A leading Baltimore Jewish organization presented its highest award to the ambassadors of Israel and Jordan last night, marking the first time the Baltimore Zionist District has honored an Arab.
Recognizing the recent peace accords between former enemies, the organization gave its Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award to Jordanian Ambassador Fayez Tarawneh along with his Israeli counterpart, Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, at its 51st annual Brandeis banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
W. James Schiller, former president of the Baltimore Zionist District, came up with the idea of honoring both men after witnessing the signing of the peace agreement between the two countries in October.
The accord ended a formal state of war between the two countries that had lasted 46 years. "Let us pray and hope that the Jordanians and Israelis will prove they are up to meeting the challenges in the treaty for peace," Mr. Tarawneh told the crowd of about 2,000.
In the spirit of peace, Mr. Tarawneh helped light the menorah on thelast day of Hanukkah.
Mr. Rabinovich said he accepted the award on behalf of the Israeli government. The honor, he said, carries with it a challenge to continue to be a peacemaker.
"I accept that charge. I will continue to work hard for the peace process," he said.
The group bestows the Brandeis award to those who have the same goals of humanitarianism and social justice as the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the first Jewish member of the court.
The Baltimore Zionist District also gave its Humanitarian Award to the Baltimore Jewish Times, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.