Eric Greitens, founder of an organization challenging post-9/11 veterans to build lives of purpose and helping them rejoin civilian life as productive and valued members of society, formally received The Charles Bronfman Prize for 2012 here today, recognized for embodying Jewish values, creating lasting impact and inspiring younger generations.

Eric Greitens, the visionary founder of an organization challenging post-9/11 veterans to build lives of purpose, strengthening individuals and communities while changing the national conversation about returning service members, is the 2012 recipient of The Charles Bronfman Prize.

Karen Tal, an Israel educator who works with disadvantaged youth and pursues opportunity through education for those at the lowest rungs of Israeli society, formally received The Charles Bronfman Prize here on September 7.

Karen Tal, who as principal of a school serving one of the most economically challenged and socially diverse student populations in Israel, has created and grown a model institution that infuses young lives with hope and grabs success and achievement from despair, is the 2011 recipient of The Charles Bronfman Prize.

In an unprecedented decision, The Charles Bronfman Prize today announced that two prizes will be given this year, each accompanied by a $100,000 award. Both recipients are being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in the field of Human Rights: Jared Genser, Founder of Freedom Now, for his tireless defense of prisoners of conscience worldwide; and Sasha Chanoff, Founder of Mapendo International for his extraordinary efforts rescuing and resettling at-risk and forgotten African refugees.

‘Breathtakingly singular’ is how The Honorable Madame Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella of the Supreme Court of Canada describes the accomplishments of Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) founders Mike Feinberg, 40, and Dave Levin, 39. Accepting recognition for their work to transform the face of public education in the United States and the promise of its application abroad, the two men took to the podium at New York’s Powerhouse at the American Museum of Natural History to receive the 2009 Charles Bronfman Prize and to share their thoughts about the future of KIPP.

Rachel Andres, 45, took the podium at New York’s Morgan Library & Museum to accept The Charles Bronfman Prize 2008 in recognition of her humanitarian contribution to female survivors of the Darfur genocide.