Friends raise money for Israeli school
The Canadian Friends of Hebrew university hosted their annual gala at the Toronto Centre for the Arts and was attended by more than 700 guests from the philanthropic and business communities. Founded in 1944 by Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew university (CFHU) promotes awareness, leadership and financial support for the Hebrew university of Jerusalem.
It does so by establishing student scholarships, supporting academic research and faculty exchanges, and recruiting Canadian students to attend the Rothberg International School.
Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman was honoured with the Jake Eberts Key of Knowledge Award. The award celebrates Mr. Freeman’s dedication to combating racism and promoting knowledge and education worldwide. The event raised $2-million for the Institute for Medical research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Canada’s premier institute in Israel and a symbol of the scientific cooperation and friendship be- tween both countries.
Through IMRIC, Israeli and Canadian scientists are working together to find solutions and better treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart- and brain-related disorders.
A special question-andanswer session with Morgan Freeman was moderated by two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Paul Saltzman and hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
“I believe it is through education and the collaboration of some of the brightest minds and like-minded people from across Canada and Israel that we are able to help find cures and build bridges between our two countries,” said Ronnen Harary, chairman and co-CEO of Spin Master Ltd.
Guests also enjoyed a tribute video featuring Shirley Douglas, actress and political activist; Marc and Craig Kielburger, co-founders of Free the Children; Piers Handling, director and CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival; and Robert Lantos, founder of Serendipity Point Films.