The State Kremlin Palace hosted the annual “Man of the Year” award ceremony, presented by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the social and cultural life of the country, regardless of nationality or religion. Each of the winners was awarded a “Fiddler on the Roof” statuette, created by Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler, especially for this ceremony.
The event was led by two renowned Russian TV show hosts, Leonid Parfenov and Marianna Maximovskaya. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar delivered the opening speech. “Chanukah is a celebration of light. During these days, we remember that the purpose of our lives is to bring light to the world around us. The winners of this award bring such light on a daily basis,” stated Chief Rabbi Lazar. “They bring good light, the light of joy, the light of justice. Chanukah is different from other Jewish holidays for it is meant to be publicized in a very open way. The Talmud says, ‘One should light the menorah so that the light may become visible from outside on the street.’”
The prize for “Government Representative” was awarded to First Deputy Mayor of Moscow Vladimir Resin, presented to him by FJC Russia President Alexander Boroda. “I'm proud to present this award to Vladimir Resin. He had made a great contribution to the development of Jewish community life in Moscow, and does a lot for all peoples of the capital,” commented Mr. Boroda. Mr. Resin thanked the FJC Russia and promised to “continue serving Moscow.”
The chairman of the Jewish community of Tomsk, Yuri Zelvensky, received the award for the category "Community life," in recognition of his active participation in the construction of the Tomsk synagogue. There were two laureates in the “Television” category – film director Oleg Dorman and producer Felix Dektor for the documentary film series “Interlinear.” The award for "Journalism" went to Vladimir Yakovlev, the editor-in-chief of the magazine “Snob,” for his unswerving position on the editorial board in terms of strengthening tolerance.
The “Man of the Year” title in the “Publications” category went to David Rosenson, the director of the Avi Chai Foundation in the CIS, for his contribution to the development and promotion of Jewish literature in Russia. He warmly thanked the FJC and particularly Boruch Gorin, Lev Leviev, Alexander Boroda and Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who presented him with the “Fiddler on the Roof,” statuette. “This is the first time our foundation has received an award in any country of the world,” stated David Rosenson. “Today, this award is presented to the entire leadership of our foundation. Thank you all. Each of you can contribute to the development of Jewish communities of Russia and of society within Russia.”
Journalist Nikolai Svanidze received the award for the category “Social Life,” for his work in countering xenophobia and extremism. The award for “Theater” was presented to theater director Mindaugas Karbauskis for staging the performance “Nobody Lasts for a Moment” on the stage of the Russian Youth Theater. The “Cultural Event of 5770” was announced as being the “Yiddishfest” Jewish music festival. Famous jazz musician Igor Butman presented this award to the festival’s organizer, Anna Pinskaya.
The Man of the Year 5770 for “Charity” was Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who heads the Fellowship Foundation, otherwise known as the Keren Yedidut Fellowship Foundation. This organization plays a critical role in helping children from impoverished families throughout the former Soviet Union. Lev Leviev, the President of Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS, proudly presented this award. “The Torah says to help the needy – it is a mitzvah. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is certainly doing good deeds. Thirty years ago he created the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. It is a great honor to work with a loyal son of the Jewish people who is helping others,” said Mr. Leviev upon presenting the statuette.
In his turn, Rabbi Eckstein warmly thanked the FJC for choosing him and his foundation. “Forty years ago, I took to the streets of New York with the words ‘Let the Jewish people be free in their homeland’ and today I have the amazing opportunity to be involved in the revival of Jewish life in Russia. Among our sponsors, there are many Christians who take our concerns to heart,” said Rabbi Eckstein, completing his speech with an emotional performance of the song “Am Yisrael Chai!”
The winner of the “Man of the Year 5770” award for “Courage” was war veteran Mikhail Pavlovich Zirchenko from Rostov-on-Don for the courage he demonstrated during World War II and for saving Jews from genocide. The recipient of the award for “Living Legend” is director, screenwriter and composer Pyotr Todorovsky for his contribution to the development of Russian cinema.
The evening’s musical program featured a popular Israeli singer, David D'Or, jazz musicians Igor Butman and Vadim Eilenkrig, participants in the Ilya Averbuch Ice Show, and actors from the Domisolka Children's Musical Theater.