Honoring Hymie Mida’s legacy as a champion for physics
Weizmann Canada hosted a dual celebration in Toronto in April 2025 to honor Mr. Hymie Mida’s visionary philanthropy, which established the Chaim Mida Professorial Chair in Physics, and to toast its inaugural incumbent, Prof. Roee Ozeri from the Department of Physics of Complex Systems, who also serves as the Weizmann Institute’s Vice President for Development and Communications.
This dedicated chair builds on Hymie’s enduring legacy of support for scientific excellence, following his creation of the Chaim Mida Prizes in Theoretical Physics in 2016.
“I have been interested in science since my youth, but my career path changed when I was in my 20s, and I became an accountant,” Hymie shares. “But today, 50 years later, in establishing this professorial chair in physics, I am proud to support its first incumbent, Prof. Roee Ozeri, in his adventure of discovery in the field of quantum physics.”
Prof. Ozeri led the Weizmann team that built Israel’s first quantum computer in 2022—one of only about 30 in the world at the time.
“Without the discoveries of physics, we wouldn’t have the technology we sometimes take for granted, like MRI machines, lasers, or smartphones,” Hymie says. “Physics is about understanding how the universe works. It is gratifying to do what I can to help the Weizmann Institute accelerate progress through research.”
“It’s truly inspiring to see Hymie’s passion for science come full circle in such a meaningful way,” says Susan Stern, CEO of Weizmann Canada. “By endowing a chair in physics, he is honoring a lifelong love of discovery and investing in the future of research and innovation. His generosity will have an impact far beyond what we can imagine today, and we are deeply appreciative.”
Prof. Ozeri also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hymie for a gift that empowers bold science and attracts world-class talent.
The celebration, graciously hosted by Weizmann Canada’s National Board Chair, Dr. Arthur Slutsky, and Mrs. Myra Slutsky, Toronto Chapter Member, was attended by over 40 friends and supporters.