The relationship between Canada and Israel — between our lives here and our homeland — is built through many kinds of connections, both large and small. Sometimes, it is the simplest gestures that carry the greatest meaning.

Take, for example, a recent discovery in Zikhron Ya’akov, a town just south of Haifa, where quilted baby blankets created by members of Temple Israel in Ottawa have found new homes.

Originally inspired by a quilted wall hanging that was made to mark Temple Israel’s 40th anniversary in 2006, this Ottawa group of quilters has been sending their crafts to Israel for nearly two decades, starting with the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence in 2008. Though the original goal was to send 60 quilts to mark the milestone, the group has since made over 2,000 blankets for Israeli children.

“They’re a hug from Canada,” said Merle Haltrecht-Matte, the president of Temple Israel who spearheads the group. “Quilts have been delivered across Israel to nurseries, hospitals, social service organizations, and even directly to families.” 

Although the group has slowed down a bit between the COVID-19 pandemic and Temple Israel’s ongoing renovations, the group continues to make these treasures year after year, through good times and bad.

“COVID put a slight damper on things because we couldn’t gather as a group,” said Haltrecht-Matte. “Even though some things have changed, we will continue to make them as long as they are being used and loved over in Israel.”
Shipments have been sent to children in need through a number of organizations, including the Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO) and Save a Child's Heart. 

Since pandemic restrictions have eased, transporting the quilts to Israel has become much easier. Before COVID, volunteers gathered every Friday morning to quilt together, welcoming not only members of Temple Israel but also people from the broader community, including those who were unaffiliated or not Jewish. That spirit of openness continues to define the project today.

The work remains deeply personal. At one point, Haltrecht-Matte personally transported 10 quilts to Israel, delivering them directly to a daycare centre. The effort continues if there is a need, driven by the belief that these quilts offer comfort, solidarity, and a tangible expression of care.

In Zikhron Ya’akov, a group of Israeli volunteers who also made blankets and items for hospitals, spotted the tag on one of Temple Israel’s quilts. They took note of how far the quilts had travelled and reached out to the Jewish Federation of Ottawa to connect with the Temple Israel quilters to express their appreciation. 

These quilts were donated to the premature intensive care unit at the Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera.

“When the quilts arrived in Israel … their vibrant colours, the evident care and craftsmanship invested in them, and the fact that the Temple Israel community managed to find a way to send them despite widespread flight cancellations and people avoiding travel to Israel, all of this truly warmed our hearts,” said Orna Wolff, a doctor from the area. “It created a powerful sense of connection between our communities in Canada and Israel.”

Wolff is involved with a group of crocheters and knitters in Zikhron Ya’akov who also craft blankets and other items for hospital patients, boarding school students, and seniors. 

“We meet once a week at the local community centre,” she said. “We enjoy the social interaction and the creative work that we do together.”

She added, “we hope this new connection … marks the beginning of a wonderful relationship.”

To learn more about Temple Israel’s quilting group, get in touch with Merle Haltrecht-Matte at [email protected].