‘IT’S GREAT FOR US TO BE RECOGNISED’
Avrahum Sanger,
It’s really great for the society to be recognised for the work we’ve done — and unbelievable to be awarded this by Wizo. They do such great work
It was definitely disheartening when I joined Soas to see all the hate – and it’s something we’ve seen throughout all the campaigns we’ve run. People who have such hatred for something they really don’t know anything about. Reform Synagogue’s pioneering tech summer day camp, was honoured for inspiring future scientists and high tech professionals.
But in a way it means there are lots of opportunities to educate people and speak about what we are.
I thank Wizo for giving organisations which don’t get much exposure in the public eye publicity, so people can see what they’re about and get involved.
Her “geeky, funny, tech-hungry” son, who is autistic, motivated her “to create a project to allow him to have wonderful free days in a Jewish environment, mixing with others and doing what he loves most — coding”.
The JC-sponsored award for commitment to responsible and balanced reporting was presented to Jake Wallis Simons, currently at the Mail Online, who was joined on stage by former Panorama journalist John Ware to discuss media coverage of Israel and the Middle East conflict.
Recalling his experiences reporting on the Israeli army, he said the IDF’s humanitarian aid work was a “story that is not told very much.
“Objectivity should be at the heart of what you do,” he added. “It’s a great honour to receive an award for objectivity, which is often in short supply.”
Priya Lakhani was recognised for outstanding contribution to education, a special category introduced to honour her work, which uses advanced data and artificial intelligence to revolutionise learning.
The award for impacting the future went jointly to Marice Cumber and Claudette Brown. Ms Brown is head chef at the Passage, the largest voluntary sector homeless centre in the heart of the capital. Adina Belloli was recognised for promoting healthy eating; Anna Lawton for commitment to social action.