UNITED JEWISH APPEAL OF GREATER TORONTO

The United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto, now commonly referred to as the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of Jewish life in Greater Toronto, Canada, and globally.

Mission and Vision

The organization's primary mission is to preserve and strengthen the Jewish community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and professional leadership. It aims to create a vibrant community characterized by diversity, unity, compassion, generosity, and commitment to Jewish values and Israel. The UJA Federation's vision is to lead the most vibrant Jewish community in North America, deeply rooted in core Jewish values such as support for Israel and dedication to Tikkun Olam, which emphasizes serving the most vulnerable[1][5].

History

The origins of the UJA Federation date back to 1917 when community leaders Ida Siegel, Edmund Scheuer, and Abraham Cohen established the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto (FJPT). This initiative was driven by a need to coordinate fundraising efforts amidst a monetary crisis exacerbated by pre-war immigration and a recession. The first campaign, chaired by Edmund Scheuer, raised $25,300, falling short of its ambitious $30,000 target[2].

Over the years, the organization has evolved through several name changes, reflecting its expanding responsibilities and structure. Since 1991, it has been known as the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Despite these changes, the core mission of providing unified philanthropic support to the Jewish community has remained consistent[3].

Activities

The UJA Federation engages in various activities to fulfill its mission:

• Annual Campaign: The organization raises approximately $60 million annually, using these funds to care for the most vulnerable, build Jewish education and identity, invest in Israel, and promote Jewish advocacy.
• Community Events: Initiatives like the annual Walk With Israel and camping programs help build community bonds and foster a connection with Jewish heritage.
• Education and Outreach: UJA supports educational programs and offers outreach services to diverse groups within the Jewish community, including Russian-speaking populations[1][3].

Governance and Impact

The UJA Federation operates under a model of philanthropic, volunteer, and professional leadership, aiming to benefit both the Jewish community and society at large. Its efforts contribute significantly to the infrastructure and services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), touching thousands of lives domestically and internationally[5].