Jewish News launches new interfaith awards
A nationwide search for those shaping interfaith understanding and cooperation in Britain is launched today by Jewish News, Church Times and British Muslim TV.
Twenty-one 21st century leaders will identify and celebrate seven Christians, Muslims and Jews under the age of 35 who are leading projects, running organisations and creating dialogues to bring followers of the three Abrahamic faiths closer together.
It’s believed to be the first time anywhere in the world that media outlets catering to different faiths communities have worked together in such a way.
They will work in partnership with Coexist House, which seeks to boost public understanding of the perspectives and practises of the world’s religions.
“The narrative of faiths in constant conflict is all too dominant today — often perpetuated by the media,” a spokesman for the project said. “Through this unique collaboration, we look forward to shining a light on those demonstrating in their work and their lives how their faith makes them more open, not less, to friendships and social action across cultural boundaries.”
“With a combined audience of hundreds of thousands across the three communities, we are uniquely placed to highlight the many glowing examples of positive interactions to our readers and viewers, and to spread awareness to wider society.”
Nominations can now be submitted via the website 21421.co.uk until 29 June. A distinguished panel of judges, chaired by Andrew Gilbert, from the three communities will be joined by Sir Bernard Rix and Michael Wakelin of Coexist House and Jonathan Hellewell, communities advisor to Theresa May, to select the final list. 
Those featured will also be profiled by the three media outlets and invited to a reception at Lambeth Palace in November.
The project will conclude around Interfaith Week and, fittingly, close to the 70th birthday of Prince Charles, who has made furthering interfaith relations a priority.
The Jewish News said: “For several years we have been looking to work with media outlets from other faiths on such a joint project and we are delighted that Church Times, British Muslim TV and Coexist have agreed to join us in this hugely worthwhile and rewarding initiative.
“It’s a great honour to be working hand in hand with fellow journalists from other faith traditions to celebrate our common values and emphasise that there is so much more that unites us than divides.”
- You can nominate now at 21421.co.uk
Listen to the Jewish Views Podcast:
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
