Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem name new Executive Director for Ontario region

Elan Divon, accomplished scholar, fundraiser and mediator, to assume new responsibilities effective immediately

TORONTO, April 4, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (CFHU) today announced the appointment of Mr. Elan Divon as Executive Director, Toronto Chapter.

Mr. Divon's mandate is to lead the CFHU across Ontario in its mission to promote The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and build support for projects which facilitate academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel.

"Elan has tremendous credentials," says Randy Masters, President, Toronto Chapter, CFHU. "His fundraising abilities are well-proven as is his considerable experience in mediation and facilitation. Additionally, Elan Divon is an accomplished scholar, author and public speaker. He also served with an elite unit of the Israeli Defence Forces and, as part of diplomatic family, has lived all over the world. On behalf of CFHU, I'd like to welcome Elan Divon to our team," adds Mr. Masters.

"I'm delighted to be joining the CFHU," continues Elan Divon, Executive Director, Toronto Chapter, CFHU. "CFHU advances scientific learning and research to the benefit of all peoples, while simultaneously creating a bridge for cooperation between Canadians and Israelis. I look forward to promoting the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to a wide variety of communities in Toronto and across Ontario," concludes Mr. Divon.

Earlier in his career, Elan Divon was Senior Campaign Consultant for United Jewish Appeal (UJA) in Toronto, during which time he was instrumental in raising funds for the organization's annual campaign, elevating its profile and recruiting new members. Previously, Elan was Executive Director, Mediation and Conflict Resolution for Palestinian and Israeli teens at Peace Camp Canada. Mr. Divon holds Masters Degrees from Harvard (Comparative Religion) and Brandeis (Anthropology), and a BA from Birkbeck College, University of London.

About The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, founded in 1918, is Israel's first university. The university's founders, including: Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein, Martin Buber and Sigmund Freud, were leaders, thinkers and humanitarians whose genius inspired their vision of a great university that would have no limits or borders. The founding charter declared that the institution would be open to every qualified man and woman irrespective of religion, race or nationality. Ranked as one of the world's leading research universities, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's faculty and researchers are at the forefront of the international scientific and academic communities. Many top prizes and awards have been won by its graduates and faculty including eight Nobel Prizes. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind in an atmosphere free of discrimination and prejudice. For more information, please visit: www.huji.ac.il/huji/eng/.

About the Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman founded the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (CFHU) in 1944 to promote awareness, leadership and financial support for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A national not-for-profit organization with chapters across Canada, CFHU facilitates strategic academic research partnerships between Canada and Israel as well as establishing scholarships, supporting research and recruiting Canadian students to attend the Rothberg International School. Another key CFHU initiative is the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) at Hebrew University (www.imric.org). For more information, please visit: www.cfhu.org. 

For further information:

Mark Lowe
Seefeld Group
E-mail: [e-mail]
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