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Yoni Jesner’s mother praises Jewish pupils for “bringing good into the world” in her son’s name
June 8, 2016 14:23
By, Lianne Kolirin
2 min read
By Lianne Kolirin , Lianne Kolirin
The mother of a teenager who died in a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv has praised Jewish schoolchildren for continuing "his life’s work”.
Scottish-born youth leader Yoni Jesner was just 19-years-old when he was killed in a terrorist attack on a bus in Tel Aviv in September 2002.
In the wake of his death, his family set up the Yoni Jesner Foundation in his memory and to continue with his voluntary work
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was the guest of honour at this year’s annual Yoni Jesner Awards, held at the Arts Depot in North Finchley.
An audience of 400 people, including many community dignitaries, gathered in the centre’s Pentland Theatre on Tuesday night to recognise the achievements of 150 children from a range of Jewish schools across the country.
Overall, 150 pupils from JFS, JCoSS, Yavneh College, Immanuel College, Hasmonean Boys, Hasmonean Girls, King David High School in Manchester, King David High School Liverpool and JFS in Leeds were recognised for their volunteering work.
Administered by JLGB, the awards commend children who have logged 20 hours of voluntary work. Anyone who reaches 35 hours is eligible for a Yoni Jesner Plus Award, of which there were 35 this year.
Yoni’s mother Marsha Gladstone paid tribute to the students in an emotional speech. She said: “Yoni’s time here in this world may be over, but if I ask myself ‘What would Yoni want from me now?’
“I think that as I stand here this evening I have the answer—he would say, ‘Mum, these young people sitting here tonight are my future, they are the future I never had, if they can keep going in my place, if they can help bring more good into this world, and care more, then I still live through them’.
“Nothing can bring Yoni back, but his life’s work has been handed on to you now, and I hope you will continue after having achieved your first Yoni Jesner Award and continue Yoni’s work into the years ahead.”
Rabbi Mirvis said: “It is hard to believe that nearly 14 years have passed since Yoni Jesner was so tragically taken from us. And yet, this evening’s awards clearly demonstrate the extent to which his legacy has become such an important part of the fabric of the Jewish community.”
Neil Martin, CEO of JLGB, said: “I think these inspirational young people got together and showed the entire community the power of Yoni’s values and that our future is safe in their hands.
“We look forward to supporting them on to the next challenge such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and thank the Yoni Jesner Foundation for their partnership, which keeps the memory of Yoni Jesner alive.”
During the evening, Sam Clifford, director of the foundation, announced this year’s Yoni Jesner Scholar as Mia Gray. The award will enable the 18-year-old pupil from Fortismere School in Muswell Hill to spend a year in Israel, before heading to Birmingham University to study philosophy and classical civilisation.
