A Personal Message from Counsellor Dida Berku

Dear Members of the CSL Women’s Club,

It was a great pleasure for me to join your holiday lunch last week. It is very uplifting to see you all enjoying the holiday spirit and let me assure you that the City is very grateful to be able to support your activities. At this time of year, as we partake in our Chanukah and Christmas celebrations, many residents in our twin City of Ashkelon are not so lucky. Ashkelon sits just 12 km from Gaza and is in the direct line of fire of Hamas rockets. Since October 7, 2023, Ashkelon has been hit by hundreds of rockets, striking a hospital and other infrastructure. Schools are closed and classes are offered virtually. Just yesterday a rocket strike hit a residential building, causing significant damage and injuries.

In support of the children who have had to be evacuated and can no longer attend school, the City of Côte Saint-Luc has set up a fund to allow them to continue their education virtually. To provide computers to children who need them, Federation CJA has created the IEF – Ashkelon Fund. As the sister city of Ashkelon, the City of Côte Saint-Luc encourages the public to donate to this fund. You can do so directly at Supporting the children of Ashkelon | City of Côte Saint-Luc (cotesaintluc.org)

As well, the City of Cote Saint Luc is hosting a concert of light classical music provided by the ensemble Musica Camerata. The Hope and Harmony concert, in support of the children of Ashkelon, is taking place at 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 10 at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium, located at the Bernard Lang Civic Centre. The Concert is free, however there is suggested donation of $18 to the Ashkelon fund. All donors will receive a full tax receipt from Federation.



You can register on line at  Musica Camerata presents Hope and Harmony | City of Côte Saint-Luc (cotesaintluc.org)

Thank you all for your engagement and support

Wishing you all a very happy holidays.

Dida Berku

Conseillère • Councillor, District 3

Mairesse adjointe – Deputy Mayor

Ville de • City of Côte Saint-Luc 

5801 Cavendish • Côte Saint-Luc, QC • H4W 3C3