Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University

About

The Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University is a registered charitable organization headquartered in Montreal. Founded several decades ago by leading Canadian philanthropists, the Association's primary mission is to raise critical funds for the University. 

The Association holds activities designed to encourage Canadian youth to study in one of TAU's many international programs, and to familiarize Canadians with the outstanding scholarship taking place at Tel Aviv University. Events range from gala evenings to parlor receptions, and include symposia and film festivals.

Leadership

National President: Ariela Cotler

Ariela Cotler is a proud Jew, Israeli, daughter, wife, mother of four, and grandmother of nine. Cotler joined the Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Board of Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University in 2018.

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Cotler studied at Hebrew University and worked as a legislative assistant and parliamentary secretary for Menachem Begin and the GH”L party (subsequently the Likud) in the Israeli Knesset from 1967-1979.

After moving to Canada, she taught, lectured, and worked as a social worker at the CLSC. Her topics of interest include Jewish education, Jewish identity and the centrality of Israel.

Within Montreal’s Jewish community, Cotler joined the Jewish Education Center, working with young adults on issues of Jewish education and identity, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, to work towards enhancing the issues of Israel advocacy and Israel-Diaspora relations.

Cotler became Chair of State of Montreal’s Israel Bonds Women's Division from 1982-1986 and a member of the Board and an Executive of JNF.

She also was among those who started the tradition of celebrating Israel's Independence Day, in a community-wide event in Montreal in 2002. In addition to Yom Ha'atzmaut, she also helped implement Yom Hazikaron to the community calendar to commemorate Israel's fallen soldiers since 1988.

Ariela has remained involved in all issues concerning Jewish education, Israel advocacy and Israel-Diaspora relations.

Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada

Regional Chair: Stewart Litvack

Chief Executive Officer for Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada: (Mr.) Sharon J. Fraenkel

Contact: 6900 Decarie Blvd., Suite 3480, Montreal, QC H3X 2T8, Canada

Tel: +514-344-3417 - Email: sharon@cftau.ca

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Ontario & Western Canada

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Regional Chair: David Altshuller 

Chief Executive Officer for Ontario and Western Canada: Stephen Adler

Contact: 3130 Bathurst Street, Suite 214, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2A1, Canada

Tel: +416 787 9930 - Email: stephen@cftau.ca