Azrieli Foundation donates $15M for new Herzliah building

Leading-edge facility will be linked to Montreal's Jewish Community Campus

MONTREAL, June 16, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - A $15-million gift from the Azrieli Foundation to help build a new state-of-the-art facility for Herzliah high school is the most significant investment in Montreal's Jewish Community Campus in decades.

Scheduled to open during the 2017-2018 school year, the 95,000 square foot building will feature the latest in education technology, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) centre, and will boast spacious classrooms, a rooftop terrace and garden, and a variety of labs and group meeting spaces.

"Herzliah's exciting and forward-looking plans, including a beautiful new building, ensure that it will be a leading-edge institution that fosters innovation, critical thinking and creativity," said Naomi Azrieli, Chair & CEO of the Azrieli Foundation. "Our philanthropic investment reflects our belief in the school's mission and vision, along with our commitment to Montreal's Jewish community." Three members of the Azrieli family attended Herzliah and the family matriarch, Stephanie Azrieli, was the librarian at Talmud Torah for many years.

The new school will be built on the existing parking pad of the YM-YWHA Jewish Community Centres. A bridge connecting Herzliah to Montreal's Jewish Community Campus will be a central feature of the project, forging a close collaboration between students and Jewish institutions such as the YM-YWHA, the Jewish Public Library, the Segal Centre, Federation CJA, and more.

"Strategically linking Herzliah's new home to the Jewish Community Campus will bring the next generation of leaders into the epicentre of Jewish life," said Monica Mendel Bensoussan, President of Talmud Torah | Herzliah. "This will help ensure that the entire Jewish community is stronger, more vibrant, and infused with the enthusiasm, creativity and energy of our Jewish youth."

With the gift from the Azrieli Foundation, Talmud Torah and Herzliah will be rebranded under the umbrella "Les écoles Azrieli schools" while still retaining their individual names.

About Talmud Torah | Herzliah
Talmud Torah | Herzliah has stood at the forefront of Jewish education in Montreal for over a century. The school engages students in learning about the rich traditions, history and experiences of the Jewish people, while instilling within them a pride in their Jewish heritage. www.utt.qc.ca

About The Azrieli Foundation
The Azrieli Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports a wide range of initiatives and programs in the fields of education, architecture and design, Holocaust education, scientific and medical research, and the arts. www.azrielifoundation.org

SOURCE Azrieli Foundation

Image with caption: "Rendering of new Azrieli Herzliah High School, projected to open for the 2017-2018 school year in Montreal, Qc. (CNW Group/Azrieli Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160616_C4858_PHOTO_EN_715601.jpg

Image with caption: "Azrieli Foundation (CNW Group/Azrieli Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160616_C4858_PHOTO_EN_715600.jpg

Image with caption: "Les écoles Azrieli Schools - Talmud Torah | Herzliah (CNW Group/Azrieli Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160616_C4858_PHOTO_EN_715599.jpg

Dena Libman, Chief Operating Officer, The Azrieli Foundation, [email protected], [phone]