The Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship fosters dialogue among Jewish and Muslim communities by building an international network of social entrepreneurs

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation in partnership with Columbia Business School and scholars from the University of Cambridge

New York, NY – December 1, 2009 – Today, as a result of globalization, territorial boundaries are gradually disappearing while deep polarization is emerging both on national and cultural grounds. Fear, ignorance of the ‘other’, and media stereotypes have resulted in the emergence of a feeling of defensiveness and ‘retrenchment’.

At the same time, western societies are becoming mosaics of multiple ethnicities, faiths and cultural identities. The need arises to foster engagement within and between these various communities and we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to create a new paradigm for cross-cultural dialogue.

As welfare states find it increasingly difficult to fulfill their roles as social providers, the challenge lies with civil society and foundations to develop innovative models for sustainable change. All members of a particular society regardless of its faith, ethnicity or background can share this purpose.

The Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship: Social Entrepreneurship and Cross Cultural Network – 2010 will hold its second session at Columbia Business School, New York from July 4 – 16, 2010.

Thirty social entrepreneurs mainly from Muslim and Jewish backgrounds from France, the United Kingdom and the United States will join the program. National juries will select the Fellows based on their commitment and ability to generate sustainable social impact in their respective societies. They will all share a common aspiration to bring change in a variety of fields, ranging from education, environment, the arts and healthcare. In addition to scholarship and practical training, they will have the opportunity to experience the unique diversity of a city like New York.

For more information about the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship: Social Entrepreneurship and Cross Cultural Network visit www.adrfellowship.com, or contact Donald Nadalin.

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