The Centre Congratulates Judy Feld Carr on Receiving Presidential Award

TORONTO, June 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Yesterday, Toronto's Judy Feld Carr received the Presidential Award of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres for her decades of successful efforts to save Syrian Jews. In total, the campaign Feld Carr launched with her late husband in 1972 was completed in 2001 after enabling 3,228 Jews to escape the country, through the quiet raising of funds for ransom payments to secure their release with Syrian authorities.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

"We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Feld Carr on receiving the Presidential Award of Distinction. For decades, Ms. Feld Carr worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to save her fellow Jews from degradation, torture, and imprisonment in Syria. That her critical efforts led to the rescue of three-quarters of the Syrian Jewish community is nothing short of extraordinary - and a testament to the impact that one compassionate, inspired individual can have."

In addition to her international activism, Ms. Feld Carr, who was born in Montreal and raised in Sudbury, devoted years of service to Canada's Jewish community through her involvement with Beth Tzedec Synagogue and as a member of the Executive of the Canadian Jewish Congress.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the Canadian Jewish community's official spokesperson to government and media.

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417