Christian-Jewish alliance in Neuss awards Simons Prize to individuals demonstrating respect and tolerance
New Initiative: The Simons Prize Recognizes Efforts in Christian-Jewish Dialogue and Interfaith Understanding
The Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation Neuss is launching a new initiative, the Simons Prize, to honour and recognise efforts that promote Christian-Jewish or interreligious dialogue and reflection. This prize is a revival of an old tradition, named after the Simons family who founded the "Simons'sche Stiftung" in 1881.
The Simons family were Neuss entrepreneurs who owned the N. Simons steam mill, one of the most important grain mills in Germany. Some family members were also engaged in the synagogue community and the city society. The Simons Prize continues the legacy of the Simons family's charitable work, which aimed to support the needy without distinction of confession.
The Simons Prize encourages submissions from all religious, cultural, and denominational groups and individuals. It aims to combine tradition with modernity, supporting school projects, individual works, publications, activities, cultural events, and social engagement that foster respectful coexistence and combat antisemitism.
Citizens can nominate other citizens for the Simons Prize. Applications should include a description of the project, contact details of the responsible person, and can be submitted by email or post. The deadline for submitting applications is September 30. The postal address for submissions is Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation Neuss, c/o Bücherhaus am Münster, Kramerstraße 8, 41460 Neuss. Alternatively, applications can be emailed to [email protected].
The Simons Prize comes with a prize money of 1,000 euros. The initiative that awards the Simon Prize was started by the Diocese of Mainz, with the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation Neuss having a charter that emphasizes the importance of judging people in intellectual and public life without religious, national, social, or racial prejudices.
The Simons Prize does not specify any religious, cultural, or denominational restrictions for submissions. It is a testament to the Simons family's commitment to interfaith understanding and dialogue, and a call for all citizens to contribute to a more harmonious and respectful society.
