The Charlie Award, named for philanthropist Charles Schusterman z"I, annually recognizes the achievements and visions of exceptional Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni from around the world. The “Charlies” participate in a week-long leadership seminar in Israel, where they interact with high ranking leaders from the business and non-profit worlds, refine their managerial and strategic skills, and network across their global community. See a sample Charlie Awards program itinerary
Charlies Photos To date 45 inspirational individuals have received this prestigious award. Hailing from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Israel, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, the United States and Uruguay, Charlies alumni use their engagement with CLI to increase their knowledge of the Jewish community, to network with Jewish leaders and peers from around the world and to explore their options (professional and lay) for future Jewish involvement.
The Charlies philanthropy program gives award recipients the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the philanthropic process. Using funds allocated to them by CLI and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, they make grants to non-profit organizations and initiatives in their local communities and in Israel, wrestling with the process of defining their values and assessing the potential impact of philanthropic giving.
Meet the 2008 Charlies!