Yude HenteleffWinnipeg, February 19, 2012 – Canadian Friends of Hebrew University, Winnipeg Chapter is pleased to announce that Yude Henteleff, C.M., Q.C., LL.D. (Hon.) is being honoured for his many years of community service on April 30th at a reception at the Hotel Fort Garry.  Mr. Henteleff, a lawyer, human rights advocate, ardent environmentalist, and champion of special needs individuals, has been involved with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, since the 1960’s.  He is an Honourary Governor of the University and past President of the Winnipeg Chapter.

“Many Hebrew University heavyweights came from Winnipeg.  Max Steinkopf, Justice Samuel Freedman, Izzy Asper, Harold Buchwald, and Yude Henteleff – all Winnipeggers – helped shape Canadian support for Israel’s premier university,” said Faith Kaplan, Winnipeg Chapter President.  “Yude Henteleff was president when I first became involved with the CFHU Professional and Business Division 25 years ago.  His commitment and conviction were inspiring.  I cannot think of a more fitting recipient of the Bronfman Medal for Meritorious Service by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Honourary co-chairs Gail Asper and Dee Buchwald are enthusiastic about the upcoming event.  “Yude is part of our family, and has been since he, “Bucky” and Dad were partners in Buchwald, Asper, Henteleff.  We also greatly appreciate his exemplary volunteerism and dedication to others and to us.  His respect and support for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and his tireless work on behalf of the Canadian Musuem for Human Rights are an inspiration to me every day,” said Gail.  “I am thrilled to be involved with recognizing  Yude’s selflessness.  He and Harold were dear friends, and a true example of the meaning of tzedakah.  This evening is long overdue,” added Dee.

Ralph Applebaum

Friends and colleagues wishing to honour Yude may do so through the Yude Henteleff Mishpatim Scholarship Fund at the Hebrew University.  “Mishpatim is a new educational partnership between the University of Manitoba law school and Hebrew University.  It is a four week credit course in human rights, indigenous rights, immigration, entrepreneurship, patent and business law offered to U of M students through Hebrew U’s Rothberg School.  Students tour Israel, meet with social activists, immigrants, foreign workers, business entrepreneurs, and specialists in law while studying the history of Modern Israel and it’s challenges in forging a working democracy in a region fraught with tension and danger.  Last year’s inaugural class was very enthusiastic, and this year’s class of 24 students filled up in less than a day.  CFHU offers a substantial scholarship to enable all interested students to take this course, and I am honoured to associate my name with this program,” said Yude Henteleff.  Bryan Schwartz, U ofM faculty and CFHU board member responsible for developing Mishpatim adds:  “This program is unique in the world, and provides (mostly non-Jewish) law and business students with a once in a lifetime opportunity to get in close to the most dynamic and exciting country in the world.  We hope it will become a national program in the next number of years.”

Ralph Appelbaum, internationally renowned museum designer of the Washington Holocaust Museum and lead consultant on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, is the keynote speaker for this tribute.  Mr. Applebaum, who is a friend and colleague of Mr. Henteleff’s through their shared involvement in the Canadian Museum Rights, will be speaking on the challenges of the unique characteristics of the museum in advancing the cause of human rights in all ways.  Space is limited, and this event will be Mr. Applebaums’ first “public” speaking event.  Tickets for the Henteleff tribute are available online by clicking here, by calling the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University office at 942-3085, or by emailing szalik@cfhu.org.

For more information, contact Sharon Zalik, Executive Director, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University Winnipeg Chapter, at 204-942-3085, or szalik@cfhu.org.