At NewGround, we believe that conflict is natural and inevitable. Yet it is not intractable -- no matter the history. Being stuck is a choice. Therefore, we build relationships between Muslims and Jews in order to transform communities through lasting partnerships. This unique event and program offer attendees the opportunity to interact with change-makers and learn how their inspirational work is transforming communities through the power of relationships. The evening will leave you with a renewed sense that change is possible and that Muslims and Jews working together can make an extraordinary impact!

About the Award:

NewGround named the award after Suzy and her late husband Wally Marks Jr. z”l. They have long been one step ahead of the trends to usher us all toward a more just society. Back in 2006 when Muslim-Jewish relations were at their most toxic levels, Suzy and Wally had the foresight to seed fund NewGround to equip change-makers with the skills, resources, and relationships needed to strengthen Muslim-Jewish relations.

Host Committee: Paula Litt (event chair), Melissa Balaban, Paul Beck, Alan Bloch & Nancy Berman, Judith Glass, Farah Khan, Suzanne Marks, Julia Meltzer & Zeno Family, Dr. David Myers, Dr. Sadegh Namazikhah, Sandy Savett and Nurya Shabir

Our 2019 Honorees:

Reuven Firestone, Rabbi, PH.D.

Born in Northern California, Reuven Firestone is the Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Affiliate Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California. Recipient of numerous research fellowships and university invitations, he is currently an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow in Berlin (summers, 2017-2019) and Sigi Feigel Visiting Professorship for Jewish Studies, University of Zürich (2018). He served as vice president of the Association for Jewish Studies (AJS) and president of the International Qur’anic Studies Association (IQSA) and has initiated and continues to be involved in numerous projects and initiatives which bring together Jews Muslims and Christians, Jews and Arabs, and Israelis and Palestinians.

Shiza Shahid

Shiza grew up in Pakistan a vocal advocate for social change, and she later graduated from Stanford University with University Distinctions. Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund with Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and led the organization as founding CEO. She is now focused on supporting mission-driven startups whose financial success makes the world a better place through her seed- stage VC Fund and Platform, NOW Ventures. Shiza has received many awards for her work, including the Times 30 under 30 World Changer, Forbes 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneur, WEF Global Agenda Council, and the Tribeca Institute Disruptive Innovator. She has been featured in multiple publications including Forbes, Fast Company, Elle, Glamour, Town and Country, The Edit, CNN, ABC, Al Jazeera, MSNBC, and others.

“Change-Maker Award” Recipient: Two Faiths One Prayer

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Diamond Sponsor

Paula & Barry Litt

Sandy Weiner

Platinum Sponsor

Sandy Savett

Abby Sher

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Patsy & Joe Ostroy

Judith Glass

Past Trailblazer Honorees:

2018

Dr. David Myers & Dr. Sadegh Namazikhah, with Change-maker Award Recipient: Julia Meltzer & the Zeno Family

2017 

Melissa Balaban, Founder and Executive Director of IKAR, & the Aga Khan Council for the Western USA, with Change-maker Award Recipient: The Day School Exchange. 

2015 

Nancy Berman and Alan Bloch

2013

Dr. Judith Glass and Nasreen Haroon