Latest news with #UJA
Fashion Network
26-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Kookaï seeks new franchisees as relaunch continues in France
At the end of 2023, French fashion group Antonelle-Un jour ailleurs (UJA) bought womenswear retailer Kookaï following receivership proceedings. The group decided to keep 33 of Kookaï's retail outlets (16 stores and 17 corners) and 70 employees. Having kept a low profile since then, Antonelle-UJA is now talking again about Kookaï's relaunch, as the brand is trying to win back the place it had in French consumers' hearts. Though the market is still tough to navigate, Samy Cohen, president of Antonelle-UJA, said he has 'managed to open some 15 new stores in the last year and a half, most of them directly owned and some with franchisees.' Last year, Kookaï opened stores in the French towns of Brest, Castres and Haguenau, and this year in Metz. Kookaï now operates about 50 retail outlets (between monobrand stores and department store concessions), and is seeking new partners to expand its store fleet. Five new openings with franchisees are scheduled before the end of 2025, notably in Béthune and La Baule. Kookaï is looking to open in towns with over 30,000 inhabitants, where it seeks city-centre premises of 70 to 120 square metres. In 2026, it is hoping to open between 10 and 15 new stores. The difficulties experienced by many fashion retailers, for example Comptoir des Cotonniers and IKKS, are regarded as opportunities by Kookaï, which is hoping to win over some of these struggling brands' franchisees. The contract the group is offering includes an entry fee of €10,000. Cohen has not disclosed Kookaï's revenue, but said that the retailer has grown 15% in like-for-like terms since the start of 2025. He attributed this positive result to the brand's repositioning following the acquisition. 'Between 2017 and 2023, [Kookaï] belonged to an Australian businessman, Rob Cromb, who introduced a sexy style more appropriate to his market, targeting young women between 20 and 30 years old. We have reoriented the brand toward a French clientèle, with less daring looks, while preserving the contemporary feminine touch typical of Kookaï,' said Cohen. The brand has shifted its main target to 35-40-year-olds, and has slightly raised prices to feature higher quality fabrics. Kookaï's design team works at the group's headquarters in Pantin, alongside the staff of Antonelle and UJA. 'They are physically in the same building, but each brand functions independently,' said Cohen. Antonelle and UJA are both targeting an older clientèle. While Antonelle's results are described as 'variable,' UJA, which was bought by the group in 2020, has extended its footprint, growing from 'a revenue of €10 million at the time of the acquisition to €25 million now,' said Cohen, a result achieved by opening both directly owned and franchised stores. Cohen is always on the lookout for market opportunities, but isn't aiming to buy a new brand, he is more inclined to make a move for 'suitable store locations.' The Antonelle-UJA group employs more than 400 people, including 100 for Kookaï. Kookaï was founded in Paris's Sentier district in 1983 by Jean- Lou Tepper, Jacques Nataf and Philippe de Hesdin. It was owned by the Vivarte group between 1996 and 2017, when it was acquired by its Oceania franchisee, the Magi Group, led by Rob Cromb. Kookaï made a name for itself 40 years ago in France by creating the 'kookaïette' look, bringing a touch of impertinence to the mid-range fashion segment thanks to its colourful, easy-to-wear knitwear and high-impact advertising campaigns.
Hospitality Net
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Shai Zelering Honored By UJA-Federation of New York
UJA Federation, the world's largest local philanthropy, which funds hundreds of nonprofits and seeds grassroots organizations working individually and together, responding to ongoing challenges and emerging issues around the world, held its annual Hospitality Division reception on June 1, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The reception honored Shai Zelering, Managing Partner, Real Estate, Brookfield, in recognition of his professional and philanthropic achievements. The event raised $1,200,000 to support UJA-Federation of New York's efforts to help those in crisis throughout the world. The UJA Hospitality Division committee is chaired by Jonathan Tisch, Co-chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation and Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, and its members include Bruce Blum, Liberty Hotel Advisors, LLC; Richard Born, BD Hotels; Mark Gerstein, McKinsey & Company; Michael Lefkowitz, Triumph Hotels; David A. Pepper, Choice Hotels International, Inc.; Brian Schwartz, The Elliot Group; Stacy Silver, Silver Hospitality Group LLC; Alex Tisch, Loews Hotels & Co.; and Evan Weiss, LW Hospitality Advisors. About UJA-Federation of New York Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. Every year, UJA provides approximately $180 million in grants. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel solidarity walk in Toronto needed amid rising antisemitism, organizer says
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Toronto on Sunday for an annual fundraising walk in solidarity with Israel — an event participants said is particularly needed this year due to rising antisemitism. The Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and a dramatic increase in antisemitism in Canada since then, said Sara Lefton, chief development officer for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, which hosts the walk. "We want our neighbours, friends and colleagues in Toronto to stand with us because it is a horrific time for our community," she said. Statistics Canada reports a 71 per cent increase in hate crimes targeting the Jewish population between 2022 and 2023, with the largest increase seen after the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Toronto police said they have received reports of 43 "antisemitic occurrences" so far this year — representing 43 per cent of all reported hate crimes in 2025. That's a 48 per cent decrease in reports compared to this time last year, police said on Sunday. The solidarity walk took place days after two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Investigators and leaders around the world have denounced the killings as a targeted, antisemitic hate crime. "Watching the horrific murders in Washington, D.C., is really a dose of reality for all of us of what can happen when hate is left unchecked," Lefton said. WATCH | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto held vigil to mark 1st anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks: About 56,000 people participated in Sunday's walk, the UJA said in a news release. Stuart Lewis said he joined the event because the right to live as Jews in Israel and Toronto is "under attack." "I'm here to support our rights here in Toronto, Canada and in Israel," he said. Israel's National Security Council upgraded its travel alert for Canada on Sunday from Level 1, which means no travel warning, to Level 2, which means "potential threat level." The council said planned counter-protests to pro-Israel rallies on Sunday have resulted in discourse, "including what could be understood as calls to violently harm Israelis and Jews at these events." It recommended "that those attending the support rallies listen to security personnel and local police at the events, obey their instructions and avoid any friction with the anti-Israel protests." But Molly Kraft, an advocate with the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition, said she is offended by the idea the walk is "somehow for Jewish trauma or Jewish safety." "As a Jewish person, I believe in fighting antisemitism as well, but I think [the walk is] about supporting a military superpower that's hell bent on occupation, genocide and destroying Palestinian life," she said. Israel has repeatedly denied claims of genocide in its war in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Sunday's walk began at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto synagogue and continued north on Bathurst Street, ending with a festival at UJA's Sherman Campus. There was a heavy police presence along the route, including a number of officers on bicycles. Toronto police had said on Saturday there would be a "strong presence" at the event, including police from York, Durham and Peel regions, as well as the OPP. A 57-year-old man was arrested at about 12 p.m. after allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs at people attending the walk, Toronto police said. He has been charged with mischief interfering with property and causing a disturbance. The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, police said. The UJA's website said that as of Sunday afternoon, the walk has raised more than $670,000. That's more than in previous years, Lefton said. "The event today is really about families coming together to celebrate our identity and stand united," she said. "It's not a political event." But Kraft objected to this description. "You cannot have this walk for Israel as this casual, family hangout for a state that is enacting one of the most violent genocides that we've ever seen," she said. The event took place after the leaders of Canada, Britain and France warned on May 19 that their countries could take punitive action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions to the population. "The Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law," a joint statement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said. Earlier this week, Israel began allowing humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, after placing a nearly three-month blockade on aid supplies that brought people in the enclave to the brink of famine. But aid groups have said supplies still haven't reached Palestinians in need. The United Nations has warned that 14,000 children in Gaza are at risk of severe malnutrition over the next 11 months if critical aid doesn't arrive. The UJA Federation said in a news release that funds raised during Sunday's walk "will support urgent humanitarian relief and long-term recovery efforts in Israel, with a focus on aiding families and communities still rebuilding after the trauma of October 7th." Lefton said the money will go in part toward supporting the mental health of Israelis with PTSD and rebuilding homes destroyed in the Hamas-led attack. Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities near Gaza's border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas is still holding 58 captives, about a third of whom are believed to be alive after most of the others were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's retaliatory war has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians and reduced much of Gaza to ruins, Gaza's Health Ministry says. Most of them are civilians, including more than 16,500 children under the age of 18, Gaza health officials say. WATCH | Palestinians struggling to survive amid delays in getting aid: Omri Kohavi, a survivor of an attack at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 that killed more than 360 people and saw dozens taken hostage, attended Sunday's walk. He was in Toronto with the Nova Exhibition, an international touring exhibit recounting the events of that day. He said he came to the walk to support Israel and was happy to see the "partying and good vibe." "I'm very proud. It makes me strong," he said. Suzanne Wintrob said her cousins were living in a kibbutz in Israel on Oct. 7. Half of their friends were killed in the attacks, she said. "They have survivor's guilt.... They'll never be the same," she said. "The whole country is in trauma." Wintrob was among several people at the walk holding posters of hostages still in captivity. She said she is praying for safety and peace. "Everyone wants peace on both sides of this conflict," she said.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel solidarity walk in Toronto needed amid rising antisemitism, organizer says
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Toronto on Sunday for an annual fundraising walk in solidarity with Israel — an event participants said is particularly needed this year due to rising antisemitism. The Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and a dramatic increase in antisemitism in Canada since then, said Sara Lefton, chief development officer for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, which hosts the walk. "We want our neighbours, friends and colleagues in Toronto to stand with us because it is a horrific time for our community," she said. Statistics Canada reports a 71 per cent increase in hate crimes targeting the Jewish population between 2022 and 2023, with the largest increase seen after the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Toronto police said they have received reports of 43 "antisemitic occurrences" so far this year — representing 43 per cent of all reported hate crimes in 2025. That's a 48 per cent decrease in reports compared to this time last year, police said on Sunday. The solidarity walk took place days after two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Investigators and leaders around the world have denounced the killings as a targeted, antisemitic hate crime. "Watching the horrific murders in Washington, D.C., is really a dose of reality for all of us of what can happen when hate is left unchecked," Lefton said. WATCH | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto held vigil to mark 1st anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks: About 56,000 people participated in Sunday's walk, the UJA said in a news release. Stuart Lewis said he joined the event because the right to live as Jews in Israel and Toronto is "under attack." "I'm here to support our rights here in Toronto, Canada and in Israel," he said. Israel's National Security Council upgraded its travel alert for Canada on Sunday from Level 1, which means no travel warning, to Level 2, which means "potential threat level." The council said planned counter-protests to pro-Israel rallies on Sunday have resulted in discourse, "including what could be understood as calls to violently harm Israelis and Jews at these events." It recommended "that those attending the support rallies listen to security personnel and local police at the events, obey their instructions and avoid any friction with the anti-Israel protests." But Molly Kraft, an advocate with the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition, said she is offended by the idea the walk is "somehow for Jewish trauma or Jewish safety." "As a Jewish person, I believe in fighting antisemitism as well, but I think [the walk is] about supporting a military superpower that's hell bent on occupation, genocide and destroying Palestinian life," she said. Israel has repeatedly denied claims of genocide in its war in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Sunday's walk began at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto synagogue and continued north on Bathurst Street, ending with a festival at UJA's Sherman Campus. There was a heavy police presence along the route, including a number of officers on bicycles. Toronto police had said on Saturday there would be a "strong presence" at the event, including police from York, Durham and Peel regions, as well as the OPP. A 57-year-old man was arrested at about 12 p.m. after allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs at people attending the walk, Toronto police said. He has been charged with mischief interfering with property and causing a disturbance. The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, police said. The UJA's website said that as of Sunday afternoon, the walk has raised more than $670,000. That's more than in previous years, Lefton said. "The event today is really about families coming together to celebrate our identity and stand united," she said. "It's not a political event." But Kraft objected to this description. "You cannot have this walk for Israel as this casual, family hangout for a state that is enacting one of the most violent genocides that we've ever seen," she said. The event took place after the leaders of Canada, Britain and France warned on May 19 that their countries could take punitive action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions to the population. "The Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law," a joint statement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said. Earlier this week, Israel began allowing humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, after placing a nearly three-month blockade on aid supplies that brought people in the enclave to the brink of famine. But aid groups have said supplies still haven't reached Palestinians in need. The United Nations has warned that 14,000 children in Gaza are at risk of severe malnutrition over the next 11 months if critical aid doesn't arrive. The UJA Federation said in a news release that funds raised during Sunday's walk "will support urgent humanitarian relief and long-term recovery efforts in Israel, with a focus on aiding families and communities still rebuilding after the trauma of October 7th." Lefton said the money will go in part toward supporting the mental health of Israelis with PTSD and rebuilding homes destroyed in the Hamas-led attack. Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities near Gaza's border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas is still holding 58 captives, about a third of whom are believed to be alive after most of the others were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's retaliatory war has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians and reduced much of Gaza to ruins, Gaza's Health Ministry says. Most of them are civilians, including more than 16,500 children under the age of 18, Gaza health officials say. WATCH | Palestinians struggling to survive amid delays in getting aid: Omri Kohavi, a survivor of an attack at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 that killed more than 360 people and saw dozens taken hostage, attended Sunday's walk. He was in Toronto with the Nova Exhibition, an international touring exhibit recounting the events of that day. He said he came to the walk to support Israel and was happy to see the "partying and good vibe." "I'm very proud. It makes me strong," he said. Suzanne Wintrob said her cousins were living in a kibbutz in Israel on Oct. 7. Half of their friends were killed in the attacks, she said. "They have survivor's guilt.... They'll never be the same," she said. "The whole country is in trauma." Wintrob was among several people at the walk holding posters of hostages still in captivity. She said she is praying for safety and peace. "Everyone wants peace on both sides of this conflict," she said.
CBC
25-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Israel solidarity walk in Toronto needed amid rising antisemitism, organizer says
Social Sharing Tens of thousands of people gathered in Toronto on Sunday for an annual fundraising walk in solidarity with Israel — an event participants said is particularly needed this year due to rising antisemitism. The Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and a dramatic increase in antisemitism in Canada since then, said Sara Lefton, chief development officer for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, which hosts the walk. "We want our neighbours, friends and colleagues in Toronto to stand with us because it is a horrific time for our community," she said. Statistics Canada reports a 71 per cent increase in hate crimes targeting the Jewish population between 2022 and 2023, with the largest increase seen after the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Toronto police said they have received reports of 43 "antisemitic occurrences" so far this year — representing 43 per cent of all reported hate crimes in 2025. That's a 48 per cent decrease in reports compared to this time last year, police said on Sunday. The solidarity walk took place days after two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Investigators and leaders around the world have denounced the killings as a targeted, antisemitic hate crime. "Watching the horrific murders in Washington, D.C., is really a dose of reality for all of us of what can happen when hate is left unchecked," Lefton said. WATCH | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto held vigil to mark 1st anniversar y of Oct. 7 attacks: Toronto's Jewish communities mark one year since deadly Hamas-led attack 8 months ago Duration 2:28 Jewish communities in Toronto are holding a number of events across the city to mark one year since Hamas's attacks in Israel. CBC's Tyler Cheese has the details. About 56,000 people participated in Sunday's walk, the UJA said in a news release. Stuart Lewis said he joined the event because the right to live as Jews in Israel and Toronto is "under attack." "I'm here to support our rights here in Toronto, Canada and in Israel," he said. Israel's National Security Council upgraded its travel alert for Canada on Sunday from Level 1, which means no travel warning, to Level 2, which means "potential threat level." The council said planned counter-protests to pro-Israel rallies on Sunday have resulted in discourse, "including what could be understood as calls to violently harm Israelis and Jews at these events." It recommended "that those attending the support rallies listen to security personnel and local police at the events, obey their instructions and avoid any friction with the anti-Israel protests." But Molly Kraft, an advocate with the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition, said she is offended by the idea the walk is "somehow for Jewish trauma or Jewish safety." "As a Jewish person, I believe in fighting antisemitism as well, but I think [the walk is] about supporting a military superpower that's hell bent on occupation, genocide and destroying Palestinian life," she said. Israel has repeatedly denied claims of genocide in its war in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Walk comes after Canada calls for aid to Gaza Sunday's walk began at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto synagogue and continued north on Bathurst Street, ending with a festival at UJA's Sherman Campus. There was a heavy police presence along the route, including a number of officers on bicycles. Toronto police had said on Saturday there would be a "strong presence" at the event, including police from York, Durham and Peel regions, as well as the OPP. A 57-year-old man was arrested at about 12 p.m. after allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs at people attending the walk, Toronto police said. He has been charged with mischief interfering with property and causing a disturbance. The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, police said. The UJA's website said that as of Sunday afternoon, the walk has raised more than $670,000. That's more than in previous years, Lefton said. "The event today is really about families coming together to celebrate our identity and stand united," she said. "It's not a political event." But Kraft objected to this description. "You cannot have this walk for Israel as this casual, family hangout for a state that is enacting one of the most violent genocides that we've ever seen," she said. The event took place after the leaders of Canada, Britain and France warned on May 19 that their countries could take punitive action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions to the population. "The Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law," a joint statement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said. Earlier this week, Israel began allowing humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, after placing a nearly three-month blockade on aid supplies that brought people in the enclave to the brink of famine. But aid groups have said supplies still haven't reached Palestinians in need. The United Nations has warned that 14,000 children in Gaza are at risk of severe malnutrition over the next 11 months if critical aid doesn't arrive. Nova musical festival survivor in attendance The UJA Federation said in a news release that funds raised during Sunday's walk "will support urgent humanitarian relief and long-term recovery efforts in Israel, with a focus on aiding families and communities still rebuilding after the trauma of October 7th." Lefton said the money will go in part toward supporting the mental health of Israelis with PTSD and rebuilding homes destroyed in the Hamas-led attack. Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities near Gaza's border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas is still holding 58 captives, about a third of whom are believed to be alive after most of the others were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's retaliatory war has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians and reduced much of Gaza to ruins, Gaza's Health Ministry says. Most of them are civilians, including more than 16,500 children under the age of 18, Gaza health officials say. WATCH | Palestinians struggling to survive amid delays in getting aid: Palestinians in Gaza struggle with finding food to survive 4 days ago Duration 0:53 People in Gaza City say they are dealing with persistent shortages of food, fuel and the necessities of life, with one person saying Wednesday that the lack of basic supplies are a 'humiliation' and another calling it a 'crime against the people.' Omri Kohavi, a survivor of an attack at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 that killed more than 360 people and saw dozens taken hostage, attended Sunday's walk. He was in Toronto with the Nova Exhibition, an international touring exhibit recounting the events of that day. He said he came to the walk to support Israel and was happy to see the "partying and good vibe." "I'm very proud. It makes me strong," he said. Suzanne Wintrob said her cousins were living in a kibbutz in Israel on Oct. 7. Half of their friends were killed in the attacks, she said. "They have survivor's guilt.... They'll never be the same," she said. "The whole country is in trauma." Wintrob was among several people at the walk holding posters of hostages still in captivity. She said she is praying for safety and peace.
