“BHL” helps BGU raise $600,000; Negev and ICRF Galas

24/07/2025

Original Article - https://www.thesuburban.com/blogs/sjn/bhl-helps-bgu-raise-600-000-negev-and-icrf-galas/article_88a19d84-1629-4a14-8aad-79defe370811.html

Publication: The Suburban

He is a journalist, filmmaker, philosopher, author of over 30 books and a public intellectual. Often referred to as "BHL," Bernard-Henri Lévy is one of France's most prominent contemporary thinkers and has been a key figure in European intellectual life since the 1970s. On June 10, the Montreal chapter of Ben Gurion Canada held a highly successful evening at the Gelber Conference Centre featuring none other than BHL himself in conversation with community leader Gail Adelson. More than $600,000 was raised for Ben Gurion University of the Negev to support scholarships, recruitment and retention programs for students of underserved communities.

BHL’s latest book, Israel Alone, published in September 2024, is a powerful reflection on the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. He analyzes the global response to the violence and examines the resurgence of antisemitism, often masked as anti-Zionism that followed the tragedy. A tireless advocate for justice and democracy, he remains influential in shaping debates on ethics, politics, and culture across Europe and North America. I had a chance to speak with him before the lecture. He told me that Russia knew about the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks in advance and did not inform Israel. BHL went to Israel the day after the massacre. “As soon as I heard the news, I thought my place was there,” he told Adelson. “I was the witness of many massacres in my life. I had to bear witness and show solidarity with the suffering, murdered and traumatized sisters and brothers of Israel.”

On June 10 two stalwart leaders of the Montreal Chapter of BGU Canada were recognized posthumously, the late Gordon Echenberg and Robby Elman. Both understood the importance of Ben-Gurion University for the economic and social development of Be’er Sheva and the Negev.

Peggi Cohen Rabinovitch, president of the Montreal chapter, gave opening remarks. The event steering committee was compose of Sylvain Abitbol, Jeremie Abitbol, Diane Altman, Jack Altman, Sandra Azancot, Eric Bissell, Naomi Bissell, Jack Ditkofsky, Penny Echenberg, Debra Israel. Mick Kanfi, Janis Levine, Irwin Lambersky, Gail Palevsky, Richard Vineberg and Richard Levy. The incomparable Roslyn Margles sponsored BHL’s appearance and made the formal introduction. Guests mingled beforehand in the peace garden, where an appetizing buffet was served. It really was a who’s who of the Jewish community. Outgoing Israeli Consul General Paul Hirschson also preceded BHL’s talk. As a proud BGU graduate, the Consul General urged everyone to support the university.

Barbara Maldoff, JNF Quebec Board member; Moe Liebman , JNF Quebec president; Galit Suissa, JNF Quebec gala chair and board member;. Karen Aflalo, JNF Quebec executive director; Wendy Spatzner, JNF Quebec board member; and Stephanie Oboler, JNF supporter.PBL PHOTO

NEGEV GALA: The 2025 Jewish National Fund of Montreal Negev Gala took place recently at La Nesra. More than 600 guests were on hand to honour Consul General Hirschson. Organizers welcome two extraordinary performers. Yuval Raphael made her first appearance after winning second place for Israel at Eurovision just a week earlier. Daniel Waiss was a finalist on the popular Israeli show The Next Star. All funds raised will support a vital new initiative: the Ashdod Rehabilitation and Therapy Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve trauma survivors, pediatric cancer patients, and children with disabilities in southern Israel.

Members of the organizing committee of the ICRF Gala.

ICRF GALA: The Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) Montreal chapter celebrated a major milestone recently, hosting its 50th Anniversary Gala at Théâtre Jean-Duceppe at Place des Arts — an evening that brought together more than 500 guests from Montreal’s philanthropic, medical, research, and business communities, and raised close to $400,000 in support of life-saving cancer research in Montreal and Israel. The Gala honored Dr. Gerald Batist, one of Canada’s most respected leaders in oncology and a longtime champion of ICRF’s mission. A moving tribute video and the presentation of the ICRF Montreal Community Fellowship Award celebrated Dr. Batist’s remarkable contributions to cancer care, research, and collaboration between Montreal and Israel. The evening began with an elegant pre-event Sponsor & VIP Cocktail Reception, catered by Beso. Hosting the event were ICRF Montreal Co-Presidents Robert Bard and Jeffrey Bernstein, alongside Honorary Co-Chairs Vivian Billick and Jeffrey Solomon, Gala Co-Chairs Dana Frank and Meagan Reinish, and Event Coordinator Alexandra Feifer-Wexelman. Guests also enjoyed an intimate and lively performance by Grammy-nominated artist Gavin DeGraw. “The Gala was a celebration of ICRF’s 50 years of impact, but more importantly, it was a rallying moment for the future,” said Brigitte Fortin, CEO of ICRF Montreal. “The funds raised will go directly to support early-stage research projects, empowering scientists in Montreal and Israel to drive forward discoveries that save lives.”