We’re thrilled to welcome The Honourable Linda Frum to the Azrieli Foundation’s Board of Directors. Linda is widely recognized and admired for the energy and purpose she brings to every role she takes on, and her arrival marks an exciting moment for the Foundation as we continue growing our impact across education, healthcare, research, community and the arts, in Canada and Israel.
Linda’s career spans journalism, public service and decades of dedicated community leadership. Before entering the world of policy and philanthropy, she built a national profile as a journalist and author, contributing to public conversations through her work as a columnist with the National Post, a contributing editor at Maclean’s Magazine and as a Gemini Award‑winning documentarian. Her talent for clear storytelling and thoughtful analysis quickly made her a trusted voice on issues that matter to Canadians.
In 2009, she was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, where she served until 2021. Her time in the Senate was marked by a strong commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, standing up for human rights and supporting policies that promote safety and tolerance. Today she continues that work as Chair of the Board of UN Watch, a human rights organization.
Linda’s leadership within the Jewish community has been equally deep and influential. She is the past Chair of the Board of Directors for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, where she played a key role in shaping strategic priorities and stewarding major community initiatives. She was also the founding Chair of UJA’s Committee to Counter Antisemitism and Hate, helping drive efforts to address rising antisemitism through education, advocacy and community partnerships.
Her board experience is extensive and wide‑ranging, including roles with the Shalom Hartman Institute of Canada, NGO Monitor and the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. She brings a sophisticated understanding of global Jewish issues, alongside a strong commitment to strengthening civil society and protecting democratic values. A graduate of McGill University, Linda also holds honourary degrees from Yeshiva University and Hebrew University.
Her approach to service and leadership aligns beautifully with the Azrieli Foundation’s values. Like David Azrieli, Linda believes deeply in education, community, opportunity and the responsibility to help create a better future. Her insights, experience and passion will be tremendous assets as the Foundation continues to fund innovative projects and programs helping people, ideas and institutions create lasting, positive change.
Reflecting on her appointment, Linda shared: “It is a great honour to join the board of an organization as impactful and accomplished as the Azrieli Foundation. The Foundation is guided by the values of the family it was named for and has a demonstrated record of compassionate and consequential philanthropy. To join an organization so passionately devoted to its mission of changing lives and the world for better through medicine, science, education, culture and beyond, is an opportunity for which I am very grateful and excited.”
We are excited to welcome Linda to the Board and look forward to the leadership, mentorship and vision she will bring as we continue building programs that make life better for people in Canada, Israel and beyond.
