Community
Prime Minister says ‘Mazel Tov’ to Manchester’s award winners
Two hundred nominations were received for the Jewish Community Awards
June 6, 2025 14:42
By Gaby Wine
2 min read
Two hundred nominations were received for the Jewish Community Awards
June 6, 2025 14:42By Gaby Wine
The Prime Minister has sent a hearty “Mazel Tov” to Manchester’s Jewish community in recognition of winners and nominees of its annual charity awards.
The evening, designed to put a spotlight on the contribution of communal charities, their staff, volunteers and trustees, received around 200 nominations in 11 categories.
Young Special Recognition Award - Michaela Nesbit presented by the Lord Mayor of Manchester (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
In a letter to the community in advance of the awards, Sir Keir Starmer wrote: “I am extremely proud of the contributions that the Jewish people make to the UK in so many areas of our daily lives, and the Jewish community awards is a fantastic celebration of this work.
“Mazel Tov to all the nominees and please accept my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of each award for all you have done and continue to do within your communities.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Mark Adlestone OBE, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region (the JRC).
Lifetime Achievement Awards - Mark Adlestone OBE presented by Mayor Andy Burnham (Photo: JPR)[Missing Credit]
Adlestone was presented with his award by Andy Burnham, Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester, who said: “Throughout 2024, I... had the opportunity to visit a wide range of Jewish organisations, networks and projects, seeing first-hand the commitment and support provided to communities.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Jewish community for your hard work and contribution to our shared life in Greater Manchester and particularly the work of the Jewish Representative Council, including Mark Adlestone and [CEO] Marc Levy for their continued leadership and friendship.”
Rising Star Award - Josh Glynne presented by Oz Shtrosberg (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
Other recipients included Josh Glynne, who won the Rising Star Award for under 25s for “being an inspiration to his peers and community”. Josh interviews individuals at pro-Palestinian demonstrations “highlighting their ignorance on the conflict”, said a spokesperson for award hosts, the JRC.
Professional Team of the Year - Manchester Jewish Museum presented by the High Sheriff (Photo: JPR)[Missing Credit]
The Volunteer Team of the Year award went to the North West Friends of Israel Hostage Vigil Team, and Rosemary Hamburger was crowned Volunteer of the Year for dedicating more than 51 years to helping out at The Fed's Heathlands Village.
Volunteer of the Year - Rosemary Hamburger, presented by Rebecca Mickler (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
A posthumous award went to Richard Hyman, who was a stalwart of North West Friends of Israel and a longstanding communal volunteer, who died earlier this year.
Raphi Bloom, a member of the JRC management board and chair of the community awards planning committee, said: ““It has been such an honour being tasked with organising an event to showcase the very best of our community. At what is obviously a challenging time for our community, it is more important than ever to focus on and celebrate our immense achievements.”
Judging Panel and JRC management board members (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
He added: “Undertaking this role, it has been humbling to see the selflessness of those volunteers who give their time and effort to care for individuals who may be vulnerable. I have also once again seen the scope and depth of our communal infrastructure that is understandably recognised as the beacon of best practice across society.”
The event, held at the Hilton Suite and attended by over 320 people, was chaired by comedian Bennett Arron, who also did a set for the guests.
Full list of winners
