Edgar M. Bronfman
to receive the Dr. Bernard Heller Prize
from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
in recognition of his betterment of humanity

Who: Edgar M. Bronfman, President of the World Jewish Congress.

What: The Dr. Bernard Heller Prize is an international award presented annually to an individual or organization whose work, writings, or research reflects the values and commitment to the betterment of humanity. Initiated in 1990, previous recipients of the $10,000 award include Professors Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus and Dr. Harry M. Orlinsky; Bernard Marks (captain of the ship Exodus); Holocaust historians Serge Klarsfeld and Raul Hilberg; Ambassadors Uri Lubrani of Israel (the architect of the airlift rescue of Ethiopian Jewry), Dennis B. Ross, Richard C. Holbrooke, and Stuart E. Eizenstat; Camelia Anwar Sadat; Count Folke Bernadotte, posthumously; The Jewish Museum in Prague; and Thomas L. Friedman.

Why: For his abiding concern for the safety and wellbeing of the Jewish people and Jewish communities worldwide. Edgar M. Bronfman demonstrates his commitment to human rights as President of the World Jewish Congress and helps ensure Jewish continuity through his philanthropic generosity to Jewish education. His landmark efforts in establishing justice and restitution to Holocaust survivors is testimony to his dedicated leadership; it is the fulfillment of the Biblical admonition, “Justice, justice, shall you pursue.”

When: The 2003 Dr. Bernard Heller Prize will be presented at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Graduation Ceremonies on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 8:00 p.m.

Where: The ceremonies will take place at Isaac M. Wise Temple, 8329 Ridge Road, Cincinnati.