Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU)

The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) is a national nonprofit organization established in 1944 by Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman. It is dedicated to promoting awareness, leadership, and financial support for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of Israel's premier academic research institutions[3][4].

Mission and Objectives

CFHU’s primary mission is to generate funds to support world-class research and education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The organization fosters academic ties between Canadian universities and the Hebrew University, facilitating partnerships in research, scholarships, and student and faculty exchanges. It also supports recruiting Canadian students to attend the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University, enhancing cross-cultural academic collaboration[1][3].

The organization emphasizes investing in groundbreaking scientific research, entrepreneurial innovation, and higher education learning to address global challenges and enrich communities through academic excellence[1].

Key Initiatives and Impact

One of CFHU’s landmark initiatives was a major fundraising campaign launched in 2008 that raised $50 million for the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) at the Hebrew University. CFHU continues to support IMRIC through direct funding and by developing collaborative medical research partnerships between Canada and Israel[3].

CFHU chapters across Canada—in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver—actively engage in raising the profile of the Hebrew University within their communities by organizing educational programs and fundraising events. These efforts help sustain the University’s status as a leading academic institution globally and in Israel, where it ranks first nationally and 64th globally[1][3].

Organizational Structure and Leadership

CFHU operates through various regional chapters, each with its own leadership to coordinate local activities and events. The organization is governed by a national leadership team that includes an executive vice president and a president & CEO, among others, who oversee the execution of CFHU’s strategic goals and fundraising efforts[5].

Community and Outreach

Beyond fundraising, CFHU cultivates a vibrant community of supporters and alumni that bridges Canada and Israel. Through academic scholarships and research collaborations, it strengthens educational opportunities for students from both countries. CFHU’s work is inspired by the academic vision of Hebrew University founding father Albert Einstein, and it aims to enrich lives globally by fostering knowledge and innovation[4][1].

CFHU remains a pivotal institution linking Canadian academic and philanthropic communities with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, advancing scientific research, education, and cultural exchange on an international scale.

Business Registration Number: 124355363RR0001
Website: www.cfhu.org

[1] https://www.cfhu.org [2] https://www.youtube.com/@CdnFriendsHU [3] https://www.jewishottawa.com/our-community/community-directory/canadian-friends-of-hebrew-university [4] https://campaign.huji.ac.il/cfhu-canadian-friends-hebrew-university [5] https://www.jewishtoronto.com/directory/canadian-friends-of-the-hebrew-university-of-jerusalem