Dear Community Members,

Tomorrow night, we will celebrate Passover. Seders are usually the backdrop against which we gather with our loved ones, but this year’s Passover celebrations will be a departure from the usual.

As our families support one another despite physical distance, so does our community. The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba remain fully committed to supporting our community in these challenging times.

We would like to reassure you that both organizations remain in solid financial standing, and are ready to address the needs of the agencies and organizations of our community that rely on us.

The offices of the Federation and Foundation may be closed, but we continue to operate with members of both teams working remotely. By working closely together we are positioning ourselves to be able to respond as efficiently as possible.

The Foundation’s first step has already been taken, with the deferral of spring grants. This initial action will provide all Jewish organizations some emergency funding right away, as we continue to assess community needs. In the coming days, weeks and months, it is through the collaboration of the Foundation and the Federation that we will be able to help sustain the Jewish community through this difficult and uncertain time.

And when things finally begin to return to normal, know that we will continue to be there to support our community organizations as they work to get their operations and programs back to full strength.

We wish you and your families a healthy and happy Passover. Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Joel Lazer, President, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg
Elaine Goldstine, CEO, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg

John W. Diamond, B.A., LL.B, CEO, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba
Richard L. Yaffe, Q.C., Board Chair, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba