TORONTO, August 18, 1998 -- Renowned scholar, historian and community leader Irving Abella will deliver the inaugural lecture of the J. Richard Shiff Chair for the Study of Canadian Jewry at York University on September 14.

Titled "Canadian Jewry: Past, Present and Future", the lecture will highlight the role of Jews in Canadian society and the mystique surrounding their contribution to business, politics and culture in both pre- and post-Confederation Canada. The address will focus on the impact of anti-Semitic policy as well as the changing perception of the Jewish community, and profile some of the colourful personalities seldom chronicled by Canadian historians.

As Chair for the Study of Canadian Jewry, Professor Abella will undertake to more closely connect the academic world of Jewish studies with the greater community through research, teaching and outreach projects. The Chair will serve both the Centre for Jewish Studies and the Department of History at York University, which has the largest Jewish student population in Canada. Endowed in December 1997 by lawyer, real-estate developer and philanthropist J. Richard Shiff and a number of other donors, the Chair will ensure the Jewish community maintains an active role within the thriving, culturally diverse society for which Canada is acclaimed.

"Through his lead support of the Chair, J. Richard Shiff has created a rare opportunity to integrate academic research with action-based programmes in the community," says Professor Abella. "The Centre for Jewish Studies is unrivalled in North America and Shiff's generosity will further distinguish York University as a pivotal contributor to the world of Jewish academe and the local community," he adds.

Professor Abella is one of Canada's most distinguished writers, scholars and community leaders. The author or co-author of six books, he has earned numerous distinctions and honours, including several Canada Council awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Jewish Book Award for None Is Too Many. In addition to his most recent appointment to the Shiff Chair, Prof. Abella is the president-elect of the Canadian Historical Society, chair of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Jewish Congress, and a member of the academic advisory committee for the new Holocaust Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa.

The inaugural address will be held in Vari Hall, Lecture Room A, York University on September 14th from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. An open reception will follow in the Faculty Club beginning at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free and more information on the evening is available through York's Centre for Jewish Studies at (416) 736-5823.

For interview opportunities and media information, please call:

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
email: kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/053/98