By Jane Eisner December 9, 2009

The excellent work done this year by the Forward staff, in print and online, has been recognized in a big way by two respected organizations. The Forward took home five awards — known as Ippies — at the recent annual dinner of the New York Community Media Alliance, which represents ethnic and community media in the New York area. Even better than the number was the range of work that was honored. Stories from Nathaniel Popper’s superb series “Working Legacy” won both a first place and an honorable mention for coverage of labor. Our design gurus Kurt Hoffman and Richard Harrington won first place for overall design.

And the work of two valued freelancers was also recognized. Jonathan Kesselman won first place for his multimedia feature narrating his discovery of his father’s role fighting for Israeli independence. And Ariel Jankelowitz earned a third-place award in the photography competition.

Meantime, the Forward earned a gold medal for its Web site in the Davey Awards, given by the International Academy of the Visual Arts to honor the best creative work of small firms, agencies and companies worldwide. And we earned four Silver Daveys, including recognition for our Sisterhood blog and Web magazine devoted to Jewish women’s issues. Special credit for the Davey Awards goes to Gabrielle Birkner, Web editor, and Aram David, Webmaster.

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT