From the Board

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Dear Friends,

At a time of great and growing threat, the call for a strong, vibrant Canadian Institute for Jewish Reseach becomes even greater than it has been over the last twenty-three years.
I do not need to tell those reading this that the struggle Israel and the West face is accompanied by a propagand war, and that a progaganda assault requires a particular response: the truth.

CIJR is the only academic think-tank in Canada that provides this response, and that does so directly to the public, Jewish and non-Jewish. Its determination to educate, to instruct, to share information, to train, to prepare Canadians, and Canadian students, for the world we and our children face, has been a result of the drive and energy of a resolute, dedicated team, which deserves great recognition and honour.

I was asked by my friend, Fred Krantz, Director of the Institute, to take over the role which Irwin Beutel has played so diligently and generously for so long, chair of CIJR. The National Board and I both accepted Fred's suggestion. I live in Toronto, and while CIJR already reaches many beyond Montreal through its Daily Briefing and Israfax publications, I hope this coming year will provide us with the opportunity to extend CIJR's reach and influence even further both within Montreal and Canada, and beyond.

We have many challenges ahead. Yasher ko'ach to Irwin, Fred, and Baruch, to their hard-working and dedicated staff, and to the many volunteers who together with them have built this unique and wonderful Institute.

May they go from strength to strength.

With best wishes,

Joseph Shier
National Chairman