Cfhu2015annualreport

CFHU Annual Report 2015

A Century of Brilliance 2015 Annual Report

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

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Brilliant Anniversaries The year 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, and the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Today, the spirit of innovation and possibility that characterizes both anniversaries has never been more relevant.

This past year saw celebrations of Einstein’s spirit and achievements at the Hebrew University, in Canada and around the world. Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University was proud to spearhead the launch of the Einstein Legacy Project (ELP), part of the Hebrew University’s Albert Einstein Foundation, a global series of initiatives that align Einstein’s story with the university he helped found (see page 2).

CFHU’S TIES TO EINSTEIN: Hebrew University co-founder Albert Einstein (r) and Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman, who founded Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1944.

Einstein left his entire estate and intellectual legacy to the Hebrew University, including more than 80,000 documents and archives related to his work.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

Message from Leadership “A University is a place in which the universality of the human spirit finds self-expression.”

— ALBERT EINSTEIN, QUOTED IN ABOUT ZIONISM: SPEECHES AND LECTURES BY PROFESSOR ALBERT EINSTEIN

2015 marked both the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s General Field Theory of Relativity.

Both were rightly hailed as breakthroughs, departures from the past, bright lights ushering in new eras. Both have withstood the test of time: the Theory of Relativity as both a foundational scientific concept, and the Hebrew University as a transformative cultural and academic powerhouse not only in Israel and the Middle East, but worldwide. Its research, like that of Einstein, benefits the world every day.

Take the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), whose research teams continue to develop discoveries to prevent and treat the conditions — cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, malaria, HIV/AIDS — that affect people around the globe.

2015 saw the culmination of Canadian Friends’ successful $50 million fund-raising campaign for IMRIC. (For an overview of highlights from the campaign, see pages 6-9.) With its focus on international and cross-disciplinary research partnerships, the IMRIC campaign marked the beginning of a new vision for CFHU: rather than acting as an arms-length supporter of a far-off institution, IMRIC helped to cement our role as a partner with the Hebrew University and its researchers, and as its strong international advocate.

2015 also saw the launch of the Einstein Legacy Project (ELP), part of the Hebrew University’s new Albert Einstein Foundation, which aims to harness the power of the world’s most visionary thinkers to draw attention and support to the University and Israel.

While the ELP had its genesis at CFHU, it is a truly international enterprise, partnering with global Friends of Hebrew University organizations and the Smithsonian Institution.

It is being met with the enthusiastic backing of Hebrew University supporters around the world. It celebrates and furthers Einstein’s legacy, as well as his connection with the Hebrew University, in a cluster of inspiring initiatives that may have seemed ambitious a decade ago, but that we now understand as simply a matter of building on the legacy we have created and will continue to create.

When Albert Einstein published his Theory of Relativity 100 years ago, it was just that: a theory. In 2015, though, scientists working at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory were able to detect gravitational waves, proving Einstein’s theory about relativity and the ripples in time and space. The world, it seems, may finally be catching up to Albert Einstein. CFHU is proud to be furthering his legacy.

Murray Palay Rami Kleinmann National Chair President & CEO

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

CFHU Launches Global Celebration of Hebrew U Forefather In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the creation of Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2015 embarked on the Einstein Legacy Project (ELP), part of the Hebrew University’s new Albert Einstein Foundation. Spearheaded

by Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, this global series of initiatives is dedicated to promoting the scientific and humanitarian ideals of its namesake.

The ELP was launched in Toronto on October 21 at the home of Larry and Judy Tanenbaum.

Judy is the co-chair of the International Executive Committee, Albert Einstein Foundation, along with Tribal Planet cofounder and CEO Jeff Martin. The inaugural European launch took place in the Netherlands on October 29, in recognition of Albert Einstein’s special relationship with Holland and his professorship at Leiden University in that country. The project was launched in Monaco in January, with forthcoming events in Ghana, Berlin, Washington DC, Hong Kong, Tokyo and India, among others.

Albert Einstein Foundation Initiatives The Hebrew University’s Albert Einstein Foundation (AEF) celebrates the famous physicist’s vision of an expansive world, characterized by possibility, imagination and peace. The AEF has launched the following four core projects, the latter three in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. A series of AEF Affiliate Projects (see opposite page) is also planned. For updates, please visit www.alberteinsteinfoundation.com.

EINSTEIN ARCHIVE AND VISITOR CENTER

DINNER OF THE CENTURY

The Einstein Archive & Visitor Center on the Hebrew University campus will be the first and only museum to celebrate exclusively the life, history and vision of Albert Einstein. The interactive space will house Einstein’s letters, publications, images and theories and be a global attraction dedicated to science and humanitarian ideals.

The 100 greatest thinkers of our time — all contributors to Genius: 100 Visions of the Future — will be the guests of honour at this incredible evening on September 10, 2017, at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

GENIUS: 100 VISIONS OF THE FUTURE The world’s first 3D printed book, designed by renowned artist Ron Arad, will invite the 100 greatest icons, leaders and influencers of our time to share their wisdom and visions for the future with the world. A publishing milestone, Genius will be launched at the Dinner of the Century.

STEM SUMMIT In September 2017, the Hebrew University and The Smithsonian Institution will co-host a global STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Summit in Washington D.C. Featuring some of the world’s leading STEM thinkers and innovators — including contributions to Genius: 100 Visions of the Future — the summit will showcase both institutions’ innovative scientific work and promote these fields to a younger generation.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

LEFT: ELP in the Netherlands: The ELP launched in Holland over two evenings in October, at the residence of Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands and ELP committee member Amb. Haim Divon (l) and his wife, Linda, and at the home of ELP executive committee member Shida Bliek (r) and her husband, Peter.

BELOW: Celebrating Einstein’s legacy: Albert Einstein Foundation International Executive Committee co-chairs Judy Tanenbaum (l) and Jeff Martin at the project’s Toronto launch.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN

AEF Affiliate Projects CITIZEN SCIENCE

THE NEXT EINSTEIN

EINSTEIN 3D MOVIE

Citizen Science, led by the Smithsonian Institution, will allow millions of young people around the world — particularly in countries where resources are limited — to use their smart phones as mobile laboratories. They’ll become collaborators with top scientists and conduct research on issues such as climate change, fresh water and the environment. The goal is to identify the world’s next Einsteins while making the sciences more appealing and relevant to young adults.

Now in its fourth year, this international online competition seeks to find and empower the world’s next big thinkers, innovators and geniuses. Entries are reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, led by a Nobel laureate. Visit www.thenexteinstein.com for more information and to learn more about this year’s winner, Aaron Friedlander.

Finally, Einstein’s story is coming to the big screen. Narrated by Academy Award– nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch, this IMAX 3-D movie tells the story of one of the greatest geniuses of all time.

Scheduled for release in 2018, the film will be distributed and screened at science museums worldwide, with an expected shelf life of 20 to 30 years.

CFHU Annual Report 2015

CFHU Partnerships, Highlights & Achievements “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

— ALBERT EINSTEIN, QUOTED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES, JUNE 20,1932

IMRIC-IRCM EXCHANGE PROGRAM The collaboration between researchers at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and their counterparts at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) has been boosted by the establishment of a doctoral and postdoctoral research exchange program for scholars from the two institutions. The exchange program, launched at a Montreal reception in May 2015, aims to recruit postdoctoral fellows to participate in common research projects, alternating between IMRIC and the IRCM over a total of two years. The first recipient of the program is Xuan Tam Nguyen, a master’s student under the direction of the IRCM’s Dr. Eric Lecuyer.

GREAT MINDS: Israeli delegates at the launch of an exchange program between IMRIC and the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, with chapter President Ari Brojde (far l) and Executive Director Simon Bensimon (2nd from r).

MISHPATIM EXPANSION The Mishpatim International Law Program, originally a partnership between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Manitoba Law School, continues to expand. Now in its sixth year, and with new and renewed funding from local donors, the three-week course is now offered to law students across Canada. In 2015, students from the University of Calgary, Osgoode Hall Law School, McGill University and l’Université de Montréal joined U of M students in Jerusalem. Mishpatim is also looking to broaden its scope to include continuing legal education for practicing Manitoba and Canadian lawyers. Stay tuned for more details!

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

STOLEN CFHU is partnering on STOLEN, a new feature documentary film being produced about legendary Canadian art dealer — and Holocaust survivor — Max Stern, who lost approximately 400 works of art from his Düsseldorf gallery to the Nazi regime. Supporters of the film learned more about the documentary and The Max Stern Art Restitution Project (MSARP) at intimate gatherings in Toronto and Montreal in September. In November, STOLEN supporters gathered at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for a VIP cocktail reception benefiting the film and the MSARP; one of Max Stern’s restituted paintings was unveiled at the event. Pictured to the right are (l to r) Montreal chapter Executive Director Simon Ben Simon; Iris Amizlev, Curator of World Cultures and Intercultural Programmes at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; former CFHU Montreal chapter President Monette Malewski; Lauren Dobrin, who emceed the event; and Dr. Clarence Epstein, head of the MSARP. www.STOLENdocumentaryfilm.com

DRAGON BOAT ISRAEL CFHU’s very own IMRIC Beavers made their first foray into the waters of the Kinneret for Israel’s third annual Dragon Boat races. The team — made up of Canadian CFHU supporters as well as IMRIC students, researchers and faculty — raced against 28 other teams in support of autism research and programs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the charitable partner for the event.

THE MADNESS CONTINUES In 2015, CFHU’s online March Madness College Basketball Tournament expanded its brand to include both hockey and football.

Funds raised from all three Madness events support the Bernard Persiko & Darren Kendal Merit Student Scholarship Fund at the Hebrew University. Broadening the event’s sports repertoire allows Madness to engage with a younger demographic and connect them to the Hebrew University, says co-chair Lorne Persiko. The Madness team was also delighted to announce the establishment of the Pi Lambda Phi Student Scholarship Fund, which will support University of Toronto students taking summer courses at Hebrew U. Pictured to the right are Madness co-chairs David Kendal (l) and Lorne Persiko (r) with Max, Justin and Jamie Benudiz (centre, l to r), the winners of CFHU’s first annual Playoff Hockey Madness Online Tournament, which raised more than $15,000 in its first year.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

Investing in IMRIC In 2008, the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem launched the most ambitious, far-reaching and innovative fundraising campaign in our history.

The Institute for Medical Research IsraelCanada, or IMRIC, brought together the Hebrew University’s most brilliant medical researchers across fields and disciplines to collaborate in order to find solutions to the world’s most devastating medical problems: diseases like HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, cancer, diabetes, autism.

In IMRIC, CFHU recognized that the future of medical research lay in collaboration, not only across disciplines but also across international borders. One of the most compelling aspects of the campaign was a focus on partnering Israeli researchers with Canada’s top medical and scientific minds.

Eight years later, we are proud to say that we have achieved our goal. Over the course of a successful $50 million campaign, we have seen the completion of the IMRIC building and the furnishing of its many labs with the specialized equipment its researchers need. We have brokered many partnerships between IMRIC and Canadian universities, foundations, medical and government institutions, and research organizations.

We have seen countless discoveries and advances in medical research, bringing us closer to our overarching goal of making the world a safer, healthier and better place for everyone.

IMRIC has also helped to reshape CFHU’s vision and goals. This national and international campaign not only reinforced our strengths as a Canada-wide organization but also as an international power-broker for establishing awareness of and support for the Hebrew University.

Our original pledge to IMRIC has culminated, but there is always more to be done. CFHU will continue to champion the work of this phenomenal institute, and we urge you to do so as well.

IMRIC Infrastructure The Morris Justein Family Research Tower at Ein Kerem was dedicated at the University Board of Governors annual meeting in 2009.

The Henry & Sylvia Waks floor, made possible through the Henry & Sylvia Waks Family Foundation, was dedicated in 2010.

The Honourable Jerry and Carole Grafstein Network for Cancer Research was established in 2010.

The Michael L. Levy Family Auditorium was dedicated in 2013.

The Herbert and Dorothy Nadolny CardioMetabolic Diseases Research Hub was established in 2014.

In 2015, Dr. Stephen Fichman established the Marilyn Fichman Lobby in the IMRIC building, in honour of his late wife. Dr. Fichman also named a student office and a conference room.

In 2015, the Brettler Mintz Foundation committed $500,000 over 10 years to support a new IMRIC faculty member.

Vancouver’s Michael Levy with his daughter Victoria at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Michael L. Levy Family Auditorium at IMRIC.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

PANCREATIC CANCER PARTNERSHIP: Prof. David Lichtstein, Dean, Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine and former director of IMRIC; Sylvia Soyka; Hebrew University Vice President and Director General Billy Shapira; Marc-Adam Soyka-Steinman at the dedication of the Alex U. Soyka Pancreatic Cancer Research Project.

Partnerships in Medical Research Over the past eight years, CFHU has worked tirelessly to connect IMRIC researchers with their counterparts at Canadian universities and research institutes.

Diabetes research partnership between Dr. James Shapiro, of the Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta, and IMRIC’s Dr. Yuval Dor Spinal cord injury research with Dr. Patrick Whelan, of the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and IMRIC’s Dr. Aharon Lev Tov Parkinson’s Disease partnership between Dr. Tony Lang of the Toronto Western Hospital and IMRIC’s Dr. Hagai Bergman McGill University and IMRIC researchers collaborated on a symposium on cancer and epigenetics, held at McGill. Participants included McGill’s Dr. Moshe Szyf and the Hebrew University’s Dr. Howard Cedar and Dr. Ittai Ben-Porath.

Research into autism spectrum disorder between McMaster University and IMRIC’s Dr. Judah Koller Research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with the University of Manitoba’s International Fetal Alcohol Consortium and IMRIC’s Dr. Avraham Fainsod Prostate cancer research partnership between Dr. Larry Goldenberg, of the Vancouver General Hospital, the University of British Columbia, and B.C.’s Men’s Health Initiative and IMRIC’s Dr. Itamar Simon Medical research partnership between the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal and IMRIC researchers, including studies in bioinformation and genome research with Dr. Yuval Tabach

Neuroscience research partnership between the University of Ottawa and IMRIC Research into HIV/AIDS infection between Dr. Frank Plummer, at the National Microbiology Laboratory, and IMRIC’s Prof. Ofer Mandelboim The Alex U. Soyka partnership on pancreatic cancer research between the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research’s Dr. Tom Hudson; IMRIC’s Dr. Ittai BenPorath, Chair of the Hebrew University’s Grafstein Network For Cancer Research; the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital; and Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

IMRIC Events

2008

Over the course of the IMRIC campaign, Canadians celebrated their own and Israel’s medical research, and supported IMRIC, in a dazzling and inspiring series of events across the country.

WINNIPEG A Celebration of Global Research, honouring AIDS researcher Dr. Frank Plummer, then-head of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, and celebrating a partnership between the NML and IMRIC’s Prof. Ofer Mandelboim.

2009

OTTAWA

TORONTO

Celebrating Partnerships on Parliament Hill marked Israel’s 61st anniversary and the launch of the IMRIC campaign. (l to r) Dr. James Lunney, then-Chair of the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group; Mark Waldman, Executive Director of the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee; MP Tony Clement; former CFHU National Chair Nathan Lindenberg; and Carmi Gillon, former Hebrew University VP for External Relations.

Gala concert featuring The Canadian Tenors and Sophie Millman (above) in support of IMRIC, co-sponsored by Save a Child’s Heart.

2010

MONTREAL

TORONTO

VANCOUVER

Gala dinner honouring Dr. Heather MunroeBlum, former Principal & Vice Chancellor of McGill University (centre), pictured above with Rosalie Jukier and Lewis Dobrin.

Gala to raise funds towards the establishment of the Honourable Jerry and Carole Grafstein Network for Cancer Research at IMRIC. Pictured (above, l to r) former CFHU national chair Ronnie Appleby, Jerry Grafstein and Nathan Lindenberg.

Back to Spinal Research, honouring Dr. Phil Switzer and celebrating a partnership on spinal cord injury research between IMRIC and UBC’s International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

2011

CALGARY

WINNIPEG

The late philanthropist Harley Hotchkiss received the IMRIC Award at a gala event to raise awareness and funds for a collaboration on spinal cord injury (SCI). (l to r) Nathan Lindenberg, Hotchkiss, “Man in Motion” and SCI activist Rick Hansen and Calgary chapter President Cheryl Baron.

Gala in honour of local philanthropist Joe Bova (l, with chapter President Faith Kaplan, Gisele MacDonald and Gail Asper) in support of a collaboration on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) between the University of Manitoba and IMRIC.

TORONTO OTTAWA Prostate Cancer Canada Day: Wake-Up Call Breakfast and Evening Concert in support of prostate cancer research at IMRIC.

Morris Justein is presented with an IMRIC award at an event at the Toronto Science Centre in honour of the establishment of the Morris Justein Family Research Tower at IMRIC.

2012

2013

VANCOUVER

TORONTO

WINNIPEG

Dr. Karen Gelmon is presented with the IMRIC Award at a gala dinner that raised $1.3 million in support of breast cancer research.

Actor and activist Morgan Freeman received the Jake Eberts Key of Knowledge Award in at a gala event in support of IMRIC and other causes. (Above, l to r) Elan Divon, Paul Saltzman, David Eberts, Freeman, Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson, CFHU President & CEO Rami Kleinmann.

CFHU pays tribute to Dr. Brent Schacter with the IMRIC Award, at an evening in support of research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at IMRIC.

2014

OTTAWA Dorothy Nadolny was honoured for her 50+ years of fundraising and philanthropy, at a gala that raised more than $1.2 million for the Cardio-Metabolic Diseases Research Hub at IMRIC, among other causes. (l to r) Stephen Victor, Rami Kleinmann, chapter President Susan Katz, former chapter Executive Director Shelli Kimmel, Nadolny, CFHU National Chair Murray Palay and Hebrew University VP of Research and Development Isaiah Arkin.

TORONTO The Tony Award, celebrating the achievements of world-renowned Parkinson’s disease researcher Dr. Tony Lang, of the Toronto Western Research Institute, raised nearly $1 million in support of a joint Parkinson’s research collaboration between Dr. Lang and IMRIC brain scientist Dr. Hagai Bergman.

WINNIPEG Community leader Moe Levy was presented with the 2014 Scopus award at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

Hebrew U Achievements For the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2015 was a year of historic milestones and achievements. The University’s 90th anniversary saw the opening of its new 3D and Functional Printing Center, the Hebrew University– Fraunhofe Project Center for Cybersecurity in Jerusalem and, with the Hadassah Medical Center, the establishment of the first university-based interdisciplinary autism centre in the Middle East. Hebrew U hosted the first World Science Conference, uniting 400 students from 70 countries with 15 Nobel laureates. The University maintained its #1 position in Israel and ranked 67th globally according to the prestigious 2015–16 US Academic Ranking of World Universities.

“Strenuous intellectual work and the study of God’s Nature are the angels that will lead me through all the troubles of this life with consolation, strength, and uncompromising rigor.”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN, TO PAULINE WINTELER, JULY 3, 1897

The Kaye Innovation Awards The Kaye Innovation Awards at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been given annually since 1994. England’s Isaac Kaye, a prominent industrialist in the pharmaceutical industry, established the awards to encourage Hebrew University faculty, staff and students to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential.

Prizes & Awards PARKINSON’S BREAKTHROUGH Institute for Medical Research IsraelCanada (IMRIC) researcher Hagai Bergman was awarded the 2015 Rothschild Prize in Life Sciences for discovering the neural basis for the clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and identifying the optimal target for surgical treatment of Parkinson’s patients. Established in 1959, Rothschild prizes recognize original and outstanding published work in a variety of disciplines.

FUNDAMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY INSIGHTS Prof. Hermona Soreq, the Charlotte Slesinger Professor of Molecular Neuroscience at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and Vice Dean for Research and Development at the Faculty of Science, received the 2015 Rappaport Prize for Excellence in Medical Research. In her more than 35 years of research, Prof.

Soreq has been able to combine the fields of genomics, population genetics, molecular biology, biomedicine and basic neuroscience to contribute fundamental insights to the field of neurobiology.

CANCER & GENETICS IMRIC immunologist and cancer researcher Prof. Yehudit Bergman was honoured with the Helmholtz International Fellow Award for her excellent research into the role of genetics in the immune system, stem cells and cancer.

OPEN SESAME! Sesame seeds are traditionally unprofitable and difficult to harvest.

But Dr. Zvi Peleg, of the Hebrew University’s Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, has discovered a way to increase their yield and nutritional quality. By screening more than 100,000 sesame seed variants, Dr. Peleg has found a way to develop a new, elite sesame cultivar with enhanced yield and seed quality suitable for modern agricultural practice. Put that on your burger bun!

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

ISRAEL’S HIGHEST HONOUR The Hebrew University of Jerusalem swept the 2015 Israel Prizes! Six of the nine recipients of Israel’s top honour went to Hebrew U professors and alumni: • World-renowned criminologist David Weisburd was awarded the prize in social work and criminological research. Weisburd’s groundbreaking work on targeted criminal intervention and focused enforcement has helped to streamline and improve the quality of life for public citizens.

• Professor emeritus Zvi Schiffrin, one of the world’s leading historians of modern Chinese history and considered the “father” of East Asian studies in Israel, was awarded the prize for his research and promotion of the field in Israel.

• Hebrew U alumni Shmuel Ahituv, an emeritus professor at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was recognized for his contributions to biblical research.

• Hebrew University alumnus Prof. Shimon Ulman, now at the Weizmann Institute of Science, was awarded the prize in mathematics and computer science research for his farreaching contributions to artificial intelligence and general cognition.

• Hebrew University alumnus Prof. Zelig Eshar, of the Weizmann Institute, won the prize in life sciences research for the discovery and development of a breakthrough approach to treating diseases, particularly cancer.

• Poet and Hebrew University alumnus Erez Biton was awarded the prize for poetry and Hebrew literature.

BUILDING BETTER DRUGS Hebrew University chemist Prof.

Assaf Friedler takes a novel approach to drug design. His interdisciplinary team at the Hebrew University’s Institute of Chemistry combines chemistry, biophysics and biology to develop more effective medications. His work has resulted in new approaches to treat diseases like HIV/AIDS. Prof. Friedler was recently recognized with the 2015 Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund Prize for Discovery in Medical Research, awarded in alternate years to researchers under age 45 at the University of Sydney and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

ERC SWEEP The Hebrew University led Israeli academic and research institutions with European Research Council Grants in 2015.

Fourteen researchers — including IMRIC’s Prof. Rami Aqeilan — were awarded grants totaling more than ¤23 million for groundbreaking research in medicine, mathematics and science, and the humanities.

LEFT: David Weisburd; RIGHT: Zvi Schiffrin

DIABETES BREAKTHROUGH Q-LIGHTING THE WAY Prof. Uri Banin, the Alfred & Erica Larisch Memorial Chair at the Institute of Chemistry, received a Kaye Award for his work on semiconductor quantum rods in displays.

Prof. Banin, founding director of the Hebrew University’s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, founded the start-up company Qlight Nanotech in 2009. The company, which employs 22 people in Jerusalem, was recently acquired by Merck KGaA; Qlight’s staff remain at the Hebrew University, which now functions as Merck’s research centre for quantum materials for the display lighting industry. Prof. Banin also received the 2015 Landau Prize for Sciences and Research.

IMRIC researcher Prof. Ofer Mandelboim heads a team that has identified a protein receptor’s important role in the development of type 1 diabetes, and an antibody that could be used to treat the autoimmune disease that affects more than 30 million people worldwide. Mandelboim and his team found that the NKp46 receptors on natural killer (NK) cells, which are a key part of the immune system, play a critical role in the development of the disease in mice. Inhibiting the NKp46 receptors almost entirely prevented the development of diabetes.

If replicated in humans, this discovery could significantly delay or prevent the need for chronic insulin to treat type 1 diabetes and minimize diabetes-related complications.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

Hebrew U Discoveries & Accomplishments

DEPRESSION DISCOVERIES

NEW LIGHT ON GALLBLADDER SURGERY

Major depression affects one in six people and is the leading global cause of disability. And yet we know relatively little about the biology of depression and the role of a variety of brain cells in its pathology. Now, in a groundbreaking theoretical review paper published in the prestigious journal Trends in Neurosciences, a team led by Hebrew University psychobiologist Prof. Raz Yirmiya, director of the Hebrew University’s Laboratory for PsychoNeuroImmunology, has suggested that some forms of depression may result from malfunctioning brain cells known as “microglia.” The research could have a profound impact on the future development of antidepressants.

Although laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder is a highly efficient and successful surgery, one in 200 patients — or 4,000 each year in the U.S. alone — sustain serious bile duct injury. BioDesign team leader Dr. Adileh Mohamad, a surgeon at the Hebrew University’s Hadassah Medical Center, partnered with Prof. Yaakov Nahmias, director of the University’s Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering, in a project to easily identify and protect bile ducts during surgery. The collaboration has led to Cholevision, a dedicated laparoscopic tool that will allow surgeons to avoid devastating bile duct injuries. BioDesign partners medical fellows and bioengineering and business graduate students to bring medical innovations to market.

BUILDING BIONIC ORGANS

MAPPING THE BRAIN

In response to a call to replace animal experiments, Hebrew University researchers have developed a liver-on-chip device that mimics human physiology. Less than a millimetre in diameter and lasting for more than a month, the tiny, bionic liver organs incorporate nanotechnologybased sensors that can detect rapid, submicroscopic changes in cell respiration in response to drugs. The sensors, developed by a team headed by Prof. Yaakov Nahmias, director of the University’s Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering, recently identified that the common drug acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity much faster and at much lower doses than previously thought. The new technology could transform research in drug toxicology.

A team headed by Dr. Shahar Arzy, head of Hadassah’s Computational Neuropsychiatry Laboratory at the Hebrew University, has unravelled an important mystery of neuropsychiatric dysfunction. Parts of the brain that make similar kinds of computations are situated close to each other, a phenomenon known as brain mapping. When the brain is injured, the team has discovered, these brain maps are disturbed or reorganized, likely in an effort to retrieve as much information as possible. The brain discontinuity can be quantified, creating a potentially useful biomarker for detecting neuropsychiatric disease.

The research was published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

Hebrew U a Nanotechnology Giant Yissum launches record number of nano startups In 2015, the University’s Yissum Research Development Company launched a record eight start-up companies in the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience, based on the work of researchers at HU’s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

The companies are:

NANOAF, a developer of coating materials that prevent bacterial contamination

MERCU-REMOVAL, which develops novel processes for efficient mercury removal from gas streams

NETEERA TECHNOLOGIES, which is developing remote sensing technology for various human biological indicators based on sweat ducts

TRIOXNANO, which is developing a nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery system

OPHRX, which develops products based on a novel drug delivery technology platform for ocular uses

BIONANOSIM, which manufactures nanobased delivery systems for the production of polymeric biodegradable nanoparticles

NEOPROL, which develops new formulations for anesthesia drugs

VOYAGER MEDICAL, which is developing advanced self-absorbing surgical sutures.

MORE THAN ONE ALZHEIMER’S

ROYAL BIBLICAL SEAL DISCOVERED

PROBING PLUTONIUM PUZZLE

An international research team headquartered at IMRIC has proposed that Alzheimer’s disease is probably a collection of diseases that should be classified and treated separately. IMRIC’s Prof. Ehud Cohen and Dr. Tziona Ben-Gedalya headed the team that has shown that many distinct neurodegenerative disorders can stem from similar mechanisms or defects in the brain, and that what we know as Alzheimer’s disease can stem from more than one mechanism. The new insight may reinforce efforts to develop novel therapies and approaches to identify and treat distinct disorders that lead to Alzheimer’s symptoms.

A piece of clay barely a centimetre wide has proved to be one of the most unique and extraordinary artifacts discovered during the Hebrew University’s Ophel archaeological excavations at the foot of the southern wall of the Temple Mount. The clay seal, known as a bulla, belonged to the biblical King Hezekiah, and is inscribed with the words “Hezekiah son of Ahaz, King of Judah.” The find dramatically and tangibly connects scientific discovery with biblical narratives. It brings us as close as possible to touching one of the greatest leaders of ancient Jerusalem, says excavation director Dr. Eilat Mazar.

While all the plutonium used on earth is artificially produced in nuclear reactors, we know that some plutonium is also produced in nature. But where did this heavy metal come from? A team of Hebrew University scientists has come up with a possible solution to this long-standing nucleosynthesis mystery. Dr. Kenta Hotokezaka, Prof. Tsvi Piran and Prof.

Michael Paul from the Racah Institute of Physics posit that the natural source of radioactive plutonium is the merger of binary neutron stars — extremely rare events that produce large amounts of heavy elements.

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CFHU Annual Report 2015

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Live, Learn & Explore: Greece & Israel

Board of Governors Meeting

There’s been a Jewish presence in Greece for more than 2,000 years, with evidence of synagogues in Athens dating back to the second century BCE. Accompanied by Hebrew University scholar-in-residence Prof. Eyal Ginio, CFHU’s 2015 Live, Learn & Explore trip got a close-up look at some of Greece’s Jewish history and culture, from ancient times to present day, visiting synagogues, Holocaust memorials and Jewish museums in neighbourhoods in Corfu, Iaoninna, Barbouta and Thessalonica, among others.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem celebrated its 90th birthday in style at the 78th annual Board of Governors Meeting.

“I have, for the first time, seen a happy and healthy society whose members are fully absorbed in it.”

In Israel, the trip took on a decidedly artistic flavour, with visits to the Center for Jewish – ALBERT EINSTEIN, Art in Jerusalem, the Maale Film School, the TO MICHELE BESSO, wonderful Kabri Gallery in Northern Israel and MAY 24, 1924 the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The group enjoyed lectures and in-depth discussion with Hebrew University scholars, a Shabbat dinner with IMRIC researchers and graduate students and an “Urban Renewal” presentation with geography professor Dr. Emily Silverman, founding director of the University’s Urban Clinic.

In 2016, Live Learn & Explore takes us to Portugal!

Visit www.CFHU.org for more information.

The University paid tribute to several Canadian donors for their ongoing and vital support.

Montreal’s Alvin Segal, who received CFHU’s Scopus award in May, received an honourary doctorate and was recognized at the University’s Wall of Benefactors, as were Toronto’s Sylvia Soyka and her son Marc-Adam Soyka-Steinman, who were proud to dedicate the Alex U. Soyka Pancreatic Cancer Research Project.

Montrealers Monette Malewski, Bernard Shuster and Lou and Sylvia Vogel were all honoured at the Hebrew University’s Wall of Life.

Shuster also received an Honourary Fellowship.

PHOTO CAPTIONS 01. The Live, Learn & Explore group in Salonika.

02. Lou and Sylvia Vogel at The Wall of Life.* 03. Monette Malewski with Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson.* 04. Bernard Shuster received an Honourary Fellowship from the Hebrew University.* *Photo credit: Bruno Charbit

15

CFHU Annual Report 2015

CFHU Gala Events A series of high-profile events in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver in 2015 honoured exemplary Hebrew University supporters and showcased the University’s outstanding scholarship and research.

“My relationship to the Jewish people has become my strongest human bond, ever since I became fully aware of our precarious situation among the nations of the world.”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN, TO ABBA EBAN, NOVEMBER 18, 1952

TORONTO

VANCOUVER

MONTREAL

Chelsea Clinton delivered the keynote address at a Toronto gala that honoured a group of outstanding Canadian philanthropic families who have “demonstrated values, vision, social responsibility and a passion for education.” The Einstein Legacy Awards dinner paid tribute to the Appleby, Austin, Dzialoszynski-Waks, Halbert, Lindenberg & Brown, Masters and Mintz-Nyman families. Odette Levy was honoured with the Bronfman Prize for Exemplary Service, and CFHU Vice President Merle Goldman was awarded the Bronfman Prize for Outstanding Professional Commitment.

Several hundred members of the Vancouver community gathered in May to celebrate 90 years of excellence at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and to raise scholarship funds for its “soldier-students.” The event focused on the experiences of four young Israeli soldiers, members of the IDF’s Duvdevan Elite Unit. The evening also featured presentations by Hebrew University geography scholar Prof. Noam Shoval and Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israeli Consul General in New York City.

In May, CFHU paid tribute to visionary, business leader and inspirational philanthropist Alvin Segal, O.C., O.Q., with the Scopus Award. Jeffrey Goldberg, a staff writer for The Atlantic specializing in the Middle East, gave the keynote address, and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney sent regards in a taped message. Proceeds from the dinner benefited brain research at the Institute for Medical Research IsraelCanada (IMRIC) and Revivim, a Jewish Studies teacher training program.

(l to r) IDF Duvdevan Elite Unit soldiers Gilad Waldman, Daniel Kolver, Ariel Rubin and Boaz Faschler with musician and former Duvdevan soldier Tzahi Halevy (centre), who provided the evening’s entertainment.

(l to r) Hebrew University President Prof.

Menahem Ben-Sasson, Emmelle and Alvin Segal, CFHU Montreal chapter President Ari Brojde and CFHU President & CEO Rami Kleinmann.

Einstein Legacy Awards

Keynote speaker Chelsea Clinton (centre) with Einstein Legacy Awards event co-chairs Judy Nathan Bronfman (l) and Karen Simpson-Radomski.

Soldier-Student Scholarship Campaign

Alvin Segal receives Scopus Award

16

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Across Canada In 2015, CFHU’s national chapters showcased the vibrant relationships between Canadian cities and the Hebrew University. We unveiled new initiatives, took stock, planned for the future, transferred knowledge and celebrated our supporters.

01

02

03

TORONTO

OTTAWA

EDMONTON

CFHU’s Toronto chapter unveiled its “Living Legacies” project in November 2015, at an event presented by project co-chairs Raymond and Barbara Kives, and hosted by committee member Reagan Macklin and her husband David Macklin. The evening featured special guest speaker Izzy Ezagui, an Israeli war hero. Living Legacies was created for those who have chosen to include the Hebrew University in their estate planning. A digital video archive will be created to showcase the family stories of each supporter. Watch for another event in the fall, and the rollout of Living Legacies across Canada.

The Ottawa chapter played host to “Looking to the Future,” Canadian Friends’ 2015 Annual General Meeting. The weekend was filled with learning, strategizing and socializing, with panels on “The Multifaceted Prism of Philanthropy,” “Canada/Israel Partnerships” and emerging trends in philanthropy. Hebrew University researcher Yaacov (Koby) Nachmias spoke about his research at an event hosted by Dorothy Nadolny, on “Inspiring the Next Generation of Medical Innovation.” Other special guests included Israeli Ambassador to Canada Rafael Barak and his wife, Miriam Barak, and Ambassador Yossi Gal, Hebrew University Vice-President of Advancement & External Affairs.

What can modern technologies teach us about ancient cities? Hebrew University geography professor Noam Shoval used GPS tracking technology to discover how both residents and tourists spend time in Jerusalem. In a lecture at Edmonton’s Beth Shalom synagogue in May, Shoval shared some of his study’s surprising results.

Both Israeli and Arab residents spend significant time in “each others’” traditional neighbourhoods, he noted, a finding that has implications for policy — not least the difficulties of dividing Jerusalem as part of any proposed two-state solution.

Shoval also spoke in Winnipeg, at a program cosponsored by CFHU, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

Living Legacies

AGM in Ottawa

A Living City

17

CFHU Annual Report 2015

“Life is a tapestry.

The individual is only an insignificant thread in an immense and miraculous pattern.”

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: 01. (l to r) Living Legacies co-chairs Raymond and Barbara Kives with CFHU Toronto chapter President Randy Masters at the project launch. 02. At the CFHU annual general meeting in Ottawa, (l to r) Robert Gabor (Winnipeg); Debbie and Howard Sniderman (Edmonton); Michael Abrams (Toronto); Shelli Kimmel (Ottawa); Bryant and Lillian Shiller, Carol Koffler and Danielle Pollock (Montreal); Cheryl and Randy Milner (Vancouver); Neil Hazan (Montreal). 03. Hebrew U geography professor Noam Shoval with Edmonton chapter President Howie Sniderman. 04. CFHU bid a fond farewell to Winnipeg chapter Executive Director Sharon Zalik (l), pictured here with chapter President Margaret Shuckett. 05. CFHU Vancouver chapter President Randy Milner (l) and Albert Einstein Business Forum speaker Jeff Martin.

06. Dr. Stephen Fichman (l) and his wife, Susan Cohene.

04

– ALBERT EINSTEIN

05

WINNIPEG

VANCOUVER

MONTREAL

CFHU’s Winnipeg chapter underwent a major reorganization at the end of 2015, part of an ongoing restructuring of our traditional chapter model. We have engaged a young Israeli couple, Hebrew U alumni, who will act as ambassadors for the University within the community and to enhance the CFHU brand.

The move, which builds on the strong platform of CFHU support in Winnipeg, is designed to reinvigorate the chapter in a digital age. It is in line with larger Jewish philanthropic leadership in North America, says CFHU President & CEO Rami Kleinmann: “The success of the Winnipeg chapter can be attributed to a very devoted community of leadership and donors who also have a prominent presence within our national organization.” A similar model is planned for Ottawa.

Former Apple executive Jeff Martin, co-chair, International Executive Committee, Albert Einstein Foundation, was the keynote speaker at Vancouver’s Albert Einstein Business Forum, held in December at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. In his talk, “Private-public partnerships 2.0: How corporations become an answer to a problem,” Martin paid tribute to the legacy of “intellectual superhero” Albert Einstein as a source of both personal and career inspiration and as a business role model. Choosing Einstein as the “face” of Apple as the company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, he said, conveyed the innovation and inspiration — not to mention the success — that characterize it today.

Montreal eye surgeon Dr. Stephen Fichman made a gift of $1 million to create the Dr. Stephen Fichman Fund at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine.

The donation will go towards a 10-year scholarship fund for medical students, an annual lecture on ophthalmology, and the naming of a lobby in the IMRIC building, a student office and a conference room.

The lobby will be named in honour of Dr. Fichman’s late wife, Marilyn Fichmanz”l.

A reception in recognition of the donation was held at the home of Dr. Fichman and his wife, Susan Cohene, in May.

Reorganizing for The Future

Albert Einstein Business Forum

Fichman Fund at Hebrew U

06

18

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Students: Immersed in Israel “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN

“You have to visit Israel in order to begin to understand it.”

Time and time again, that’s the feedback that CFHU receives from the Canadian students who attend the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, whether they spend a semester or a year at the Rothberg International School, or attend a summer course like the Mishpatim law program or “Coexistence in the Middle East.”

In 2015, more than 200 Canadian students attended the Hebrew University, experiencing firsthand Israel’s dynamic and multifaceted culture. Of these, approximately 35 benefited from scholarship funding — a total of nearly $100,000 USD. 2015 also saw the renewal of Rothberg’s fiveyear exchange agreement with the University of Toronto, building ever-stronger relations between the two institutions.

Here, two 2015 Rothberg students explain the impact of their time at the University.

MAYA ROSENKRANTZ

“It made me hopeful” For Maya Rosenkrantz, spending a semester at the Hebrew University was a chance to see what it might be like to move back to — and make a difference in — her native land. The 21-year-old was born in Ramat Gan (her parents met at Hebrew U!) and moved to Vancouver when she was 12.

Her courses at Hebrew U contributed to Rosenkrantz’s immersion into Israeli culture. Her archaeology class took her to ancient historical sites, while her course in Israeli foreign policy was taught by Prof. Meron Medzini, Golda Meir’s right-hand man. “It was amazing to hear the history and details from someone actually involved in the founding of the state,” says Rosenkrantz, who’s currently studying physiology at McGill University in Montreal.

Her course in experiential Jewish education brought Rosenkrantz in touch with a class of fourth-grade girls studying philosophy in a neighbouring Arab village. “It was a huge stepping stone in education,” she says. “The girls were being trained to question the things that society tells them.”

But Rosenkrantz’s most rewarding experience was her internship at the Hebrew University’s Hadassah Medical Center, where she shadowed physicians in a pediatric unit and doctors’ clinics. “It was a very diverse unit: Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish and Arab, secular and ultra-Orthodox.

You could see a Haredi doctor fighting to get his Palestinian patient the medicine he needed but couldn’t afford. Seeing this type of equality and coexistence, the ability to work with all kinds of patients and people, the commitment to everyone’s health and well-being — it made me hopeful.”

The Rothberg International School’s Office of Student Activities (OSA) contributed to Rosenkrantz’s immersion into Israeli culture. In addition to organizing outings and events — like hiking trips, rappelling, and a wine- and chocolate-tasting, to name a few — and helping international students mingle with locals (“So important!” says Rosenkrantz), the OSA was a great resource for information and support, on everything from which bus to take to where to find a cheap hostel to filling out insurance forms when she sprained her ankle.

“They were always there to help.”

Back at McGill, Rosenkrantz is an advocate and ambassador for the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School, talking it up at parties, working with the local Hillel office, and prepping future Rothberg students for what she knows will be a great experience.

“Studying abroad at the Hebrew University was by far the best decision I made during my undergrad career.”

01. Canadians Amir Wachtel, Maya Rosenkrantz and Anna Frenkel celebrate Purim in Jerusalem. 02. Immersed in Israeli society: Maya Rosenkrantz shopping at the Jerusalem market (or shuk.)

19

CFHU Annual Report 2015

01

ANNA FRENKEL

Every Jewish Holiday on the Calendar “A year of learning — and not just studying.”

That’s how Anna Frenkel, 21, describes her time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Rothberg International School.

The Ottawa native, who is studying linguistics and education at Queen’s University in Kingston, chose to spend a year — rather than a semester — at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem because she wanted to celebrate every Jewish holiday on the calendar in Israel.

Frenkel emerged from that whirlwind year with a greater personal and intellectual understanding of Judaism, a stronger sense of Israeli culture and politics, and a heightened awareness of her own Jewish identity and her place as a Jew in the larger world. Not to mention the wonderful friends she made, or the classroom experiences that included electives ranging from Israeli foreign policy to Kabbalah.

Frenkel took advantage of Rothberg’s Office of Student Activities (OSA), and also joined Thrive, a private, immersive Israel program available to Rothberg students.

The combination of the two programs, she said, meant that she was never bored. “We were always doing something,” she says, describing shabbatons, an IDF training weekend, weekly discussions, midnight hikes in the desert, Hanukkah and Purim parties, concerts, field trips to different religious and cultural communities in Israel, even seeing Benjamin Netanyahu speak.

Both programs, she says, helped to round out her Rothberg experience. “Thrive really connected me to the Jewish learning opportunities in Israel,” says Frenkel, “and the OSA to what it means to live in Israel.”

LEFT: Anna Frenkel (r) and friends on a Thrive program.

02

20

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Donors 2015 British Columbia Region Stav Adler Sidney Alperstein & C. Rochelle Moss Richard & Darlene Ames Jonathan Becker Samuel & Frances Belzberg Moshe & Hava Ben-Shlomo Sam & Tanyss P. Bugis Shmuel & Bernice Carmeli John Cooper & Esther Chetner Mel & Geri Davis Charles & Jodi Diamond Marie Doduck Paul Evered Samuel & Janet Feldman Arnold & Susan Fine Daniel Friedman Leon & Rose Marie Glassman Barry & Lauri Glotman Joseph & Karyn Gold David & Catherine Golden Molly Golden Larry Goldenberg & Paula Gordon Paul & Claudia Goldman George T. Gunn Peter & Linda Hotz Mark & Alana James Hodie Kahn Saul & Sheryl Kahn Basil & Selma Kallner Horatio & Jackie Kemeny

Rael & Dalya Klein David & Judi Korbin Joseph & Andrea Kowaz Robert & Marilyn Krell Torben & Patricia Kristiansen William & Risa Levine Michael Levy Jacob B. Kowarsky Herbert M. & Evelynne Loomer Livia Mahler Stephen & Deborah Maloon Ralph Markin Robert Markin Larry & Tyla Meyer Norman & Sandra Miller Randall M. & Cheryl Milner Ari & Lesley Morris Ian M. & Sandy Penn David Porte & Deborah Setton Lionel Raber & Lynn Superstein-Raber Olga Roland William & Ruth Ross Abe & Leyla Sacks Roberto & Patricia Schwartz Charles Shnier Richard & Gail Steinberg Deborah Sutton William & Frances Switzer Isaac & Judy Thau Sophie Waldman* Daniel Wosk Zalkow Family

Calgary Region Calgary Foundation Dov* & Arlein Chetner Kenneth & Bonnie Dressler Max & Joy Feldman Louis & Dena Frimet

Alvin Libin Debora Prussick Leonard & Phyllis Shapiro Jack & Betty Sharp Robert Shiell & Cheryl Baron

Edmonton Region General Recycling Industries

Howard & Debra Sniderman

Manitoba Region The Asper Foundation Martin & Ada Berney* Marjorie Blankstein Earl Coleman Estate of Rochelle Putter Samuel H. Gilfix* Globe General Agencies

The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba Bryan D. Klein & Susan Halprin Moe & Barbara Levy Israel & Maylene Ludwig Edward & Harriet Lyons

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, 2014 and September 30, 2015 are listed correctly. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Quebec Region Sylvan & Margaret Adams Elliott Alper Alvin Segal Family Foundation Frederick Andermann The Azrieli Foundation Ballin Inc. Banque HSBC Canada William & Dana Bell Hy & Rosanne Beraznik Michael N. Bergman Irwin Beutel* Myer & Carol Bick Etty & Ralph Bienstock Herbert Black L. Michael & Sharon Blumenstein Anna Brojde Elliot & Cheryl Brott Irwin & Freda Browns Rebecca Butovsky Canderel Commercial Services Inc. Mylene Chayer Consulate General of Israel Estate of Mortimer Joseph Deckelbaum Jack & Nancy Ditkofsky Melvyn & Mitzi Dobrin Dorel Jack & Maureen Dym Eldee Foundation Michael & Janie Etinson Evelyn Steinberg Alexander Family Foundation Financière Sun Life Avram & Joyce Fishman Foundation Alex U. Soyka Ronald & Anita Gabbay Gelmont Foundation Anna Gentile Gewurz Family Foundation Harry & Anne Glassman Yoine & Elaine Goldstein Bernard & Judith Grant Stephen & Saryl Gross Groupe Canvar Inc. Andrew & Carol Harper Harry & Nina Hart Neil Hazan & Ali Kirsten The Irving Ludmer Family Foundation

Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal Marvin & Donna Kane Solly & Dorothy Karkoukly Ian & Phyllis Karper Joel & Marlene King Perry Kliot & Rosanne Superstein Carol Koffler Michael & Amy Kornik Rachel Kramer Alain Matarasso & Susan Laxer Carl & Betty Laxer Mortimer & Bunny Lechter Estate of Abe Leith Estate of Ruth Leith Leo & Shirley Goldfarb Foundation Denis P. Lessard Derek & Michelle Linetsky Ralph & Angela Lipper Stephen & Irene Lipper Eric Maldoff & Andrea Wolff Monette Malewski Alan Marcovitz & Gail Adelson MAR-KIN Foundation Maxwell Cummings Family Foundation Alex & Eunice Mayers The Michael & David Cape Foundation Mireille & Murray Steinberg Family Foundation The Mitzi & Melvin Dobrin Family Foundation Modico Parking Inc. Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation Estate of Mildred Niren Andy Nulman David & Sonia Oberman Paperman & Sons The Penny & Gordon Echenberg Family Foundation Mel & Joyce Peress Stanley & Barbara Plotnick Power Corporation of Canada Teddy & Sylvia Quint Joel & Alice Raby

John Rae Reitmans (Canada) Ltd. Renbar Holdings Inc. The Richter Charitable Foundation Serge Rocheleau & Lise Watier Rona & Irving Levitt Family Foundation Rosenbloom Groupe Inc. Michael Rosenfeld & April Peters Michael Rosenthal Arthur Rubin Estate of J.L. Sabbath Lyon & Dundi Sachs Jack & Patricia Schachter Joseph Schaffer Donald W. & Barbara Seal Serfina Industries Ltd. Services OR LP/SEC Barry & Monica Shapiro Bernard J. & Lois Shapiro Shaymar Holdings Inc. Nathan Sheiner & Brenda Blatt Bryant & Lillian Shiller Loren I. & Carolyn Shuster Bernard Shuster & RoseLee Sztern Herbert E. & Jacqueline Siblin Amos & Judy Sochaczevski Leesa Steinberg Michael & Susan Stern Steven & Sandra Mintz Family Foundation Howard & Vivian Stotland TalSarah Inc. Marvin & Joyce Tanner Irwin & Sara Tauben Martin Thibodeau & Caroline Desrosiers Value Contrarian Asset Management Vannad Trading Inc. Robert & Rhoda Vineberg William & Ida Pencer Foundation Eddy & Heleena Wiltzer Harvey & Roslyn Wolfe Maks Wulkan & Diane Grossman Ziki Zaffir

Maritime Region Ruth Pink* Vulcan Properties Ltd.

*Deceased

21

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Greater Toronto Region Jay & Sherry Firestone Abraham & Marcy Fish Fogler, Rubinoff LLP Sheldon Freeman The Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan Charitable Foundation Albert & Gail Gilbert Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. Reiner Goebel Mark & Esther Goldenberg Merle & Steve Goldman David M. & Bonnie Goldstein Sheldon H. & Rosalinde Goodman Goodmans LLP Darren & Sara Gottlieb Senator Jerry S. & Carole Grafstein David & Molline Green Joel S. & Ruth Greisman Mark A. & Pearl Gryfe Guidelines Advertising Inc. Luis & Kela Guincher Ralph & Roz Halbert Stephen H. & Andrea Halperin Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. Helmsbridge Holdings Ltd. Peter Herman & Janet Polivoy Herman Howard Irving & Fahla Granovsky The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation Alan & Joy-Anne Jacoby Howard Jay & Fern Daiter Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto Judith Teller Foundation K & G Oakburn Apartments Ltd. Marvin & Estelle Kates Max & Dolly Kerzner Raymond & Barbara Kives KLICK Inc. KPMG LLP Estate of Lazar Lapidus The Lawrence & Judith Tanenbaum Family Foundation Joseph Lebovic The Leo & Sala Goldhar Foundation The Leonard Simpson

A & M Green Foundation A.E. Grossman Foundation Allvision Canada The Almond Tree Foundation Aloris Mercantile Corporation Alpha Omega Foundation of Canada Walter & Edie Arbib Audio Dog Inc. B & R Inc. Bank Hapoalim Representative Office David Baskin & Joan H. Garson Baycrest Centre Foundation Hilda Berman Binah Charitable Foundation Ronald & Bonnie Birken Howard Black Estate of Edythe Blackstien Harold & Zippe Blitstein M. Paul & Judith Bloom Stephen & Bonnie Bloom Bloombergsen Investment Partners Ira Bond & Marilyn Wolfson Brettler/Mintz Foundation John Breuer Brooke Foundation Mel Brown Morland Brown BSAR Group of Companies Arnold L. & Penny Cader Norman & Cynthia Camerman Paul G. Cantor CBRE Ltd. CGOV Asset Management Donald Citron Cityscape Property Management Corp Glen Cohen & Vivienne Ziner Gerald & Hilda Cohen Estate of Arthur Cole Adam Cooper & Jodi English Earl & Bruria Cooperman Estate of Adolph I. Cosiner The DH Gales Family Charitable Foundation of Toronto Estate of Lorraine Dingman Elliott & Wendy Eisen Empire Communities LP Leslie Erlich-Orbach Lawrence & Beverley Fein

“Whatever there is of God and goodness in the universe, it must work itself out and express itself through us. We cannot stand aside and let God do it.”

– ALBERT EINSTEIN, TO ABBA EBAN, NOVEMBER 18, 1952 Family Foundation Larry & Cecily Levine Dayle Levine Michael & Barbi Levitt Odette Levy Jules Lewy & Joanna Slone The Lillian & Norman Glowinsky Family Foundation Nathan & Glenys Lindenberg Fred Litwin & Mary Golfman Donald E. & Lorraine Loeb David Louis Mark & Berenice Mandelcorn Markio Designs Linda Martin David & Leanne Matlow McGregor Industries Inc. The Mendelson Family Foundation Menkes Developments Ltd. Myra Merkur The Mesora Charitable Foundation MG3 Services Earl & Eleanor Miller MNP, LLP Vivienne Monty The Morris Justein Family Charitable Foundation The Murray & Ruth Miskin Family Charitable Foundation The Naomi & Gerald Goldenberg & Family Charitable Foundation Nathan & Lily Silver Family Foundation William & Gert Nyman Allan & Lesley Offman Gary & Marney Opolsky Rick & Laura Orzy Estate of William H. Owen Jeremy T. Paltiel Greg & Michele Perkell PI Fine Art | PI Creative Art Howard & Leah Price

Ottawa Region Norman & Myrna Barwin Deborah Weinstein Professional Corp.

District Realty Estate of Sherold Fishman Harvey & Elaine Finkelstein Ian Paul Goodman Dan Greenberg & Barbara Crook

Jewish National Fund of Ottawa Bob Wener & Lynne Oreck-Wener Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation Michael & Melanie Polowin Jacques & Donna Shore The Steven & Linda Kerzner Family Foundation

John & Sunny Tavel Urbandale Corp.

Stephen & Gail Victor Michael Walsh & Lisa Rosenkrantz Ronald Weiss & Debbie Halton-Weiss Westboro Flooring & Decor

Price Waterhouse Coopers Anton & Ilana Rabie Allan & Dayle Rakowsky Jeffrey Raphael & Dalia BenAbu Reserve Investment Corp RioCan Management Inc. Clara Robert Robins Appleby Charitable Foundation Rockport Holdings Ltd. Richard & Sheila Rodney Debbie Rona Jack & Judith Rose Gladys Rose Mildred Rosen Edward Rosenblat & Beverly Reisman David Rosenkrantz & Patricia Nadeau Gale Rubenstein The S. Sigler Family Charitable Foundation Gary & Joyce Saifer George & Lesley Sas Fred & Beverly Schaeffer Lionel & Carol Schipper Marvin & Carol Schwartz Bernard & Caryl Schwartz Robert & Doreen Scolnick Brian D. Segal & Roslyn Levine The Sharp Foundation Stanley R. & Donna Shenkman Sheridan Mews Ltd. Victor & Ricki Shields Joseph Shier Michael G. & Jackie Shulman The Sidney Greenberg Family Foundation Allan C. & Hinda Silber Albert Silver Silvercore Property Randal Slavens & Shirley Avraham Gary Solway Gersh & Sheila Sone

The Sonshine Family Foundation Samuel & Talia Spanglet State Building Corp.

Janice Stein Michael & Joanne Steinberg Norman & Simone Stern Estate of Philip Stuchen Sydney & Florence Cooper Foundation Rabbi Roy & Loretta Tanenbaum Estate of Ernest Tauber TD Waterhouse Private Trust Paul & Kitty Tepperman Stephen Tile & Helene Korn Stephen & Carole Title Larry & Frieda Torkin John & Jane Trachtenberg Turner Fleischer Architects Inc. The Ulmer Charitable Foundation United Israel Appeal of Canada Vera D. Denty Foundation Lorie Waisberg & Ginny Bellwood Frederic A. & Linda Waks Jay & Debbie Waks The Warren & Debbie Kimel Family Foundation Myrna Weinstein Ari Weisberg & Judy Shier-Weisberg Samuel & Agnes Weizman The Werner Family Foundation Whitecastle Investments Ltd. Andrew Wilder & Tracy Bierstock-Wilder Andrew Wiseman & Lisa Linden WJ Properties The Wolfond Family Foundation Micah Wood Michael Wyman & Cynthia Gertsman-Wyman Arthur Yallen & Francy Kussner Arthur & Marcia Zalev Mark & Sally Zigler Bernard & Carole Zucker Louis & Pearl Litwin

United States

International

Elisabeth Dalfen The Howard B. Bernick Foundation Benjamin Jacobson Ellen Beth B. Lande Jack Stievelman & Doris Taxin

Jack & Alice Ormut Guido & Ambra Raccah Sterling Financial Group, Inc.

22

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Financials 2015 Balance Sheet ASSETS Cash State of Israel Bonds Managed funds Other TOTAL

LIABILITIES Accounts payable

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (EXPRESSED IN U.S. FUNDS)

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30

2014

2015

$2,564,615

$1,819,923

$110,702

$53,206

$63,921,126

$60,044,309

$712,035

$739,270

$67,308,478

$62,656,708

2014

2015

$608,262

$309,606

2014 / 2015 Managed Funds

FUND BALANCES

2014

2015

$66,700,216

$62,347,102

2014

2015

$466,165

$968,822

$13,459,169

$12,131,740

Equities

$36,134,284

$31,508,829

Multi-strategy and real assets

$13,861,508

$15,434,918

TOTAL

$63,921,126

$60,044,309

Fund balances

MANAGED FUNDS ONLY Cash Fixed income

23

CFHU Annual Report 2015

2% 3% Canadian universities and foundations

Scholarships, research grants and other academic affairs

“One should not pursue goals that are easily achieved. One must develop an instinct for what one can just barely achieve through one’s greatest efforts.”

95% Hebrew University

– ALBERT EINSTEIN, TO WALTER DÄLLENBACH, MAY 31, 1915.

2014

Charitable Distributions

2015

8%

Charitable Distributions

Scholarships, research grants and other academic affairs

0% Canadian universities and foundations

92% Hebrew University

Income Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30

REVENUES

2014

2015

Donations

$6,248,472

$5,737,358

Investment gain

$6,693,828

$929,341

$12,942,300

$6,666,699

2014

2015

Expenditures

$3,866,343

$4,156,743

Charitable donations

$8,859,205

$6,863,070

$12,725,548

$11,019,813

TOTAL

EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS

2014

2015

$8,409,355 (95%)

$6,316,381 (92%)

Canadian universities and foundations

$289,905 (3%)

$21,994 (0%)

Scholarships, research grants and other academic affairs

$159,945 (2%)

$524,695 (8%)

$8,859,205

$6,863,070

Hebrew University

TOTAL

24

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Leadership

AS OF JUNE 2016

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Stav Adler Ronald Appleby

Michael Fromstein Past Chair

Gail Asper Cheryl Baron Evelyn Bloomfield Schachter Ari Brojde

Joey Ohayon Stephen Simms

Calgary Chapter President

Allen Sloan

Secretary Montreal Chapter President

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COMMITTEE

Casey Chisick

Laura Holt

Lewis Dobrin

Laurence Metrick

Beverly Dunn Michael Fromstein

Vice President, Finance

Robert Gabor

Past Chair President Emeritus, Former Chair International Board of Governors, Past Chair

Samuel Hanson

Ottawa Chapter President Past Chair

Andrea Kowaz Nathan Lindenberg

Past Chair

J. Stephen Lipper

Past Chair

Monette Malewski Randy Masters Randall M. Milner

Toronto Chapter President Vancouver Chapter President

Joey Ohayon Murray Palay

Chair

Lorne Persiko

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Shimmy Brandes

Tom Gunn Merle Kriss Nathan Lindenberg Harry Marmer Randy Masters Murray Palay Ian Rosmarin Stuart Schipper Sam Spanglet Slocum Consultants

Michael Abrams

Samuel Schwartz

Elan Divon

Leonard Shapiro Lillian Shiller Winnipeg Chapter President

Allen Sloan Edmonton Chapter President

Samuel Spanglet Philip Switzer Stephen Victor

Vice President Past Chair

Executive Director, Toronto Chapter Executive Vice President

Rami Kleinmann

President & CEO

Miriam Pilc-Levine

Stephen Simms

Chief Financial Officer

Merle Goldman

Bernard Shuster

Howard Sniderman

Chair

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TEAM

Brent A. Schacter

Margaret Shuckett

Monette Malewski

Davee Gunn

Peter Hotz Joshua Kleinman

Justin Abrams

Danny Bubis

Yude M. Henteleff Susan Katz

PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE

Sam Hanson

Lorne Greenspoon

Ralph Halbert

Chair

Michael Fromstein

Rose Marie Glassman Gerald Halbert

Chair

Dina Wachtel

National Director, Communications & Marketing Executive Director, Western Region

CFHU Annual Report 2015

Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Our Mission Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) facilitates connections through fundraising, research partnerships and academic exchanges. Founded in 1944, CFHU has raised over half a billion dollars, proudly bestowing academic scholarships to 50,000 Canadian and Israeli students. With communities in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, CFHU’s efforts enrich lives throughout the world through the academic excellence of the Hebrew University, inspired by founding father Albert Einstein.

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.

For more information, please visit cfhu.org and imric.org.

CFHU Annual Report 2015

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

MONTREAL CHAPTER 514-932-2133 mtl@cfhu.org

CALGARY CHAPTER 403-297-0605 calgary@cfhu.org

OTTAWA CHAPTER 613-829-3150 ott@cfhu.org

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