“There is no such thing as the unknown, only things temporarily hidden.” This quote by William Shatner’s character, Captain James Kirk, in Star Trek is one of many from the series that illustrates the show’s thematic balance of curiosity and perseverance. 

These were similar themes that Richard Reitman encountered when he first started getting involved with Weizmann Canada in 2016. A big fan of Star Trek growing up, Richard developed a passion for science and, after graduating from college, sought meaningful ways to engage with an initiative he cared about. 

Having lost his grandfather to Alzheimer’s and witnessing the disease’s progression, he was also eager to support and learn about brain and Alzheimer’s research. The first event he attended with the Weizmann League, Weizmann Canada’s network of young professionals and philanthropists, confirmed that he had found his place. 

Within a few years of joining the Weizmann League, Richard became Co-chair and began finding more opportunities to share the wonders of Weizmann with his own network, hosting events and meetings with fellow science enthusiasts. 

When the chance arose to visit the Weizmann Institute of Science campus, Richard was quick to seize it. He traveled to Rehovot in 2017 for a personal tour with his family. Before visiting  Weizmann House and Dr. Chaim Weizmann’s original lab, Richard remembers how walking around the campus made him feel the collaborative and curiosity-driven environment unique to Weizmann. 

They concluded their tour with a meeting with Dr. Michal Schwartz, one of Weizmann’s leading researchers studying immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease. “I was really blown away by what she had to say and felt optimistic about the strides they’re making in neuroscience and Alzheimer’s research,” Richard recalls. 

From Weizmann League to the National Board of Directors 

Last year, Richard joined Weizmann Canada’s National Board and has continued to find opportunities to help grow the Weizmann community. This past February, he hosted an event in Florida, sponsored by The Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Family Foundation, and spoke personally about the progress being made at Weizmann and why he and his family are passionate supporters. 

Having watched his grandfather fight Alzheimer’s for 14 years before succumbing to the disease, Richard feels strongly about helping to find solutions. “It’s a terrible, terrible disease, and no one should have to suffer that way,” says Richard, reflecting on how difficult it can be for family members who have to witness the disease’s progression. 

Confident in the progress being made at Weizmann for Alzheimer’s research, Richard has also been active in learning about the many other research initiatives that he knows will benefit humanity. “Weizmann’s study of Alzheimer’s, the environment, artificial intelligence, and even the exploration of the universe is necessary for the survival of humanity,” he reflects. 

As a long-time leader in the Weizmann Canada community, Richard has seen the challenges and opportunities that have arisen over the past few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing challenges after the atrocities of October 7. ‘Resilience’ is the word that comes to mind when he considers how the community has been able to adapt, pivot, and persevere. “Weizmann is a beacon of hope that anyone can support, no matter their background, for the benefit of all humanity.”