Limmud to be awarded prestigious Jerusalem Unity prize

Limmud is to be awarded a prestigious Israeli prize recognising its promotion of global Jewish unity, dialogue and education.

Founded in Britain in 1980, Limmud is to receive the global category award in the Jerusalem Unity Prize for 2017.

The prize was established three years ago by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, with families of three teens who were kidnapped and murdered in 2014.

Mayor Barkat, Chair of the Prize Committee said, “We are honoured to bestow this year’s prize on Limmud as an initiative which has so positively impacted people here in Jerusalem, Israel and all over the globe. Limmud, together with the other award recipients, serve as  uniting forces by creating a sense of pride and appreciation for the common bonds within human society both here in Israel and around the world.”

“We are grateful for this meaningful honour,” said Limmud Chair David Hoffman. “Limmud promotes Jewish unity by offering an inclusive cross-communal space for Jews of all ages and backgrounds, to meet, learn, volunteer and build community. Unity is created by Jews working together to build their community and create a dynamic Jewish future, which is embodied by what Limmud does.”

The prize will be awarded in a ceremony at the residence of Israel’s President Reuveb Rivlin on June 7, which coincides with Global Jewish Unity Day.

Since its founding, Limmud has spread to 84 communities in 44 countries on six continents, over 35,000 people taking part in events globally in 2016.