The Movement for Reform Judaism

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany has awarded Sir Sigmund Sternberg, President of The Movement for Reform Judaism, with the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The order was presented to Sir Sigmund by His Excellency, Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, in a special ceremony on 13 July 2006 at the Ambassador's Residence in London. The guests included ambassadors of the countries affiliated to the International Council of Christians and Jews; the President of the Board of Deputies, Henry Grunwald QC, and the Senior Vice President, Mr Vivian Wineman; and Rabbi Tony Bayfield, Head of the Reform Movement and co-President of the Council of Christians and Jews.

In a statement, the German Embassy explained that the award was being given in recognition of the ‘outstanding role' that Sir Sigmund Sternberg has played in promoting tolerance and inter-faith dialogue on an international level: "He has contributed tremendously to Anglo-German friendship through his constant espousal of a realistic rendition of contemporary Germany. Sir Sigmund has contributed to balancing a potentially one-sided perception of Germany by stressing the success of German democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany since the end of World War II."

During the ceremony, Ambassador Ischinger praised Sir Sigmund's outstanding achievements: "He has made a special and invaluable contribution to reconciliation and understanding, first between Germans and Jews, and most recently in the field of Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations which is so crucial for the future peace and harmony of our world. Open-minded and courageous, Sir Sigmund is one of Germany's truly great friends."

Sir Sigmund was previously awarded the Commander's Cross Order of Merit by Germany in 1993. 

In his acceptance of the award, Sir Sigmund said: "I accept this most distinguished award that the Federal Republic can bestow with the understanding that it symbolises our joint determination to continue along the path of reconciliation and of determined commitment to that most noble of all concepts, summarised in the Hebrew words ‘Tikkun olam', the repairing, the healing, of the world. We no longer need to emphasise that "it should never happen again" - but we both do need to strive to ensure that the ground gained is not lost to ignorance, bigotry and hatred."

For further details, please contact:
Andrea Newman, Movement for Reform Judaism Public Relations Officer

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