Israel’s preeminent centre of advanced learning to award honorary doctorate to former Canadian journalist for her extensive public service and philanthropic work 

(TORONTO – February 5, 2019) – Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) is proud to announce that Hebrew University of Jerusalem will bestow an Honorary Doctorate on Senator Linda Frum in June at its annual ceremony in Israel.

Hebrew University awards honorary degrees to people who have distinguished themselves by academic or creative achievement, who have rendered outstanding service to the university, or whose activities have been of notable benefit to humanity, Israel or the Jewish people.

“CFHU is thrilled Hebrew University is recognizing Senator Frum for her leadership based on the principles of equality, freedom and human rights,” says Monette Malewski, CFHU’s National Chair. “This honour is also in appreciation of her longstanding friendship and ties to the people of Canada and Israel. Throughout her career, Senator Frum has demonstrated boundless wisdom and humanity. She is a role model for women in Canada and around the world.”

Appointed to the Senate in 2009 by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Honourable Linda Frum represents the province of Ontario. She currently serves on the Senate Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee and the Senate Committee for Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament.

Senator Frum is a fierce advocate of human rights in Iran, having co-sponsored Iran Accountability Week on Parliament Hill. During her many years on the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, she led legislative efforts to eliminate foreign influence in Canadian elections. In 2017, Senator Frum introduced in the Senate the bill that designates May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. In 2013, she was co-chair of the Canadian Advisory Council for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. She is a passionate and committed supporter of Israel and a dedicated member of her community.

“I wish to express my great appreciation to Hebrew University for awarding me this Honourary Degree,” says Senator Frum. “It’s a true distinction and privilege to be recognized in such a manner by one of the top universities in the world whose contributions to teaching and research have been enormous. I am delighted and humbled by this honour.”

A graduate of McGill University, Senator Frum is a former journalist. She is a best-selling author, Gemini Award-winning documentarian and a highly active member of her community. She is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto and serves on the board of the United Israel Appeal. In 2018, she co-chaired a record-setting annual UJA Toronto campaign. She is a member of the International Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation Committee. Among her many other volunteer positions, Senator Frum is a past board member of Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital and a past trustee of the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council.