YIR: Rose Lubin Jewish Pride Award Established

In February, The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life established a new award in honor of Sgt. Rose Lubin, the fallen Lone Soldier from Dunwoody, that recognizes Jewish community members who have displayed an extraordinary sense of Jewish pride.

In October, the Foundation announced that Ana Robbins, founder and CEO of the Atlanta-based nonprofit Jewish Kids Groups, would receive the inaugural $100,000 award.

Each year, the award will recognize an individual involved in the work of Jewish engagement and identity-building in North America, whose work specifically inspires or furthers Jewish pride. The award will be split between a $70,000 gift to the individual and a $30,000 grant to the program or organization they have created.

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The Rose Lubin Jewish Pride Award is named in memory of the Atlanta native who fulfilled her dream of Aliyah, at age 18, as a combat-trained soldier specializing in fighting terrorism. Deployed with the Israeli Border Police, Sgt.

Lubin was off duty on Oct. 7, 2023, when she bravely defended her host kibbutz and neighboring communities, helping injured victims to safety from near the Gaza border. Just weeks after the Hamas onslaught, Sgt. Lubin lost her life during a subsequent terrorist attack while guarding the Shalem police station near the Damascus Gate, one of the entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Founded in 2012, Jewish Kids Groups provides children ranging from kindergarten to tenth grade with camp-style Jewish learning and companionship throughout the school year. Jewish Kids Groups’ flagship program, JKG Afternoon Community, features Jewish enrichment courses and weekday afternoon childcare.

“I am deeply honored that The Steinhardt Foundation has chosen to recognize me and Jewish Kids Groups with the Rose Lubin Jewish Pride Award,” said Robbins.

“The funds JKG receives from this award will enable Jewish children across the country to explore their heritage, forge lasting Jewish friendships, build a meaningful relationship with Israel, and ultimately ensure the strength of the Jewish community for generations to come.”