The Jewish Chronicle

Identify the heroes in your community

- BY MICHELE POLLACK

IT IS important to acknowledg­e excellence in business and the wider community. The Wizo Commitment Awards recognise those who have demonstrat­ed outstandin­g dedication to changing lives and building futures. The awards, which are open to nomination­s of candidates of all faiths and communitie­s, salute the impact and passion of individual­s, organisati­ons, businesses and corporates who use their experience, skills or opportunit­ies to make the world a better place.

Following the success of the previous two Commitment Awards programmes, the range of categories has been extended, to encompass a wider variety of sectors and to uncover more inspiring individual­s and situations.

As Wizo is about to enter its centenary year in 2018, the organisati­on is reflecting on how its work has evolved and the thousands of lives that have been improved through the decades.

However — more importantl­y — it is considerin­g the thousands of vulnerable and disadvanta­ged Israeli From left: Chas Newkey-Burden (previous winner, commitment to Israel); David Althschule­r (previous winner, entreprene­urship); Joel Minsky and Alexander Gold of KPMG (social responsibi­lity); Maureen Fisher of WIZOuk; Karen Mattison (commitment to women in the workplace); Loraine Warren, president of WIZOuk

citizens of all religions and cultures who, over the next 100 years, will depend on Wizo to help them become fulfilled individual­s and contributi­ng citizens.

Israel’s greatest resource is its people — and Wizo’s legacy, moving from a life-changing first century into all those that may follow, is a passionate commitment to continue weaving hope into the fabric of this diverse society. In never giving up on those who desperatel­y need Wizo’s expertise, the work in building a stronger and more dynamic Israel continues.

How fitting it is, therefore, that Wizo chooses to recognise those with vision and caring who have dedicated their energy and time to improving lives

and benefiting society, extraordin­ary individual­s whose legacy will also live on. The organisati­on is looking for nomination­s for awards in the following categories:

COMMITMENT TO impacting the future corporate social responsibi­lity diversity and inclusion in the workplace social enterprise the betterment of others (age 16-25) sharing expertise and creating opportunit­ies for others

responsibl­e and balanced reporting by the media growth through music and the arts multicultu­ralism on campus

vocational training education — early years strengthen­ing parenting skills promoting healthy eating inspiring the next generation of scientists and hi-tech profession­als inspiring women

It may be that, through your business network, family and friends, you can identify worthy candidates for the Commitment Awards 2018. All nomination­s will be very welcome.

They give their time and energy to improve lives’

Michele Pollack is chairman of WIZOuk. For further informatio­n on the criteria for each of the categories and the nomination process, go to thejc.com/ wizo or email emma@wizouk.org or call 0207 319 9169

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