In a time of uncertainty and complexity, Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) and the Jerusalem Foundation proudly hosted Mayor of Jerusalem Mr. Moshe Lion in Vancouver and Calgary for two evenings under the theme: “Diversity as Strength During Challenging Times.”
These special events brought together donors, academics, students, civic leaders, and community members to explore how diversity—when truly embraced—can become a city’s greatest asset.
In Vancouver, the event was hosted by Rabbi Jonathan Infeld and Congregation Beth Israel, where the Rabbi led a heartfelt and conversation with Mayor Lion. In Calgary, the evening took place at Beth Tzedec Congregation, co-hosted with the Calgary Jewish Federation, in a warm, community-driven setting.
Mayor Lion shared powerful reflections on what it means to govern Jerusalem, a city composed of three distinct populations—secular, ultra-Orthodox, and Arab—each with their own needs, identities, and aspirations. His central message: leadership is not about uniformity, but about making space for every community to thrive.
“My biggest challenge,” said Mayor Lion, “is to ensure that every resident—no matter if they are religious or secular, Jewish or Arab—feels that Jerusalem belongs to them and they have what they need from the Municipality. That they have access to education, housing, and culture. Only then can we truly live side by side.”
He spoke of investing in East Jerusalem, building thousands of new apartments throughout the city, and launching large-scale infrastructure and cultural initiatives—all in service of a shared future.
Representing CFHU, Dina Wachtel VP Community Affairs shared how Hebrew University of Jerusalem, now marking its 100th anniversary, embodies these same ideals. With over 24,000 students —Jews, Arabs, Druze, Christians, religious and secular— local and international from more than 90 countries, Hebrew University is a beacon of coexistence, academic excellence, and innovation. Whether through its new HUJI-Tech Park, which is set to create 5,000 jobs, or the future Albert Einstein Museum, Hebrew University is deeply interwoven with Jerusalem’s present and future.
Arik Grebelsky, President of the Jerusalem Foundation joined the conversation and gave moving testimony about the Double Impact initiative— offering cultural programming to evacuees after October 7th, reminding us of the power of community, healing, and the arts during crisis. Arik emphasized that Jerusalem is a living model of coexistence, and that the work of the Foundation is to ensure that all of the city’s communities—Jewish, Arab, secular, religious—can live side by side with dignity and opportunity.
“If we succeed,” said Arik, “we are bringing hope not just to Jerusalem, but to the entire country—and perhaps to the world.”
These events were about shared values and the idea that diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a strength to be celebrated. And that from Calgary to Vancouver to Jerusalem, we all have a stake in building a more inclusive and resilient future.
Thank you to everyone who made these evenings possible—our hosts, partners, volunteers, and guests. And thank you to those who continue to support Jerusalem not just as a city of history, but as a city of hope.