MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The unprecedented $15 million gift to Herzliah by Sylvan Adams is the largest endowment created for one institution in the history of the Montreal Jewish community.
This endowment fund will ensure excellence in all aspects of the Herzliah High School program which goes well beyond academics to include an expanded physical education and competitive sports program, and a rich and diverse arts education program, including an enhanced music program. "When choosing where to attend high school, we want students and their families to aspire to attend Herzliah, as the best high school in Montreal. Note that I didn't say best 'Jewish' high school. This investment will afford Herzliah the tools to be that school," says Adams, "the one that Jewish families will choose in preference to all others, Jewish or otherwise. Jewish families naturally want their kids to be educated at the best schools. Our plan is for Herzliah to be the obvious choice."
Along with the excellence in programming across the curriculum comes a brand new state-of-the-art educational facility. During the 2017-2018 school year, Herzliah High School will open the doors of its new Sylvan Adams Campus which is already under construction on the existing parking pad of the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Jewish Community Centre. "I believe that the Jewish high school experience is crucial to ensure Jewish continuity in our youth", said Adams. "If our new Herzliah high school is the best school out there, it will be the easy and natural first choice of students. Jewish continuity will be the by-product of that experience." The new Herzliah High School, physically and strategically connected to the Montreal Jewish Campus, will bring the next generation of students into the epicentre of Jewish Life in Montreal.
Sylvan Adams describes his upbringing as one where philanthropy was modeled. "From my parents' example, it was natural for me to continue the family tradition of trying to do some good in the world around me", said Adams. Supporting Jewish education is a natural outcome of these values. Amongst his philanthropic activities, Adams provides funds to promote Jewish culture and education, with the ultimate goal of securing Montreal's Jewish Community well into the future. He is also one of the founding and visionary donors of the Federation CJA's Generations Fund. The Fund, which provides tuition assistance to families whose children attend Jewish schools, is yet another component in facilitating the pursuit of a Jewish education, leading to Jewish connection, identity, and ultimately, Jewish continuity.
The Herzliah High School community is honoured to accept this $15M endowment and the exciting opportunities that comes with it. It is truly a transformational gift. "Funds from this endowment will ensure that Herzliah will proudly take its place at the forefront of private education in Montreal. Our students, the leaders of tomorrow, will gain an outstanding education in the Sylvan Adams Campus. They will have the resources to excel and make their mark wherever the future takes them", states Head of School, Dr. Larry Kutler.
SOURCE Herzliah High School
Image with caption: "Sylvan Adams Campus; a new home for Herzliah students in Montreal, Qc. (CNW Group/Herzliah High School)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161117_C6256_PHOTO_EN_821353.jpg
Tova Havis, Director or Communications, Herzliah High School, [email protected], 514-242-3215
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