Both Wiesel and Cohen were honored for their exceptional contribution and commitment to the Jewish People
The 2012 NADAV Peoplehood Award was presented on October 31, 2012, to Professor Elie Wiesel and Jazz musician Avishai Cohen at a ceremony in Jerusalem with hundreds of participants in attendance. Professor Wiesel and Cohen received the award from businessman and philanthropist Leonid Nevzlin, Founder of the NADAV Foundation.
The NADAV Peoplehood Award, in its fourth consecutive year, is given to individuals and organizations in the Jewish world as a token of appreciation for their contribution in strengthening global Jewish identity, and deepening the connection between Jews around the world.
Last year the recipients of the NADAV award were Professor Yehezkel Dror, one of the world’s leading analysts in policy planning and management, for his life’s work of promoting Jewish leadership in Israel and around the world, and Joseph Cedar, an award-winning Israeli film director and screenwriter, for enhancing Jewish pride and strengthening Jewish identity, particularly within the young generation.
Among the recipients of the award in previous years were Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, former US Under Secretary of State, for his exceptional and unique contribution to the Jewish people, and Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation and Chairman of the Hartman Institute in North America, for her contribution in raising new and pluralistic voices within the Jewish tradition and promoting dialogue between Jews of different backgrounds.
Elie Wiesel is a writer, journalist, and a Human Rights Activist who is widely acknowledged and decorated for his work. After surviving the extermination camps, he began engaging in global action to commemorate the Holocaust and its lessons, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his achievements. Wiesel has authored numerous books that deal with the tragedy of the Jewish People in the twentieth century, as well as Jewish heritage that was a central part of his childhood.
He was the Founding Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council until 1986, when he established the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, whose goal is to fight against racism and intolerance through dialogue and education.
Avishai Cohen is an internationally acknowledged Israeli Jazz musician. He served In the IDF military band for two years and his musical career flourished when he was living in New York and began experimenting and collaborating with various musicians, such as Chick Corea. He served as the Artistic Director of the Red Sea Jazz Festival, performed worldwide and released thirteen albums so far, among which is his recent album, Duende. His musical creation combines traditional Jewish elements with modern jazz in a rich variety of styles.
“I am proud to present the 4th consecutive NADAV Peoplehood Award to Elie Wiesel and Avishai Cohen for their personal commitment to empowering Jews around the world,” said Leonid Nevzlin, President of the NADAV Foundation. “Their extraordinary contributions to the Jewish people has helped Jews around the world to reconnect and thrive.”
The NADAV Foundation
Established in 2003 by Leonid Nevzlin, the NADAV Foundation works to support initiatives which advance an understanding of Jewish Peoplehood, build substantive and pluralistic Jewish collective identity, and create lasting connections among Jews throughout the world. NADAV was among the first organizations to begin researching and discussing Jewish Peoplehood. This bold, innovative concept is now becoming a dynamic paradigm shift in Jewish life, gaining increasing support in the Jewish world.
For more information: www.nadavfund.org.il
