The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation are pleased to introduce Michael Reznick as our new Director of Development. Michael brings with him a diverse background in community service, business, and international experience, all of which he is eager to apply in this new role.

Michael’s journey reflects a deep commitment to community and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, and spending nearly a decade in Jerusalem, Michael began his career as an advisor for the Ministry of Aliyah and Construction. This experience provided him with valuable insights into Israeli politics and taught him the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Later, Michael transitioned from politics to business, where he took on the challenge of launching a high-tech company specializing in virtual reality — despite his background being in marketing rather than technology. For five years, he ran the company, serving clients globally and gaining invaluable experience in listening and connecting with others.

“Starting a tech company with no prior tech background was a leap of faith, but it was a tremendous learning experience,” Michael shares. “It taught me the importance of collaboration and understanding different perspectives.”
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Michael to move to Europe, where he lived in Italy and Ukraine while working for an Israeli company. It was during this time in Ukraine that he met his wife, Lisa. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the outbreak of the war with Russia, they eventually relocated to Canada, where their daughter was born, finding a new home and community here in Ottawa.

These experiences have deeply influenced Michael’s approach to community service. “Living in different countries and facing various challenges reinforced my belief in the importance of adaptability and genuine care for others. But, mostly, I understood how important it is to be part of a strong Jewish community,” he explains.

During his two years at the Federation as the Young Adults & Families Manager, Michael developed Capital J, the young adults’ donors club, strengthened the Ben Gurion Society, contributed to the PJ Library and Young Adults programs, engaged with young adults and families, and worked to strengthen the connection between our young adults and the broader Jewish community in Ottawa. Now, as Director of Development, he is looking forward to building on this experience, focusing on both fundraising and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization.

“My goal is to help ensure that our Federation, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, continues to thrive for many years to come,” Michael says. He is mindful of the evolving nature of donor engagement and is interested in exploring diverse revenue streams beyond traditional fundraising. Looking ahead, Michael is committed to addressing generational shifts in donation patterns and finding innovative ways to engage new supporters. Michael hopes to help create a resilient organization capable of meeting the evolving needs of Ottawa’s Jewish community. 

“As we noticed, the reality has changed: younger generations donate less frequently, and when they do, it’s not necessarily to Jewish organizations. Therefore, the goal with younger audiences is twofold: to do our best to make sure they understand why the Federation is important and how their contributions are essential for its existence, and to secure the Federation’s future by creating additional income streams beyond donations.”

In the short term, Michael’s attention is on the 2025 Annual Campaign, particularly in the context of rising antisemitism and shifting community dynamics. He believes it is vital to demonstrate the impact of the Federation’s work and to build trust within the community.

“It’s important that our community sees how their contributions make a difference,” he emphasizes. “Our goal is to show the direct impact of their generosity on those who need it most.”

Michael’s approach is rooted in personal connection and the belief that the strength of the community lies in its unity. “I’m here to serve the community with an open heart and a commitment to making a positive impact,” he says.
He is quick to acknowledge that the Federation’s success is the result of a dedicated team, supportive lay leadership, and a committed community. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support my family and I received and am dedicated to giving back by continuing to serve and uplift our community,” Michael concludes.

Please join us in welcoming Michael Reznick to his new role as Director of Development. He can be reached at mreznik@JewishOttawa.com.