Jews for Jesus now has a dedicated ministry space in Canada! Because of faithful partners like you worldwide, we are now welcoming Jewish seekers into a space designed for meaningful gospel connection in the heart of one of the most Jewish neighbourhoods on the continent.
This ministry centre provides a warm setting for gatherings such as Shabbat dinners, Bible studies, holiday celebrations and personal discipleship meetings, and features a small media studio for online outreach. Since opening the doors of our ministry space, we have hosted several gatherings of around fifteen people, including many unbelieving Jewish individuals, and have already begun to see fruit.
Many people are surprised to learn that Canada is the country with the fourth-largest Jewish population in the world and might soon overtake France for the third spot. At nearly 400,000 strong, nearly half of Canada’s Jewish population lives in the greater Toronto area. Often referred to as ‘Hollywood North’ for its booming entertainment industry, Toronto is also the financial, technological and business engine of Canada, while also being one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
In recent years, young professional Israelis have been flocking to Toronto for economic opportunity and to escape the spectre of war. Helping newly arrived Israelis get settled in Canada and connecting them with a community has become a significant part of outreach for our team there. Sarah’s* journey reflects why this ministry space matters so deeply.
We host a Tuesday night Bible study at our ministry centre, and Sarah, a young secular Israeli, has been asking questions, exploring faith and slowly integrating into our community. Recently, surrounded by people she trusts, Sarah asked one of our missionaries about baptism. For her, this was not simply a theological question but a step of faith she now feels ready to take.
Canada Branch Leader Aden Friedman says, ‘Physical presence matters deeply in Jewish ministry. Trust is built slowly, often around shared meals and meaningful conversation. At a time when anti-Semitism has reached record highs in Canada, welcoming and supportive spaces are more essential than ever.’
In the years since the violent attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, reports of anti-Semitic vandalism, threats and violence have nearly tripled in Canada. Anti-Israel protests frequently erupt in major cities and on university campuses across the country, and for many Jewish people, Canada has never felt more unsafe. Having a secure, homey environment where Jewish identity is celebrated and difficult questions can be wrestled with allows ministry to happen naturally through hospitality, relationship and trust.
Pray for the ministry taking place in our new centre and many to come to know Messiah. Pray also that anti-Semitism would be rooted out in Canada and God would awaken spiritual hunger among Jewish people there.