What's Happening?
Global Jewry, an international network of Jewish organizations, marked its second anniversary by announcing two new prizes aimed at encouraging collaboration among Jewish groups. The Shoshana Shoubin Cardin Prize for Exemplary Collaboration and the Global Jewry Prize for Emerging Collaboration were introduced to promote partnership and cooperation within the Jewish community. The network, founded by Sandy Cardin, has grown to include over 450 organizations and nearly 900 advisory board members. The prizes, each offering a $10,000 cash award, are designed to support existing projects and seed new partnerships. The initiative reflects Global Jewry's mission to unite Jewish organizations without a competitive agenda, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of each member group.
Why It's Important?
The launch of these prizes is significant as it aims to strengthen ties within the Jewish community, fostering unity and collaboration at a time when global challenges require collective action. By incentivizing partnerships, Global Jewry seeks to enhance the impact of Jewish organizations worldwide, potentially leading to more effective advocacy, philanthropy, and community support. The initiative also highlights the importance of solidarity in addressing issues such as judicial reform in Israel, which has been a point of contention within the Jewish community. The prizes could stimulate innovative projects that address pressing social and political issues, benefiting both the Jewish community and broader society.
What's Next?
Organizations can nominate projects for the prizes until November 15, with the awards committee comprising Jewish leaders from various countries. The committee is chaired by David Hatchwell Altaras and Jill Smith, with honorary chairs including Avital and Natan Sharansky. The funding for the prizes comes from several philanthropists, indicating strong support for the initiative. As Global Jewry continues to expand, it aims to include more Orthodox and Haredi partners, addressing current gaps in representation. The network's future efforts will focus on broadening its reach and fostering deeper connections within the Jewish community.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative underscores the ethical and cultural importance of unity within the Jewish community, especially in times of political and social upheaval. By promoting collaboration, Global Jewry is addressing the divisive rhetoric that has emerged in recent years, advocating for respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. The prizes also reflect a commitment to preserving Jewish values and identity, encouraging organizations to work together towards common goals. This approach may serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges, highlighting the power of collective action in achieving positive change.
