshinim program in 2017, coordinating administrative tasks during its launch.

 

 

Leila’s involvement doesn’t stop within the Jewish community. She has been deeply engaged in her children’s education, both at OJCS and Ashbury College, where her daughter currently attends high school. Her passion for education also led her to the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, where she began taking classes over a decade ago. "I didn’t have a formal Jewish education growing up," she admits. "The Melton School was a fantastic resource for me to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions and history."

 

 

As campaign co-chair, Leila is focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a stronger community. "I hope to bring the knowledge and experience I’ve gained through the many interactions I’ve had with various community stakeholders to this new role," she explains. Her aim is to engage donors and potential donors on a personal level, tailoring the Federation’s approach to address their unique perspectives. "By listening closely to what’s important to our community members, I believe we can strengthen both the Federation and the broader community," she says.

 

 

Leila’s vision for the future is ambitious. She is committed to creating innovative and personalized experiences that will engage the community on a deeper level. "Ottawa may be small, but it’s mighty," she says. "We need to create opportunities—whether through in-person gatherings, speaker events, or unique programs—that bring people into the fold, especially younger generations. It’s about making the Federation’s mission resonate with everyone."

 

Her goal is clear: "This year’s campaign is about more than just fundraising—it’s about fortifying the foundations of our community life. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected Jewish community. Your support and involvement are essential as we build a lasting legacy for generations to come."

 

Through the leadership of Gary Viner and Leila Ages, the 2025 Annual Campaign aims to unite the Ottawa Jewish community under the powerful message of "As One." Their combined experience, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly inspire others to join in this critical effort.