Jay Feinberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, has been awarded the prestigious Charles Bronfman Prize in its inaugural year.
The Prize is a Humanitarian Award that pays tribute to an individual whose endeavors are emblematic of the values for excellence in the Jewish world and who inspires the emerging generation of Jewish people through their accomplishments and achievements.
The announcement was made at an award ceremony held on April 28, 2004 at the New York Historical Society. The cocktail reception was followed by a private dinner hosted by the Bronfman family in honor of Mr. Feinberg. "I am particularly honored to receive this Prize because of the man for whom it's named," said Mr. Feinberg in his acceptance speech. "Through his dedication and leadership, Charles Bronfman has projected a vision that has made the Jewish world a better place to live. He has proven that one person can make a difference."
Mr. Feinberg was selected by an internationally recognized panel of judges, each of whom represents the highest human and Jewish ideals. The blue ribbon panel included James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank, Dan Meridor, former Israeli Minister of Justice, and Madame Justice Rosalie Abella, Justice of the Ontario Court of Appeal, Canada.
"Even as his own survival was in question, Jay sought out ways to save others. I could not be more honored than to have Jay as the inaugural recipient of this prize," said Charles Bronfman. "Through his endeavors, he truly is an inspiration and a hero to the emerging generation of Jews and indeed to all those seeking to make a difference."
To read about the Charles Bronfman Prize and Jay Feinberg's selection, click here.
To read about Jay Feinberg and Gift of Life's other awards and honors, click here.
About the Charles Bronfman Prize
Charles Bronfman has spent a lifetime developing, implementing and supporting initiatives that help to strengthen the unity of the Jewish people. The Prize was established by Mr. Bronfman's children, Stephen Bronfman, Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and Andrew Hauptman, in honor of his 70th birthday. It celebrates the vision and talent of individuals under 50 years of age who, through the excellence of their achievements, have distinguished themselves as leaders of the future.
About the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
Established by Jay Feinberg in 1991, the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation is a world leader facilitating bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants for children and adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia and lymphoma. Since tissue type is inherited, a patient's best chance of finding a genetic match lies with donors of similar ethnicity. Gift of Life strives to increase the representation of Jewish donors in the registry in order to overcome the devastating effects of the Holocaust, which severed bloodlines. Today, Gift of Life is a significant medical resource for Jewish patients around the world.
