My Conversation with the late Mark Mendelson, Former CEO of BGU CANADA at Ben-Gurion University Gala
- last year
This November, I interviewed the late Mark Mendelson, Former CEO of BGU Canada at Ben-Gurion University Toronto’s The Future is Now Gala Featuring Actor Michael J. Fox. Although it was our first-time meeting, Mark’s fundraising in Canada for Israel-based institutions and other successes as a leader in the Jewish Community was evident. Sadly, he suddenly passed away in Montreal at the age of 73 just days after the event.
Mark served as the CEO of Ben-Gurion University Canada (formerly the Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University) for the past 12 years. Previously, he was executive director of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) for Eastern Canada for 17 years.
Known for his signature navy blazer and moustache, his love of family, good food & wine, art, cooking and entertainment, Mark had a larger-than-life personality.
His work and devotion to BGU Canada was also apparent - having expanded its presence across Canada and increasing the amount of money raised. Despite the limitations of the pandemic, Mark recently reported to supporters that the organization had had a record financial year.
After his military service, Mark ran a delicatessen and popular bagel bakery in Montreal before discovering his true calling - serving the Jewish community.
Making BGU, Israel’s youngest university in the developing Negev Desert, better known in Canada became Mark’s true mission. Having appeared on CNN, NBC and more, in our interview, Mark shares how BGU transformed into a dynamic university becoming Israel’s fastest-growing university at the forefront of medical research & development with its Medical Simulation Building, enrolling over 20,000 Jewish, Palestinian & Arab students each year, the impact its research has on Autism, and much more!
Mark served as the CEO of Ben-Gurion University Canada (formerly the Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University) for the past 12 years. Previously, he was executive director of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) for Eastern Canada for 17 years.
Known for his signature navy blazer and moustache, his love of family, good food & wine, art, cooking and entertainment, Mark had a larger-than-life personality.
His work and devotion to BGU Canada was also apparent - having expanded its presence across Canada and increasing the amount of money raised. Despite the limitations of the pandemic, Mark recently reported to supporters that the organization had had a record financial year.
After his military service, Mark ran a delicatessen and popular bagel bakery in Montreal before discovering his true calling - serving the Jewish community.
Making BGU, Israel’s youngest university in the developing Negev Desert, better known in Canada became Mark’s true mission. Having appeared on CNN, NBC and more, in our interview, Mark shares how BGU transformed into a dynamic university becoming Israel’s fastest-growing university at the forefront of medical research & development with its Medical Simulation Building, enrolling over 20,000 Jewish, Palestinian & Arab students each year, the impact its research has on Autism, and much more!