The Jewish Children of the Year awards ceremony - The Jewish Chronicle

A 13-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome who attends a mainstream school, a big sister who helps her leukaemia-stricken brother and a teenager with quadriplegic cerebral palsy who is studying the International Baccalaureate, were among those who were honoured at this year’s Jewish Children of the Year awards.

More than 300 guests attended an award ceremony at the Marriott Regents Park on Sunday held jointly by charities JCD (Jewish Child’s Day) and Camp Simcha. The event was presented by radio presenter Nick Ferrari and included a speech from Dan Patterson, producer of Mock the Week and Whose Line is it Anyway.

More than 50 children from across the community were nominated for the four categories.

Philanthropist Dame Gail Ronson, who helped judge the winners, presented the awards. She said: “I speak on behalf of the judging panel when I say what a privilege it was for us to learn a little about the lives of so many wonderful children and their families.”

Daniel Clements, 18, was awarded as runner-up for the award for the “contribution to the community”.

Daniel, who suffers from severe hearing loss, has excelled in many areas including Duke of Edinburgh, canoeing and sailing and was elected head boy at Mary Hare boarding school earlier this year.

Through a signer, Daniel said: “It doesn’t feel real to win this award because it’s not something I thought people felt about me. I’m very proud and happy. I found it really emotional to hear people say all those things and it felt amazing to be recognised.”

Ophir Yaron, 13, was awarded winner of the “bravery in the face of an enormous challenge” award. Ophir, from Highgate, has Down’s syndrome but has not allowed her difficulties to prevent her becoming a fully integrated pupil at JFS. Jo King, head Senco at JFS, said: “She is an exceptional student who has coped fantastically. Whatever the challenge, she always does it to the best of her ability.”

Amber-Willow Whitesman, seven, was named as winner of the Chesed, acts of loving kindness award, for caring for her younger brother, Joshua, who has leukaemia.

Her father, Toby, said: “This is a day in a lifetime. Amber has lived in the shadow of her brother for three years. She has had to grow up so quickly and it’s amazing to have something that’s all about her.”

Isaac Malter, who was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was awarded the extraordinary achievement award. Isaac cannot speak, walk or feed himself but is studying five subjects as part of the Baccalaureate and has organised fundraisers for underprivileged or disabled children.

Using a letterboard to spell out words, Isaac, 18, said: “I feel honoured that a group of judges have recognised my fabulous achievements. I’m going to put the award on my mantelpiece.”

Two students from disability charity, Beit Issie Shapiro’s Project Chen, travelled from Israel to receive the Anglo-Israel partners in youth leadership award.

Yuval Laor and Noy Aviv were among 20 disabled and non-disabled young people from the Hashachar school in Hod Hasharon from the Amichai organisation, which works to change public attitudes towards those with disabilities, to graduate as leaders.

Yuval, 14, said: “I wanted to be involved in this project because it sounded very interesting and unique. Now, we’re a group of friends.”

Neville Goldschneider, executive director at Camp Simcha, said: “We have been astounded by the incredible achievements of all the children.”

Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea as well as a range of activities, including Chanucah candle-making.

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