Yesterday, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem marked the culmination of a decade-long tradition with the 10th and final Simon and Ethel Flegg Award Ceremony. Established to honor exceptional contributions toward fostering understanding, acceptance, and cooperation within the diverse segments of the Jewish world, this prestigious award underscores the Hebrew University’s commitment to advancing unity and dialogue.

This year, the award was presented to two exceptional organizations: Mosaica and Plugta, both of which play pivotal roles in bridging divides within the Jewish community. Mosaica, under the leadership of CEO Mrs. Nurit Bachrach, works to foster collaboration and mutual respect across societal and religious divides. Plugta, represented by Rabbi Eli Schnapp, emphasizes dialogue and shared learning to promote understanding among the many facets of Jewish identity.

“This ceremony marks not just the conclusion of a decade-long tradition but a celebration of the enduring values of unity and understanding within the Jewish world,” said Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Rector of the Hebrew University. “We warmly congratulate Mosaica and Plugta on this well-deserved recognition and wish them continued strength and success in their important mission of bridging divides and fostering collaboration.”

The Flegg Award and Lecture series, established by Simon and Ethel Flegg, has been a cornerstone of the Hebrew University’s mission to preserve Jewish heritage and foster understanding across the Jewish world. Over the past decade, this prestigious award has recognized exceptional contributions to dialogue and unity, with recipients engaging global audiences through impactful lectures and events. Simon, a survivor of Nazi tyranny, and Ethel, a steadfast supporter of Jewish culture, left a lasting legacy through their vision and generosity, which continues to inspire efforts in promoting acceptance and collaboration.

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en