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Reflection on my time at HU
By Elliot Shiff, Toronto
I applied to spend my third year of University on the One-Year Program in 1983-84. A couple of my friends had been there the year before and had nothing but good things to say about it. Fortunately, York University was very cooperative, so everything went through smoothly. I had been to Israel once before but this would be my first real extended stay.
I studied a broad range of courses, everything from religious studies to archaeology and literature. I also took advantage of getting out and traveling the country. The University had some excellent trips, others I did on my own with friends. That would have a major impact on my future career choices, as when I returned to Canada to finish off my degree, I decided that I needed to get out and do more beyond my studies. I volunteered at the York University student newspaper. The next year, I ran it full-time. The following year I went to Columbia University and completed my MS in Journalism.
One of the highlights of my 23 years as a journalist, was serving as Middle East Bureau Chief for CTV, which brought me back to Jerusalem, where I was based, with my family, from 1997 to late 1999. While the country had changed quite dramatically in the intervening years, it still felt like home, thanks to my year at Hebrew U.
I go back almost yearly, as my brother made Aliyah 30 years ago. I also conduct business with an Israeli company, focusing on real estate investments in North America. In addition, I volunteer with the Lone Soldier program. Overall, the One-Year Program had a very positive influence on my life.
- Elliot is currently a Sales Representative at Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. in Toronto