[Previous entry: "UPJ CONFERENCE"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Hannover conference"]

07/21/2005 Entry: "UK organisation wins international honours"

UK ORGANISATION WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Over 400 community leaders, youth and young adults gathered for the Biennial Conference of the World Union for Progressive Judaism which took place in Moscow from 30th June – 5th July. This was a unique occasion, and at the opening ceremony a speaker quipped that this was the largest number of Jews brought together since the October Revolution!

The closing Honours Banquet gave an opportunity to the WUPJ to recognise individuals and organisations that had been at the forefront of its 15 years of efforts in the Former Soviet Union, either financially or be working “deep in the trenches”.

Exodus 2000, which supports Progressive Jewish communities in the Former Soviet Union by encouraging and fostering twinning connections between Liberal and Reform communities in the UK and congregations in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, was amongst the organisations so honoured. Launched in 1992 Exodus 2000 has served as a model for this work for Progressive communities and organisations around the world.

Exodus 2000 was given a gift of a World Union mezuzah in a fine olive wood box, with a plaque inscribed: “Presented by the World Union for Progressive Judaism to Exodus 2000 in recognition of your generous support and commitment to opening the doors of Jewish life in the Former Soviet Union”.

Rabbi David Soetendorp, Chair and Linda Kann, National Co-ordinator of Exodus 2000, were also honoured as a pioneer, and were presented with certificates of appreciation inscribed: “On the occasion of the WUPJ 32nd International Convention, convening for the first time in history in Moscow, and in the presence of Jewish leaders from 24 countries spanning the globe, the World Union for Progressive Judaism is honoured to present this certificate of distinction in recognition of dedicated service to the Jewish people in the Former Soviet Union and pioneering efforts towards the building of Progressive Jewish communities throughout the region, and in appreciation for the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others and the commitment to bring words of Torah to those of or people in need”. This was signed by Ruth Cohen , President and Rabbi Uri Regev, Executive Director, World Union for Progressive Judaism.