European Union of Jewish Students receives EU award

This year's European Citizens' Prize of the European Parliament was awarded to the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS). The umbrella organization of Jewish students in Europe was praised for its achievements and activities, for demonstrating exceptional commitment to promoting mutual understanding and better integration between the peoples of EU member states and for work promoting a greater awareness to issues such as genocide. EUJS was lauded for its partnership with the European Union and activity which engaged in cross-border cultural cooperation in the long term, helping to strengthen the European spirit and contribute to further European integration.

Receiving the award from the German member of the European Parliament Michael Theurer in Brussels, EUJS President Benjamin Zagzag said: “The EUJS is proud and honored to be awarded such a prize. There is no doubt that it will be of huge benefit to EUJS and European Jewish students, who are highly politically motivated and proud to see their efforts lauded."

The European Union of Jewish Students comprises 34 national Jewish student unions in Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union, representing over 200,000 Jewish students. Cognizant of the religious, linguistic and cultural diversity within the European Jewish community, EUJS strives to present a variety of perspectives through its leadership training programs, educational seminars and international conferences, all tailor-made to the needs of its students. Throughout its history, EUJS has placed itself at the cutting edge of inter-cultural and inter-religious programming, as well as programming related to genocide education, advocacy and Jewish continuity in Europe.