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Our Story

Tel Aviv University Canada provides direct funding support for the educational and research goals of Tel Aviv University (TAU), Israel’s largest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning, facilitated by enhanced public awareness of the University’s achievements and programming through the development of a strong local network of support.

As part of a global network of friends’ associations, CFTAU facilitates academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel as well as establishing scholarships, supporting research, cultivating student and faculty exchanges and recruiting Canadian students to participate in the TAU International Program.

By supporting Tel Aviv University, you will be supporting Israel’s finest academic institution.


Founded in 1956, Tel Aviv University has grown into the largest and most influential university in Israel today. From ground-breaking research to life-saving technology, TAU is shaping the future of Israeli society and producing alumni that become tomorrow’s leaders, teachers and innovators. Many of Israel’s leaders in medicine, technology, law, music, film, and governments are graduates. In 2019, the Marker magazine published its list of 40 most influential people under 40 in Israel, and TAU Alumni had 12 entries. The university has been ranked 8th among the top 10 schools globally for producing successful, venture capital-backed founders of companies, in a survey of over 13,000 entrepreneurs worldwide (Pitchbook 2019). TAU remains the only non-U.S. university to make the top 10

About Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University (TAU) – Israel’s largest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning – is home to over 30,000 students studying in nine faculties and over 125 schools and departments across the spectrum of sciences, humanities and the arts. 

Situated in Israel’s cultural, financial and technological capital, TAU shares Tel Aviv’s unshakable spirit of openness and innovation – and boasts a campus life as dynamic and pluralistic as the metropolis itself. Tel Aviv the city and Tel Aviv the university are one and the same – a thriving Mediterranean center of diversity and discovery.

Consistently ranked in the top 20 in the world in terms of scientific citations and among the top 100 universities internationally, Tel Aviv University is also Israel’s first choice for students, and its graduates are the most sought after by Israeli companies. Global in outlook and impact, TAU advances teaching and research that break down the walls between disciplines, striving to address the twenty-first century’s most pressing challenges through bold, interdisciplinary solutions.


National Team

Ariela Cotler, National President

Ariela Cotler is a proud Jew, Israeli, a daughter, wife, mother of 4 amazing people, and grandmother of 9.

Ariela, born and raised in Jerusalem, studied at Hebrew University and subsequently worked as a legislative assistant and parliamentary secretary for Menachem Begin and the GH”L party (subsequently the “Likud”) in the Israeli Knesset from 1967-1979. Once in Canada, she worked over the years as a social worker at the CLSC, has taught and lectured. The main topics included Jewish education, Jewish identity and the centrality of Israel.

Her first introduction to Montreal’s Jewish community was the Federation building. The two organizations she initially joined were The Jewish Education Center – working with the young and young adults on issues of Jewish education and identity; and The Canada Israel Committee , QIC, and subsequently CIJA- to work towards enhancing the issues of Israel advocacy and Israel- diaspora relations.

This led to Ariela to become Montreal’s Chair of State of Israel Bonds Woman Division from 1982-1986, a member of the Board and Executive of JNF, and became the first chair of the committee for “The Commemoration For Israel’s Fallen Soldiers”, which made Montreal’s Jewish community one of the first communities in Canada to have this day as part of its annual community calendar since 1988. She also was among those who pushed to start the tradition of celebrating Yom Ha’Azmaut – Israel Independence Day, in a community wide rally in downtown Montreal, since 2002.

Ariela has remained involved in all issues concerning Jewish education, Israel advocacy and Israel-diaspora relations.

Ariela Cotler joined Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University in 2018.

THE HONOURABLE JERRY S. GRAFSTEIN, J.D., Q.C., IMMEDIATE NATIONAL PAST PRESIDENT

Mr. Grafstein was a co-founder of a range of media companies, in Canada, the United Kingdom, United States and South America.  He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1984 by then Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.  Mr. Grafstein served on all Senate Committees, especially the Foreign Affairs and Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee.  He also served as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee. 

He retired from the Senate on January 1, 2010 and continued his law practice as counsel to Minden Gross LLP in Toronto until March 2015 and he is now Counsel Emeritus. He was named one of Canada’s top intellectuals by the National Post.  He is an Honorary Commandant of US Marine Corps and Honorary War Chief of the Peigan Nation of North Alberta.  He continues to serve as a director of public companies and as a key investor in several Canadian based tech start-ups.

LARRY RICH, VICE-PRESIDENT

With over 50 years of experience as a partner, Larry W. Rich has worked extensively with not-for-profits and entrepreneurial clients to achieve their goals. A published author, he has presented on topics such as the Family Law Act and Accountants’ Liability.  Larry has been called upon to serve as an expert witness and has been appointed as a consultant in various civil actions. He is  a CPA, CA, having earned his designation in 1965 and has completed the Academy of Family Mediators program.

Larry is currently a Fellow and committee member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. He is a member of the Academy of Family Mediators. He is the Chair of Family Enterprises Interest Group of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. He is the Treasurer and Board Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners as well as a Board Member of Beth Sholom Synagogue.

JOSHUA CUMMINGS, VICE-PRESIDENT

Joshua Cummings was born and raised in Montreal. He is currently a Vice-President of Maxwell Cummings and Sons, a real estate and investment holding company. He graduated from Concordia University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts and from McGill Law School in 2006 with a BCL/LLB.

Josh has been involved in community for several years. Notably, he served as President of Friendship Circle, an organization that helps children and young adults with special needs, from 2013 to 2016. He also sat on the Next Generation Committee of the Jewish General Hospital from 2010 to 2015, and on the CFTAU Young Professional Group from 2015 to 2017, a committee which he co-chaired in 2017, before joining CFTAU’s Regional Board.

YONATAN PETEL, TREASURER

Yonatan Petel, M.B. is a partner in the law firm of McMillan LLP, practicing in the firm’s Financial Services and Business Law groups. He has been recognized by his peers and by industry associations as one of Canada’s top young finance lawyers. Yoni is listed in the Best Lawyers® in Canada directory for the categories of Asset-Based Lending, Banking & Financing Law, and Project Finance Law and is ranked in the Lexpert® directory as repeatedly recommended in the Asset-Based Lending category. He was a 2019 winner of the prestigious Lexpert® Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 competition, which recognizes Canada’s top young legal talent. He was also selected by The Secured Finance Network in 2018 as a winner of their 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes “movers and shakers” who exemplify true excellence in their careers and also contribute to their communities and to North America’s secured finance community as a whole.

Yoni’s practice touches all aspects of corporate and structured finance. He advises companies and financial institutions in the structuring, negotiation and completion of a wide range of complex domestic and cross-border financing transactions, including real estate and project financing, acquisition financing, factoring and asset-based lending. As a part of the firm’s Projects Group, Yoni has been involved in several private-public partnership engagements and, notably, advised the finance parties in connection with the Champlain Bridge project. He is McMillan’s Pro Bono Partner for Montreal, has served as a Gouverneur de la Relève of the Quebec Bar Foundation, is a member of the Editorial Council of The Secured Lender, and is active with a number of charities and community organizations.

Yoni is a graduate of McGill University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, a B.A. (First Class Honours) in Jewish Studies, and his B.C.L. and LL.B. (Great Distinction). He as been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 2009.

He was decorated in 2001 with the Medal of Bravery of Canada by the Governor General.

Yoni joined the Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University on October 1, 2020.

IRVING FELDMAN, SECRETARY

Irving has been in the public accounting profession for over 45 years.

In addition to a considerable and varied client commitment including business advisory and negotiations, Irving specializes in providing professional services for a variety of business sectors including real estate and construction, farming, distribution, manufacturing, human resources, entertainment and professional practices. He is also actively involved in the Firm’s Corporate Finance, Career Transition Financial Counseling and Estate and Retirement Planning departments and has been called upon on numerous occasions to provide expert opinions as they relate to litigation cases.

Irving is a member of both the ADR Institute of Ontario and Canada, serves on the Board and is the Treasurer of the ADR Institute of Ontario, is a Qualified Mediator (Q.MED) and the President of the Firm’s Dispute Resolution and Mediation Practice – Springbok ADR Services.

In addition, he is the past Chair of The Reena Foundation, Member of The Professional Advisory Group of the Baycrest Foundation and the Canada Israel Chamber of Commerce, currently serves on the Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University and has served on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Diversity.

DAVID S. ALTSHULLER, REGIONAL CHAIR

David Altshuller is a partner at Teplitsky, Colson LLP. David has a broad based corporate/commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on franchise disputes, estate matters, shareholder disputes, insolvency/restructuring proceedings, construction disputes and property/leasing matters. When required, he can assemble and manage a team of lawyers across a variety of practice areas in order to deal with his clients’ issues in a thorough and cost-effective manner.

David has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars sponsored by, among others, the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Franchise Association.

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 David was listed by Lexpert® as an expert in Franchising Law and selected by Franchise Times Magazine as a “Legal Eagle”. He is also listed in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of Best Lawyers International.

 David has a strong connection to TAU. He enrolled in the M.A. Program in Middle Eastern History in 1994. He was a teaching assistant in the Overseas Student Program (Modern History of the Middle East) from 1996-1997. He was a lecturer in the Overseas Student Program (Modern History of the Middle East) 1997-2000 and was employed as Director of Special Education Programs for TAU/OSP.

RICHARD J. CHARNEY, GOVERNANCE CHAIR

Richard Charney is global head of our employment and labour practice and national chair of our Canadian employment and labour law group.

Mr. Charney practices management labour relations and employment law, a field in which he is widely recognized as an advocate on behalf of national and local clients. He acts for numerous employers and employers’ organizations and appears at provincial and federal labour relations boards and the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and before rights and interest labour arbitration tribunals. He also advises on all matters of employment and labour law and legislative reform.

Mr. Charney’s practice also involves collective bargaining on behalf of employers, employment standards, human rights, wrongful dismissal, workplace health and safety and constitutional law.

He is particularly active as an advocate before national labour tribunals such as the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which has jurisdiction over transportation and similar national industries; the Ontario Labour Relations Board, which has jurisdiction in provincial industries such as construction; and in judicial review challenges to tribunal determinations in the federal and provincial superior courts.

He is also a leading labour counsel to a variety of well-known arts and cultural organizations in Canada.

HEIDI ISAACSON

Heidi Isaacson’s career spans over thirty years in service industries, including corporate relocation (employee mobility), law, private banking, corporate finance, vendor management, and real estate administration. As an operations and customer service specialist, Heidi has launched her own businesses, as well as developed and launched new products and services for global companies.

A true Montrealer and entrepreneur at heart, Heidi’s newest company is geared towards helping individuals and businesses get organized with life’s many responsibilities.

Heidi has volunteered for the Quebec Special Olympics, the Mackay Center’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Campaigns, as well as for various hospitals in Montreal.

Heidi spent eight years as the Vice-President of the Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services, working towards streamlining industry standards and certification options for working canine teams. In 2006, Heidi combined a passion for working dogs with a passion for helping people, and built an online platform for teams used by police and military, search and rescue, service and assistance, as well as for related industry providers.

As a Board member for CFTAU Eastern Region, Heidi chairs the Events and Marketing Committee.

SUE CAROL ISAACSON

Born, raised, and educated in Montreal, Sue Carol has long been identified as an outstanding community leader, and has participated actively in promoting issues critical to local, Israeli, and international Jewish interests.

While completing her studies at McGill University, Sue Carol acted as Chair, McGill Combined Charities.  Sue Carol has been both vocal and active during the traumatic years of harsh restrictions on many aspects of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union and, especially, its intransigence vis-à-vis Jewish emigration.  A member of the Montreal Soviet Jewry Movement and the Group of 35, its activist arm, Sue Carol and her husband visited refuseniks in the Former Soviet Union in 1985.

Sue Carol has been awarded many honours, one of which is the Golda Meir Award for Israel Bonds. She has also played various important leadership roles with Jewish Women in Montreal. In 2001, she was named Campaign Chair for Federation Montreal CJA, and, from 2003 to 2005, she was President, Women’s Philanthropy, Montreal, organizations under the aegis of United Israel Appeal. Soon after, from 2006 to 2008, Sue Carol was Co-Chair, Women’s Federation Canada.  She has also served as President, Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University, Quebec and Eastern Region, for three years and now sits on the Board.

RUBEN SHIFFMAN

Dr. Ruben Shiffman, BBA, MBA, PhD., serves as the Managing Director at Norvista Resources Corporation. Dr. Shiffman served as a Managing Director of Emerging Markets trading globally at Scotia Capital in Toronto, Canada from 2005 to 2009, and worked at Scotia in Mexico City from 1999 to 2002. Prior to joining Scotia in Toronto, he served as a Vice President/Director for Latin America and Caribbean trading and sales at TD Securities. He was the Co-Founder of Calvista Gold Corporation.

He serves as a Director of the Securities Bureau at the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission/Ministry of Finance, where he represented Mexico at the Bank for International Settlements in Basle and on the International Organization of Securities Commissions. He has been the Executive Chairman of Greenland Resources Inc. since June 9, 2014. He served as Executive Chairman of Calvista Gold Corporation from 2010 to 2012. He served as the Vice Chairman of Calvista Gold Corporation since 2010 to September 21, 2011. He has been Director of Calvista Gold Corporation since 2010. He served as a Director of Solvista Gold Corporation from April 2011 to August 21, 2012. He served as Director of derivatives trading at Scotiabank from 1999 to 2002.

He serves as a Lecturer in Finance at the University of Calgary and UNAM and holds two national research awards in Mexico (1997 IMEF and ANFECA). He serves as the Chairman of Advisory Committee of Oremex Resources Inc. Dr. Shiffman holds a BBA and M.B.A. from UDLA, a Ph.D. in Finance from Mexico National Autonomous University (UNAM), and Post-Doctoral studies from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

JEFFREY WAGMAN, TAU CANADA PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE CHAIR

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, (B.A. Economics, 1979) Jeff has worked in the financial industry for over 30 years, beginning as a Foreign Exchange and Money Market Trader for a variety of major international banks. In 1986, Jeff became a Financial Advisor with a major Canadian investment brokerage firm. Over the past 26 years Jeff has successfully completed many securities industry examinations leading to his current designations as a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and Canadian Investment Manager. As well, Jeff has been an instructor for the Intelligent Investing series of seminars for the Investor Learning Centre from 1997 until 2001. The Investor Learning Centre was a not-for-profit, public educational organization sponsored by the Canadian Securities Institute. In 1998, Jeff became on of five Ontario semi-finalists for the coveted I.D.A. Distinction Award sponsored by the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, now known as IIROC.

Jeff is married to Annalee and they have three grown children (Eric 27, Elizabeth 25 and Stephanie 23). Jeff is very involved in the Jewish community and currently is Treasurer, Harold Green Jewish Theatre and Past Board Chair, BBYO Toronto.

BARBARA SEAL, C.M., NATIONAL PRESIDENT EMERITA

Barbara Seal, C.M. enjoys a distinguished career in public and community spheres. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of countless worthy causes ranging from the Arts to cancer research. She served as municipal councillor for the City of Hampstead and was responsible for introducing innovative policies and programs. She has sat on the Board of Directors of Place des Arts, the Arts Council of the Montreal Urban Community, Théâtre Espace Go and the National Forum on climate change.

She was Vice-President in charge of the Canada Day Celebrations for Québec, and Québec President for the Canada Day Poster Challenge. She presently sits on the Board of the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, the Advisory Board at the McGill School of Continuing Studies, for the Governors of Tel Aviv University, and as National President of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University.

Leadership Team – Ontario & Western Canada

DAVID S. ALTSHULLER, REGIONAL CHAIR

David Altshuller is a partner at Teplitsky, Colson LLP. David has a broad based corporate/commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on franchise disputes, estate matters, shareholder disputes, insolvency/restructuring proceedings, construction disputes and property/leasing matters. When required, he can assemble and manage a team of lawyers across a variety of practice areas in order to deal with his clients’ issues in a thorough and cost-effective manner.

David has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars sponsored by, among others, the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Franchise Association.

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 David was listed by Lexpert® as an expert in Franchising Law and selected by Franchise Times Magazine as a “Legal Eagle”. He is also listed in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of Best Lawyers International.

 David has a strong connection to TAU. He enrolled in the M.A. Program in Middle Eastern History in 1994. He was a teaching assistant in the Overseas Student Program (Modern History of the Middle East) from 1996-1997. He was a lecturer in the Overseas Student Program (Modern History of the Middle East) 1997-2000 and was employed as Director of Special Education Programs for TAU/OSP.

Stephen Arbib, Vice-Chair

Stephen Arbib is a Canadian entrepreneur who believes one can do well while doing good.

Throughout his career, he has founded companies which are not only successful, but benefit society and help those truly in need. In 2013, Mr. Arbib co-founded Momentum Solutions, one of the world’s leading providers of life-support services for governments, humanitarian and emergency operations. He now serves as the CEO.

Prior to Momentum Solutions, Mr. Arbib was a Director at SkyLink Aviation, having founded and managed their European operations from Rome, Italy until 2006. Later, he moved to Toronto to manage the Canadian Department of National Defence sales office for SkyLink.

Mr. Arbib is also the co-founder of Cycura Inc., provider of advanced, customized, and confidential cybersecurity services to governments, companies, and organizations with particularly high intellectual property (IP) value.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1977, Mr. Arbib moved to Toronto at the age of 10. He attended Ryerson University for Business and following his second year, enrolled in a joint entrepreneurship program in Vancouver (with Harvard University).

Mr. Arbib is an active member of Toronto’s non-profit community, and is a frequent benefactor of medicinal efforts to countries all over the world, including Syria, Mozambique, Somalia and elsewhere.

LARRY RICH, VICE-PRESIDENT

With over 50 years of experience as a partner, Larry W. Rich has worked extensively with not-for-profits and entrepreneurial clients to achieve their goals. A published author, he has presented on topics such as the Family Law Act and Accountants’ Liability.  Larry has been called upon to serve as an expert witness and has been appointed as a consultant in various civil actions. He is  a CPA, CA, having earned his designation in 1965 and has completed the Academy of Family Mediators program.

Larry is currently a Fellow and committee member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. He is a member of the Academy of Family Mediators. He is the Chair of Family Enterprises Interest Group of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. He is the Treasurer and Board Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners as well as a Board Member of Beth Sholom Synagogue.

RUBEN SHIFFMAN

Dr. Ruben Shiffman, BBA, MBA, PhD., serves as the Managing Director at Norvista Resources Corporation. Dr. Shiffman served as a Managing Director of Emerging Markets trading globally at Scotia Capital in Toronto, Canada from 2005 to 2009, and worked at Scotia in Mexico City from 1999 to 2002. Prior to joining Scotia in Toronto, he served as a Vice President/Director for Latin America and Caribbean trading and sales at TD Securities. He was the Co-Founder of Calvista Gold Corporation.

He serves as a Director of the Securities Bureau at the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission/Ministry of Finance, where he represented Mexico at the Bank for International Settlements in Basle and on the International Organization of Securities Commissions. He has been the Executive Chairman of Greenland Resources Inc. since June 9, 2014. He served as Executive Chairman of Calvista Gold Corporation from 2010 to 2012. He served as the Vice Chairman of Calvista Gold Corporation since 2010 to September 21, 2011. He has been Director of Calvista Gold Corporation since 2010. He served as a Director of Solvista Gold Corporation from April 2011 to August 21, 2012. He served as Director of derivatives trading at Scotiabank from 1999 to 2002.

He serves as a Lecturer in Finance at the University of Calgary and UNAM and holds two national research awards in Mexico (1997 IMEF and ANFECA). He serves as the Chairman of Advisory Committee of Oremex Resources Inc. Dr. Shiffman holds a BBA and M.B.A. from UDLA, a Ph.D. in Finance from Mexico National Autonomous University (UNAM), and Post-Doctoral studies from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

RICHARD J. CHARNEY, GOVERNANCE CHAIR

Richard Charney is global head of our employment and labour practice and national chair of our Canadian employment and labour law group.

Mr. Charney practices management labour relations and employment law, a field in which he is widely recognized as an advocate on behalf of national and local clients. He acts for numerous employers and employers’ organizations and appears at provincial and federal labour relations boards and the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and before rights and interest labour arbitration tribunals. He also advises on all matters of employment and labour law and legislative reform.

Mr. Charney’s practice also involves collective bargaining on behalf of employers, employment standards, human rights, wrongful dismissal, workplace health and safety and constitutional law.

He is particularly active as an advocate before national labour tribunals such as the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which has jurisdiction over transportation and similar national industries; the Ontario Labour Relations Board, which has jurisdiction in provincial industries such as construction; and in judicial review challenges to tribunal determinations in the federal and provincial superior courts.

He is also a leading labour counsel to a variety of well-known arts and cultural organizations in Canada.

Ben Bakst

Prior to co-founding Marlin Spring, Mr. Bakst was Executive Vice President of Lanterra Developments for ten years. He helped build Lanterra into one of the largest real estate development firms in the Greater Toronto Area.

With a strong focus on the construction of high-rise development projects, Mr. Bakst was also involved in leading Lanterra’s property management and finance divisions. Upon Lanterra’s assumption of H&R Development’s residential construction high-rise division in 2010, Mr. Bakst assumed the lead role of Lanterra’s high-rise construction division. Mr. Bakst received his CPA designation in the state of New Jersey in 2005.

ERIC CARMONA

Eric Carmona is a partner in the Real Estate Group at Stikeman Elliott. His practice focuses on commercial real estate and encompasses all aspects of real property transactions, including the purchase, sale and financing of commercial office complexes, retail shopping centres, residential apartment buildings, hotels, retirement homes and long-term residences, as well as secured lending.
Eric is an accomplished real estate lawyer whose capabilities set him apart as one of the country’s leading real estate attorneys.

He is highly regarded for his expert handling of the whole transactional process from financing to purchase, including significant cross-border deals. He has extensive experience in joint venture structuring, portfolio acquisitions, financings and restructurings (acting on behalf of both lending syndicates and corporate borrowers). He is knowledgeable across a range of asset classes including commercial, residential, retail, senior living and industrial.
Eric also practices corporate commercial law, with an emphasis on the acquisition and/or privatization of public real estate enterprises and capital markets transactions. His 30 years of experience has gained him significant exposure to the full spectrum of transactional real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, for both private and public companies and REITs.

Professional Activities
Eric is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Bar Association.

IRVING FELDMAN, SECRETARY

Irving has been in the public accounting profession for over 45 years.

In addition to a considerable and varied client commitment including business advisory and negotiations, Irving specializes in providing professional services for a variety of business sectors including real estate and construction, farming, distribution, manufacturing, human resources, entertainment and professional practices. He is also actively involved in the Firm’s Corporate Finance, Career Transition Financial Counseling and Estate and Retirement Planning departments and has been called upon on numerous occasions to provide expert opinions as they relate to litigation cases.

Irving is a member of both the ADR Institute of Ontario and Canada, serves on the Board and is the Treasurer of the ADR Institute of Ontario, is a Qualified Mediator (Q.MED) and the President of the Firm’s Dispute Resolution and Mediation Practice – Springbok ADR Services.

In addition, he is the past Chair of The Reena Foundation, Member of The Professional Advisory Group of the Baycrest Foundation and the Canada Israel Chamber of Commerce, currently serves on the Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University and has served on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Diversity.

Shir Magen

TAU Canada is thrilled to welcome Shir Magen to our Ontario & Western Canada Board. Shir is an undeniable powerhouse. Daring and empowering, modest and motivating, the HomeStars CEO epitomizes true leadership and brightness. Crediting her impassioned perseverance to her Israeli roots, she melds the convictions that giving up is not an option and that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.
 
 With a creative background in Interior Design, Shir also felt the pull of business and infrastructure early in her career. In fact, her ability to take existing systems and turn them on their ear has been a significant factor in her success.
 
 A graduate of the inaugural class of the TAU Sofaer Global MBA, Shir did not hesitate to move from Toronto to Tel Aviv to enroll in the fledgling business program. Certain that TAU would deliver a world-class program, and always eager to tackle new challenges and opportunities head on, Shir routinely draws upon her formative Sofaer friendships and learning.
 
 Shir was drawn to the program partly due to the excitement of being one of 50 students from an amazing 20 country span, knowing she could learn from her diverse classmates as well as her internationally accomplished professors. The beach and Tel Aviv social scene may have also been a factor.
 
 Back in Canada at the corporate and creative helm of HomeStars, she speaks glowingly about the friends and colleagues she met through Sofaer, clearly proud and grateful to have so many meaningful connections around the world.
 
 Though humble in her expression, Shir is mindful of her responsibility and capacity as a role model for women in leadership, particularly in the tech space. She thinks about her young daughter and other children and youth and is deeply aware of their need for strong, positive and diverse leaders and innovators.
 
Central to Shir’s boldness of vision and action is her conviction that a strong team is integral to success. She invests heavily in creating a culture of collaboration, openness and inclusivity.
 
TAU Canada is excited and impressed by Shir’s inspirational and fearless leadership style. We are deeply proud and grateful that Shir has joined our regional Board, and very much welcome her unique voice.

DIANA NAIBERG

Diana Naiberg is committed to helping the Jewish community here, in Toronto, and abroad in Israel, with more than 10 years of experience volunteering for numerous schools and organizations. Following her career as an Editor for trade publications, she took some time off to focus on volunteer work within the Jewish day schools, namely producing newsletters and bi-annual reports. During this time, she also assisted within the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), creating content and fundraising for school calendars, sitting on the executive committee, serving as vice-president and then president of the PTA at Associated Hebrew Schools.

From there, she spent time with The House, created by Rabbi Rafi Lipner, before moving on to become a co-chair for the Women’s Philanthropy division of UJA where she served for a two-year tenure. Diana is now eager to return to philanthropy, and is excited to bring her experience in fundraising and public relations to her next role with Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University (TAU). With proven experience on many boards, Diana is confident in her ability to contribute to Canadian Friends of TAU as a board member and help make an impact both here and in Israel.

Jay Rosenzweig

Jay Rosenzweig, the founding partner of Rosenzweig & Company, is an expert in designing, building and attracting world class executive leadership teams. He consults to public and private companies including large global corporations; emerging growth to mid-sized businesses; professional service firms; and private equity and venture capital firms.

Jay is currently invested in and advising over 30 frontier technology businesses predominately across California, New York and Ontario. He serves as a Strategic Partner globally to the Chief Digital Officer Club & Summit, which he brought to Canada for the first time in 2017.

Jay is a champion of the cause of gender equality. He has been actively advocating on behalf of woman for decades, including through his Rosenzweig Report on the Status of Women, and has invested in several prominent and successful female founded businesses.

Jay, a lawyer by background, earned three degrees at McGill University: Philosophy, Civil Law, and Common Law. In addition, he completed Roger Fisher’s Negotiation Program at Harvard Law School.

Jay is active in many social causes. He is on the Board of Directors of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Irwin Cotler’s Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. He is on the Board of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital, where he is Co-Chair of the Breast Cancer Cabinet. He is on the Board of CJPAC. He is on the Board of UJA Genesis Centre for Innovation, where he focuses on nurturing emerging initiatives, providing career mentorship, and supporting innovation. He proudly served on the Board of One Young World 2016, the premier global forum for young leaders under 30.

Peter Slan

Peter Slan is Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank. Peter has been with Scotiabank since 1998 in a variety of capacities. In his current role, Peter leads a team responsible for serving Scotiabank’s most strategic, enterprise-wide clients that have particularly complex wealth management needs. He is also responsible for Scotiabank’s wealth management businesses in Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, as well as the bank’s representative office in Miami and its joint venture with the Bank of Beijing in China.

Prior to joining Global Wealth Management in 2015, Peter spent 12 years in Scotiabank’s Global Investment Banking unit and five years in Global Finance. Before Scotiabank, Peter spent five years with Ernst & Young LLP.

Peter is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Peter is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program at Duke University.

In the community, Peter has served on the boards of several organizations for a number of years, including the Baycrest Foundation, the United Jewish Appeal’s Bay St. Cabinet, the Financial Services Advisory Board at the Rotman School and Ernst & Young’s Alumni Advisory Board.

JEFFREY WAGMAN, TAU CANADA PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE CHAIR

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, (B.A. Economics, 1979) Jeff has worked in the financial industry for over 30 years, beginning as a Foreign Exchange and Money Market Trader for a variety of major international banks. In 1986, Jeff became a Financial Advisor with a major Canadian investment brokerage firm. Over the past 26 years Jeff has successfully completed many securities industry examinations leading to his current designations as a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and Canadian Investment Manager. As well, Jeff has been an instructor for the Intelligent Investing series of seminars for the Investor Learning Centre from 1997 until 2001. The Investor Learning Centre was a not-for-profit, public educational organization sponsored by the Canadian Securities Institute. In 1998, Jeff became on of five Ontario semi-finalists for the coveted I.D.A. Distinction Award sponsored by the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, now known as IIROC.

Jeff is married to Annalee and they have three grown children (Eric 27, Elizabeth 25 and Stephanie 23). Jeff is very involved in the Jewish community and currently is Treasurer, Harold Green Jewish Theatre and Past Board Chair, BBYO Toronto.

Len Waverman

Leonard is an economist by training. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Toronto and he earned his PhD from MIT. He has taught at the University of Toronto, London Business School, the University of Calgary where he was also Dean of the Haskayne School of Business and McMaster University where he was also the Dean of the DeGroote School of Business until July 2021. His research originally focused on the energy sector where he was founding editor of the Energy Journal. Since the early 1980s, he has turned his attention to the neglected Public Utilities sector and specifically telecommunications. He has published pathbreaking research on the impact of telecommunications and the Internet on economic growth and productivity. Besides this research, he is also being a regulator several times – part time on the Ontario energy board and on the Ontario Telephone Service Commission. While in the UK he was a nonexecutive board member of the Gas and Electric Market Authority. Over this entire period, he’s also been very active in competition policy in research, organizing cross country competition policy interaction and as a consultant.

He is a citizen of both Canada and France. He’s been recognized for his research – for example, the focus section and cover page of the Economist Magazine as well as Global Telecoms Magazine. He has been on the boards of nonprofits in the arts, energy and economic research spaces, start-ups in the UK, and the Canadian board of BNP Paribas Canada. He’s been honored by the French government holding a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques.

Yair Weisblum

Yair Weisblum is a Partner in PwC Canada’s Financial Services Consulting & Deals practice with more than 15 years of experience. Yair has worked on various assignments with clients, such as large banks and financial institutions in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Prior to becoming a consultant, Yair worked at two leading Canadian banks in their eChannels, Marketing and Commercial Banking units.

Yair assists clients with e-Business strategies, information management, commercial and retail banking and process design. His experiences include developing and implementing banking operating models, creating multi-channel strategies, designing business and technology architectures and roadmaps. Yair is a recognized financial services professional, having spoken in several industry forums and published white papers on various topics such as FinTech and customer experience. Yair obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tel Aviv University and an M.B.A. from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Stephen J. Adler, Regional Chief Executive Officer

Stephen came to Tel Aviv Universality Canada with more than 10 years of experience as a fundraising and communications professional; philanthropic advisor, and senior administrator in the not for profit sector. Stephen has had increasingly senior and significant roles in the not-for-profit sector with Reena Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and most recently the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, where he collaborated with a diverse group of donors and volunteers to provide support to the $60million end MS Campaign and other Society initiatives in Ontario and across Canada.

Stephen holds a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Ottawa, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Corporate Communications from Centennial College and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University, The Center on Philanthropy. In 2013 Stephen was named one of ShalomLife’s Top 20 Under 40 and in 2010, Stephen was nominated as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™. Stephen lives in Toronto with his wife Marnie, a television executive, and their two children.

Leadership Team – Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada

Ariela Cotler, National President

Ariela Cotler is a proud Jew, Israeli, a daughter, wife, mother of 4 amazing people, and grandmother of 9.

Ariela, born and raised in Jerusalem, studied at Hebrew University and subsequently worked as a legislative assistant and parliamentary secretary for Menachem Begin and the GH”L party (subsequently the “Likud”) in the Israeli Knesset from 1967-1979. Once in Canada, she worked over the years as a social worker at the CLSC, has taught and lectured. The main topics included Jewish education, Jewish identity and the centrality of Israel.

Her first introduction to Montreal’s Jewish community was the Federation building. The two organizations she initially joined were The Jewish Education Center – working with the young and young adults on issues of Jewish education and identity; and The Canada Israel Committee , QIC, and subsequently CIJA- to work towards enhancing the issues of Israel advocacy and Israel- diaspora relations.

This led to Ariela to become Montreal’s Chair of State of Israel Bonds Woman Division from 1982-1986, a member of the Board and Executive of JNF, and became the first chair of the committee for “The Commemoration For Israel’s Fallen Soldiers”, which made Montreal’s Jewish community one of the first communities in Canada to have this day as part of its annual community calendar since 1988. She also was among those who pushed to start the tradition of celebrating Yom Ha’Azmaut – Israel Independence Day, in a community wide rally in downtown Montreal, since 2002.

Ariela has remained involved in all issues concerning Jewish education, Israel advocacy and Israel-diaspora relations.

Ariela Cotler joined Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University in 2018.

JOSHUA CUMMINGS, VICE-PRESIDENT

Joshua Cummings was born and raised in Montreal. He is currently a Vice-President of Maxwell Cummings and Sons, a real estate and investment holding company. He graduated from Concordia University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts and from McGill Law School in 2006 with a BCL/LLB.

Josh has been involved in community for several years. Notably, he served as President of Friendship Circle, an organization that helps children and young adults with special needs, from 2013 to 2016. He also sat on the Next Generation Committee of the Jewish General Hospital from 2010 to 2015, and on the CFTAU Young Professional Group from 2015 to 2017, a committee which he co-chaired in 2017, before joining CFTAU’s Regional Board.

YONATAN PETEL, TREASURER

Yonatan Petel, M.B. is a partner in the law firm of McMillan LLP, practicing in the firm’s Financial Services and Business Law groups. He has been recognized by his peers and by industry associations as one of Canada’s top young finance lawyers. Yoni is listed in the Best Lawyers® in Canada directory for the categories of Asset-Based Lending, Banking & Financing Law, and Project Finance Law and is ranked in the Lexpert® directory as repeatedly recommended in the Asset-Based Lending category. He was a 2019 winner of the prestigious Lexpert® Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 competition, which recognizes Canada’s top young legal talent. He was also selected by The Secured Finance Network in 2018 as a winner of their 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes “movers and shakers” who exemplify true excellence in their careers and also contribute to their communities and to North America’s secured finance community as a whole.

Yoni’s practice touches all aspects of corporate and structured finance. He advises companies and financial institutions in the structuring, negotiation and completion of a wide range of complex domestic and cross-border financing transactions, including real estate and project financing, acquisition financing, factoring and asset-based lending. As a part of the firm’s Projects Group, Yoni has been involved in several private-public partnership engagements and, notably, advised the finance parties in connection with the Champlain Bridge project. He is McMillan’s Pro Bono Partner for Montreal, has served as a Gouverneur de la Relève of the Quebec Bar Foundation, is a member of the Editorial Council of The Secured Lender, and is active with a number of charities and community organizations.

Yoni is a graduate of McGill University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, a B.A. (First Class Honours) in Jewish Studies, and his B.C.L. and LL.B. (Great Distinction). He as been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 2009.

He was decorated in 2001 with the Medal of Bravery of Canada by the Governor General.

Yoni joined the Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University on October 1, 2020.

Jeffrey Katz CPA, Auditor, Vice Chair

Jeffrey Katz, CPA, Auditor CA, has been an accounting professional since the early 1980’S. He has worked at several top accounting firms including Fuller Landau and Deloitte.  In 1999, he established a private practice providing management consulting, accounting, financing, financial planning, tax planning and related services to Corporations of various types and sizes. 

He is a professional member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and Quebec Order of Chartered Accountants.

Jeffrey is highly committed to his community and to giving back by participating in several non-profit organizations. Over the years, he has been involved in the B’nai Brith Youth Organization, B’nai Brith Canada (National Financial Steering Committee), Just for Kids Foundation (Founding Treasurer). He is also the Executive Director of the Charles Evelyn & Sandra Dolansky Foundation.

Jeffrey Katz has joined Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University on October 1, 2020.

Alexandre Abecassis, Secretary

Alexandre Abecassis is a Patent Agent and Senior Partner at the law firm Fasken Martineau.

He joined the firm in 2007 to start and develop a patent prosecution practice in the Montreal office. Through almost 18 years in the field, Mr. Abecassis has developed a solid international practice focused mainly on the high-tech sector, with innovations in software, imaging, electronics and telecommunications. He has also developed solid expertise in protecting innovations related to quantum computing and innovations in the aerospace industry. Mr. Abecassis additionally counsels clients in the areas of patent portfolio management and IP due diligence. He particularly enjoys managing complex IP portfolios and he is widely recognized for his strong business acumen.

Mr Abecassis graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in 2000 with a bachelor in electrical engineering. He is a registered patent agent in Canada and in the US. In 2014, Mr. Abecassis graduated from the PLD program of Harvard Business School.

He is also involved in various organizations at a leadership level. He is a currently a board member of the Akiva school, a board member of the Harvard Club of Quebec and a LP member of CIJA. He joined Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University in 2014 and was Chair of the Young Professional Group for a 2 year term.

Claire Dalfen

Claire Dalfen has worked with elementary school children as a teacher and as a librarian. She also was Director of Communications and Publications for the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, a national trade group. For some 10 years after that, she operated a small communications practice that provided writing and editing services to industry and non-profit organizations. Claire’s community activities have been in support of Montreal’s Federation CJA Partnership 2000, The Jewish National Fund, Hillel, Auberge Shalom and presently Vice President of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University.

Gabriel Boulianne Gobeil

Gabriel Boulianne Gobeil is the Director of Political and Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in Montreal. Prior to pursuing a career in diplomacy, he worked at a boutique commercial litigation law firm.

While studying at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, Gabriel served as Class President on the Law Students’ Association, as Associate Managing Editor on the McGill Journal of Dispute Resolution, and as a Member of the Staff Appointments Committee. Prior to law school, he conducted research in the field of security studies. His most recent work was published by the Institute for National Security Studies and identified the vulnerabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles to cyberattacks.

He holds a B.A. (Political Science) from Concordia University, an M.A. (Political Science) from the University of Ottawa, an M.A. (Security and Diplomacy) from Tel Aviv University, and joint B.C.L./J.D. degrees (Common Law and Civil Law) from McGill University. He also studied International Relations at the University of Toronto and successfully completed the Quebec Bar.

Gabriel was involved in various capacities in municipal and federal politics in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, notably working on Parliament Hill for the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, then Minister of International Trade, and more recently for the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie.

He received numerous awards, including an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, a Desjardins Foundation Scholarship, and, in 2016, CFTAU’s Judge Barbara Seal Scholarship. Following his year abroad at TAU, Gabriel joined CFTAU in 2017 and has chaired its Scholarship Committee since.

HEIDI ISAACSON

Heidi Isaacson’s career spans over thirty years in service industries, including corporate relocation (employee mobility), law, private banking, corporate finance, vendor management, and real estate administration. As an operations and customer service specialist, Heidi has launched her own businesses, as well as developed and launched new products and services for global companies.

A true Montrealer and entrepreneur at heart, Heidi’s newest company is geared towards helping individuals and businesses get organized with life’s many responsibilities.

Heidi has volunteered for the Quebec Special Olympics, the Mackay Center’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Campaigns, as well as for various hospitals in Montreal.

Heidi spent eight years as the Vice-President of the Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services, working towards streamlining industry standards and certification options for working canine teams. In 2006, Heidi combined a passion for working dogs with a passion for helping people, and built an online platform for teams used by police and military, search and rescue, service and assistance, as well as for related industry providers.

As a Board member for CFTAU Eastern Region, Heidi chairs the Events and Marketing Committee.

SUE CAROL ISAACSON

Born, raised, and educated in Montreal, Sue Carol has long been identified as an outstanding community leader, and has participated actively in promoting issues critical to local, Israeli, and international Jewish interests.

While completing her studies at McGill University, Sue Carol acted as Chair, McGill Combined Charities.  Sue Carol has been both vocal and active during the traumatic years of harsh restrictions on many aspects of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union and, especially, its intransigence vis-à-vis Jewish emigration.  A member of the Montreal Soviet Jewry Movement and the Group of 35, its activist arm, Sue Carol and her husband visited refuseniks in the Former Soviet Union in 1985.

Sue Carol has been awarded many honours, one of which is the Golda Meir Award for Israel Bonds. She has also played various important leadership roles with Jewish Women in Montreal. In 2001, she was named Campaign Chair for Federation Montreal CJA, and, from 2003 to 2005, she was President, Women’s Philanthropy, Montreal, organizations under the aegis of United Israel Appeal. Soon after, from 2006 to 2008, Sue Carol was Co-Chair, Women’s Federation Canada.  She has also served as President, Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University, Quebec and Eastern Region, for three years and now sits on the Board.

Annie Kenane

Annie Kenane was born in Israel and moved to France at the age of sixteen.  Later she settled in Israel, spending a year at Kibbutz Galon in order to learn Hebrew.  She graduated from high school, obtaining her Bagrut, which is a prerequisite for higher education.  Subsequently, she earned a LL.B degree from Hebrew University in 1974.   She then spent a year practicing social work in Israel.  In 1975 – 76 she studied at the prestigious Université de Paris – Sorbonne.

She immigrated to Canada in 1976.  For the next two years, she taught at the Collège Français in Montréal.  During the following two years she studied at the Université de Montréal, where she obtained her second law degree.

She became a member of the Québec Bar in 1980, having articled at the law office of de Grandpré Colas.  She soon opened her own legal office, where she practiced immigration law until 2014.  Recently, Annie left the practice of law and has a very successful career in real estate.

She is an active board member of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University and regularly attends the yearly Board of Governors’ meetings in Tel Aviv.

BARBARA SEAL, C.M., NATIONAL PRESIDENT EMERITA

Barbara Seal, C.M. enjoys a distinguished career in public and community spheres. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of countless worthy causes ranging from the Arts to cancer research. She served as municipal councillor for the City of Hampstead and was responsible for introducing innovative policies and programs. She has sat on the Board of Directors of Place des Arts, the Arts Council of the Montreal Urban Community, Théâtre Espace Go and the National Forum on climate change.

She was Vice-President in charge of the Canada Day Celebrations for Québec, and Québec President for the Canada Day Poster Challenge. She presently sits on the Board of the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, the Advisory Board at the McGill School of Continuing Studies, for the Governors of Tel Aviv University, and as National President of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University.

MICHAEL TENENBAUM

Dr. Michael Tenenbaum attended McGill University where he obtained his B.Sc. and D.D.S. degrees. After a residency in Family Dentistry at the Herzl Clinic of the Jewish General Hospital he went into private practice as a co-founder of the West Island Health Centre in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

Michael brings a wealth of experience in community work and fundraising to CFTAU. He served as Vice-President of Congregation Beth Tikvah, in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, as well as President of Camp Bnai Brith of Montreal. He is a Past Chair of the Dental Division of UJA and a Past Co-chair of Super Sunday for which he received the Young Leadership Award. Michael has been on the Dental Committee of Israel Bonds for many years and was the Honouree for the Dental Division in 2000.

Professionally, he has been very involved in the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and served as President of the Alpha Omega Mount Royal Dental Society and Vice-President of the Federation of Dental Societies of Greater Montreal. He is a Past Chairman of the Alpha Omega Foundation of Canada. He served as International President of Alpha Omega in 2011 and was a key leader in the recent campaign for the Rothstein-Williamowsky Post Graduate Clinic at the Dental School at Tel Aviv University which was founded by Alpha Omega. Michael was honoured with a pillar by the Montreal Alumni Chapter.

Henry Zavriyev

Henry Zavriyev is the founder and president of Leyad, a Montreal based real estate development company with a portfolio of retail, industrial and apartment buildings across Canada. He is also president of Rewind Media, which is producing a new online show in which he travels the world discovering and recording musicians from all kinds of different backgrounds. As part of this project, he has recently returned from travels in Asia, the Middle East, South America & Europe. Henry attended Concordia University for PoliSci, but did not graduate. Originally from Boston, MA, Henry now calls Montreal home with his 4 legged son Scotch. (If it wasn’t clear, he is also a BIG fan of both scotches and Scotch.)

Sharon J. Fraenkel, Regional Chief Executive Officer

Sharon J. Fraenkel is the Chief Executive Director of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University for Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Provinces. He is headquartered at the Montreal office.

An effective leader with international experience at an executive level in hospitality, events, financial resource development and volunteer management, Sharon is a strong communicator who leads by encouraging through enthusiasm, instilling confidence and trust. He seeks input and values diversity of perspectives. His exceptional networking aptitude earned him a reputation of integrity and a proven track record for building and maintaining positive relationships.

Sharon joined Concordia University in 2005, where he remained for nearly a decade with the university’s friend- and fundraising arm.  Promoted twice during his tenure, culminating to the position of Director, Alumni Relations, Events and Sponsorships, he acted as the official liaison with the Office of the President, Senior Administrators, the Board of Governors and different Concordia Student Unions on related matters, and thus was fortunate to work collaboratively with and among many talented and diverse individuals; professionals, academics, students and volunteers alike.

 


Volunteer Based Chapters

Chapter Ottawa

More info…

Richard Zuker

Email: richardzuker@sympatico.ca

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Richard (Dick) Zuker’s professional life involved work in economics and public finance, domestically and internationally, for the federal government and as a consultant. Much of his work was devoted to improving financial and intergovernmental arrangements between the federal government and Indigenous governments and organizations in Canada.

During his over forty years in Ottawa, he served as Finance Chairman at Temple Israel for many years and chaired the Community Panel on Jewish Education. He served as President, and continues as a member of the Board and Finance Committee Chair, of Tamir, a Jewish Agency serving developmentally disabled people; and is a Board member of AJA50plus, a Jewish organization providing a range of educational and entertainment programs for seniors.

Dick and Marcia, a retired hospital social worker, have been married for 48 years. They have a son, who is a lawyer for the federal government, and a daughter, who is a rabbi and recently returned to Ottawa, with her two young sons, to work at the new Congregation Kehilat Beth Israel.

Dick highly values education and is a strong supporter of Israel.

“I am looking forward to working with other like-minded individuals to form the Ottawa Chapter of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University, one of the best universities in the world.”

Chapter Halifax

More info…

Marina Brin RA, BN

Email: maribri80@gmail.com

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Marina has been working as a nurse for more then 5 years. She has have an experience for more then 2 years as a paediatric nurse in a paediatric intensive care and an experience for 2 years in Paediatric Emergency Department. In addition, She has a one year experience as an operation room nurse.

She has a strong ability of analyzing and interpreting dynamics of patients and situations and acting accordingly. She has very good time management and planning skills and the ability to work with various cultural and ethnic groups and is able to work in a team.

“Moreover, I enjoy my job, I like to see children feel better and get well; I get excited when I see light in their eyes, and I enjoy communicating with their families.”

Marina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science from Tel Aviv University (2005-2009). Currently she is working towards to get the Canadian RN licence.


Support us!

 TAU has set a goal to create a better and healthier world, help make that goal a reality!

Become a part of our great community! Stay in touch! Support us on events, volunteering options, share your ideas!

TAU has also set a goal to create a better and healthier world, investing significant resources into building new laboratories, recruiting young researchers from top institutions such as Harvard and the NIH, and awarding fellowships to its most talented master’s and doctoral students. TAU is also a leader in narrowing the gap between rich and poor in Israel by providing social programs that give qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds the financial and academic support to succeed. Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University is committed to assisting TAU with its goals.

Volunteers, we need you!

With a little of your time and talent, we can do a lot for Tel Aviv University!

Become a part of our great community! Stay in touch! Support us on events, volunteering options, share your ideas! Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University can’t continue to grow and flourish without the help of people like you.

We draw our strength from the energy, commitment, and diverse skills of our dedicated volunteers — from those helping to plan a one-time-only activity to those governing on our Board of Directors or the board of one of TAU’s faculties.

If you’d like to get more involved, please let us know by emailing info@cftau.ca. We’ll find engaging and rewarding opportunities to match your schedule and your special interests.

We look forward to working with you!

Ontario and Western Canada

3130 Bathurst Street, Suite, 214, Toronto, ON | M6A 2A1 
Phone: 416.787.9930 | Toll Free: 833.32.CFTAU (22328)
Email: toronto@cftau.ca

Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada

6900 Boulevard Décarie, Suite 3480, Montreal, QC | H3X 2T8
Phone: 514.344.3417
Email: montreal@cftau.ca