 |
The Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund |
|
Donate Here
Dear Friends, 16 September 2008
The New Israel Fund is deeply honored that the family of our beloved Gerald Cromer z”l has decided to establish a special fund at the NIF in his memory. Many of you have already heard from his dear wife, Chana, about this important initiative and we are now turning to Gerald's friends and family for support.
We can think of no greater privilege than to be part of this endeavor that promotes the values and vision of Gerald. To every task, he brought a passion for justice, a gentleness of manner, a respect for every person, and a sweet sense of humor. His commitment to Tikkun Olam and his innovative mind made him an influential figure throughout his life, whether in the UK or in Israel. He left us a rich legacy which includes forming the first British chavurah and being among the core founders of the liberal Orthodox synagogue Kehilat Yedidyah in Jerusalem, which strives for social justice and greater participation by women. When his children reached school age, he was instrumental in founding Ephrata School, where children learn love of Torah, of humanity and of Israel in an atmosphere of tolerance. During the 1982 Lebanon War, Gerald co-founded Netivot Shalom, a progressive religious movement that values initiatives of peace. For his last five years, Gerald was active in the New Israel Fund serving on the Board and on the Pluralism and Shatil Committees, always promoting the voice of tolerance, liberal Judaism and moral integrity.
Jerusalem has lost one of its finest sons. His students and colleagues have lost a devoted teacher who gave unstintingly. Those who fight for social justice and peace have lost a comrade. His family has lost an extraordinary, loving father and husband. Many of us have lost a true and beloved friend.
Click back on Back To Main Page to find more details on the Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund as well as on the 12th of Cheshvan organization, which is the recipient of the Fund's 2008 grant. You will also find details on how to donate to The Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund and we look forward to your generous response.
May Gerald’s blessed memory be an unceasing inspiration to all of us.
With best wishes for the New Year: “Techaleh Shanah VeKlalotea, Tachel Shanah VeBirkhotea" ("While the past year will end with its curses; the New Year will begin with blessings"),
Eliezer Yaari
Executive Director, New Israel Fund, Israel
The Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund at the NIF
- The Fund will sponsor initiatives for peace and pluralistic action based on Jewish values, sponsoring new group initiatives and encouraging creative minds in their pursuit of innovative ideas and approaches to peace and pluralism.
- The Fund will support projects that use Jewish ideals, ethics and religious imperatives of charity in helping one’s fellow, especially where support will eventually encourage individuals to help themselves.
- The Fund will also support initiatives that use Jewish ethics to create dialogue in place of conflict and in enabling opposing sides to work in harmony for a common good.
Yud Bet B'Cheshvan: The First Beneficiary
Yud Bet B'Cheshvan, (The 12th of Cheshvan), has been selected to receive the first grant of The Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund.
Yud Bet B’Cheshvan was founded in 2006 by a group of activists in Rehovot who established the Yitzhak Rabin Synagogue. 12th of Cheshvan aims to develop formal and informal educational programs for the National Religious sector which promote openness, pluralism and tolerance. The organization's name derives from the Hebrew date of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination which they felt was a turning point for the Orthodox community in Israel.
The organization’s achievements include helping a group of Rehovot parents establish a liberal boys' yeshiva high school, affiliated with the Amit network of religious high schools. In September 2007, a seventh-grade class of 35 boys opened, and a new grade will be added each year, with a final target of 360 pupils. The organization also assists parents groups around the country who wish to establish alternative religious schools, and a group of parents in Zichron Yaakov is currently receiving help to open a school modeled on similar lines.
In order to promote change on a national level, 12th of Cheshvan initiated a Forum of liberal Orthodox organizations which promotes key issues on the liberal Orthodox agenda, such as improving the status of women, promoting liberal Orthodoxy in the State Religious education system, and reinforcing democratic principles. Today, 60 liberal Orthodox heads of organizations, educators, rabbis and other public figures are involved in the Forum.
A key project in its planning stages is an extension of The Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, to be based at the Yitzhak Rabin Synagogue in Rehovot. There, 12th of Heshvan plans to bring pupils from Orthodox educational institutions nationwide to take part in activities focusing on the assassination, life, and legacy of Yitzhak Rabin; the history of the Zionist movement; and Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. This project will begin in the 2008/9 school year, in cooperation with the AMIT network of schools and the Tzohar Rabbis, a group of moderate Orthodox rabbis.
On hearing of 12th of Cheshvan’s selection as the first beneficiary of The Gerald Cromer Paths of Peace Fund, the organization’s leaders expressed heartfelt pride and deep gratitude at receiving this opportunity to promote Gerald’s ideals throughout the country.
|
