Jewish Funders Network Awards Head of Charity Fighting Anti-Semitism

The Jewish Funders Network on Thursday is giving its 2018 JJ Greenberg Memorial Award to Amy Braier, Director of the London-based Pears Foundation.

The JJ Greenberg Memorial Award was created and endowed by the family, friends and colleagues of Jonathan Joseph Greenberg as a memorial following his untimely death in a traffic accident in 2002, when he was just 36. The Award is presented annually to a foundation professional engaged in grantmaking, age 40 or under, who, like JJ, have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in Jewish philanthropy.

The award is being given Thursday at the 2018 JFN International Conference in Tel Aviv. Amy Braier is the 15th recipient and the first from the UK.

The Pears Family Charitable Foundation was established in 1991 by three brothers, Trevor, David, and Mark Pears, to support causes including JHub – Jewish Values, Social Change; the Parliamentary Committee Against Anti-Semitism Foundation; and the Pears Institute for the Study of Anti-Semitism

“When Amy Braier started at Pears Foundation over 10 years ago, we were still in the early years of developing a strategy and structure,” said Sir Trevor Pears, the foundation’s Executive Chair and Trustee. “Amy built the professional infrastructure and identified some of the key areas that we would ultimately pursue in terms of our grantmaking priorities.”

Sir Trevor also praised her leadership skills, personal commitment, and vision. “Amy’s contribution is immeasurable. I am so glad it has been recognized in this way, as her quiet and humble manner means she rarely receives the accolades that she very much deserves.”

“Amy embodies grace, intelligence, and thoughtful Jewish values,” adds Sally Berkovic, CEO of Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe. “I have seen her challenge ‘accepted wisdoms’ and provoke discussion in a constructive way that demonstrates that Amy is not subject to peer pressure.”

Berkovic added that “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 joined Pears Foundation in 2007 as its Deputy Director, and was promoted to Director in 2012. She 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 Anti-Semitism and the Greater London Authority. She also has a been a trustee of Limmud and Holocaust Memorial Day.