Amy Braier, director of the Pears Foundation has been awarded the Jonathan Joseph Greenberg Memorial Award, which honors foundation professionals engaged in grantmaking, 40 and under, who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in Jewish philanthropy.

The award was created and endowed by Jonathan Joseph Greenberg’s family, friends and colleagues as a memorial following his untimely death in a traffic accident in 2002, when he was just 36. Amy Braier is the 15th recipient and was given the award at the Jewish Funders Network International Conference in Tel Aviv on March 15 March 2018.

Amy Braier joined Pears Foundation in 2007 as its Deputy Director, and was promoted to Director in 2012. As well as overseeing the Foundation’s grant-making and operations she leads on its Holocaust education and higher education work, helping to establish the University College London Centre for Holocaust Education, the Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism and the UK Task Force on issues relating to Arab citizens of Israel.

Sir Trevor Pears, the foundation’s Executive Chair said: ‘When Amy started at Pears Foundation over 10 years ago, we were still in the early years of developing a strategy and structure. Amy built the professional infrastructure and identified some of the key areas that we would ultimately pursue in terms of our grantmaking priorities. Amy’s contribution is immeasurable. I am so glad it has been recognised in this way, as her quiet and humble manner means she rarely receives the accolades that she very much deserves.’

Sally Berkovic, CEO of Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe added: ‘Amy embodies grace, intelligence, and thoughtful Jewish values. I have seen her challenge ‘accepted wisdoms’ and provoke discussion in a constructive way that demonstrates that Amy is not subject to peer pressure.What I admire about Amy is her ability to do this in the most unassuming and modest way, which suggests a strong inner sense of self and a quiet confidence.’

Amy Braier has a first-class degree in Classics from the University of Cambridge and a professional background in policy and public affairs at the Parliamentary Committee against Antisemitism and the Greater London Authority. She also has a been a trustee of Limmud and Holocaust Memorial Day.

Read more about the Jonathan Joseph Greenberg Memorial Award: http://www.jfunders.org/jj