OTTAWA — The Canada-Israel Committee and Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) recently held a joint event on Parliament Hill to commemorate the 61st year of Canada-Israel relations.
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney greeted assembled guests in the West Block for a luncheon reception.
In his last official appearance as president of CFHU, Ron Appleby noted that it was appropriate the event was being held on May 14, “which is the actual anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.”
“Hebrew University is an outstanding, world-class institute of higher education. It has nurtured and developed most of the business, academic and professional leaders in Israel. It has been responsible for shaping and forming the liberal democracy that is Israel. Throughout its existence, medical research at the highest level for all mankind has been a priority of Hebrew University,” Appleby said as he introduced a video highlighting some of the scientific and medical partnerships between Israel and Canada through the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada.
Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Miriam Ziv, congratulated the efforts made to date but urged even further co-operation between Canada and the Jewish state.
“I think that what we have seen today is proof of so many opportunities which should catch on. Let’s give a hand to further co-operation between Israel and Canada,” she said.
Greetings from James Lunney, chair of the Canada-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and Carmi Gillon, Hebrew U’s vice-president for external relations, were followed by musical entertainment by Israeli opera star Yevgeni Shapovalov, accompanied by pianist Ernest Shteynberg.
The luncheon was prepared by Oved Alfia, executive chef at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, who showcased a “taste of Israel.”