As you may have heard, the Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism (CFMJ) has had its charitable status revoked by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Charities Division.

While we have attempted to appeal the revocation, the CRA's primary concern appears to be that CRA has declared the Masorti Movement in Israel, along with seven of our kehilot, as "non-qualified donees." Consequently, donations to these legitimate charitable organizations will no longer be tax-deductible for Canadians.

The following organisations are affected:

• Hannaton Education Centre
• Hod V'Hadar
• Masorti Movement
• Netzach Yisrael
• Ramot Zion
• Torat Hayyim
• Ya'ar Ramot
• Yedid Nefesh

The CRA has also threatened to impose a 105% fine on CFMJ for all funds delivered to our Israeli charities.

As we strive for a resolution to these issues, we want to assure you that, regardless of the CRA's stance, Masorti in Israel remains a legitimate destination for your donations. This is true whether you receive a tax refund or not.

When another Canadian charity, the Jewish National Fund, lost its charitable status for similar reasons, namely Israel, it advised its donors to consider an alternative option: taking your tax deduction when you make your donation.

For most donors, your deduction is a tax credit that reduces the amount of tax you owe. The amount varies based on your income, but as a general rule, it is approximately 30% of the total donation, which you will receive when you file your taxes for that year. Your realization of the deduction can be as far as 18 months away on a donation made on January 1.

We propose that you take your immediate deduction when you make your donation by giving us 70% of the amount you had originally intended. You retain the remaining 30% today, and there is no delay.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/mercaz-your-voice-your-values-sustaining-contributions

By receiving non-deductible donations, we can fund all of the Masorti projects in Israel without any Canadian government interference.

Our plan is to continue to work for our movement and its partners in Canada, Israel and wherever the funds are needed without a bureaucrat in Ottawa deciding where your money is best spent.

Recent events in Canada suggest a government becoming less friendly and, in fact, more hostile to Israel and the Jewish people. While we understand that the government has a role in deciding where Canadian money goes, it only has control over tax-receipted funds. By removing that barrier, we can make far simpler and more direct donations when needed.