Aliza Craimer Elias, director of the S.F.-based Institute for Curriculum Services, has won a Young Professional Award given by the Jewish Communal Service Association of North America. She will accept the honor on Nov. 10 in Jerusalem at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.
The annual award recognizes outstanding work and exemplary service to a Jewish communal agency. Through the ICS, Elias has worked with communities and textbook publishers to correct misinterpretations, inaccuracies and imbalances regarding Jews, Judaism and Israel.
Launched in 2006 by the S.F.-based Jewish Community Relations Council, the ICS has facilitated more than 6,500 edits to social studies textbooks used by 5 million K-12 students each year. Elias was the institute’s first full-time employee.
As part of her award, Elias, a native of Calgary, will be flown to Israel to attend the G.A., where two veteran leaders and six younger professionals will be honored. She will also take part in a weeklong seminar and fact-finding mission, visiting Israeli social service agencies.
“I believe the ICS is impacting Jewish education in the broadest sense of the term,” Elias said. “We’re improving education about Jews, Judaism and Israel for Jews and non-Jews alike.”