MONTREAL — In its 39th year, the March to Jerusalem is returning to its former route through the streets of Montreal and over Mount Royal. The organizer of the annual event, Federation CJA, is hoping to draw 5,000 people of all ages on May 29 for the nine-kilometre walk-a-thon.
The march is a demonstration of the community’s pride in Israel and raises funds for programs that reinforce Jewish identity through the Bronfman Israel Experience Centre.
In recent years, the March has been held in Côte St. Luc and Hampstead.
“I remember going door to door collecting sponsorships on carbon registration forms and then proudly walking the 26 kilometres over the mountain with my parents, my sister and my little brother,” said Elana Sckolnick, co-chair of this year’s March with Todd Sone.
These days, all registration and sponsorship can be done easily online at www.marchtojerusalem.org.
“I am co-chairing the March because I want my children to experience that sense of joy and pride at joining with the community to raise money and build identity,” she said.
The planning committee is trying to make the day welcoming to all, including providing buses that accommodate strollers from the West Island, a shorter walk so seniors can participate (the original March was 26 kilometres), activities for children at designated stations, and a performance by the Israeli musical group the Fountainheads.
“We are also showcasing some interactive, family-friendly checkpoints including an opportunity to build a giant model Western Wall out of MegaBloks,” Sone said. “Nothing gives me a greater sense of pride in our community than seeing thousands of people walking the streets holding Israeli and Canadian flags with heads held high.”
A video with testimonials from community members about what the march means to them can be viewed at www.federationcja.org, or register at www.marchtojerusalem.org.
