Press Release
June 12, 2003
ANNE FRANK CENTER HONORS DIRECTOR OF JEWISH-ARAB PRESCHOOL
YMCA’s Daphna Ginzburg
“dares to promote peace” among very young children
(NEW YORK) — The Anne Frank Center USA tonight presented its coveted Spirit of Anne Frank Award to the director of a Jewish-Arab pre-school in divided Jerusalem. The Center named Daphna Bassewitch Ginzburg, director of the Jerusalem International YMCA’s Integrated Peace Kindergarten, as the 2003 Ina and Jack Polak Outstanding Educator.
Ms. Bassewitch Ginzburg was one of nine honorees recognized for their extraordinary achievements in the field of tolerance and anti-bias education, at the Center’s 7th Annual “Spirit of Anne Frank” Awards ceremony, held tonight on the 74th anniversary of Anne Frank’s birth. The event took place at New York’s Laura Belle restaurant, 120 West 43rd Street.
“By daring to promote peace and intercultural understanding among very young children and their families on a daily basis, in a country torn by extreme hatred and violence, Daphna Bassewitch Ginzburg embodies Anne Frank’s ideals of individual courage, tolerance, and hope,” said Elisabeth R. Feerick, executive director of the Anne Frank Center USA. “She is a role model who, like Anne, reminds us that social justice begins with the individual,” Ms. Feerick said.
“We are deeply grateful that Daphna is receiving this magnificent tribute,” said Len Wilson, Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA. “Daphna represents the true spirit and commitment for coexistence that undergirds all that we do at the Jerusalem International YMCA. Each day, she and the rest of our staff earn the trust of the families of Jerusalem who send us their greatest treasures — their children. We are honored to serve every child. We appreciate the work of the Anne Frank Center and congratulate Daphna on being chosen for this extremely meaningful award.”
Daphna Bassewitch Ginzburg has been director of the Peace Kindergarten since 1995. The unique educational setting is located in Jerusalem’s landmark YMCA, long honored for its programs promoting understanding and reconciliation among the area’s embittered communities.
The pre-school enrolls 120 Jewish, Muslim, and Christian preschoolers, ages 2-5, who learn together in an environment emphasizing intercultural understanding and mutual respect. Ms. Bassewitch Ginzburg manages a staff of 24 Christian, Muslim and Jewish educators dedicated to high-quality preschool education that exposes children and their parents to each other’s culture, language and religion. The school receives major support from the Jerusalem Foundation.
The annual “Spirit of Anne Frank” Awards honor students, educators and citizens of all faiths and backgrounds, who demonstrate personal courage in promoting tolerance and social justice in their communities. Award recipients receive scholarships or stipends.
Founded in 1977, The Anne Frank Center USA (AFC-USA) is a not-for-profit educational organization that helps young people and communities explore the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination. For more information, (212) 431-7993 or visit www.annefrank.com.
The Jerusalem International YMCA was founded in 1920, continuing a YMCA presence in the Holy City that dates to 1878. Operating from within a magnificent architectural landmark, the JIY has assumed a vital role in the region, helping to build community across the lines of division. For its innovative, cross-cultural operations and programs, the JIY was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
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