Dr. Jordan Levi-Matin was born and raised in Vancouver, a city whose natural beauty, cultural diversity and quiet bird sanctuaries shaped the foundation of his life. Jordan was driven by a profound curiosity about the world and an unwavering dedication to understanding others—always striving to build bridges across ideological, cultural and geographic divides.

As a multidisciplinary scholar, Jordan earned a B.A. in International Relations from UBC, an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Ben-Gurion University and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from UBC. His academic journey was complemented by his creative pursuits in media production, journalism and documentary filmmaking (Transliminal Media on YouTube and Vimeo). He conducted compelling interviews with scholars and thinkers on a wide range of topics—including archeology, philosophy, religion, psychology, morality, history and politics.

Jordan believed in the possibility of peace, even as he recognized the complexities of conflict. His work and life reflected a rare combination of hope and realism, intellect and heart. He traveled widely, enjoyed learning languages and cultivated genuine relationships across cultures and continents. His writing, documentaries and conversations were imbued with respect, insight and an abiding sense of care.

A fabulous cook and gracious host, Jordan brought people together with meals rich in both flavor and meaning. He infused his dishes with spices and stories collected from his travels, turning his kitchen into a place of warmth, connection and memory. Those lucky enough to share a meal with Jordan often left not only well-fed but also deeply seen and heard. His presence offered comfort, wisdom and often, a quiet, well-timed insight that made others feel understood.

In recent years, Jordan extended his gifts to the practice of clinical counselling. Motivated by his broad understanding of human experience and his deep empathy, he supported refugees, immigrants and others navigating psychological pain and transformation. He was especially attuned to the toll of displacement, and he worked with great compassion to help others reclaim a sense of home—both within themselves and in the world.

Jordan’s generosity was not limited to those he met in person. He was a dedicated supporter of education and believed deeply in its power to change lives. He offered emotional and financial support to students in under-resourced countries, celebrating their achievements with genuine pride and joy.

Jordan was a deeply loved son to Joan Pinkus and Marc Levine, brother to Adrian Levine and husband to Nusrat Levi-Matin, whom he adored.  He valued having bonds with his extended family and was a steadfast friend to many. His relationships were marked by depth, longevity and shared purpose—and above all, by love and compassion.

Jordan leaves behind a legacy of learning, connection and kindness. His light touched many lives, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

To carry forward Jordan’s lifelong commitment to education and social justice, the Jordan Levi-Matin Memorial Fund has been established. It is the family’s wish to establish an endowment to provide an award in perpetuity to honour Jordan by supporting graduate students in financial need at UBC. In consultation with Jordan’s family, UBC will ensure the fund reflects his values and vision.

Your contribution helps honour Jordan’s belief in the transformative power of education and his enduring compassion for those striving to build a better future.