Jewish day schools and overnight camps have a lasting impact on the strength and vitality of Jewish identity. Studies consistently show that attending Jewish day school or overnight camp fosters pride, leadership and lasting Jewish connection. A 2025 study by the Foundation for Jewish Camps found that 96% of parents felt camp made their child proud to be Jewish, while 92% said it meaningfully strengthened their child’s Jewish identity. For many children who don’t attend Jewish day school, camp is their primary immersive experience of Jewish life.
To ensure these formative experiences remain accessible to all families, the Azrieli Foundation is proud to announce a new multi-year grant to UJA Jewish Federation and Federation CJA supporting the Day of Giving initiatives for Jewish day schools and overnight camps across Ontario and Quebec.
The Day of Giving initiative unites schools, camps, students, educators and families in a shared effort to strengthen Jewish life. By supporting all participating organizations equally regardless of size or affiliation, the Day of Giving fosters inclusivity, sustainability and long-term resilience across the Jewish educational landscape.
“The Day of Giving has served to focus the Jewish community of Toronto on the central importance of Jewish day schools to building the future leaders of our city. The involvement of the Azrieli Foundation has inspired others to prioritize this single day of philanthropy dedicated to the future of the Jewish people and helped our schools to raise millions of essential dollars in the process. We are grateful to the Azrieli Foundation for taking the lead in this vital work,” says Eric Petersiel, RJE, Head of The Leo Baeck Day School.
Building on years of partnership and impact, the Azrieli Foundation is deepening its commitment to Jewish education with $1.3 million over three years to support 20 day schools and 21 overnight camps, benefiting over 15,000 children. This is the first time the Foundation has approved multi-year funding in this area—a step designed to strengthen organizational sustainability, maintain affordability and expand mental health supports.
Affordability has long been a barrier for families, and in recent years, Jewish schools and camps have faced mounting challenges. Enrollment at Jewish day schools is rising, driven partly by transfers from non-Jewish schools as families seek community and safety amid growing antisemitism. Operational expenses, scholarships and security costs have all increased. Camps have experienced similar pressures, with high demand, greater needs for financial aid, rising maintenance and program costs and a growing focus on mental health supports for children and staff.
“Scholarship support raised through our annual Ontario Jewish Camps Day of Giving truly changes lives. It opens the gates of camp to campers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to be here, strengthening our community and ensuring that Ramah remains accessible and inclusive. We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of the Azrieli Foundation that makes this possible year after year,” says Messodie Carter, Director of Institutional Advancement for Camp Ramah.
“The Foundation’s ongoing commitment to Jewish education reflects our belief that strong schools and camps build strong communities,” says Anat Haim, Grant Manager at the Azrieli Foundation. “By providing multi-year support, we’re helping these organizations plan for the future with stability and confidence, ensuring that families can continue to access transformative educational and camp experiences regardless of financial barriers.”
Through this renewed investment, the Azrieli Foundation is reaffirming its dedication to fostering Jewish identity and community cohesion across generations, ensuring that every child can learn, grow and lead with confidence, connection and pride.
