Ladislaus Laszt Ecumenical and Social Concern Award

Jews, Muslims and Christians, residents of the South, who devote time and energy to learn and teach in groups across the Negev, meet different audiences, especially youth and teachers, hold a frank and respectful interreligious discourse, along with conveying a clear message against ignorance, racism and violence. The members of the Initiative serve as personal examples, they are not deterred from publicizing their views and actions even in tense times such as during security situations and crises in the relationships between different communities in Israel, all completely volunteer without any sort of backing institution, instilling hope and inspiration.​

Brother Olivier from the Abu Ghosh Benedictine Monastery is a relentless advocate of understanding and mutual respect between Jews and Christians in Israel and beyond through explanations, trainings, and hosting groups from Israel and around the world. His ability to conduct a frank and respectful interreligious discourse galvanizes hope among all who meet this impressive monk.​​

​Ms. Yisca Harani promotes understanding and mutual respect between Jews and Christians in Israel through tour guiding, training, teaching, writing, press interviews, and consulting. She is a partner in the creation of a variety of forums for dialogue and has recruited many activists against hate crimes and freedom of religion, the safety of pilgrims and the restoration of neglected Christian sites as well as those damaged by vandalism. Harani's clear stance against ignorance, racism and violence, and her ability to conduct a frank and respectful interreligious discourse, is inspirational.
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 The Ceremony

​​Jonathan Sacks has been Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since September 1991. Prior to taking up his current post, Rabbi Sacks was Principal of Jews' College, as well as rabbi of the Golders Green and Marble Arch synagogues. 

The Chief Rabbi has been a visiting professor at several universities in Britain, the United States and Israel, and is currently Visiting Professor of Theology at Kings' College London. He holds many honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Divinity conferred to mark his first ten years in office, by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

He received the Jerusalem Prize 1995 for his contribution to Diaspora Jewish life, and was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2005.  He was made a Life Peer and took his seat in the House of Lords on 27th October 2009, where he sits on the cross benches as Baron Sacks of Aldgate in the City of London.

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