New Israel Fund Canada hosted leaders of the Aguda, Israel's largest and oldest LGBT organization as they spoke in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

Chairperson Mike Hamel, volunteer counselor and shooting victim Chen Langer, and volunteer counselor Chen Katz (whose brother, Nir Katz, lost his life in the tragedy) relayed not only the story of the shooting at their youth facilities last summer, but of the amazing achievements of Israel's LGBT community.  All spoke about the role that the Aguda plays in counseling, educating and advocating for the rights of the LGBT community, and their vision of the future.  NIFC has provided emergency assistance and is working on additional projects with the Aguda.