Giving back, making a difference: The story behind Martin Bernholtz

WATCH: In the first episode of The Philanthropists , Bernholtz reflects on family values, his love for Israel and why giving is about far more than money.

Tuesday, November 3

09:00 PST |  11:00 EST | 18:00 Israel time | 16:00 UK time

Martin Bernholtz, National Board Chair of the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University, has had a long-standing family connection to the university. As a child, he recalls the fundraising teas his grandmother held in her home on behalf of Hebrew University, while he and his cousins were sent to the basement so as not to disturb the goings-on.

He speaks with reverence about his parents’ commitment to community involvement and the example they set. “My mother was involved in so many things in the community. She delivered Meals on Wheels well into her late 70s, and my dad did a great deal of work on behalf of the synagogue.”

Bernholtz first visited Israel in 1978, and since then has returned many times for family visits as well as for Hebrew University.

I have a love for philanthropy, and it's always been part of our family process,” he says. “Philanthropy is money, but it's also time spent on your community - the concept of tikkun olam - repairing the world, making the world better, and making a difference.”

For Bernholtz, volunteering for Hebrew University gave him a chance to give back to the community. “I wanted to do something that was good for the community and something that would be engaging for me and something that would be interesting. And I have a deep love for Israel,” he says. 

He marvels at Hebrew University's technological accomplishments in areas such as agro-tech and medical technology, and he's proud of the university’s diversity and openness to all members of Israeli society.

Meet Martin Bernholtz in the first episode of the 2026-2027 season of ‘The Philanthropists,’ a video series hosted by Israeli writer and director Maor Zaguri, presented by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University, delving into the lives of those who give, exploring their sense of purpose and what makes giving meaningful.

This article was written in collaboration with the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University.