Israel’s Consul General in Toronto, Galit Baram, told the Limmud FSU Canada conference this week that the Israeli government will help Canada’s Russian-speaking Jewish community “grow and flourish.”

“It’s heartwarming to see so many motivated young Russian-speaking Jews getting together in the framework of this major Jewish event in the heart of Canada, and to witness the inspiring work being done,” Baram told Limmud FSU Canada participants. “We will do everything in our power to help it continue to grow and flourish.”

Baram added: “The work Limmud FSU is doing is extremely important and crucial — taking care of the Russian-speaking Jewish community, which is a loyal community that supports Israel and fights the BDS movement.”

Over 700 people gathered this past weekend for the biggest event geared towards the Russian-speaking community in Canada. The event took place at the Blue Mountain Resort, an alpine ski resort just northwest of Collingwood. Limmud FSU Canada featured an array of world-class programs and speakers from around the world, including Israel’s Counsel General of Toronto and Western Canada, and a special ceremony opening an exhibition on Elie Wiesel’s life and accomplishments.

Limmud FSU Canada, a dynamic and pluralistic Jewish festival of culture, creativity and learning featured more than 50 inspiring speakers and 150 panels, workshops and discussions on subjects ranging from art, to Jewish culture and tradition, history, politics, academia, business and lifestyles. Currently, there are about 330,000 Jews living in Canada among which 137,500 are Russian speakers.

“The Canadian Russian-Jewish community is experiencing a remarkable renaissance and we’re thrilled that Limmud FSU Canada is a part of it,” said Limmud FSU Founder Chaim Chesler. “This successful weekend showcased the tremendous vitality of Russian-Jewish life in Canada.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)