In conjunction with the Center for Jewish & Israel Affairs (CIJA), the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada, the Community Relations Committee (CRC) develops and organizes programs throughout the year for the Jewish and general communities. In the summer of 2014, we organized a Solidarity Rally that brought together 750 people from all walks of life to support Israel. In addition, we organized, with our CIJA partners, a solidarity mission to Israel chaired by Michel Aziza and Mel Lazareck. The mission was made up of 18 participants, including members of the non-Jewish community and 4 students, to show support for Israel during Operation Protective Edge. We regularly host speakers and give presentations in the community about various aspects of Israel behind the headlines and work with other groups to support programs about Israel. We also organize specialty or “niche” missions (see First Nations outreach) to Israel.