More than 650 attendees gathered at Le Windsor in Montreal as Montreal’s medical community came together for the inaugural Quebec Jewish Healthcare Gala, honoring Chabad Care and AMJQ’s impact on hospital patients and families and the medical community.

The historic event brought together Quebec’s medical community to recognize excellence in medicine, honor both emerging and veteran physicians, and celebrate the growing impact of Chabad Care on patients and families across the city.

Opening the evening, Dr. Lior Bibas, President of AMJQ said “Healthcare is much more than procedures, diagnoses, and treatments,” he told the assembled physicians. “It is also about dignity. Human connection. Care. And making sure nobody feels alone during difficult moments.” He described Chabad Care as an essential pillar alongside the work of physicians, embodying direct acts of kindness and compassion for individuals and families facing illness and hardship.

Guests heard from Rabbi Shimon and Rivkah Partouche, directors of Chabad Care, whose organization has become a vital source of comfort for patients and families facing medical challenges. Through initiatives including daily meal deliveries, Shabbat packages, hospital visits, hospitality suites, transportation assistance, and volunteer support, Chabad Care has touched hundreds of lives throughout Montreal.

“What began as a simple mission to bring comfort and support to those facing medical challenges has grown into a community-wide movement of care,” said Rabbi Yossi Shanowitz, executive director of Chabad Westmount. “This evening was a testament to the incredible physicians, volunteers, donors, and partners who make that mission possible every day.”

Guests also heard from honouree Patrick Essiminy, President of Federation CJA, who noted that Montreal is fortunate to have Chabad Care. Reflecting on his own family’s firsthand experience with the organization, he spoke about the impact of programs such as Shabbat meal deliveries, the Coffee Cart, hospitality suites, and volunteer support that help patients and families navigate medical challenges with dignity and care.

“Across the world, Chabad on Call strives to ensure that no Jewish patient or family faces a medical challenge alone,” said Chani Goldberg, Director of Chabad on Call at Merkos 302. “Chabad Care has embraced that mission in a remarkable way, providing meals, hospitality, and compassionate support that have become an invaluable resource for Montreal’s healthcare community.”

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of both newly graduated and retiring physicians, celebrating their dedication, service, and contributions to healthcare in Montreal. As hundreds of doctors filled the ballroom at Le Windsor, the message of the evening was one of resilience and resolve: that Montreal’s Jewish medical community is here, it is committed, and it is not
going anywhere. In Chabad Care, those physicians have found a partner that shares that commitment and proves it, every single day, in the hospitals where it matters most.