Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) is raising money to sponsor soldier-students pursuing their undergraduate degrees.
The Jewish calendar is full of remembrances and commemorations underscoring that, as a people, we find value both spiritually and culturally in reflecting and celebrating regularly. This year, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem marks 90 years of post-secondary education and research. Almost a quarter of a century prior to the establishment of the state of Israel,
Hebrew U was laying the foundations for a university, to facilitate higher learning and produce an educated population to build a well-rounded society.
Ninety years is a milestone for any institution. Given the difficult circumstances in which Hebrew U was established, there is even more cause for celebration. To honor this achievement, Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) is raising money to sponsor soldier-students pursuing their undergraduate degrees who face financial insecurity as a result of having had to return to active duty with their units instead of earning money to pay for their education this past summer.
More than 1,000 Hebrew U students, many of them from combat units, had their lives put on hold during the Israel-Gaza conflict last year. All of these students had already delayed their entrance into university for three or four years to serve in the Israeli army. Finished with army service, they finally had the opportunity to attend Hebrew U and pursue their educational aspirations. However, during the summer months when they were working to fund their studies, they were called up to join their units and engage in active duty.
CFHU has recognized a tangible, significant way to help these students. Their duty to their country has interrupted their ability to finance their academic interests and CFHU is helping to eliminate the financial stress with scholarships to undergraduate students.
For the Soldier-Student Scholarship fundraising campaign, CFHU has formed a partnership with the elite undercover operation unit of Duvdevan. What better way to recognize the 90th anniversary of Hebrew U than to help students who protect Israel? The campaign will culminate in a celebratory event on Sunday, May 3, at Beth Israel Synagogue. The evening will feature a presentation from Duvdevan soldiers and will give the community an opportunity to understand what it means to be a soldier-student.
For more information about the campaign and the May 3 event, contact the CFHU office at 604-257-5133 or visit cfhu.org/news/the-soldier-student-scholarship-campaign.