Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has announced the three recipients of the 2022 Ladislaus Laszt Ecumenical and Social Concern Awards. The recipients: the Negev Interreligious Initiative, Brother Olivier, and Ms. Yisca Harani.
1. "Negev Interreligious Initiative"
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.
Credit: Frère Brice François
2. 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.
3. 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.
"This year, the prize committee focused on nominees in Israel who take action out of a strong and ongoing commitment to societal reform, a commitment which is based on the perception that religious belief has the power to connect people, and on the belief in the strength of individuals, even if there is no organization or institution behind them, to make a difference," noted chair of the prize committee, Prof. Daniela Talmon-Heller.
Additional members of the prize committee included Prof. Boaz Huss, Prof. Cana Werner, Prof. Chaim Hames, and Prof. Efraim Shoham-Steiner. The prize is administered by the Center for the Study of Conversion and Inter-Religious Encounters (CSoC).
Previous winners of the prize include Cardinal Koch, The Dalai Lama, Archimandrite Emil Shoufani (Israeli Christian Arab theologian and peace activist), the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (the former Chief Rabbi of the UK and the Commonwealth) and more.
The award was created by Prof. Ladislaus and Nelly Laszt of Switzerland. It is bestowed by the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on religious personalities of international repute, or on a person or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to society. Awarded for the first time in 1985, the prize "acknowledges and rewards people whose deeds reflect tolerance, hope and vision – those aspects so essential to the survival of the human race."
The awards ceremony will be held on November 8, 2022 from 17:30-19:00 in W.A. Minkoff Senate Hall on the Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva.
