JEWISH IMMIGRANT AID SERVICES (JIAS)

Jewish Immigrant Aid Services was established during the first Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Jewish Congress, in 1919. The need to settle Jewish post-World War I immigrants became apparent at this time, but the community organizations established in part for this purpose, such as the Baron de Hirsch Institute, were overwhelmed by the flow of Jews into Montreal and the rest of Canada. Thus JIAS, an organization devoted solely to helping immigrants, was founded. Since 1919, Jewish immigrants to Canada have depended on this organization during their period of adjustment to this country. The JIAS intervenes with the government on behalf of current and prospective immigrants, helps to locate housing and jobs, and organizes language and citizenship classes. JIAS assists new immigrants in following the proper application procedures, provides counselling, and offers a directional service to community resources. JIAS also makes submissions to the authorities on all matters affecting Jewish immigration to Canada, jointly with the Canadian Jewish Congress. The national office moved from Montreal to Toronto in the 1990s. In 2008 the Montreal office of JIAS merged with two other Jewish social service agencies under the name Agence Ometz.