Jerusalem Unity Prize nominations still open

GILA BRILL

The Jerusalem Unity Prize in memory of Eyal Ifrach, Gil-ad Sha-er and Naftali Fraenkel, the three Israeli teenagers killed by Palestinian terrorists, is a joint initiative between the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat, the families of the three boys and Gesher.

The prizes are awarded annually to individuals, organisations and initiatives in Israel and throughout the Jewish world, whose actions are “instrumental in advancing mutual respect for others among the Jewish people, both in times of crisis and in daily life.

“The prize-winners are all leaders who are making a very special and tangible change in the world due to their efforts. Winners in each of the three categories will be awarded prizes up to 100 000 NIS. The prizes will be presented on Unity Day, June 7, in Israel, as part of the commemorative events of the day.”

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, the prize committee chairman and the Shaer, Fraenkel and Ifrach families, have determined that the prize will highlight local-level activity, and as such, the categories are now local, national and global.

Within each category, individuals, organisations and initiatives from Israel and abroad, may apply. Judges will be requested to evaluate the impact of the nominee within the geographic area.

The prize committee has expanded and now includes Lt Gen (res) Benny Gantz, former chief of staff of the IDF and Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky. They join Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Mayor Barkat, the three families, Prof. Yuli Tamir, Rav Yitzchak Grossman, Rabbi Dr Danny Tropper, Orly Vilnai, and Kobi Oz.

* For more details, visit the website, www.unityprize.org.