PM Lights Menorah

CALGARY — Prime Minister Stephen Harper took part in a menorah-lighting ceremony at Calgary city hall on Dec. 22 as part of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta’s 20th anniversary celebrations. The PM used the opportunity to herald the Conservative party’s support for Israel and its dedication to fighting anti-Semitism. “Under my government, our country will remain a resolute defender of the Jewish faith, of Jewish religious freedom and our country will remain a staunch ally of the State of Israel,” he told the crowd and Canadian Press.

Eilat Emerg

TORONTO — UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, in cooperation with United Israel Appeal of Canada, is contributing $1 million toward a $4-million renovation of Eilat’s Yoseftal Hospital. The project includes a new emergency room for the hospital, which is the sole provider of medical services to the 55,000 residents of Eilat and 11 surrounding communities, as well as visitors to the area. Clalit Health Services contributed $2 million to the project, and the Israeli government added another $1 million.