Canadian Friends of Hebrew University, in collaboration with Vancouver Talmud Torah (VTT) and King David High School (KDHS), hosted a powerful and insightful evening in Vancouver on September 26, 2024, titled “Bridging Hope – Science and Personal Testimony in the Fight Against Addiction.”
The event brought together distinguished researchers, medical professionals, and courageous community members to shed light on addiction, offering both cutting-edge scientific insights and deeply personal experiences.
The evening unfolded in three parts:
First, Prof. Rami Yaka, Head of the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Prof. Yonatan Kupchik, Head of the Addiction Center at the Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), shared groundbreaking research from Hebrew University. Using state-of-the-art tools and innovative science, they provided a glimpse into the complex relationship between the brain and addictive behaviors. Their work highlights the critical role of advanced research in understanding addiction and the pathways to potential treatment.
Following this, Dr. Yaron Finkelstein, a Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Toxicology at the University of Toronto and Senior Clinician-Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto, presented his research focused on pediatric therapeutics in acute-care settings. Dr. Finkelstein’s long-term goal is to optimize drug safety, particularly in managing highly toxic drugs and preventing poisonings in children. His presentation underscored the urgency of addressing addiction’s impact on younger populations and the medical innovations that can save lives.
The third part of the evening featured an intimate and moving conversation with the Bogdonov-Epstein family: David, Elana, and their son Noah. The family courageously shared their personal journey of navigating addiction within their own family, offering raw and heartfelt insights into the challenges they faced. Their openness highlighted the importance of community support and making the conversation around addiction public, encouraging other families to seek help and support. The conversation was moderated by Pat Johnson, a long-time writer for the Jewish Independent and founding director of Upstanders Canada, which mobilizes non-Jewish Canadians against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
The event was a resounding success, with a packed room of engaged attendees. The evening not only sparked important dialogue but also showcased the vital and innovative research coming from Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
As Hebrew University approaches its centennial celebration in 2025, the event served as a reminder of its continued leadership in advancing science and research for the betterment of the world.