About CJE2017
Our Vision
The Canadian Jewish Experience (CJE) is a volunteer initiative to celebrate Canada and the contributions made by Jews to the building of a modern country. This work is undertaken in connection with Canada’s 150th anniversary, and reflects the pride and love which Canadian Jews have for this country.
CJE is funded entirely through private donations, and it is led by volunteers. The core vision is to share Jewish aspects of Canada’s story through an exhibition, a website, and specialist speakers.
The first site for the exhibition is in Ottawa, where thousands of visitors are expected in the national capital for this special year. An additional travelling version of the exhibition panels will be shown in other cities across the country.
Jewish Canadians have played important roles in all facets of life in Canada, dating back to the mid-1700s. Their accomplishments reflect the challenges and successes experienced here during the past 150 years. A speaker series will highlight some of these contributions.
A specialized website has been created to provide more information about historical topics covered by the CJE exhibit and about many extraordinary Canadians. The website also provides information about venues for lectures and other locations where the travelling exhibit can be seen.
A special quiz on topics drawn from the exhibition and the website is available. Visitors of all ages are invited to test their knowledge and expand their understanding.
Canada’s 150th anniversary is a time for celebration by all citizens and residents, whatever their faith or ethnicity. We continue to build a country that respects diversity and unity, fairness and progress.
Board of Directors & Advisors
- Rabbi Reuven Bulka, Congregation Machzeikai Hadas, Ottawa, Ontario
- Senator Jerry Grafstein, Former Senator, Toronto, Ontario
- Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, Past President & CEO, Canadian Museum of Civilization (Canadian Museum of History)
- Tova Lynch, Past President Foreign Service Community Association Department of Foreign Affairs Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
- Esther Kulik, National Director, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO, Director, Soloway Ottawa Jewish Community Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
- Ian Sadinsky, President, Ottawa Jewish Historical Society, Ottawa, Ontario
- Dr. Agnes Klein, Hidden child: Holocaust survivor; senior public servant. Ottawa, Ontario
- Jean Roberge, Former Director General, International Region, Immigration Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
- Neil P. Finkelman CPA, CA, Treasurer, Ottawa, Ontario
- James Lynch, Former Foreign Service Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ottawa, Ontario
- Dr. Maureen Molot, Professor Emeritus, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
- Dr. Toby Morantz, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Ned Steinman, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP / S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l. Ottawa, Ontario
- Barbara Okun, M.Sc. Com Dis, Communications Consultant