NJTF/HTII has recognized many remarkable individuals and organizations with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The award memorializes their contribution to Jewish cultural identity and the power of theater in Holocaust awareness.

The ceremonies have taken place in New York City, London, Paris,  Miami, and San Diego. Honorees have included actors Theodore Bikel*, Jack Klugman*, Sir Antony Sher*, Henry Goodman and actress Tovah Feldshuh; Playwrights Martin Sherman, Sir Ronald Harwood*, Composer Jerry Bock* and Lyricist Sheldon Harnick*, Educators  Dr. Robert (Bob) Skloot, Dr, Alvin (AI) Goldfarb, West End Producer Duncan Weldon*, French Playwright Jean Claude Grumberg, New York Producer/Artistic Director Todd Haimes (Roundabout Theatre Company) and Lynne Meadow (Manhattan Theater Club).  Special recognition honorees for launching HTII Remembrance Readings included David Ellenstein (North Coast Repertory Theatre), Barry Edelstein (The Old Globe), and Christopher Ashley ( La Jolla Playhouse). Mr. Elie Wiesel* and his wife Marion were honored at the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center for Performing Arts for his plays and her translations of them.

Future NJTF HTII Awards will also include prominent citizens and funders of the National Jewish Theater Foundation – Holocaust Theater International Initiative who have provided the support needed to launch and sustain this critically needed not-for-profit, tax-deductible arts and education organization.

We thank them and invite you to become part of the NJTF/HTII Second Decade Legacy Fund.

*of blessed memory 

Photo credit: Aaron Rumley

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On September 30, 2024, French playwright, Monsieur Jean-Claude Grumberg received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by NJTF HTII President, Arnold Mittelman at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du judaïsme. The event was sponsored by Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah and hosted by Dominique Trimbur, PhD. Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah; Head of the projects "History of Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust" and "Holocaust Education".

Presentation Video

“We have among us an artist who has given us all the gift of that understanding. Who has arguably written more plays about the Holocaust than any other playwright. Who has spent his entire creative life and prolific imagination in service of our enlightenment. It is therefore my honor to present the National Jewish Theater Foundation Holocaust Theater International lifetime achievement award to your renowned countryman and citizen of the world Jean-Claude Grumberg. “

Arnold Mittelman Paris September 30th 2024

See a list of Mr. Grumberg's plays on our Holocaust Theater Catalog