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Clooney honored by USC Shoah Foundation

American film star to receive Ambassador for Humanity Award for his 'efforts around genocide awareness and prevention,' says foundation founder Steven Spielberg

"Gravity" star George Clooney will be honored Thursday with the USC Shoah Foundation’s highest honor, the Ambassador for Humanity Award.

 

The USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education was founded by Hollywood director Steven Spielberg after completing "Schindler’s List." The Institute is "dedicated to making audiovisual interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides a compelling voice for education and action."

 

"George's leadership as a human rights advocate and activist has shed light on humanitarian crises across the globe," said Spielberg. "His efforts around genocide awareness and prevention link closely with the mission of the USC Shoah Foundation, and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize George as an Ambassador for Humanity.

 

"By speaking out for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard, George has been a beacon of hope, exposing crimes against humanity and advancing peacemaking through advocacy and action."

 

The Institute’s annual Ambassadors for Humanity gala honoring Clooney will be hosted by "The Daily Show’s" Jon Stewart. Clooney’s "Gravity" co-star and close friend, Sandra Bullock, will attend as a special guest, and Norah Jones is scheduled to perform.

 

"I can think of no one who better reflects the Institute's ideals for social action and justice than George Clooney as our Ambassador for Humanity," said USC Shoah Foundation Executive Director Stephen D. Smith.

 

"As we work toward our common goals to lift the voices of eyewitnesses to genocide so that every generation can hear them, he is an inspiration to all of us."

 

"TNT is proud to be a longtime supporter of the USC Shoah Foundation and its mission to promote tolerance and mutual respect through the educational use of its Visual History Archive," said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks.

 

"As storytellers, we recognize the power of narrative to inform, inspire and move people to action. This is especially true when it comes to the important work of the USC Shoah Foundation, which provides a vital link to the past so that the lessons of history will never be forgotten."

 

"We are proud to recognize Mr. Clooney for his commitment to peace and understanding and for serving as a role model for so many young people and as an inspiration to our students," said C. L. Max Nikias, president of the University of Southern California. "USC Shoah Foundation has selected a deserving honoree for this impressive award."

 

The gala will also celebrate USC’s continued commitment to the USC Shoah Foundation and will mark the official launch of the USC Shoah Foundation Initiative, which seeks to raise $150 million over the next five years.

 

Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.03.13, 07:18
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