Every year at this time, I pause to reflect on accomplishments of the past year before turning the page to begin the next Jewish year. More often than not, I look back with pride and forward with measured anticipation. This year is a bit different. I feel an equal sense of excitement about what was and what is yet to come.

 

As Chair of the Board, I am proud to welcome Nikki Holland as the new President & CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA. I am confident that Nikki will serve as a dynamic and effective leader of our teams in Canada and Israel. She will build on the success of the past and help chart our course for the future.

 

As federations launch their annual campaigns this month, I am proud to work in partnership with such incredible organizations. 5779 is sure to be a successful year for community and capacity building in cities from coast-to-coast. The opportunities for our communities are limitless with the talented leadership in place across Canada. I look forward to sharing our success in the months to come.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and my family, I wish you and your loved ones a sweet and healthy new year.

 

Shana Tova,
Leslie Gales, Chair of the Board

 

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It is my good fortune that my start as the new President and CEO of Jewish Federations Canada – UIA coincides with the Jewish new year, an ideal time to reflect on what we have achieved in the past and determine where we want to go from here.

 

To achieve goals, both personal and professional, we must undertake an honest assessment of our abilities to deliver expectations, what aspects of our efforts require renewal and what new opportunities we want to realize.

 

As I learn about the history of JFC-UIA, I can see that its greatest strength lies in its ability to provide a strong national organization to support our communities and Israel. Alongside its federation partners, affiliate agencies and regional communities from coast-to-coast, JFC-UIA strengthens Jewish life and provides meaningful programs in Canada, Israel and overseas.

 

Over the course of the past 50 years, we have found creative and effective ways to collaborate with our national and international partners and support one another. Our steadfast relationships are based on the shared conviction that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A strong and unified national Jewish community can only be maintained when there is a shared vision by the collective. 

 

Looking forward, I am eager to harness the deep passion that I have for both Israel and Canada. From my position at the helm of JFC-UIA, I hope to build on the very personal bond that I have with Israel in a professional capacity. I believe very strongly that, as a people, we have a collective responsibility to give back to our Jewish community, to honour the sacrifices made by those who came before us and to establish an unbreakable link with future generations.

 

Rosh Hashana is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts and new opportunities. I am eager to begin our work together, to build on past successes and realize new visions through our collective efforts.

 

L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu V'taihatem
May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

 

Niki Holland
President & CEO
nholland@jfcuia.org