NIF UK ANNOUNCES 2011 HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD WINNER

300 people attended the Award Ceremony and Dinner which took place at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington on Sunday 6^th November.  UK Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould presented the Award.

Barbara Epstein is the founding Executive Director of CA, which has been advancing social change in Israel for more than 19 years working in the Jewish and Arab neighbourhoods of Jerusalem, Beersheva and Lod.  She is constantly fighting social injustices and raising awareness of discrimination within Israeli society such as that suffered by new immigrants and Jews from Muslim countries.

Barbara believes that change must come from the grassroots and can be achieved by showing those in the poverty trap that not only can they climb out themselves but they can pull others up with them. With her ground breaking initiatives she has helped 10,000 people and is an exceptional example of how to use empowerment as a model and turn Tzedakah into social justice not charity.

Born in New York City, Barbara Epstein obtained her M.S.W. at the Rutgers University School of Social Work and Social Welfare and subsequently made aliyah.

2011 is the 5^th Anniversary of the NIF UK Human Rights Awards. Winners include women’s rights campaigner Alice Shalvi, documentary film maker Tomer Heymann, campaigner for Religious Pluralism Anat Hoffman, and singers and peace campaigners Mira Awad and Achinoam (Noa) Nini.

Internationally acclaimed author A.B. Yehoshua will be spoke at the Ceremony and Dinner. An unsparing commentator on Israel's values in action, he has contrasted the austere vision of Israel's founders with the materialism evident today which complacently opines that wealth will "trickle down" to the underprivileged.

Isaac Herzog, Former Minister of Welfare and Social Services said:

“I commend Barbara for receiving this important award. Barbara is a real social fighter - her advocacy work makes a great difference. She was there, in the field before anyone dreamt of the social protests in Israel. “

In a video message of congratulations Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barakat said:

“Barbara’s work as an activist in Jerusalem has made an impact throughout the entire city. Usually quiet and behind the scenes Barbara’s influence can be felt wherever there are those in need. Barbara chose to help those in need fulfill their rights, that sometimes they are not even aware of, and help people resolve problems they cannot manage on their own.”

 

 

NIF Award Winner Barbara Epstein said:

“As a community organiser, it is rare to be publically recognised for my work – somehow I am always behind the scenes. It is therefore a great honour for me to receive this Award after 18 years in the field of Social and Economic rights.”

Jane Grabiner, Chair NIF Award Committee said:

“Barbara was a stand-out winner of the 2011 Award. The judges were impressed by her achievements in founding Community Advocacy and her ability to affect change by empowering people from all communities in Israel often including those previously unprepared to take an active role in their community. Barbara’s successes are numerous from influencing national policy to changing individuals’ lives. This is a testament to her passion and considerable skills.”