Chronicle wins 4 national Jewish press awards for outstanding work
Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle recognized for excellence in journalism
The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle was recognized for its excellence in journalism by the American Jewish Press Association, winning four Rockower Awards in the weekly and biweekly newspaper division. The awards were presented on June 23 during the Rockower Awards banquet at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The awards banquet was held in conjunction with AJPA’s annual conference. The awards were for work published in 2024.
The Chronicle received first place in the category “Excellence in Writing about Social Justice and Humanitarian Work” for “Two wheels and one mission: Jewish lawyer’s bike trips empower kids to lead,” by Deborah Weisberg. The judge commented: “Beautifully written piece on a Pittsburgh lawyer who 19 years ago turned his passion for cycling into a fantastic life-changing path for hundreds of low-income, inner city kids.”
In the category “Excellence in Writing about Seniors” the Chronicle received second place for “A daughter’s promise: 85 days of quarantining in a nursing home,” by Justin Vellucci. The judge commented: “Rather than tell a trite mother-daughter love story, the article made the reader feel they knew what it was like to be there with them both for the entire time.”
In the category “Excellence in Writing about the War in Israel: Personality Profiles” the Chronicle received an honorable mention for “‘I feel they’re still here’: Tomer Zak on family after Oct. 7,” by Adam Reinherz. The judge commented: “A powerful and emotional story that helps readers feel Tomer Zak’s grief, strength and mission. I especially liked the detail of the butterflies project, which added hope without diminishing the weight of her family tragedy.”
In the category “Excellence in Writing about the War in Israel: Schools and Universities” the Chronicle received an honorable mention for “Jewish students at Pitt’s School of Medicine face anti-Israel, antisemitic rhetoric,” by David Rullo.
Additionally, Chronicle Publisher and CEO Jim Busis and Chronicle Editor Toby Tabachnick received recognition as the AJPA Volunteers of the Year. PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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