SECTION VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1 FALL 2016

CONNECTINGThe National Newsletter of Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY & INNOVATION ANDERSON COOPER & BOB WEIR HEADLINE ALBERT EINSTEIN GALA

American journalist and television The gala honoured the four recipients of the personality Anderson Cooper and Grateful Jake Eberts Key of Knowledge Award, which Dead founding member Bob Weir were recognizes leaders who have bettered society two of the high-wattage personalities at through the advancement of knowledge and Toronto’s Second Annual Einstein Gala personal example. This year’s honourees are in May. The star-studded event, held at The Azrieli Foundation, represented by its Chair the Carlu, served as the formal launch and CEO Dr. Naomi Azrieli; composer, television event of The Albert Einstein Foundation writer and director Shuki Levy, co-founder (AEF). It attracted 800 of Saban Entertainment; people and raised nearly AEF International Executive $2 million in support of the “HOW MANY KIDS Committee co-chair Jeff AEF’s “initiatives to nurture ARE OUT THERE Martin, Founder & CEO, future Einsteins,” as CFHU Tribal Planet Legacy; and President & CEO Rami AS WE SPEAK, Apotex Inc., represented by its Kleinmann put it. (Read TOILING IN FIELDS, Chairman, Dr. Barry Sherman. about the AEF‘s various initiatives on page 4.) WITH THE BRAINS Cooper also presented THAT WITH THE the third Next Einstein Cooper, anchor of the competition award to Anderson Cooper news RIGHT SUPPORT Vancouverite Aaron show on CNN, gave a keynote COULD SOLVE THE Friedland, who received address that emphasized the the $10,000 prize for The continuing importance of PROBLEMS OF Walking School Bus digital Einstein’s legacy of curiosity, THE FUTURE?” book-reading program. creativity and innovation, as well as the need to dismantle barriers to In an onstage, sit-down interview with Jeff scientific discovery. Martin, Weir discussed his own creative approach and the importance of science, “How many kids are out there as we speak, technology, mathematics and engineering. toiling in fields, with the brains that with the He then closed out the highly successful right support could solve the problems of evening by playing an hour-long set, much the future?” he asked. to the delight of the Deadheads at the event. 01 Photo Credit: Sarjoun Faour

02 Photo Credit: Sarjoun Faour

01 STAR POWER: (l to r) American journalist and TV personality Anderson Cooper, event co-chairs Sara Gottlieb and Karen Simpson-Radomski, and Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir. 02 EBERTS KEY OF KNOWLEDGE WINNERS: Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson (l), Anderson Cooper (c) and CFHU National President Rami Kleinmann (r) with the recipients of the Jake Eberts Key of Knowledge Award: (l to r) Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Dr. Barry Sherman, Jeff Martin and Shuki Levy. 03 JAMMING: Bob Weir (r) played an hour-long set with Ottawa-based musician Dan Kanter, best 03

Photo Credit: Sarjoun Faour known as musical director and former lead guitarist for Justin Bieber.

1 A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP IN DIVIDED TIMES,

Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) A UNIFYING FORCE facilitates connections through fundraising, research partnerships and academic exchanges. Founded in 1944, CFHU has raised over half a billion dollars, proudly AS WE LOOK BACK ON 2016, WE CAN ACKNOWLEDGE bestowing academic scholarships to 50,000 Canadian and WITH PRIDE THE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF BOTH Israeli students. With communities in Montreal, Ottawa, THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM AND ITS Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, CANADIAN FRIENDS. CFHU’s efforts enrich lives throughout the world through the academic excellence of the Hebrew University inspired As just one example, Hebrew U has continued to rank by founding father Albert Einstein. highly among universities not only in Israel and the Middle East, but around the world. In the 2016–17 QS World University Rankings, for instance, The Hebrew University NATIONAL OFFICE placed first in Israel and 148th in the world. The 2016 3020 – 3080 Yonge Street, PO Box 65 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings gave the Toronto, ON M4N 3N1 University its highest marks in 2016, placing it #17 in Asia, Phone: 416.485.8000 • Toll-free: 1-888-HEBREW-U up eight spots. What’s more, the Times’s Global University Website: www.cfhu.org • Facebook: @CdnFriendsHU Employability Ranking ranked Hebrew U graduates the most employable among Israeli universities and 67th most employable in the world. Donations and Tribute Cards: [email protected] Student Inquiries: 416.485.1222 • [email protected] While these accomplishments are cause for celebration General Inquiry: [email protected] and hope, we also need to acknowledge that they have taken place in what has been a tumultuous and often President & CEO bitterly divisive year for politics and international affairs. Rami Kleinmann, [email protected] Executive Vice President Especially in times like these, we look to and take hope from The Hebrew University as a uniting force, one Merle Goldman, [email protected] that builds bridges and encourages exchange between communities, citizens, researchers and countries — Chief Financial Officer all for the betterment of the world. At CFHU, our aim is to help foster and strengthen these relationships. Michael Abrams CA, [email protected] National Director, Communications & Marketing This spirit of unity is evident at IMRIC, which Canadian Governor General the Hon. David Johnston visited Miriam Pilc-Levine, [email protected] just last month on the first-ever state visit by our head of state to Israel. There, Johnston acknowledged “the common ground” between Israel and Canada, and the enabling forces of what he termed “the EASTERN REGION diplomacy of knowledge.” Executive Director Jon Reider, [email protected] • T: 514.932.2133 In fact, throughout this newsletter, you can read about the ways in which The Hebrew University and its Montreal Chapter Canadian Friends continually promote international and intellectual partnerships, whether that’s with a [email protected] multitude of new alliances with Ontario institutions (see page 5) or supporting a group of University of Toronto planning students as they work with The Hebrew University’s Urban Clinic to study “placemaking” OTTAWA CHAPTER initiatives in Toronto and Jerusalem (see page 10). You can see it in our profile of the Shier family, longtime Hebrew University Community Ambassadors CFHU supporters who have fostered ongoing academic exchange and development at The Hebrew Orit & Daniel Tor University (see page 5). You can also see it in the University’s Billy Crystal Program for Peace through [email protected], [email protected] • T: 343.998.3451 the Performing Arts, which brings together Jewish and Arab theatre students to promote a humanistic Facebook @CFHUOttawa • [email protected] society and peaceful co-existence (see page 6).

TORONTO CHAPTER The Hebrew University’s potential to unify the world is most evident to us in the exciting work of the Vice President, Development Albert Einstein Foundation (AEF), which in May formally launched an agreement with the Smithsonian Elan Divon, [email protected] • T: 416.485.8000 Institution to create a series of initiatives designed to inspire Einstein’s spirit of change, creativity and Associate Director curiosity for the betterment of the world. With projects like The Dinner of the Century, a STEM (Science, Tamar Kraus, [email protected] • T: 416.485.8000 Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Summit, and Genius, the world’s first 3D printed book, profiling [email protected] 100 of the greatest visionaries of our time, the AEF is a unifying force. Please support future Einsteins at the Hebrew University: make your year-end donation at www.CFHU.org/donate-now. WINNIPEG CHAPTER Hebrew University Community Ambassadors In these divided times, CFHU will continue to act as a unifying force. May the Hanukkah candles light Sigal Kleynerman & Shai Josopov the way forward to a more cohesive world. [email protected], [email protected] T: 204.291.0714 • [email protected] Facebook @CFHUWinnipeg

WESTERN REGION MURRAY PALAY RAMI KLEINMANN Executive Director National Chair President & CEO Dina Wachtel, [email protected] • T: 604.257.5133 Vancouver Chapter Facebook @VancouverCFHU • [email protected] Calgary Chapter Facebook @CalgaryCFHU • [email protected] Edmonton Chapter [email protected] • T: 780.444.0809 CONTENTS

The Hebrew University of Message from Our Leadership 2 Jerusalem’s Institute for Medical The Edmonton Protocol 3 Research Israel-Canada brings together the best minds from the Biotechnologies & Soldier-Students 3 scientific disciplines. Together, our Albert Einstein Foundation Launches Around the World 4 researchers are creating innovative approaches to meet the challenges Focus on Philanthropy 5 of medicine in the 21st century. Hebrew University Partnerships 5 [email protected] • www.imric.org What’s Happening @ HU 6 CFHU Across Canada 8 CONNECTING NEWSLETTER Students & Alumni 10 Managing editor: Miriam Pilc-Levine Writing and editing: Susan Goldberg, susanlgoldberg.com Board of Governors 11 Graphic design: Metrick System Calendar of Events 11 Printing: Print Dot Com The Diplomacy of Knowledge 12 THE EDMONTON PROTOCOL CFHU HONOURS DIABETES RESEARCHER DR. JAMES SHAPIRO At a gala dinner in June, Edmonton honoured one of its heroes: Dr. James Shapiro, whose groundbreaking work is changing the way we treat and think about diabetes.

Dr. Shapiro, of the University of Alberta’s The evening, a joint venture between CFHU Alberta Diabetes Institute, is best known and the Jewish National Fund of Edmonton, for developing and implementing the featured keynote speaker Colonel Adam “Edmonton Protocol.” This technique Susman, the defense attaché of Israel to 01

involves injecting specialized pancreatic Canada. In touching personal tributes, former Photo Credit: Richard Siemens cells, called islet cells, from organ donors Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and islet into the liver of a diabetic patient in the transplant recipient Sari Uretsky Leung, the 02 hopes that the body will once again Artistic Director of the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance be able to produce its own insulin. A Association in Edmonton, were both moved significant number of patients who have to tears as they described their personal had transplants are needle free after five relationships with Dr. Shapiro and how his years. Currently, Shapiro is experimenting work and his care had improved their lives. with implanting immature pancreatic cells in diabetic patients — a technique that Proceeds from the gala support, in holds great promise. He has collaborated part, continued research initiatives and for several years with IMRIC researcher collaborations between Dr. Shapiro and the Dr. Yuval Dor. Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada.

01 CELEBRATING GROUNDBREAKING DIABETES RESEARCH: (l to r) Honorary Gala chair Norman Schayer; honouree Dr. James Shapiro and his wife, Dr. Vanessa Davis; Col. Adam Susman, defense attaché of Israel to Canada; and CFHU Edmonton chapter President Howie Sniderman. 02 HOPE FOR A CURE: “I think there is finally true hope that there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in my lifetime, or at least in my children’s,” says transplant recipient Sari Uretsky Leung, one of Dr.

Shapiro’s patients. Photo Credit: Richard Siemens

BIOTECHNOLOGIES & SOLDIER-STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN

01 02

Prof. Nahmias gave a fascinating Bar Reuven. (For more on the challenges VANCOUVER & CALGARY EVENTS presentation on the technological advances faced by HU soldier-students, see page 9.) coming out of the Center for Bioengineering, which brings together medical researchers, This event supported CHFU’s Soldier- SHOWCASE HU TECHNOLOGIES & business students and marketers to develop Student Scholarship Fund. To donate and bring to market transformative medical to this campaign, please call the technologies. He gave several examples Vancouver office at 604-257-5133 or visit SOLDIERS’ GRIT of technologies the centre has developed, www.cfhu.org/CampaignforHUsoldiers. including a hand-held device that vastly Think you can’t hold a successful fundraising event on a simplifies insertion of a chest tube, or 01 TRANSFORMATIVE MEDICAL human organs grown in the lab, on which TECHNOLOGIES: (l to r) CFHU National Chair beautiful summer evening? Think again. researchers can test drug toxicity. Murray Palay, Hebrew University Prof. Yaakov Nahmias, longtime CFHU supporter Phil Switzer and The four soldiers, now studying at The CFHU Vancouver chapter President Randy Milner at In July, more than 300 people in Vancouver University’s new Alexander Grass Center Hebrew University, gave gripping accounts a summer event featuring The Hebrew University’s and nearly 100 Calgarians flocked to for Bioegineering, as well as four reserve of life in one of the IDF’s most select and Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering. hear five phenomenal speakers at the soldiers from the IDF’s Elite Unit 669, challenging units. They detailed harrowing 02 RAISING FUNDS FOR SOLDIER-STUDENTS: CFHU Western Region’s second annual who told their powerful stories. Award- rescues, medical interventions, and a Hebrew University alumna Nava Rosenberg MC’d TED Talk–style event, featuring Prof. winning guitarist Itamar Erez performed grueling 18 months of training. “We do it the Vancouver evening, which raised funds for Yaakov Nahmias, Director of The Hebrew in Vancouver. for the love of the people of Israel,” said CFHU’s Soldier-Student Fund.

3 ALBERT EINSTEIN FOUNDATION LAUNCHES AROUND THE WORLD THE SPIRIT OF EINSTEIN IS GROWING & DEEPENING INTERNATIONALLY A series of high-profile launches and events in 2016 have officially kicked off the Albert Einstein Foundation (AEF), a worldwide initiative spearheaded by CFHU to honour Einstein’s intellect and vision. The AEF’s goal is to inspire a new generation of scientists, leaders and humanitarians to draw upon Einstein’s exemplary spirit and bring fresh thinking and innovative solutions to world problems. STEMMING FROM EINSTEIN

On May 16, 2016, Hebrew University President Menahem opportunity to showcase the incredible innovation and Ben-Sasson (r) and David Skorton (l), Secretary of the scientific work of both institutions and allow the general Smithsonian Institution, signed an official memorandum of public to hear from some of the leading minds and innovators understanding at the Smithsonian Castle on the National on the planet — including distinguished visionaries nominated Mall in Washington, D.C. The partnership, between the to Genius: 100 Visions of the Future (see below). It promises Smithsonian Science Education Center and The Hebrew to be a rare opportunity for two world-class institutions to University of Jerusalem, through its Albert Einstein exchange ideas, build partnerships and celebrate human Foundation, unites the two institutions in a global series excellence, curiosity and imagination in the spirit of Albert of collaborations that celebrate Einstein’s legacy — and Einstein. the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “Together, the Smithsonian and The Hebrew University have more than 250 years of experience in research, exploration, According to its national Math and Science Initiative, the education and discovery,” said Skorton at the signing of U.S. may be short as many as three million highly skilled the MOU. “I see a bright future for this partnership. Many workers by 2018 because of a lack of STEM graduates. scientists, scholars, students, teachers and parents This collaboration is designed to ignite interest in STEM will benefit.” fields and make them accessible and appealing to a younger generation. “The Smithsonian has extensive resources in talent, platforms and knowledge base, making it the perfect partner for The To that end, The Hebrew University and The Smithsonian Hebrew University and the Albert Einstein Foundation,” Institution will co-host a global STEM summit on September said Ben-Sasson. “We are confident this collaboration will 10, 2017, in Washington. The summit will serve as an motivate a new generation to be our future leaders in STEM.” Photo credit: Bryan Blanken credit: Photo

LA LAUNCHES AEF EINSTEIN IN THE BIG APPLE AEF IN WINNIPEG AEF VANCOUVER LAUNCH AEF International Executive Committee members Shuki Levy (r) and Tori AEF supporter George In October, CFHU’s Winnipeg chapter On December 6, 2015, AEF Avey Levy (c) — pictured here with Nobel laureate and Stanford University Logothetis (l) was a cohost hosted a reception to launch the AEF. International Executive professor Dr. Roger Kornberg — organized and hosted the AEF Los Angeles of the Foundation’s New York Chaired by Dr. Robyn Gertenstein, the Committee member Andre launch in November and co-chaired the AEF’s New York kickoff. “Einstein launch in June 2016, which event featured guest speaker Jeff Martin, Nudelman (l), pictured clearly saw The Hebrew University of Jerusalem as the future of education honoured outgoing Consul co-chair of the AEF’s International Executive here with Olga Gorchakova, — a safe place for anybody, from any background, to learn and grow,” says Gen. of Israel in New York Committee. CFHU National Chair Murray hosted a private reception Avey Levy. “We truly hope [the Albert Einstein Foundation] will help the Ido Aharoni (r), a member Palay gave the evening’s opening remarks. for the Vancouver launch of world to see The Hebrew University, and Israel, the way Einstein saw it — of the AEF International (l to r) Palay, Martin, Gertenstein and CFHU the project at his offices on as the future of global innovation and understanding.” Executive Committee. President & CEO Rami Kleinmann. Granville Island.

GENIUS: 100 VISIONS OF THE FUTURE The world’s first ever three-dimensional printed book will be a showcase for 100 of the world’s leading icons, brilliant minds and influencers to share their visions of the future.

Contributors to Genius: 100 Visions of the Future have been • Musician Wynton Marsalis invited to write their visions for a world inspired by Einstein’s • Physics Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Secretary of spirit of expansive curiosity. Their collected works will Energy Dr. Steven Chu. be showcased in a book that doubles as a bust of Albert Einstein, designed by renowned artist Ron Arad. Genius will be launched on September 9, 2017, at The Dinner of the Century. This star-studded event, to be held at the The list of contributors to Genius continues to grow, and beautiful Kogod Courtyard of the American Museum’s resembles a who’s who of world influencers. National Portrait Gallery, will bring together contributors, young Einsteins and dignitaries around the world. Hosted by Contributors include: actor Billy Crystal and AEF supporter George Logothetis, the • U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dinner will represent one of the greatest gatherings of Nobel • Architect Frank Gehry laureates, intellectuals, artists and scientists of our time. • Col. Chris Hadfield, former commander of the International Space Station “This publication showcases the breadth of Einstein’s • Entertainment industry icon Barbra Streisand influence on modern times and his continuing inspirational • Renowned environmental scientist, broadcaster and legacy for future generations,” says Judy Tanenbaum, writer Dr. David Suzuki the Albert Einstein Foundation‘s International Executive • Alice Munro, Nobel Laureate in literature Committee Co-Chair.

FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE ALBERT EINSTEIN FOUNDATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.ALBERTEINSTEINFOUNDATION.COM.

4 FOCUS ON PHILANTHROPY A COMMITMENT TO JEWISH EDUCATION Shier family supports HU fellowship in Jewish political thought

After Shoshana Shier passed away in 1994, her husband, At The Hebrew University, Prof. Avnon had observed a gulf Milton Shier, endowed the Shoshana Shier Distinguished between Jewish and general studies: a philosophy major, Visiting Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of for example, might never come across the great Jewish Toronto. Each year, the gift brings a renowned scholar to medieval philosopher Maimonides. He discussed with the the university for a semester to teach one or two courses Shier family his idea of developing a program in Jewish and give a series of public lectures. The 1998–99 scholar political thought, and proposed that they fund a fellowship was Dan Avnon, professor of political theory at the program for master’s and doctoral-level students pursuing Hebrew University. studies in this field. The Shiers accepted. Since 2000, two or three students a year are selected from many applicants During Prof. Avnon’s stay in Toronto, he learned of the as Shier Fellows. Shier family’s commitment to education. He learned of the teenaged Shoshana’s membership in Hashomer Hatzair, a The Shier fellowships, says Avnon, have enabled The Hebrew socialist Zionist youth movement. And he learned of her University’s political science department “to establish a involvement, with Milton, in the successful struggle to specialization in Jewish political thought that has produced establish a Jewish Studies program at U of T in the 1960s. creative — and at times path-breaking — scholarship. Shoshana had enrolled at U of T as a mature student after the Many of the students in this field, who have come to refer youngest of her three children started elementary school. to themselves as ‘The Shiers,’ would not have chosen this As the eldest child in a family with a sick father, she had specialization without the support of the fellowship.” completed only a commercial high school education before leaving school to work full time. Still, as with so many Jewish Recently, Avnon co-edited Fusion of Horizons: Jewish-Israeli families, she grew up in an environment where education Political Thought, a collection of 11 essays by Shier fellows. — both secular and Jewish — was esteemed. The book, published in Hebrew by the Hebrew University’s Magnes Press in October, is dedicated to the memory of Shoshana Shier.

At the age of 99, Milton Shier, with his second wife, Joyce, is still actively involved in supporting Jewish educational and other charitable causes in Canada and internationally. His children continue in their parents’ path LEFT & ABOVE: Shoshana and Milton Shier on two of their of Jewish commitment. many trips to Israel together.

NEW ONTARIO–HEBREW UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS ALIGNING ONTARIO & HU “For many years, Ontario and Israel have been collaborating on projects that advance discovery, leading to new breakthrough treatments, cures and technologies.” – Reza Moridi, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited foster exchanges aimed at developing The Hebrew University in May, as part of a technological solutions to medical problems. Middle East business mission to strengthen ties and encourage new academic and SOCIAL WORK professional alliances between Ontario and The University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Israel. On that trip, she witnessed the birth Faculty of Social Work and The Hebrew of four new partnerships between Hebrew University’s Paul Baerwald School of Social U and top-ranked Ontario universities Work and Social Welfare are partnering to and research institutes. These initiatives, facilitate graduate student exchanges and said Wynne, “will promote scientific, practicum placement. technological and industrial research and cooperation and improve the lives of people CANCER RESEARCH in both regions.” The Hebrew University’s Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE and the Ontario Institute for Cancer U OF T PARTNERSHIPS: Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne (in red) witnesses the signing of an The Jerusalem-Toronto Bio-Innovation Research (OICR) signed a memorandum agreement to facilitate cooperation between the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Partnership joins U of T’s Institute of of understanding to establish the Joseph Social Work and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and Wolf Lebovic Cancer Genomics and Welfare. Front row, l to r: Prof. Mimi Ajzenstadt, Dean of The Hebrew University’s Paul Baerwald School and The Hebrew University’s Alexander Immunity Research program. This $5 million of Social Work and Social Welfare; Prof. Oron Shagrir, Vice Rector of The Hebrew University; and Judith Grass Center for Bioengineering to support collaboration will support postdoctoral Wolfson, VP, international, government and institutional relations for the University of Toronto. Israeli and Canadian engineering, biology researchers and students in tumour and computer science students as they immunology and genomics, helping them including autism, bioengineering, “For many years,” said Ontario Minister conduct research in each other’s countries. to make cancer therapies more effective. veterinary medicine and agriculture. of Research and Innovation Reza Moridi, Ultimately, the partnership’s goal is to Hamilton’s McMaster University, for “researchers from Ontario and Israel have It will also offer the intensive, eight-week create a collaborative environment that example, will collaborate with Hebrew U been collaborating on projects that advance Transdisciplinary Innovation Program will accelerate the pace of cancer research. in autism research. discovery, leading to new breakthrough to U of T students in Israel, weaving treatments, cures and technologies that together computer vision, big data and LIFE SCIENCES The OICR and life sciences partnerships offer the potential to improve lives locally bioengineering. Participants will interact McMaster University, the University of were announced at a Hebrew University and globally. The agreements announced with Hebrew University Nobel laureates, Guelph and the University of Toronto also roundtable on innovation, designed to today build on that legacy of results- work under the mentorship of Israeli signed collaboration agreements with The promote Ontario’s leadership in innovation based partnerships and illustrate the ever- scientists and entrepreneurs, and pitch Hebrew University, expanding research and draw attention to the province’s deepening innovation, economic and cultural ideas to investors. The partnership will and innovation in the life sciences, exceptional postsecondary institutions. connections between Ontario and Israel.”

5 WHAT’S HAPPENING @ HU UNEARTHING HISTORY PEACE THROUGH HU archaeologists mark two significant finds. PERFORMANCE Two recent discoveries by Hebrew University The two professors have been able to archaeologists continue to shed light on identify the six steps in the woman’s funeral Dame Helen Mirren meets Arab and Jewish theatre students ancient life in the Mediterranean. rites. The site, they say, provides “a rare opportunity to reconstruct the dynamics of at Hebrew U. In a literally historic find, a large fragment of ritual performance at a time when [funerals an Egyptian limestone statue was discovered were] becoming an increasingly important at Tel-Hazor, north of the Sea of Galilee in social mediator at a crucial juncture deep Israel. Only the lower part of the statue has in human history.” survived, depicting the crouching feet of a male figure, seated on a square base on The unusual funeral event provides strong which a few lines of Egyptian hieroglyphics evidence for community engagement in are inscribed. ritual practice, they note. Its analysis contributes to the growing picture of Unearthed by three volunteer archaeologists, social complexity in the Natufian period as the statue was originally placed either in a predecessor for increasingly public ritual a tomb or temple dedicated to its owner, and social transformations in the period most likely an Egyptian official who may that followed. have served in the region of Memphis. It is likely this and other statues found in the The Hebrew University’s Institute of region were sent by an Egyptian king as Archaeology is the birthplace of archaeology gifts to the king of Hazor. This makes sense, in Israel. Its excavations at major prehistoric says Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor, of The Hebrew and historic sites have shaped many of the University’s Institute of Archaeology, who current paradigms in Israeli archaeology, and has been conducting excavations at Tel- have contributed to a better understanding Hazor for more than 27 years: Hazor is the of past human behaviour. Visit their site at: 03 most important site from the Biblical period. www.archaeology.huji.ac.il. 03 THEATRICAL DIPLOMACY: Dame Helen Mirren (bottom, 3rd from l) meets with Arab and Jewish students and staff at The Hebrew University’s department of theatre studies. Also pictured: Department And, eight years after Chair Dr. Jeanette Malkin, Director of the Billy Crystal Program for Peace through the Performing Arts (top l); the discovery of a highly Hebrew University president Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson (bottom l); and Prof. Dror Wahrman, Dean of the unique burial site, Hebrew Faculty of Humanities (bottom r). University archaeology 04 STEVEN SPIELBERG JEWISH FILM ARCHIVE: Dame Helen Mirren (c) holds one of the 10,000 Prof. Leore Grosman and reels of film at The Hebrew University’s Spielberg Archive. With Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson (l) and her colleague Prof. Natalie Prof. Dror Wahrman (r). Munro, from the University of Connecticut, have Dame Helen Mirren, one of the world’s with the “other” through collaborative identified the sequence best-known and most respected actresses, theatre work. of events of a mysterious met in June with Jewish and Arab theatre funeral ritual that took place students at The Hebrew University to talk At a memorial service for Muhammad Ali, 12,000 years ago. shop and see them perform. Crystal described the origins of the program:

In 2008, Hebrew U Mirren visited with students at The Billy [Ali] was an honourary chairman for a dinner archaeologists excavated Crystal Program for Peace through the … where I was being honoured by The Hebrew a gravesite in the Hilazon Performing Arts, run by The Hebrew University in Jerusalem… The most famous Tachtit Cave on the banks University’s department of theatre studies. Muslim man in the world, honouring his Jewish of the Hilazon River in the Students discussed the challenges and friend. And, because he was there, we raised a Western Galilee region. rewards of acting in both Arabic and great deal of money, and I was able to use it to There, they found the Hebrew, and gave a live performance in endow the [Hebrew] University in Jerusalem with body of a woman — likely both languages for the actress, who has something … that he loved the theory of, and it a shaman — laid on a bed won multiple awards for her work. thrives to this day. It’s called ‘Peace through the and surrounded by specially Performing Arts.’ It’s a theatre group where Israeli, selected materials, including Established at The Hebrew University Arab and Palestinian actors, writers and directors the cores of gazelle horns, through Jewish-American actor Billy all work together in peace, creating original works tortoise and sea shells, a Crystal’s initiative and generosity, the of art. And that doesn’t happen without him. leopard’s pelvis, wild boar Crystal program is dedicated to promoting

bones and even a human foot. Photo credit: Naftali Hilger 01 a humanistic society based on dialogue and Mirren also visited the The Hebrew University’s peaceful coexistence between Jews and Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive and its Arabs in Israel. Theatre artists and students, Theatre Archive and Museum. There, artist- both Jewish and Arab, participate in a wide teacher Emanuella Amichai, an award-winning range of laboratory classes, workshops, choreographer and performance director, master classes and special projects and introduced Place-Identity, her work with performances. This unique program Palestinian-Israeli student Elham Mahamid. functions as a social and cultural bridge to The piece was performed last year as part of encourage understanding and identifying the closing event of the Jerusalem Art Festival.

02 Photo credit: Shlomit Bechar Shlomit credit: Photo 01 ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES: Hebrew University archaeologists uncovered a 12,000-year-old grave inside a cave in northern Israel. 02 FOOTSTEPS OF THE PAST: Three volunteer excavators discovered remnants of an Egyptian statue 04 at Tel Hazor. (l to r) Valentin Sama-Rojo (Spain), Bryan Kovach (U.S.A.) and Elanji Swart (South Africa).

6 WHAT’S HAPPENING @ HU

SMARTER SECURITY: Hebrew University Prof. Shmuel Peleg has revolutionized the security industry with his Video Synopsis SAVING TIME, SAVING LIVES technology, which boils down video surveillance recordings to their bare essentials. BriefCam technology pares down days’ worth of security footage to minutes.

With half a million tourists and thousands Hebrew University computer scientist Prof. is [actually] being used and reviewed,” down on a busy highway between 4 PM and of athletes descending upon the city, not Shmuel Peleg. His award-winning Video said BriefCam CEO Dror Irani in a July 6 PM, say — paring down investigators’ to mention Rio de Janeiro’s own 6 million- Synopsis software acts as a search engine interview with CNN. BriefCam’s technology focus and saving countless person-hours plus citizens, the organizers of the 2016 for video, paring down an hour of footage to distinguishes between a static background of labour. Olympics needed their security systems to a minute or two and picking out and time- and moving objects or events, and layers be as efficient as humanly possible. Sure, stamping anomalies. multiple events occurring at different times BriefCam technology is being used around they had thousands of video surveillance — even those filmed on different cameras the world at monuments (including the cameras monitoring the Olympic city 24/7, With more than 500 PB of video — so that reviewers can see them all in a Statue of Liberty), by police departments, but how could they hope to scan that much recorded each day, the technology fills highly compressed time period. security agencies and convention centres, footage in the event of an incident? security’s urgent need to be able to review in airports and in businesses and private footage rapidly. What’s more, searches can be customized: homes. It was used during the investigations To help, Rio’s organizers turned to BriefCam. for example, the technology can be and to identify and locate suspects in both The Israeli startup was founded in 2010 on “There’s a gap between how much video programmed to pinpoint only certain data at the Boston Marathon and New York City the strength of technology developed by is being recorded and how much video certain moments — only red cars travelling bombing attacks. www.briefcam.com

A SUPER CURE FOR A SUPERBUG Dr. Raymond Kaempfer has unravelled the inner workings of lethal superantigens, combating both bioterrorism and toxic shock.

In what has been described as a landmark bioterrorism. Indeed, they’ve been a major Proceedings of the National Academy of research paper, IMRIC scientist Dr. focus for the U.S. government’s biological Sciences in October. Raymond Kaempfer and his colleagues weapons program; there are significant fears have unravelled the workings of a strain of that they may be stockpiled by nations or Kaempfer, the Philip Marcus Professor of deadly “super” toxins. What’s more, they’ve organizations posing threats to the U.S. Molecular Biology and Cancer Research at discovered a novel way to block the so-called and other countries. Over the course of his The Hebrew University, is the cofounder “superantigens,” saving lives and providing career, Dr. Kaempfer has worked closely with of Atox Bio Company, which focuses not a defense against bioterrorism. several U.S. agencies to study superantigens only on biodefense but also creating drugs and design antidotes for them. for medical needs, including autoimmune Superantigens are highly virulent disease and septic and toxic shock. toxins produced by staphylococcal and Dr. Kaempfer’s paper, the product of two streptococcal bacteria. Normally, the decades’ worth of research, outlines a novel He was born in Holland on the cusp of the immune system reacts to pathogens approach to combating superantigens. Second World War. As a toddler, he was with a healthy inflammatory response. Rather than focusing on the bacterial toxins separated from his parents and spent the Superantigens, though, trigger a highly — which can easily mutate and become next three years in hiding. Miraculously, he exaggerated response — called an resistant — they have focused on the “host”: was reunited with his parents at the end of “immune storm” — in the body. These the human body exposed to the potentially the war. He grew up in Holland, did a PhD at storms can cause a great deal of damage lethal substances. They’ve shown that they MIT and then postdoctoral work at Harvard, and lead to multiple organ failure and, can use short chains of proteins, called where he secured a faculty position. Then, at often, death within 24 to 48 hours. peptides, to bind to superantigens and block the age of 34 and with three young children, And yet, no drug or vaccine is currently their action. he picked up and made aliyah to work at The available to combat them. Hebrew University of Jerusalem. As an added bonus, the antidote acts like Because superantigens can so easily a vaccine in the body, protecting survivors “The main reason I came to Israel, was because incapacitate and kill humans, even in from future toxin challenges. The work I felt I should dedicate myself to humanity

tiny amounts, they are a huge threat for was published in the prestigious journal rather than my own ego,” he has said. Aschheim Yoram Credit: Photo

7 CFHU ACROSS CANADA

MONTREAL FROM MEDICINE TO MARKETPLACE BioDesign unites scientists, bioengineers & marketers

A medical researcher, a bioengineer and Applying startup methods to medical research, a marketer walk into a room. The result explained Nahmias, means that researchers isn’t the punchline to a joke, but a potent actively canvass medical practitioners in the combination for medical breakthroughs. field to identify problems to be solved and needs to be met. For example, they discovered It’s also the basis for BioDesign, a that nurses regularly identified IV insertion as multidisciplinary, team-based approach to a problem in hospitals: with a failure rate of medical innovation created by The Hebrew nearly 50%, it causes patients unnecessary University and the Hadassah Medical Center pain and distress. With that in mind, a in partnership with Stanford University. The BioDesign team developed the SAGIV — or program takes outstanding medical fellows Semi Automatic Guided Intravenous — device. and bioengineering and business graduate Using infrared technology, the handheld device students and tutors them in the science and helps identify appropriate veins and inserts practice of bringing medical innovation to the IV needle on demand, using electrical the marketplace. feedback for precise penetration. With more than 170 million IV insertions conducted each In February, BioDesign cofounder Prof. year in United States, the team sees huge Yaakov (Koby) Nahmias gave a lunchtime potential for this product. lecture to an audience of about 30 at the offices of corporate host Borden Ladner BioDesign, says chapter President Ari Brojde, Gervais LLP. Nahmias was the keynote is a great example of The Hebrew University’s speaker at the annual Albert Einstein ongoing focus on building partnerships for the Business Forum, curated by CFHU’s betterment of humankind. “Israel is known Montreal chapter. Ziv Nevo-Kulman, Consul as ‘The Startup Nation,’” he says, “and it’s BIODESIGNING THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE: (l to r) Hebrew University Prof. Yaacov Nahmias, with General of Israel in Montreal, hosted a clear that programs like BioDesign position Ziv Nevo-Kulman, Consul General of Israel in Montreal, and Montreal chapter President Ari Brojde, reception in honour of Prof. Nahmias later The Hebrew University at the forefront of was the keynote speaker at the chapter’s annual Albert Einstein Business Forum. that evening. that movement.”

TORONTO OTTAWA different synagogues and Jewish community organizations. The role is in Orit’s DNA: of Yemeni and Hungarian descent, she INVESTING FOR WOMEN PROMOTING was born in Sweden, where her parents worked as Israeli community ambassadors. Their message was simple: you have the skills to manage your She’s worked with youth in Israel, Australia HEBREW U and South Africa and is a recipient of the investments if you so choose. prestigious Bronfman Youth Fellowship. IN OTTAWA Now settled into their home in Nepean Last November, Leslie Gales, President and The intimate evening was designed to provide and their office at the Soloway JCC, the Chief Investment Officer of the Midland participants with tools to better understand CFHU welcomes Hebrew U Hebrew U grads are hard at work creating Group of Companies, and Susan Baxter, and take control of their financial futures, says more awareness about the University, as Vice Chair at RBC Wealth Management, led Randy, who is President of CFHU’s Toronto community ambassadors well as programs to promote it in CFHU’s an animated and eye-opening discussion chapter. “We know that women are increasingly Eastern region. They’re planning to host on investment basics for women. About called upon to make important financial two Hanukkah candle-lighting events in 30 women attended the parlour meeting, decisions in what is still a male-dominated field, Orit and Daniel Tor are learning about fall December, and to kick off 2017 with a held at the Toronto home of Risa and and we thought that this type of event would leaves, Halloween, down jackets, Beavertails, series of culinary workshops. Those will Randy Masters. help address their need for more information.” Montreal bagels and — obviously — hockey. no doubt be informed by Daniel’s experience And they hope to teach Ottawa residents working as a chef for two years in one of just as much about Israeli culture and The Israel’s best restaurants, where he drew on Hebrew University of Jerusalem. the diversity of Israeli cultures and his own Moroccan ancestry to develop interesting, The newlywed couple, Hebrew University international meals. Community Ambassadors to Ottawa, arrived in the National Capital Region in Follow Orit and Daniel on the Ottawa September, and have been bowled over by chapter Facebook page @CFHUOttawa, the warm welcome they’ve received from and message them at [email protected] or CFHU board members, local families, and [email protected].

Women and wealth: Finance experts Leslie Gales (head of table, l) and Susan Baxter (head of table, Go Sens! Orit (r) and Daniel Tor (2nd from r), Ottawa’s new Hebrew University Community r) led a workshop on “Investing for Women” at the home of Toronto chapter President Randy Masters Ambassadors, with CFHU Ottawa board member Mitchell Bellman (in Sens shirt) and Shelley Crawford, (standing) and his wife, Risa Masters. CFO of the Ottawa Jewish Federation (l).

8 CFHU ACROSS CANADA

WINNIPEG A TASTE OF HEBREW U IN WINNIPEG The wine flowed and the scents of roasted eggplant and lemon zest filled the air as a group of about 15 young professionals and local Hebrew University alumni gathered at the Winnipeg home of Baillie and Daniel Chisick for a culinary evening celebrating the flavours of the Israeli kitchen.

The October event was the creation of thrilled to attend the Winnipeg launch of the new CFHU Community Ambassadors the Albert Einstein Foundation. to Winnipeg, Sigal Kleynerman and Shai Josopov, who arrived in the city in “The community has been very helpful and September and have been working nonstop generous,” says Sigal. She and Shai, both to get to know the community ever since. Hebrew University graduates, are grateful to The recently married couple has met with CFHU Winnipeg chapter President Margaret CFHU and community leaders, heads of Shuckett, as well as chapter members and Cooking up community: (l to r) CFHU Community Ambassadors to Winnipeg Shai Josopov and Sigal synagogues and other faith communities, local and national staff, “who have really Kleynerman brought Puzzle Israel cofounders and chefs Guy Marom and Nir Margalith to Winnipeg to universities and high schools, and a helped us overcome our initial culture conduct an intimate Israeli cooking class at the home of and Baillie and Daniel Chisick. variety of Jewish organizations in the city. shock and showed us the ropes here.” Everywhere they’ve gone, says Shai, has Local lay leader Dr. Robyn Gertenstein was been an opportunity to create or participate instrumental in helping to organize the in programs that will educate Winnipeggers culinary event. about The Hebrew University of Jerusalem CALGARY & VANCOUVER and Israel. The highly successful culinary evening, say Sigal and Shai, is — literally — just a taste of They’ve spoken, for example, at congregation the exciting array of events and programs THE LIFE OF AN IDF RESERVIST Etz Chayim, the Israeli advocacy group they’re cooking up for the Winnipeg Bridges for Peace and the Jewish Federation community. Stay tuned! What does it mean to be both a student and a soldier? of Winnipeg’s Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. The day after their cooking event — Follow Sigal and Shai on the CFHU Winnipeg For reservists in the Israeli Army, that means duty to one’s which featured chefs Nir Margalith and Guy Chapter Facebook page @CFHUWinnipeg country always takes precedence over exams and assignments. Marom, the cofounders of alternative Israeli or message them at [email protected] tour company Puzzle Israel — they were or [email protected]. In July, four members of the Israeli Defense “If you’re suddenly called up, you go. You Forces’ Unit 669 — which accepts 50 don’t even close the book,” says Wachtel. of 10,000 applicants — talked to rapt “And when you get back, it’s your job to audiences in Vancouver and Calgary about find out what you missed and to reschedule NEW LEADERSHIP FOR CFHU EASTERN REGION the intense and challenging situations they your exams. Students aren’t subsidized by have faced in combat zones. What gets the government, there are no student loans, talked about less often are the challenges and they aren’t eligible for social services.” FAREWELL SIMON, HELLO JON faced by soldiers once they return from active duty and enroll in university. CFHU has launched its Soldier-Student There’s been a change of the guard for CFHU’s Montreal Scholarship campaign in order to make sure When a soldier’s compulsory duty ends, his future doctors like Braun can focus on saving chapter. We are delighted to welcome Jon Reider as the new or her duties aren’t done. “Once you’re in lives as a student and as a soldier and not Executive Director of our Eastern Region. the Army,” explains CFHU Western Region worry about the cost of education. At least Executive Director Dina Wachtel, “you can be 10 soldiers in Unit 669 will have their entire called up for duty anywhere from once a year undergraduate tuition covered as a result of Einstein Foundation. We are very happy to to once a week — more in times of crisis.” the ongoing campaign. have him on board.” For IDF reservist Dotan Braun, currently in “These are very accomplished, high-quality Reider, a father of three — his wife has medical school at Hebrew U, that might mean soldiers and students,” says Wachtel. “This taught for 36 years at Montreal’s Solomon missing classes or exams if his unit needs is the future leadership of Israeli society, Schechter Academy — has a long history him. And while he doesn’t hesitate to move and the reality is they go through steps of involvement in Jewish charitable from classroom to combat unit, missing days that kids in Canada don’t go through.” organizations and community causes, or weeks of school at a moment’s notice can To donate to the campaign, please visit including Jewish education and summer take its toll academically and financially. www.cfhu.org/CampaignforHUSoldiers. camps. He says that his work at CFHU will be based on the same fundamentals of relationship-building that characterized his corporate career.

WELCOME ABOARD! Jon Reider, new Executive “In the past I focused on selling great ideas Director, CFHU Eastern Region. to investors. Now, I’m selling a much better investment, one that will impact people’s Jon comes to CFHU from the corporate lives and allow a very important institution world, bringing to his position more than 30 to grow and thrive,” he says. “I am so excited years’ experience in the financial services to begin telling the Hebrew U story to a new and marketing industries. He’s worked generation of donors while working very with several bank-owned investment firms closely with the wonderful people who have and other leading Canadian corporations, built CFHU to its stature of such a respected including Desjardins Securities, CP Rail organization within the community.” and Aimia. After four productive years, Executive “Jon has spent an entire career convincing Director Simon Bensimon has moved on to people as to why they should invest in a a new position in the Jewish community. certain company,” says CFHU Montreal “Simon was a very important partner with IDF in our DNA Members of Israeli Defense Forces elite Unit 669 talked to Vancouver and Calgary chapter President Ari Brojde. “He’s a The Hebrew University in Montreal and audiences about the challenges and rewards of serving in the IDF’s reserves. With their studies tremendous addition to the organization, not Ottawa,” says Brojde. “One of his greatest interrupted at a moment’s notice, these soldier-students need extra financial support. (l to r) 669 IDF least for his ability to speak with corporate strengths was in stewarding gifts from idea reserve combat soldiers Gai Ben Dor and Leehou Porat, CFHU Calgary chapter President Cheryl Baron, donors about CFHU initiatives like the Albert to completion. We wish him well.” soldiers Dotan Braun and Bar Reuven, and CFHU Western Region Executive Director Dina Wachtel.

9 STUDENTS & ALUMNI

01 MAKING PLACES IN JERUSALEM & TEL AVIV U of T students study Israel’s urban social geographies.

Most visitors to Jerusalem are content to visit sites like the By visiting each of the four projects, University of Toronto Students were encouraged to share their experiences, Old City, the Western Wall, Yad Vashem. A group of nine participants were able to see the complexity of challenges ideas and perspectives on Twitter and other social media University of Toronto students and professors took a decidedly faced by Jerusalem residents and city planners. platforms, using the handle @UofTJeru and several hashtags different approach, however, when they toured Jerusalem and related to the trip. Tel Aviv in May. Instead of the Temple Mount or the Dome “They got to understand that it’s not simply a Jewish- of the Rock, they explored crosswalks and water fountains, Muslim, or Arab-Israeli dynamic,” explains Brail, who acts “It was a remarkable way to communicate with each other,” parking spaces and murals, bicycle racks and public benches as U of T’s presidential adviser on urban engagement and says Brail, “but also to reflect on what we were learning and (single seats, they learned, are the norm for benches in ultra- is a senior associate in the Innovation Policy Lab at the to engage with people back in Toronto and urban planning Orthodox communities, to maintain separation between men Munk School of Global Affairs. “They could see that the and placemaking communities around the world.” She hopes and women). issue is much more complicated and the populations much that U of T can host a similar delegation from The Hebrew more diverse.” University in the coming years. “It provided a fantastic and U of T urban studies professor (and Hebrew University meaningful learning experience for all the participants.” alumna, 90–91) Shauna Brail brought the group to The Izabela Molendowski, in her first year of a masters planning Hebrew University’s Urban Clinic to partner in a six-day trip program at U of T, was struck by the strong family focus in to study urban regeneration, inclusive public spaces and both the ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods of West Jerusalem placemaking in neighbourhoods throughout the two cities. and Arab neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem. The trip was her first time in Israel. Born and raised in Toronto Placemaking, explains Brail, is the practice of looking at an to Polish immigrant parents, she wanted to compare her URBAN CLINIC AT existing, usually public, place, “and thinking about how it’s own upbringing in a multicultural city to the Jerusalem used and what small adjustments and tweaks could make it experience. “For someone who wants to be a planner, what HEBREW UNIVERSITY better, warmer, more inviting, more functional for people.” better place to learn than Jerusalem, with its thousands of years of history and its complex politics and populations?” The Urban Clinic at Hebrew University is Brail describes a placemaking project in an East Jerusalem says the 22-year-old. an academic body that works to strengthen neighbourhood, one of four such projects carried out in creative and socially aware urban leadership in conjunction between Urban Clinic students and neighbourhood The six-day trip was funded mostly through the Canadian Israel. The Urban Clinic provides state-of-the- partners. Through a series of community meetings, the Friends of Hebrew University/University of Toronto art knowledge about what works in housing, students identified a problematic road in the neighbourhood, Endowment Fund, as well as to a smaller extent by each urban regeneration and community planning, where cars parked on a sidewalk, forcing children to walk to participating student’s department and program. to ensure that the current and next generation and from school on the street. The group proposed removing of urban practitioners are equipped with parking and adding street furniture, a mural to beautify a large Brail has been to Jerusalem many times, but she learned effective tools and skills to make our cities truly wall, and a water fountain in order to improve safety and invite a lot by seeing the city through the eyes of her students. remarkable places for all. Founded in 2013, the residents to use the street more fully. In a different, Orthodox, “They were just terribly insightful about challenges and Urban Clinic is part of The Hebrew University’s neighbourhood, students recommended the transformation issues. I was impressed with their maturity and also with Faculty of Social Sciences, and linked to its of a parking area into a public space for residents, with space their ability to understand the complexities and nuances Institute of Urban and Regional Studies. to gather and also store bicycles. of everyday life in Jerusalem.” Check out Urban Clinic Founding Director Dr. Emily Silverman’s HUJI Talk — “HUJI 01 THE #UOFTJERU CREW: In May 2016, Prof. Shauna Brail (r) led a group of University of Toronto students on a “placemaking” study of and the City: An Urban Planning Tale” — at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The group was hosted by The Hebrew University’s Urban Clinic. www.youtube.com/CdnFriendsHU. 02 CREATIVE CITIES: This community library along Jerusalem’s pedestrian-heavy Railway Park is a great example of “placemaking.” 03 CITY GOVERNMENT: With Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Tamir Nir (c).

02 03

10 BOARD OF GOVERNORS HOLD THE DATE CANADIANS HONOURED AT BOG CFHU’s chapters have an exciting array of events in the coming year. Mark your calendar What a year for Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem! At the now, and visit cfhu.org/events or call your University’s 79th annual Board of Governors meeting, Canadian supporters were local chapter office for more information. recognized again and again for their ongoing contributions to The Hebrew University and Israel. Here are some highlights: NATIONAL EVENTS & MISSIONS FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017 CFHU Snowbird Get-togethers: Celebrating LEBOVIC HONOURARY DOCTORATE Einstein, Florida & Palm Springs Toronto-based businessman, community FEBRUARY 2017 leader and dedicated philanthropist Alumni and Friends Hockey Madness on Joseph Lebovic (r), pictured with Hebrew Ice Games (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, University President Menahem Ben-Sasson Montreal, Winnipeg) received an honourary doctorate from The MARCH 2017 Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A month Alumni and Friends 23rd annual earlier, the Institute for Medical Research CFHU March Madness Online Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and the Ontario Tournament supporting Einstein Legacy Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) Student Scholarships signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the $5 million Joseph and Wolf APRIL 2017 Alumni and Friends Playoff Hockey Photo credit: Bruno Charbit Lebovic Cancer Genomics and Immunity Research program (see page 5). Madness Online Tournament supporting Einstein Legacy Student Scholarships MINTZ HONOURARY FELLOWSHIP JUNE 9–14, 2017 Toronto businessman and philanthropist Harley Mintz (l), Hebrew University 80th Board of Governors pictured here with Hebrew University President Menahem Meeting: The Next Generation Ben-Sasson, received an honourary fellowship from The AUGUST 2017 Hebrew University. Mintz, a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP Alumni and Friends Football Madness in Toronto, is a past CFHU national treasurer, Toronto chapter Online Tournament supporting Einstein president and Associate Board of Governors member. Legacy Student Scholarships

MONTREAL APRIL 2017 Albert Einstein Foundation launch

OTTAWA DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 Alumni Hanukkah candle-lighting event JANUARY 2017 Photo credit: Bruno Charbit CFHU Series of culinary workshops ACE SCHOLARSHIPS

Photo credit: Bruno Charbit Longtime CFHU board member Gail Asper (r) hosted a L’chaim celebration, where she presented scholarships from TORONTO The Hebrew University’s Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship MAY 24, 2017 to students participating in international study-abroad Third Annual Einstein Gala placements. On hand was Prof. Yishay Yafeh (l), of The JULY 2017 Hebrew University School of Business Administration. Alumni and Friends Swim & Schmooze Summer Party INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING OCTOBER 2017 Montreal’s Anna Brojde (r) hosted a luncheon at the Peter Alumni and Friends Network Roundtable Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Career-Building Event, with alumni Science. Here, Brojde chats with Dr. Ori Katz, the 2016–2018 and mentors PBC Brojde Fellow, who has received generous funding from the Brojde Family Foundation to set up The Hebrew University’s new Advanced Optical Imaging Lab. Dr. Katz VANCOUVER

Photo credit: Miriam Alster, Flash90 gave a talk on his research at the luncheon. MARCH 23, 2017 Max Stern Art Restitution project event with Clarence Epstein MARCH 17, 2017 Lecture by Hebrew University law professor Guy Pesach, visiting professor at UBC

WINNIPEG JANUARY 2017 • CFHU Happy Hour: Food, Wine & Research #1 • The Ultimate Israeli Shabbat Dinner Party

Photo credit for both photos: Hezi Hojesta Photo credit for both photos: Hezi Hojesta FEBRUARY 2017 • CFHU Happy Hour: IMRIC DEDICATIONS Food, Wine & Research #2 The Herbert & Dorothy Nadolny Cardio-Metabolic Disease Research Hub and the Fichman Family Fund at the Faculty of Medicine • Tu B’Shvat: were dedicated at the BOG, celebrating the leadership of Canadian Friends in Ottawa and Montreal. Left: Ottawa philanthropist Celebrating Agricultural Innovation and fundraiser Dorothy Nadolny (r), who established the hub in memory of her late husband, is pictured here with her sister-in- • The Ultimate Shakshuka Night law, Chantelle Nadolny (l), and daughter Lynda Nadolny (c). Right: Montreal’s Dr. Stephen Fichman, pictured here with his wife, Susan Fichman, at the dedication of the Fichman Student Room at IMRIC. Nadolny and Fichman were also honoured at The Hebrew University’s Wall of Life, as was the Brettler Mintz Foundation, represented by Harley Mintz.

11 THE DIPLOMACY OF KNOWLEDGE CANADA’S GOV. GEN. VISITS HEBREW U, IMRIC Governor General of Canada David Johnston and his wife, Sharon Johnston, visited the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Medicine in November. Johnston is the first Governor General to make a state visit to Israel.

Johnston was accompanied by a delegation has helped them become more effective that discussed collaborative medical parents, and she discussed common research partnerships between Canada and challenges, lessons and experiences among Israel. The delegation visited the Institute for the Canadian and Israeli programs. Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), where its Chair, Prof. Haya Lorberboum- HIPPY was founded in the late 1960s at the Galski, described many such partnerships, Hebrew University School of Education, including the Alex U. Soyka Pancreatic through the National Council of Jewish Cancer Research Project, the Joseph Women. It is dedicated to the principles and Wolf Lebovic Cancer Genomics and of equal opportunities for education and 01 Immunotherapy Program and the Canada- social inclusion, working with communities Israel International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and families who face socioeconomic (FASD) Consortium. Prof. Abraham challenges in helping parents and caregivers Fainsod and Prof. Ehud Cohen described nurture children’s readiness for school. their research into FASD and Alzheimer’s Its programs can now be found around Disease, respectively. the world.

Sharon Johnston visited HIPPY Israel The visit to the Hebrew University comes (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool in the context of forging greater ties Youngsters), which offers early childhood between Canadian and Israeli innovation programs to thousands of families among and educational institutions. In an op- Israel’s native-born Arab and Jewish ed written before the visit, the Governor communities. As honourary patron General wrote, “We are looking beyond our of HIPPY Canada, she met with leaders of borders for ideas and innovation — and what the Israel program to learn about its services better place to look than Israel, a leader in and success stories. She heard from several new ideas and innovative thinking. We have mothers who said that participating in HIPPY much to learn from each other.” 02

01 WELCOME HOME TO IMRIC: Hebrew University President Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson welcomed Canadian Governor General David Johnston and his wife, Sharon Johnston, to IMRIC and the Hebrew U Faculty of Medicine with the words, “Together, Israel and Canada are translating science into medicine and, ultimately, healing the world.” (l to r): IMRIC researcher Prof. Ehud Cohen; Johnston; Ben-Sasson; IMRIC Chair Prof. Haya Lorberboum-Galski; Mrs. Sharon Johnston; Prof. David Lichtstein, Dean of The Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine; and IMRIC researcher Prof. Abraham Fainsod. 02 HIPPY ISRAEL: Hayat Abd Elhak, a veteran instructor at the HIPPY Israel program, presents Sharon Johnston with a bracelet inscribed with the words, “From Birth to University.” “I will wear this to the state dinner tonight,” said Mrs. Johnston.

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