The Canadian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry is a leading organization representing the interests of Russian-speaking Jews in Canada. As an active member of the United for Israel coalition, the Forum promotes the values of Jewish unity, support for Israel, and the engagement of our community in the global Zionist movement.
A STRONG
AND SECURE ISRAEL
Uncompromising support for Israel's right to defend itself.
We stand by the IDF and Israel's security forces against terrorism and aggression.
SECURITY FOR JEWISH STUDENTS
AND COMMUNITIES
We work to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campuses and Jewish communities around the world, confronting hatred, incitement, and anti-Jewish violence wherever it appears.
COMBATING ANTISEMITISM
AND ANTI-ZIONISM
We fight antisemitism in all its forms and defend Israel's legitimacy. We stand against campaigns of delegitimization, BDS, and online hate.
PROMOTION OF ISRAELI INNOVATION THROUGH ZIONIST CHANNELS
We showcase Israel's achievements in science, technology, medicine, and culture as a central part of the Zionist story. We want the world to see Israel not only as a nation under threat, but as a beacon of creativity, progress, and light.
EMPOWERING THE RUSSIAN-SPEAKING
JEWISH COMMUNITY
We represent the voices and needs of Russian-speaking Jews, preserve their cultural heritage, and promote their active role in Jewish and Zionist life globally.
JEWISH IDENTITY
AND EDUCATION
We support accessible Jewish education for every Jew — helping the next generation connect with their heritage, people, and homeland.
GLOBAL JEWISH
SOLIDARITY
A strong Diaspora and a strong Israel go hand in hand. We promote deep connections, shared responsibility, and cooperation across the global Jewish world.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE WORLD ZIONIST ORGANIZATION
We demand clean governance, transparency, and democratic representation in all Zionist institutions. Our movement stands for integrity and public trust.
THE LAND
OF ISRAEL
Uncompromising support for Israel's right to defend itself.
We stand by the IDF and Israel's security forces against terrorism and aggression.
ALIYAH AND SUCCESSFUL
INTEGRATION
Aliyah is a vital expression of Jewish identity. We support those who choose to make Israel their home and work to ensure their smooth and respectful integration into Israeli society.
MEET THE TEAM
Marat Ressin, PhD
an accomplished entrepreneur and academic with over 20 years of international experience. Dr. Ressin has revitalized dozens of companies worldwide and founded the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) in Toronto to mentor and support emerging entrepreneurs. As a philanthropist and community leader, he established the Canadian Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry and is deeply committed to strengthening Jewish life and unity.
Elizabeth Fridmar
a community outreach and youth engagement specialist. Elizabeth works as an Outreach & Engagement Manager at the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI), focusing on involving young professionals and supporting innovative projects. She brings a fresh perspective and the energy of the younger generation, aiming to strengthen Jewish identity and youth involvement in community life.
Alex Kivritsky
an experienced activist and businessman who immigrated from the USSR. Alex is the CEO of the “VERA” radio station in Vancouver and a long-time leader of the Herut movement in Canada. With his background in business and community service, he brings to the coalition a passion for Zionism and dedication to serving the community.
Sasha Gerson
a dedicated community leader representing the traditional (Orthodox) segment of the Jewish community in our coalition. Sasha has spent many years volunteering and leading media projects that strengthen Jewish identity. She is a co-founder and executive of the “VERA” radio station in Vancouver – a unique Jewish Russian-language radio that bridges Russian-speaking and English-speaking Jews.
Yelena Gordon
a software engineer and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veteran who has devoted her career to serving the Jewish community. She holds a degree in economics and has worked with several Jewish organizations in Canada. Currently, she is the Program Manager at the Canadian Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry, where she leads cultural and educational initiatives for the community.
THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT