Canadian Friends of Hebrew University

The opportunity to study in another country and learn what only exposure to a different culture can teach, is a precious one. Through the Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, The Asper Foundation first established the I.H. Asper Hebrew University of Jerusalem Travel Scholarship Fund to give Manitobans and now Canadians of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to broaden their post-secondary education by studying in Israel.

The Hebrew University’s Rothberg School for Overseas Students, inaugurated in 1955, is one of the world’s largest programs for visiting university students. Each year, approximately 1,500 students from 60 different countries enroll in courses offered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

While studying at the Hebrew University, students receive an additional unique education by living in the ancient and culturally rich city of Jerusalem. In addition to formal studies, the learning experience includes study tours to places as historically significant as Masada and the pyramids of Egypt, workshops on Jewish and Middle Eastern issues, a Beit Midrash program (study centre), student Christian forum, internships and home hospitality.

The Asper Scholarship is not based solely on need. Educational performance, employment record, community involvement and personal references, which outline a candidate’s leadership abilities, significant achievements and other criteria are considered by the Scholarship Committee. The scholarships cover tuition, books and room and board. Students must cover airfare, Israeli health insurance and any additional touring expenses.

In 2002, the scholarship program was expanded to include the Vancouver area and McGill University through The Phyllis and Bernard Shapiro McGill Scholars Fund. Funds raised in these two communities were matched by the Asper Endowment Fund.

Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC)

In 2010, The Asper Foundation contributed $200,000 towards the Hebrew University’s IMRIC. The researchers at IMRIC are some of Israel’s most brilliant medical and scientific minds. They are unlocking the mysteries of genes and proteins that control fundamental processes in living cells. The work they are doing will lead to solutions to the world’s most pressing medical problems.

Asper HUJI Innovate

In January 2021, The Asper Foundation made a transformative gift of $5 million to the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Israel that will name Asper HUJI Innovate at the Hebrew University (originally named HUJI Innovate) . This gift will allow Asper HUJI Innovate to expand its footprint and professional led start-up accelerators to develop significant external partnerships.  Asper HUJI Innovate is dedicated to the education and development of entrepreneurial capabilities for the entire HUJI (Hebrew University of Jerusalem Israel) community – students, faculty, staff and alumni. It was created to ensure that graduates are better prepared for the challenges brought about by the disruption that is coming to the workplace in the coming decades.

Memorandum of Understanding Between Hebrew University’s Yissum Research Development Company and the University of Manitoba

In October 2010, Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba and Menachem Ben Sasson, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, together with the Asper School of Business signed an agreement on agriculture, water and commercial business development. Through this agreement, an exchange of scientific research and business development took place. This collaboration symbolized the new innovative role that the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, together with The Asper Foundation, fulfills in connecting partners such as the local governments and other research and academic institutions in Canada to promote the State of Israel and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba worked with the Yissum Research Development Company, the Hebrew University’s technology transfer company, to identify technologies produced by U of M that are suitable for commercialization.

The partnership agreement enabled teams of MBA students from the University of Manitoba to work with Yissum and the developers of a chosen technology to develop a proposed venture and prepare a business plan to bring this venture to reality.

The long-term goal was to develop teams consisting of students from both institutions to work on the development and presentation of the proposed ventures. The Manitoba students gained real world experience, by entering various competitions hosted by major universities around North America as part of Venture Labs Investment Competition series.

This Canada-Israel partnership in essence developed the next generation of managers for Manitoba’s technology based companies.

The Province of Manitoba committed three years of funding to the program and they were joined by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University.