A Year of
Milestones
Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Annual Report
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Message from Our Leadership
A Year Of Milestones
One of the constants — and one of the joys — of being a part of The
Hebrew University of Jerusalem is being surrounded by achievement.
If you read our website or subscribe to our news updates (and if you haven’t, please do at
www.CFHU.org), you’ll know what we mean: every day brings news of yet another medical,
technological, archaeological, intellectual or sociological breakthrough from The Hebrew
University’s scholars, scientists and researchers. Just browse through the pages of this annual
report to get a taste of what we mean. It’s no wonder that the University is ranked first in Israel
and among the world’s top 100 universities and has produced seven Nobel Laureate in the span
of eight years.
If the constant stream of good news flowing from Hebrew U weren’t so awe-inspiring, it might be
tempting to take it for granted. But every so often a series of events come along that serve to remind
us of just how far The Hebrew University and its Canadian Friends have come. In 2014 and 2015, we
mark a series of anniversaries and milestones that help quantify our achievements.
This year, for example, marks The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s 90th anniversary. A
decade earlier, one of the University’s founding members, Albert Einstein, had published his
Theory of General Relativity: like the institution he helped found and to which he bequeathed
his papers and his image, it remains as vital and innovative today as it did a century ago. This
year also marks the 50th anniversary of Yissum, which has commercialized and brought
to world markets so many of the life-changing technologies created by Hebrew University
researchers — read more about its achievements on page 7.
The year 2014 also marked the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. Founded by Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman in 1944, CFHU
has raised half a billion dollars in support of The Hebrew University since its inception. This
Canadian support is evident across The Hebrew University campus, in the Asper Center for
Entrepreneurship, the Halbert Centre for Canadian Studies, the Louis Frieberg Center for East
Asian Studies, the Peter Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, the
Wilbush Patient-Centred Medical Forum and, of course, The Institute for Medical Research
Israel-Canada (IMRIC). One hundred million dollars has been raised for research that has
helped earn Israel the designation of “the Start-Up Nation.“ CFHU scholarships have assisted in
the education of 50,000 Canadian and Israeli students, the University’s lifeblood.
Thank you for being part of our year of milestones. With your ongoing participation and
support, we look forward to celebrating many more together.
Murray PalayRami Kleinmann
National Chair
President & CEO
Happy 70th birthday, CFHU! Philanthropist Allan Bronfman
founded Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University in 1944.
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CFHU PARTNERSHIPS,
HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
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Partnerships
Pancreatic Cancer Partnership
CFHU announced in April the creation of the
Alex U. Soyka Pancreatic Cancer Research
Project at IMRIC. Spearheaded by Torontonian
Sylvia M. G. Soyka, the partnership is an
initiative by the SMGS Family Foundation,
which has provided a significant, multi-year
funding commitment. IMRIC will partner
with the Sheba Medical Center in Israel and
the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research to
uncover the molecular landscape of pancreatic
cancer and pathways driving the disease.
Canada-Israel Autism Research
In March 2014, the inaugural CanadaIsrael Autism Research Symposium
brought together top Canadian and
Israeli researchers, practitioners, parents
and community stakeholders to share
data and best practices. The three-day
event partnered CFHU, the Autism and
Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research
Hub at IMRIC, the Hebrew University’s
Institute for Advanced Studies, the Ontario
Brain Institute and NeuroDevNet. Israeli
novelist Lihi Lapid spoke about finding
happiness within her own family, which
includes a daughter with autism.
Alberta wunderkind Marin
Schultz, winner of CFHU’s
2014 Next Einstein contest.
Canada-Israel FASD Funding
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries announced
in May that it is providing $1.35 million to
IMRIC’s Canada-Israel International Fetal
Alcohol Consortium towards research
aimed at improving early diagnosis,
intervention and prevention of FASD.
Oh, Jerusalem!
CFHU was proud to learn that the IMAX
film JERUSALEM won Best Film, Short
Subject; Best Cinematography; and Big Idea
Community Outreach at the 2014 Giant
Screen Achievement Awards. The 45-minute,
National Geographic Entertainment film was
produced in partnership with CFHU. (See
more on page 12.)
Museum for Human Rights and the Israel
Asper Tower of Hope (above), as well as a
series of stimulating talks and social events.
Accomplishments
The Next Einstein
The winner of Canadian Friends’ 2014
Next Einstein contest, Alberta teen Marin
Schultz, received $10,000 for his design of an
inexpensive, 3D prosthetic hand, designed to
be easily accessible to victims of landmines.
Schultz envisions “a network of sponsored
prosthetic dispensary nodes around the
world, which would custom-print, assemble
and fit the devices to any and all who need
them.” Got a great idea for how to change the
world? Watch for details on our upcoming
contest at thenexteinstein.com.
Inaugural AGM
CFHU board members, supporters and
stakeholders gathered in Winnipeg in
September for our first-ever annual general
meeting. Marking the organization’s 70th
birthday, the meeting was a chance to
celebrate past achievements and focus on
CFHU’s future. Attendees were treated to
a behind-the-scenes tour of the Canadian
Lend a Hand to Heal
When conditions escalated in Israel this
past summer, CFHU responded immediately
with its “Lend a Hand to Heal” initiative.
Working with the Hebrew University’s
Authority for Community and Youth, CFHU
raised $38,000 to bus school-age children
from Israel’s southern periphery to the
Safra campus, where they enjoyed a fun,
science-based learning program. A special
kol hakavod to CFHU national board member
and outstanding philanthropist Lenny Shapiro
of Calgary, whose generous pledge to match
donors’ funds encouraged even more support.
March Madness Turns 20!
CFHU’s March Madness Online US College
Basketball Tournament has raised more than
$600,000 in support of a variety of medical
research and student scholarships at the
HU. To mark the 20th anniversary of this
CFHU tradition, committee co-chairs and
Hebrew U alumni Lorne Persiko and David
Kendal created the Bernard Persiko & Darren
Kendal Merit Student Scholarship Fund.
Eight scholarships were awarded in 2014. A
portion of the funds raised was also directed
toward the newly established Sam Garten
Fund for Leukemia Research. (Read more
about the impact of this funding on page 19.)
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Photo: Mark Neiman, Israel GPO
Hebrew U
Achievements
In Israel and internationally, The
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
excelled in 2014 — and the world
noticed. The University ranked first
in Israel and advanced to 138th (from
141st) worldwide in the prestigious
2014–15 QS World University
Rankings. Within Israel, the Hebrew
University was also ranked first in
life sciences and medicine, arts and
humanities, and academic reputation.
The University was ranked #1 in Israel,
#3 in Asia and 70th globally by the
2014 Academic Ranking of World
Universities (ARWU), which rates the
world’s 500 best universities from
more than 1200 surveys.
Prizes & Awards
PRESIDENTIAL RECOGNITION
In one of his final acts before leaving office,
Israeli President Shimon Peres awarded
scholarships totalling NIS 1.6 million to eight
PhD students working to advance science
for the betterment of humanity. Five awards
went to Hebrew University students, four of
whom study at the Robert H. Smith Faculty
of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Daria Feldman, Adi Kliot, Itai Ofner, Lidor
Shaar and David Shohami each received NIS
200,000 to cover three years of university
studies and research, with the goal of
advancing health and quality of life in Israel
and around the world.
SCIENTIFIC SYNERGY
Two IMRIC researchers were recognized
at the 2014 Kaye Awards for work that
exemplifies the synergy between scientific
excellence and commercial potential. Prof.
Michal Baniyash (above) was recognized
for her invention of novel prognostic/
diagnostic biomarkers to detect the immune
status of people suffering from diseases
characterized by chronic inflammation and
immunosuppression. Yotam Bar-On, a PhD
student of IMRIC Prof. Ofer Mandelboim,
was recognized for his development of novel
antibodies to treat influenza infections.
ISRAEL’S HIGHEST HONOUR
Three Hebrew University professors were awarded 2014 Israel Prizes, the country’s top honour:
Business professor Haim Levy, who
developed the new field of financial
economics called Stochastic Dominance,
was recognized for his innovations in the
areas of political science, managerial
science and international relations.
Prof. Yaacov Katan, of the Robert H.
Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and
Environment, received the award for his work
on solarization, an innovative method for
controlling soilborne pests by solar energy.
Prof. Emeritus Marta Weinstock-Rosin, of the
School of Pharmacy, was recognized for her
decades of work developing drug treatments
for degenerative diseases of the central nervous
system; the groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug,
Exelon, is among her many accomplishments.
Making Smartphones Smarter
With one cell phone subscription for nearly every person on the
planet, any innovation that reduces phones’ environmental footprint
is a huge boon. Prof. Shlomo Magdassi (above, far left), the Enrique
Berman Chair at the Hebrew University’s Casali Institute of Applied
Chemistry, was recently recognized for his development of an
affordable and Earth-friendly plastic touch-screen display for smart
phones, which reduces the number of manufacturing steps by
80%. For his work, Prof. Magdassi received one of three $10,000
prizes from the Untold News Organization, an American nonprofit
dedicated to promoting Israeli inventors and educating Americans on
the positive news generated from the state of Israel.
CREATIVITY & ORIGINALITY
Hebrew U cultural historian Prof. Dror Wahrman was awarded a
2014 Polonsky Prize for Creativity and Originality in the Humanistic
Disciplines for his book, Mr. Collier’s Letter Racks: A Tale of Art and
Illusions at the Threshold of the Modern Information Age. The book
explores the hidden messages and intricate allusions in the work of
18th-century Dutch-English painter Edward Collier, who was engaged
in a wholly original way with the major cultural transformation — the
printing press — of his generation. Other Polonsky winners include
archaeology Prof. Uzi Leibner, Tawfiq Da’adli, doctoral student Noa
Nahnis and Prof. Ronit Ricci.
FIGHTING OSTEOSARCOMA
IMRIC researcher Prof. Rami Aqeilan
was awarded a $62,000 (USD) grant
for his work on biomarkers of metastatic
bone cancer and their responsiveness
to therapy. The study may suggest
new treatments, therapeutic targets
or biomarkers for the management of
the disease. The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma
Initiative partnered with the Alan B. Slifka
Foundation to create the grant.
Striking Gold at Singapore
Science Summit
Hebrew University PhD student Yossi
Kabessa won the $100,000 (USD) top
prize in the Singapore Challenge at the
Global Young Scientists Summit for his
project of using genetically engineered
bacteria as biosensors to detect pollutants
and hazardous materials in municipal
water systems. Kabessa studies at
the Peter Brojde Center for Innovative
Engineering and Computer Science.
NEUROSCIENCE EXCELLENCE
In 2014, two IMRIC researchers — Prof.
Hagai Bergman (left) and Prof. Albert
Taraboulos — received the prestigious
Prusiner-Abramsky Research Awards in
Clinical and Basic Neuroscience, along
with Dr. Dana Ekstein and Dr. Adia
Vaknin-Dembinsky, both of the Hebrew
University-Hadassah Medical School’s
Department of Neurology. Prof. Bergman
was recognized for his groundbreaking
work into deep-brain stimulation for the
treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
A PIONEER IN CANCER RESEARCH
World-renowned Hebrew University
cancer researcher Prof. Alexander
Levitzki has helped to lay the foundation
for personalized cancer therapies,
contributing to the development of
new and precise cancer medications
including Gleevec and Sutent. For his
achievements, he was awarded the
2014 Ilse and Helmut Wachter Award,
presented at the Medical University of
Innsbruck in the Tyrol in western Austria.
Researchers at the two institutions hope
to collaborate on cancer research.
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Discoveries & accomplishments
Archaeological Archway
IMRIC CANCER BREAKTHROUGH
In what has been called a “breakthrough”
discovery, IMRIC graduate student Avi
Maimon, under the supervision of Dr. Rotem
Karni (above), has identified a process by
which cancer cells become resistant to
certain drugs. The discovery could lead
to more reliable predictions of whether
chemotherapy will work in certain patients,
and, in turn, more effective and personalized
cancer treatment. Maimon’s findings were
recently submitted as patent applications by
Yissum, HU’s technology transfer company.
DIABETES DISCOVERY
Because of high levels of blood sugar,
diabetics have twice the risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease as nondiabetics. Now,
Hebrew University biological chemist Prof.
Daphne Atlas (above) and her team have
developed a molecule that could potentially
lower that risk, paving the way toward
preventing and treating the cognitive
and memory impairments in people with
diabetes. Prof. Atlas’s work has been
patented by Yissum.
A STEP CLOSER TO STEM CELL THERAPY
IMRIC researcher Dr. Yosef Buganim
(above) and his colleagues at MIT have
developed a new gene cocktail that is
highly effective at reprogramming adult
cells to become high-quality stem cells.
The new cocktail has been shown to
create better and more stable stem cells
than those engineered with earlier gene
combinations. The study advances the field
of regenerative medicine, taking us closer
to a time when we can treat patients in
need of cell transplants.
DNA-BASED COMPUTERS
An international group of scientists, led by
Hebrew University professor Danny Porath
(above), has made what may be the most
significant breakthrough in a decade toward
developing DNA-based electrical circuits. In
a research paper published in the prestigious
journal Nature Nanotechnology, the group
reported achieving the first quantitative and
reproducible flow of electric currents through
DNA molecules. According to Prof. Porath,
“This research could lead to a new generation
of computer circuits that can be more
sophisticated, cheaper and simpler to make.”
SEEING THE LIGHT
Great news for the more than 15 million
Americans with retinal damage and the
resulting impaired vision: Hebrew University
researchers, in collaboration with colleagues
from Tel Aviv and Newcastle universities, have
used semiconductor and nanotechnology
to create a wireless, light-sensitive, flexible
film that may one day be able to replace
damaged retinas in humans. Prof. Uri Banin,
the Alfred & Erica Larisch Memorial Chair in
Solar Energy, worked in collaboration with his
graduate student Nir Waiskopf at the Hebrew
University Institute of Chemistry and Center
for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
DIGITAL EINSTEIN
They’ve been called the “Dead Sea Scrolls”
of physics: Einstein cemented his enduring
commitment to the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem by bequeathing to it his copyright,
his image and his personal papers. The Albert
Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University
have made digitized versions of many of
the physicist’s papers and photographs
available online. In 2014, the Hebrew
University and Princeton University released
the open-access Digital Einstein, a massive,
online written legacy comprising more than
30,000 unique documents. Check it out at
www.einsteinpapers.press.princeton.edu.
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8500 patents filed. 2450 innovations.
750 licensed technologies. 300 job
opportunities. 350 active research
projects. 90 start-up companies. $2 billion
in annual product sales.
What does it all add up to? The immeasurable impact
of 50 years of the Yissum Research Development
Company, founded in February 1964 to protect and
commercialize the intellectual property of The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem.
In those five decades, Yissum has been instrumental in
bringing groundbreaking products to the world market,
like blockbuster Alzheimer’s and cancer drugs Exelon
and Doxil; agritech innovations that have brought
deserts into bloom and harnessed plants to generate
human collagen; and technological advances like
Mobileye and Orcam, which make the world safer and
more accessible for drivers, pedestrians and the visually
impaired. Nanotechnology company Qlight recently
signed a multiyear partnership with Germany’s Merck
KGaA, while Morflora — whose TraitUP technology
can deliver any genetic trait to any seed without
transforming the genome of the treated plant — has
signed collaboration deals with the world’s largest seed
company. Atox Bio, meanwhile, recently raised $23
million for its drug to fight infections caused by flesheating bacteria.
(Credit: The Herodium Expedition at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
Photo by Hezi Hojesta
Photo courtesy of Prof. Daphna Atlas
Three Hebrew University archaeologists — Roi Porat, Yakov
Kalman and Rachel Chachy — have unearthed what appears to be
an abandoned vanity project by the “architect-King” Herod, part of
the monarch’s plan to turn his Herodium Hilltop Palace into a massive
artificial hill shaped like a volcano. The archaeologists discovered a
monumental entryway to the palace featuring a complex series of
arches that reached a height of 20 metres. Herod apparently cancelled
the project, instead deciding to convert the entire hilltop complex into
a massive royal burial monument in his honour.
Brilliant ideas, from
lab to market:
50 Years of Yissum
Yissum maintains research and business partnerships
with global business giants including Johnson &
Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Merck, Roche, Novartis,
Microsoft, Intel and Coca-Cola, among others. More
recently, its newly formed Integra Holdings company
specializes in investing in promising Hebrew University
biotech startups; a similar interface for agritech
innovations is in the works.
Part of the of unique palace entry complex discovered at Herodian Hilltop
Palace by Hebrew University archaeologists.
Photo: Prof. Jaap van Rijn of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of
Agriculture, Food and Environment invented the Zero Discharge
Recirculating System for intensive fish culture. The system
prevents pollution, while saving water, and can be operated in
any climatic conditions. The technology is marketed by G.F.A.
Advanced Systems (Israel).
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TRAVEL WITH
CANADIAN FRIENDS
Hebrew University agriculture professor
Haim Rabinovich, with one of his — and
Yissum’s — successes: the Daniela tomato.
Bred to ripen slowly and last longer on
shelves, it helped to revolutionize the fresh
market industry.
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LIVE, LEARN & EXPLORE:
LITHUANIA, LATVIA & ISRAEL
In 2014, CFHU’s Live, Learn & Explore trip delved into the wonder, tragedy and
continuity of Jewish life in the Baltic region from medieval times until today.
Accompanied by Hebrew University scholar-in-residence Prof. Richard Cohen,
participants visited ancient synagogues and Jewish neighbourhoods, toured the
remains of Jewish ghettos, absorbed the architectural marvels of the city of Riga and
surrounding areas, and lunched with Hagit Ben Yaakov, the Israeli ambassador to
Lithuania and Latvia, in her residence.
In Israel, the group enjoyed high-level meetings and briefings with a range of Hebrew
University researchers and personalities. Participants met with Carmi Gillon, former
head of the Israeli secret service (Shin Bet). They learned about innovation and high
technology in Israel through the Asper Center for Entrepreneurship and toured Israeli
startups Clear Jet, Qlight and Collplant. They visited the architectural excavation
of King Herod’s palace, heard from IMRIC researchers, and enjoyed the beauty of
Mitzpe Ramon.
Above: At a visit to a school in Kiryat Malachi, LLE participants were drawn into the fun of a
Hebrew University–run robotics program for kids in this under-served community. The educational
program, an initiative of the University’s Authority for Community and Youth and Meyerhoff
Youth Center, struck a chord with the group, who were so touched by its quality and the children’s
enjoyment of it that they made a donation to the robotics program..
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
Top left: Lenny Shapiro, centre, with some of the
many recipients of scholarships he has funded.
A strong contingent of Canadians gathered in Jerusalem in June for the Hebrew University’s
77th annual Board of Governors meeting.
Top right: CFHU National Chair Murray Palay
with one of the many Hebrew U students to
receive scholarships at the annual Canadian
dinner at the 2014 Board of Governors meeting.
The University recognized four longtime Canadian supporters. Winnipeg’s Gail Asper was
conferred with an Honorary Doctorate; the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship also paid
tribute to Asper at a luncheon in her honour. Former Montreal chapter president Monette
Malewski received an Honorary Fellowship, and her fellow Montrealer Leesa Steinberg was
honoured at the Hebrew University’s Wall of Life. Andrew Brodiez”l, who passed away in 2013
at the age of 101, was also honoured at the Wall of Life.
Bottom left: Montrealers Anna Brojde and
Irene Lipper.
Bottom right: (l to r) Gail Asper, Leesa Steinberg,
and Monette Malewski were all honoured at the
2014 Hebrew U Board of Governors meeting.
At a special and very touching gathering, Calgary’s Lenny Shapiro met with many of the
recipients of his generous scholarships to Hebrew U students. Montreal’s Brojde family hosted a
lively luncheon at the Peter Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science.
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Across Canada
CFHU Gala Events
Vancouver’s Justin Segal, the
son of Gary Segal, MC’d a gala
dinner in his father’s honour.
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Vancouver
Winnipeg
CFHU President & CEO Rami Kleinmann, CFHU National Chair Murray Palay,
honourees Gary and Nanci Segal, Vancouver CFHU President Randy Milner
and Ram Semo, Director, Division for Advancement and External Relations at
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Murray Palay, Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson,
Scopus honouree Moe Levy.
Honouring Gary Segal
In April, CFHU partnered with the 2014 JNF Gala Dinner to
celebrate the humanitarian work of Gary Segal, Vice President of
Kingswood Capital Corp. Chaired by Kira Levy, with honorary chairs
Ben Goldberg and Josephine Nadel, the event helped the JNF and
CFHU raise $650,000 to fund a scientific educational program for
youth in the periphery in Israel.
In 2014, CFHU showcased the Hebrew University’s and IMRIC’s
spectacular achievements in a series of stunning gala events that
paid homage to local leaders.
2014 Scopus Award
In May, the Winnipeg chapter presented Moses (Moe) Levy,
Executive Director of The Asper Foundation, with its 2014 Scopus
Award. Levy is one of the key leaders and organizers behind the
establishment of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Close to
$1 million was raised to support infrastructure and other priorities
at IMRIC. Ottawa
Toronto
Dinner Chair Stephen Victor, CFHU President & CEO Rami Kleinmann, Ottawa
chapter President Susan Katz, Ottawa chapter Executive Director Shelli Kimmel,
honouree Dorothy Nadolny, CFHU National Chair Murray Palay and Prof. Isaiah
Arkin, Hebrew University VP of Research and Development.
Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson, event Chair Gerry
Halbert, honouree Dr. Tony Lang and HU Prof. Hagai Bergman.
The Heart of IMRIC
In November, CFHU partnered with the JNF on its annual Negev
dinner, honouring Dorothy Nadolny for her 50+ years of fundraising
and philanthropy. The event raised more than $1.3 million for
the establishment of the Herbert and Dorothy Nadolny CardioMetabolic Diseases Research Hub at IMRIC.
A Tribute To Tony
In May, 350 guests attended “A Tribute to Tony,” celebrating a
landmark partnership between Toronto Western Hospital (UHN)’s
renowned brain scientist Dr. Tony Lang and IMRIC’s Prof. Hagai
Bergman. The event raised nearly $1 million in support of research
partnerships into Parkinson’s disease. Prof. Bergman was recently
recognized for his groundbreaking work into deep-brain stimulation
for the treatment of Parkinson’s (see page 5).
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Ottawa
Montreal
Yissum president and CEO Yaacov Michlin spoke at the chapter’s Einstein
Business Forum.
Pierre Boivin, President and CEO of Claridge Investments (l), with CFHU
Montreal chapter President Ari Brojde. Boivin was the keynote speaker for
the Albert Einstein Business Forum.
Across Canada
CFHU CHAPTER
HIGHLIGHTS
In 2014, CFHU’s national chapters continued their long-standing tradition
of creating, curating and hosting a series of dynamic events and galas
that showcased the Hebrew University’s and IMRIC’s achievements.
JERUSALEM in la belle province: CFHU’s Montreal chapter held a special screening of the IMAX film JERUSALEM in honour of its late,
legendary executive producer — and CFHU supporter — Jake Eberts. (l to r) Jake’s son David Eberts, chapter President Ari Brojde, writer and
director Daniel Ferguson and Quebec media personality Anne Lagacé Dowson.
Einstein Business Forum
Yaacov Michlin, President and CEO of Yissum, the Hebrew
University’s technology transfer and commercialization organization,
was the keynote speaker at the Ottawa chapter’s Einstein Business
Forum in March. At a breakfast presentation at the Ottawa offices
of event co-sponsor (with Welch LLP) Gowlings, Michlin discussed
his role in leading and assisting pharmaceutical, high-tech and
biomedical companies — including Teva, Bioline, CBI and Brainsway
— in technology commercialization deals, licensing agreements,
capital raising, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures. (Read
more about Yissum on page 7.)
Albert Einstein business Forum Luncheon
CFHU’s Montreal Chapter hosted Pierre Boivin, President and CEO
of Claridge Investments, as the keynote speaker for its 2014 Albert
Einstein Business Forum Luncheon series. Nearly 70 community and
business leaders gathered for Boivin’s presentation on “Investing
in Israel.” In February, Claridge Inc. and the Caisse de depôt et
placement du Québec announced a partnership to launch the Claridge
CDPQ Israel, a new investment firm based in Tel Aviv. As part of the
luncheon, sommelier Serge Dahan led a tasting of two Israeli wines.
Boivin also spoke at an Einstein business luncheon in Toronto.
Vancouver
Winnipeg
Panel facilitator Michael Levy, CFHU board member Stav Adler, Rabbi Andrew
Rosenblatt, Prof. Raphael Mechoulam and Dr. Kathryn Selby.
Misphatim
Misphatim is on its way to becoming the premier program for Canadian
law students to study in Israel. The three-week academic partnership
between the University of Manitoba law school and the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem has expanded to include not only U of M law
students but also students from its Asper School of Business and law
students from across Canada. With a focus on Israel’s strength as a
world leader in high-tech innovations, students compare and contrast
how Israel and Canada each adapt constitutional and regulatory
frameworks to their respective social and economic challenges.
Toronto
(Left to right) CFHU board member Judy Nathan Bronfman, JERUSALEM
cast members Nadia Tadros, Farah Ammouri and Revital Zacharie, writer
and director Daniel Ferguson and CFHU board member Karen SimpsonRadomski at the film’s premiere in Toronto.
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Jerusalem Premier
The three young women featured in the IMAX documentary
JERUSALEM flew from Israel to be at the film’s premiere in Toronto
in February. Farah Ammouri, who is Muslim, Nadia Tadros,
who is Christian, and Revital Zacharie, who is Jewish, answered
questions about their experience after the screening, along with
Daniel Ferguson, JERUSALEM’s Montreal-born writer and director.
Toronto CFHU board members Judy Nathan Bronfman and Karen
Simpson-Radomski hosted an intimate reception the night before
the screening. The 45-minute National Geographic Entertainment
film was produced in partnership with CFHU. In October, Canadian
Friends’ Montreal chapter hosted that city’s screening as a tribute
to its producer — and CFHU supporter — the late Jake Eberts (see
above photo).
Vancouver Marijuana Conference
In June, three experts “stirred the pot” on the subject of marijuana.
Hebrew University chemist and world-renowned medical marijuana
expert Prof. Raphael Mechoulam debated the topic with UBC
neurology professor Kathryn Selby and Schara Tzedeck Synagogue’s
spiritual leader Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt, who also has a biochemistry
degree. Michael Levy, CKNW radio and Global TV personality,
moderated the panel.
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Donors
CFHU gratefully acknowledges and appreciates all of our generous supporters
over the past year. Every effort has been made to ensure that donors who have
given $1,000+ between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014 are listed
correctly. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
EDMONTON REGION
Gary J. Averbach
Gloria Aaron
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Jack Chetner
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Paul Evered
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Family Foundation
Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Earle & Janice O’Born
The Frieberg Family Charitable
Onex Corporation
The Fields Institute for Research
in Mathematical Sciences
The Murray & Ruth Miskin
Family Charitable Foundation
Nathan & Lily Silver
Joseph & Karyn Gold
GREATER TORONTO REGION
Molly Golden
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Terry & Rene Goldman
Aloris Mercantile Corporation
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Alpha Omega Fraternity
Steve & Merle Goldman
Orton Parkway Limited
George T. Gunn
Emile & Barbara Aufgang
Goodmans LLP
Park N Fly
Sam Hanson & Marilyn Moss
The Benjamin Foundation
Senator Jerry & Carole Grafstein
The Peter & Melanie Munk
Peter & Linda Hotz
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Abraham & Malka Green
Estate of Sam Huberman
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Marion Greenberg
PI Fine Art/PI Creative Art
Mark & Alana James
Harold & Zippe Blitstein
GSO Insurance Agency Inc.
Allan & Dayle Rakowsky
Jewish Federation of Greater
Jonathan Bloomberg
Harvey & Shirley Anne Haber
Morton & Carol Rapp
Ira Bond & Marilyn Wolfson
Ralph & Roz Halbert
Gabriel Riff
Joseph & Andrea Kowaz
Eric & Judy Breuer
Helmsbridge Holdings Limited
Clara Robert
Mendy & Lana Landa
John Breuer
Peter Herman & Janet
Marvin & Mara Roebuck
Michael Levy
Estate of Andrew Brodie
Manor Guest House
The Brooke Foundation
Alan & Joy-Anne Jacoby
Fred & Marsha Rosen
Marsid Family Foundation
Morley Brown
Howard Jay & Fern Daiter
Mildred Rosen
Larry & Tyla Meyer
BSAR Group of Companies
Judith Teller Foundation
Robert & Dorothy Ross
Randall & Cheryl Milner
BST Canada Ltd.
Marvin & Estelle Kates
Gerald & Sonia Rowan
MK Family Foundation
Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.
Sybil Kay
Fred & Beverly Schaeffer
Myer-Bea Holdings
Norman & Cynthia Camerman
Philip & Caryn Ladovsky
Lionel Schipper & Carol Schipper
Oasis Foundation
Paul & Lynn Cantor
The Leo & Sala Goldhar Foundation
Robert & Doreen Scolnick
The Pekarsky Family Foundation
CBRE Limited
Dayle Levine
Scotiabank
Gary & Nanci Segal**
Donald Citron
Jules Lewy & Joanna Slone
The Sharp Foundation
Judith Shane
Estate of Adolph I. Cosiner
Nathan & Glennie Lindenberg
Arnold & Barbara Shell
Richard & Gail Steinberg
Counsel Corporation
Sybil Litman
Joseph Shier
Deborah Sutton
Michael Dan
David Louis
Paul & Josephine Solomons
Philip & Diane Switzer
David Merkur Holdings Inc.
The Ludwig Family Foundation
Gary Solway
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Estate of Lorraine Dingman
Mala Boutique
Sylvia Soyka
The University of British Columbia
Dorplex Industries Limited
Mark & Berenice Mandelcorn
Samuel & Talia Spanglet
Vancouver Foundation
Anita Ekstein
Larry & Rena Marcus
Janice Stein
Yosef Wosk
Lewis Ekstein
David McCombs & Rebecca Xia
Charles & Rose Tabachnick
Theodore & Linda Zacks
Empire Communities L.P.
McGregor Industries Inc.
Estate of Harvey Taback
Zalkow Foundation
H. L. & Beverley Fein
The Mendelson Family Foundation
Lawrence & Judy Tanenbaum
David Feldman
Menkes Developments Ltd.
Jeannie Tanenbaum
Michael & Sue Feldman
Minden Gross LLP
Rabbi Roy & Loretta Tanenbaum
The Calgary Foundation
Sheldon & Marilyn Fenton
Benjamin Mogil & Marni Banack
Estate of Ernest Tauber
Stu Clark
Florence Fenwick*
Vivienne Monty
Larry & Frieda Torkin
John Moore & Elaine Solway
Toronto General & Western
Vancouver
CALGARY REGION
Joel & Sally Lipkind
14
Turner Fleischer Architects Inc.
Foundation
Polivoy Herman
Ontario Brain Institute
Charitable Foundation
Rosecliffe Heights Enterprises Ltd.
The Honourable Richard &
Hillaine Kroft
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP
Estate of Simon Flegg
Tonyco Holdings
Claire Gelinas-Chebat
Brent Trepel & Brenlee
Dora Gesser
Lorie Waisberg & Ginny Bellwood
Steven & Lisa Kroft
Clifford & Rhoda Waxman
Mel & Karyn Lazareck
Ari Weisberg & Judy
Peter & Karen Leipsic
University of Manitoba
Tania Goldin
Moe & Barbara Levy & Family
Larry & Tova Vickar
Bernard & Judith Grant
Shier-Weisberg
BRITISH COLUMBIA REGION
Leon & Rose Marie Glassman
Hospital Foundation
Carrington Trepel
Charles M. & Libby Winograd
Israel & Maylene Ludwig
Michael Wyman &
Edward & Harriet Lyons
MARITIME REGION
Jack McJannet &
Ruth Pink*
Cynthia Gertsman-Wyman
Beverly A. McCaffrey
Victoria Rosenberg
Harry & Anne Glassman
Andrew & Carol Harper
A. Hollenberg
Leonard and Carol Berall
Foundation
International
Florence Mendelson
Leonard Jackson
Paul Metcalfe
ONTARIO REGION
Mid-West Quilting Company Ltd.
Anonymous
Metalware Corporation
The Mitzi & Melvin Dobrin
MANITOBA REGION
J. Stephen & Irene Lipper
Monette Malewski
Estate of Isabelle Miles
David Bach & Judy Hoenich
Active Builders Ltd.
MNP LLP
Paul Bedard & Louise Teitelbaum
Aikins Law
Richard Morantz & Sheree
John & Gay Berger
National Bank of Canada
Paul & Helen Esco
Elizabeth Ostro
Akman Construction
Walder Morantz
Family Foundation
Alpha Masonry
Michael Nesbitt
Gloria Jacobs
Marcel & Pnina Pinchevsky
Abe & Barbara Anhang
Peter Nicholson
The Morris & Beverly Baker
Michael Rosenthal
AQ Group Solutions
Michael Nozick & Cheryl Ashley
The Asper Foundation
Murray Palay & Ivy Kopstein
Earl & Cheryl Barish
Payworks
Morley & Marjorie Blankstein
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
David & Sheila Brodovsky
Rochelle Pincovich
OTTAWA REGION
Daniel A. Bubis & Jennifer
Pitblado LLP
Susannah Dalfen
Irwin & Sara Tauben
Foundation
The Rudolph P. Bratty Family
Foundation
Jeffrey Schwartz
Estate of Louis Sheinman
Bryant & Lillian Shiller
Bernard Shuster
Leesa Steinberg
PPI Solutions
The Danbe Foundation
Tom Taras Investments Ltd.
John & Bonnie Buhler
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Roger Greenberg & Cindy Feingold
Value Contrarian Asset
Travis de Koning
Quadrant Asset Management
Dorothy Nadolny**
Neil & Carol Duboff
Raymond C. Wan Architect
Ottawa Jewish Community
Ferraro Investments Ltd.
Resolve Project Management
Fillmore Riley
James Richardon & Sons, Limited
John & Sunny Tavel
David Folk & Laurel Malkin
Jim & Leney Richardson
Stephen Victor & Gail Victor
SASKATCHEWAN REGION
Arnold & Myra Frieman
Stephen & Corky Rosenfield
David & Deborah Weinstein
Harvard Developments Inc.
Robert & Miral Gabor
Brent Schacter & Sora Ludwig
Norman & Carole Zagerman
The Gail Asper Family
Secter/Guralnick Families
Blumenthal
Foundation
Management
Sylvia & Louis Vogel
Maks Wulkan & Diane Grossman
UNITED STATES
Shelter Canadian Properties Ltd.
QUÉBEC REGION
Jeff Gindin & Susie Holt
Robert & Sandy Shindelman
Alvin Segal Family Foundation**
Ralph Appelbaum Associates,Inc.
Globe General Agencies
Edward Shinewald
Dominique Anglade
Alan Zekelman
Debby Gray
Paul & Margaret Shuckett
Anonymous
Ted & Gail Hechter
Bob & Kim Silver
The Azrieli Foundation
Yude Henteleff & Joy Winchell
Smith Carter Architects and
Kenneth Berall
Foundation Inc.
Murray Holt
Engineers Inc.
Industrial Metals
Frank & Gail Spivak
Jeffrey Itzkow & Cathy Moser
St. Boniface Hospital Research
Johnson Waste Management
Robert & Terri Kaufmann
Marjorie E. Kay
Foundation
Leonard & Rosemary
Steingarten
Larry J. Hochberg
L. Michael & Sharon
Blumenstein
Anna Brojde
Rebecca Butovsky
Morrie & Diane Cohen
Dev. Metro - Montreal
Corporation
Bryan Klein & Susan Halprin
Brian & Geraldine Taillieu
Robert & Deidre Kozminski
Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Donley Investments Limited
Serena Kraayveld
Tedco Group Inc.
Sharron Feifer
*Deceased
**Honouree
15
Financials
Selected Financial Information.
(Expressed in US Funds)
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
As of September 30
Assets
For the year ended September 30
2014
2013
$2,564,615
$1,170,354
$110,702
$120,818
$63,921,126
$65,175,463
Other
$712,035
$608,317
Total
$67,308,478
$67,074,952
Cash
State of Israel Bonds
Managed Funds
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
2014
2013
$608,262
$591,488
FUND BALANCES
REVENUES
2014
2013
Donations
$6,248,472
$6,291,659
Investment Gain
$6,693,828
$7,455,844
$12,942,300
$13,747,503
2014
2013
Expenditures
$3,866,343
$4,009,953
Charitable Disributions
$8,859,205
$8,197,069
$12,725,548
$12,207,022
$216,752
$1,540,481
2014
2013
$66,700,216
$66,483,464
2014
2013
$466,165
$1,433,734
Fixed Income
$13,459,169
$24,604,185
EXPENDITURES
Equities
$36,134,284
$39,137,544
Multi-strategy and real assets
$13,861,508
-
Total
$63,921,126
$65,175,463
Fund Balances
Managed Funds Only
Cash
Total
Total
Excess of Revenues Over
Expenditures
2014/2013
Managed Funds
Charitable
Distributions
2014
2013
Hebrew University
$8,409,355 (95%)
$7,865,307 (95%)
Canadian universities
and foundations
$289,905 (3%)
$124,720 (2%)
Scholarships, research
grants and other
academic affairs
$159,945 (2%)
$207,042 (3%)
$8,859,205
$8,197,069
Total
2014
Charitable
Distributions
95%
2% 3%
Canadian universities
and foundations
Hebrew University
Scholarships, research grants and
other academic affairs
2013
Charitable
Distributions
95%
Hebrew University
3% 2%
Canadian universities
and foundations
Scholarships, research grants
and other academic affairs
16
17
Students
Open minds in the midst of challenge
Canadian students at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem demonstrated
their open-mindedness, resourcefulness, intellectual rigour and
sociopolitical curiosity in 2014.
Last summer, Canada sent more international students to the Hebrew
University than any other country, all of whom stayed in Israel despite the
escalating tensions. With ever-strengthening partnerships between the
Hebrew University and Canadian schools — including the University of
Western Ontario, Dalhousie, the University of Manitoba , the University of
Ottawa, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, York University
and U of T — Canadian students were able to choose from a variety of highlevel course offerings that showcased Israel’s unique standpoints and talent.
Scholarships are an essential part of attracting Canadian students to the
Hebrew University. Here, we feature the voices of several students who were
able to attend Hebrew U because of scholarship funding. Please consider
supporting Canadian and Israeli students in their studies at Hebrew U.
Torontonian-turned-Israeli Lauren Abecassis-Kandravy (left) and a close
friend on study trip, May 2015.
Samuel Mosonyi (2nd from right) with friends in Kiryat Shmona.
Lauren Abecassis-Kandravy, 27
MA in Public Policy, Federmann School of Public Policy, Hebrew
University of Jerusalem; Bernard Persiko and Darren Kendal Merit
Scholarship, Peter Lougheed Fellowship in Canadian Studies
My time at HUJI has been overwhelmingly positive. The professors are
engaging and at the top of their field, and I’ve been warmly welcomed
into an Israeli, Hebrew-speaking student population — even though
I speak with a funny accent! The challenge and quality of education
that I am getting, coupled with the unique experience of studying in
Jerusalem, will be a life-enhancing experience. The funding and grants
I have received have helped ease the financial burden of studying,
especially overseas without my immediate family close by.
saMuel MOsOnYi, 23
MPhil candidate in criminology, university of cambridge
Grace Ko, 24
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
Asper National Scholarship, Stephen Victor Scholarship and
Zelikovitz Family Scholarship
My experience in Israel was simply: unforgettable. Living in Israel
humanized the recent escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
examining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a wide range of
narratives challenged me to grasp the history and potential evolution
of the conflict. I learned to appreciate the beauty and complexity of
the Israeli culture. This opportunity would not have been possible
without the support from the Canadian Friends of The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. Bernard Persiko and darren Kendal Merit scholarship
The Coexistence in the Middle East course at Rothberg challenged my
perceptions and opened my eyes to the nuances of the region. Rather
than sitting in a classroom, we went out to meet political and
community leaders. We learned and heard from people on all sides of
the conflict, and also observed heartening instances of cooperation
and peace-building. I am grateful to the Persiko and Kendal Merit
Scholarship, which helped make it possible for me to study at the
world-renowned Hebrew University. I look forward to giving back to
CFHU by serving as an ambassador for the University.
Sarah Park (far right) with fellow students at The Hebrew University.
Sarah Park
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
Asper National Scholarship, Stephen Victor Scholarship and
Zelikovitz Family Scholarship
A CFHU scholarship enabled me to attend the Hebrew University’s course
“Co-existence In the Middle East: Inside the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,”
taught by one of the leading experts and social activists, Gershon Baskin.
His optimism and passion for peace in the region helped me to gain a new
and honest viewpoint about the situation in the Middle East (especially
during the month of July — one of the most intense periods of conflict in
recent years!). As a law student who is training to be “a problem-solver”, I
believe one of the most important lessons I learned at the HU was that we
must focus on people, not the conflict itself.
To learn more about Hebrew U international program and scholarship opportunities, contact Student Affairs at [email protected].
18
19
leadership
National Board of Directors
Ronald Appleby
Audit Committee
Past Chair
Gail Asper
Cheryl Baron
Evelyn Bloomfield Schachter
Ari Brojde
Michael Fromstein
Harley Mintz
Calgary Chapter President
Secretary
Montreal Chapter President
Joey Ohayon
Chair
Stephen Simms
Casey Chisick
Planned Giving Committee
Lewis Dobrin
Justin Abrams
Robert Gabor
Michael Fromstein
Rose Marie Glassman
Sam Hanson
Lorne Greenspoon
Monette Malewski
Gerald Halbert
Ralph Halbert
Past Chair
President Emeritus, Former Chair International
Board of Governors, Past Chair
Samuel Hanson
Yude M. Henteleff
Susan Katz
Joshua Kleinman
Ottawa Chapter President
Nathan Lindenberg
Past Chair
J. Stephen Lipper
Past Chair
Monette Malewski
Randy Masters
Randall M. Milner
Toronto Chapter President
Vancouver Chapter President
Harley Mintz
Vice President, Finance
Murray Palay
Chair
Brent A. Schacter
Samuel Schwartz
Leonard Shapiro
Lillian Shiller
Margaret Shuckett
Bernard Shuster
Howard Sniderman
Samuel Spanglet
Philip Switzer
Stephen Victor
Melvyn Wolfond
Winnipeg Chapter President
Edmonton Chapter President
Vice President
Past Chair
Canadian Friends of
the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem
Our Mission
Founded in 1944 by Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman,
CFHU promotes awareness, leadership and financial support
for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. We facilitate
academic research parterships between Canada and Israel
and establish scholarships, support research, cultivate
student and faculty exchanges and recruit students to attend
the Rothberg International School.
Investment Committee
Danny Bubis
Tom Gunn
Nathan Kraftchuk
Merle Kriss
Nathan Lindenberg
Harry Marmer
Randy Masters
Murray Palay
Ian Rosmarin
Chair
Stuart Schipper
Sam Spanglet
Slocum
Consultants
National Executive Team
Michael Abrams
Chief Financial Officer
Simon Bensimon
Executive Director, Eastern Region
Elan Divon
Executive Director, Toronto Chapter
Moshik Galanty
National Director, Student & Academic Affairs
Merle Goldman
Executive Vice President
Shelli Kimmel
Rami Kleinmann
Miriam Pilc-Levine
Dina Wachtel
Sharon Zalik
Institute for Medical Research
Israel-Canada (IMRIC)
IMRIC is committed to bringing together Israel’s and
Canada’s most brilliant scientific minds to find solutions
to the world’s most serious medical problems through a
multidisciplinary approach to biomedical research. CFHU
is dedicated to supporting IMRIC through direct funding
and by developing key collaborative medical research
partnerships between Canada and Israel.
Executive Director, Ottawa Chapter
President & CEO
National Director, Communications & Marketing Executive Director, Western Region
Executive Director, Winnipeg Chapter
For more information, please visit cfhu.org and imric.org.
National/Toronto Office
3080 Yonge Street, Suite 3020
PO Box 65, Toronto, Ontario
M4N 3N1
Phone (416)485-8000
1-888-HEBREW-U (432-7398)
Fax (416) 485-8565
cfhu.org
General Inquiry: [email protected]
Tribute Cards & Donations: [email protected]
Student Inquiry: [email protected]
Montreal Chapter
514-932-2133
[email protected]
Calgary Chapter
403-297-0605
[email protected]
Ottawa Chapter
613-829-3150
[email protected]
Edmonton Chapter
780-444-0809
[email protected]
Winnipeg Chapter
204-942-3085
[email protected]
Vancouver Chapter
604-257-5133
[email protected]