Our 2026 Spring Consultation marked the sixth Israel & Overseas Committee mission to Israel since October 7, 2023. Each visit deepens our understanding of the resilience of Israeli society and reinforces the extraordinary partnership between Toronto's Jewish community and the people of Israel.
This consultation came at an important moment as Israel continues to navigate security and social pressures while recovering from the challenges of recent years. Many initiatives funded by Toronto's Jewish community are now moving from planning into implementation, demonstrating how investments in mental health, education, leadership, resilience, and renewal can strengthen entire communities.
Nowhere is this partnership more evident than in Sderot and Bat Yam, two cities with which Toronto's Jewish community has built deep and enduring relationships over many years.
“We are the only Diaspora community that has been a consistent partner with Sderot and Bat Yam for 20 years,” said Carolyn Kolers, current co-chair, and Berry Meyerowitz, former co-chair of the Israel & Overseas Committee. “Not only do we meet with these communities and other organizations to see their progress, but we strategically collaborate with them to build forward better.”
These visits to Israel are also an essential part of UJA’s philanthropic process. They allow us to evaluate the impact of community investments, understand emerging needs, and ensure our support remains strategic and responsive. The consultation reinforced that recovery is measured not only by what is rebuilt, but by the resilience, opportunity, and hope that are created for the future.
“For the people of Israel, having a dedicated group of Canadians visit, especially when it is not always easy to get here, means more than they can express,” said William Kleinbaum, senior vice-president of UJA Israel & Overseas. “They see a community in Toronto that is not only willing to provide financial support, but also willing to show up, listen, learn, and help shape solutions together. That kind of partnership reminds Israelis that they are not facing these challenges alone.”
Every consultation reminds us that true partnership is built through presence, trust, and shared responsibility. We leave each visit inspired by the resilience and determination of the people we are privileged to work alongside.
Carolyn Kolers & Berry Meyerowitz
Israel & Overseas Committee
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
UJA’s Israel & Overseas Committee travels to Israel twice a year, at its own expense, to ensure oversight and connection to the initiatives funded there. For a list of Israel emergency funds raised in Toronto, click here.
If you are interested in speaking with us to learn more about the work that UJA is doing in Israel, please contact Melissa Reiken at [email protected].