Sanaa Zreik-Saleh Awarded Jewel Bellush Outstanding Israeli Feminist Prize

NISAN YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS

In recognition of her commitment to fostering leadership among young Jewish and Arab women, Sanaa Zreik-Saleh, Executive Director of Global Fund for Women grantee, Nisan Young Women Leaders, Nazareth, has been awarded US/Israel Women to Women's Jewel Bellush Outstanding Feminist Award 2005.

Grantee: Nisan Young Women Leaders, Israel

US/Israel Women to Women, a New York-based foundation, has named Sanaa Zreik-Saleh, Executive Director of Nisan Young Women Leaders, recipient of the Jewel Bellush Outstanding Israeli Feminist Award for the year 2005. The award, established in 2002 by feminist philanthropist Barbara Dobkin in honor of former US/Israel Women to Women Board Chair Jewel Bellush's contributions to that organization and to the women's movement in Israel, is given annually.

Among the reasons cited by Dr. Jewel Bellush for selecting Ms. Zreik-Saleh was her "steadfast dedication to the promotion of feminism and social justice," and in particular, her "commitment to promoting young women's leadership within the context of [Arab-Israeli] co-existence."

Barbara Dobkin, in conveying her congratulations, said, "Even during these most difficult times, Sanaa has continued to inspire Jewish and Palestinian Israeli young women to believe they can lead, create change and work together for a more hopeful, peaceful future."

Nisan Young Women Leaders, which Ms. Zreik-Saleh has headed since 1997, is the first and most innovative Israeli non-profit organization dedicated solely to the advancement of young Arab and Jewish women to local and national decision-making positions. In accepting the award, Ms. Zreik-Saleh stated, "Gender and ethnic equality are my high social priorities. Through my work for Nisan and my community service, I will continue my struggle to achieve them."

Nisan's grassroots projects are currently supported by the generosity of the Abraham Fund Initiatives; Bank Hapoalim "Poalim in the Community" Foundation; Gimprich Family Foundation; Global Fund for Women; Jewish Women's Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago; Matan - Your Way to Give; Middle East Peace Dialogue Network; NEST, USA; New Israel Fund; Samuels Family Foundation; UJA Federation of New York, and by individual donor-advised giving.

Funding is currently sought for 2006; inquires may be sent directly to the Executive Director at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or to the Director of Development at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Sanaa Zreik-Saleh joins an impressive list of past award recipients: Dr. Ruth Halperin Khaddari, Chair of the Ruth and Emanuel Rackman Center for the Advancement of Women at Bar-Ilan University; Rula Elatauna of the Association for the Promotion of Bedouin Women's Education in the Negev; Ruti Gur of Economic Empowerment for Women and Isha L'Isha and Rachel Bialer of the Jerusalem Shelter for Battered Women.