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The Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University (@CdnFriendsHU) will present the Academy Award-winning actor, and one of America's favourite voices, with the prestigious award on May 6, 2013 in Toronto. Honoring Mr Freeman's dedication in promoting education, “There is a saying that ‘he who opens a school door, closes a prison.’ Some of the greatest problems in our world today, from racism, to the environment, health, malnutrition and disease, are caused due to a lack of education and knowledge," said Freeman. "This is why I have dedicated so much of my time to promoting education around the world, and it is why I am proud to receive the Key of Knowledge Award from the Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University – an organization that celebrates learning and academic excellence.”  Photo of Morgan Freeman by Andy Gotts, provided by CFHU.

A benefit for the Celebration of Excellence will be held at the Toronto Centre for the Arts in May where individuals, including Morgan Freeman, will be honoured for their impact to others and have changed the world through the advancement of knowledge. Money raised from the event will benefit the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and also establish The Morgan Freeman Scholarship Fund for International Students at Hebrew University. Paul Saltzman, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker  will moderate a Q&A with Morgan Freeman during the nights celebrations. You can attend the awards ceremony and main event for $180, purchase VIP dinner tickets which include a cocktail reception with Mr Freeman, or help sponsor the benefit with packages available from $1,800 to $100,000 (tickets can be purchased through the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University. Joining in the VIP reception will also be scientist Dr Amir Amedi and the Kenyan Ambassador to the UN, Dr Josephine Ojiambo.

Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman founded the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1944 and provides scholarships, research and faculty exchanges and builds medical research partnerships between scientists of Canada and Israel.