Professor Chaim Adler to Receive Israel's Top Prize

March 14, 2006, New York, NY -- Professor Chaim Adler, founding director of the NCJW Research Institute for Innovation in Education (RIFIE) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will receive the Israel Prize in recognition of his pioneering role in education. The award, Israel's most prestigious honor, was announced by Minister of Education, Culture, and Sport Meir Sheetrit. It will be officially presented in Jerusalem on Israeli Independence Day.

The judging panel praised Professor Adler for his achievements as "one of the most prominent and important education researchers in Israel." Adler was applauded, in particular, for his work at RIFIE where, from 1970 to 1992, he initiated studies and programs addressing at-risk children and youth, including the landmark HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program. Adler's influence lives on today as RIFIE continues to serve as one of the largest educational research and development resources in Israel.

President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Phyllis Snyder congratulated Professor Adler on the well-deserved honor. "Chaim Adler's 22-year tenure at RIFIE truly set the standard for innovation and education in Israel, as well as other countries -- particularly the US -- that have followed its example. NCJW is proud to have partnered with Chaim to create such a remarkable legacy of empowerment and scholarship."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Vanessa Schnaidt
212 645 4048 x179; vschnaidt@ncjw.org