CALGARY โ The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) announced plans to open its first Alberta office in Calgary this autumn, funded by a significant donation from Calgary patriarch Al Osten, officials confirmed July 5 in a CIJA news release. The office will serve as a hub for proโIsrael advocacy, Jewish community engagement, and policy outreach in the province.
The move marks a strategic expansion for CIJA. Previously headquartered in Toronto with regional staff nationwide, the Calgary office represents โa dedicated presence in Wild Rose Country,โ CEO Noah Shack said in media remarks. CIJA emphasized that the new location will advance dialogue with politicians, media, academia, and faith groups on issues affecting Israelis and Jewish Canadians.
CIJAโs mandate covers combating antisemitism, strengthening CanadaโIsrael ties, and proactively engaging governments. Data shows Jewish people comprised 67โฏpercent of religious hate crime victims in Canada in recent years, underscoring the need for enhanced regional outreach.
The Calgary office will also streamline relations with local federations. CIJA collaborates with Jewish Calgary and Jewish Edmonton, and this Alberta-based office aims to promote events, leadership development, and youth engagement in southern Canada. The office aligns with CIJAโs ongoing partnership with provincial federations and national network affiliations.
Al Osten, an active Calgary philanthropist, made the contribution to support CIJAโs expansion. โHis generosity enables stronger advocacy and community protection across Alberta,โ the CIJA statement noted. Details on the officeโs staff and programming will be released shortly.
Jewish Calgary leaders welcomed the announcement. A representative of Jewish Calgary said, โCIJAโs presence will elevate Jewish voices in provincial discourse, especially at a time of rising Middle East tensions and domestic prejudice.โ
CIJAโs expansion reflects the federal and provincial commitment to Jewish security and Israel solidarity. The organization works to increase the endorsement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism adopted federally and across several provinces, including Alberta.
This article is based on verified information from CIJA, Wikipedia, and affiliated Jewish community sources.