– The Hellenic American Leadership Council and the American Jewish Committee proudly bestowed the inaugural Athens-
Wishner Award to Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, at their annual OXI Day Commemoration event in Chicago last Tuesday.
The award, named in honor of the legacies of Andrew Athens and Maynard Wishner,
was given to Mr. Christopher for his tireless advocacy for strong Greco-Israeli- Cypriot relations and ties between the Jewish and Hellenic diasporas.
“The spirit of Andy Athens and Maynard Wishner, two visionary and dedicated public citizens, continues to inspire our two communities
– and always will. Philip Christopher, a singularly effective and admired
communal leader, is infused with that spirit, and is the fitting first recipient of the Athens-
Wishner Award,” said Jason Isaacson, Associate Executive Director for Policy, AJC.
“To bestow the Athens-Wishner award on Philip Christopher during an OXI Day
celebration is especially fitting. OXI Day reminds us that sometimes history demands
that we stand up against all odds and endure great despair before we can hope again.
Philip has embodied the spirit of OXI Day for 41 years in his struggle for Cyprus and all
issues of Hellenic concern – including closer relations between the Hellenic and Jewish
worlds. When it came time to decide who should receive the first Athens-Wishner
award, it was an easy and instant choice,” said HALC Executive Director Endy Zemenides.
“We are proud of our work with our Hellenic partners, and are mindful that it builds
on the great foundations laid by leaders like Maynard Wishner and Andy Athens. We are
excited to formally acknowledge the long partnership between the Greek and Jewish
communities in Chicago with the Athens-Wishner award,” said Amy Stoken, Regional
Director, AJC Chicago.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the first Athens-Wishner Award. Both Andy
and Maynard set the bar for community involvement with real results. I am excited to
continue to honor their legacies by working with HALC, the American Jewish Committee
and other organizations for progress on issues that affect us all,” said Philip Christopher.
