“Making our city fully accessible to those with disabilities is absolutely vital, and one of UJA Federation’s priorities,” said David Koschitzky, Chair, UJA Federation. “this special initiative will hopefully motivate community organizations to take action and to encourage the creation and implementation of inclusive programs and activities throughout the Jewish community.”

Inclusion Action Week, which is organized by Itanu Toronto, UJA’s inclusion initiative, will feature a number of special programs including a Sabbath service at local synagogues highlighting the participation of those with disabilities (February 21), the screening of the award winning film Praying with Lior (February 22) and the Community Inclusion Awards of Excellence (February 26).
“We want to promote an environment where people with special needs are able to fully participate in educational, spiritual, communal, social and recreational activities.” “said Fay Rotman, Director, Itanu Toronto, the inclusion initiative of UJA.

Inclusion Action Week is taking place in conjunction with a number of Jewish communities across North America, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York and others.

“This is the first community-wide effort to focus attention on inclusion as a fundamental principle of Jewish communal life in Toronto,” explains Stan Kugelmass, Chair, Itanu Toronto.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is the Jewish community’s central organization.

Highlights of Inclusion Action Week:

Shabbat Itanu: February 20/21, 2009
Inclusive Sabbath services at various synagogues throughout the GTA.

Brunch and the award-winning film Praying with Lior
Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10 am
Sheppard Grande Theatre, 4861 Yonge Street.
Tickets: $10 includes brunch and film
To order tickets call the Miles Nadal JCC at 416-924-6211 Ext. 0
Praying with Lior, the multi-award winning documentary, asks whether someone with Down syndrome can be a spiritual genius.

Community Inclusion Awards of Excellence
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 7 pm
CNIB, 1929 Bayview Avenue
Master of Ceremonies: Ralph Benmergui
Keynote Speaker: Richard Ouzounian

Honourary Chairs of Inclusion Action Week: David Green and Daphne Wagner

For more information about inclusion action week, visit www.itanutoronto.com, contact 416.924.6211 ext. 255, or email inclusionuja@mnjcc.org

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Media Contact:
Sally Szuster, Public and Media Relations
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Phone: 416.840-2988/Cell: 647-280-6017 sszuster@ujafed.org www.jewishtoronto.com