December 11, 2025
On December 11, 2025, AJC Cleveland marked the 60th anniversary of the Isaiah Award at a breakfast ceremony honoring Open Doors Academy (ODA) as this year’s recipient. ODA is an afterschool educational and community-building organization dedicated to supporting youth and families by fostering academic success, confidence, and resilience through strong partnerships among volunteers, educators, and families.
For six decades, the Isaiah Award for Human Relations has recognized Greater Cleveland nonprofit organizations that demonstrate leadership in advancing intergroup understanding and mutual respect. Rooted in the spirit of the prophet Isaiah and AJC’s mission, the award celebrates organizations that build bridges and strengthen community connections throughout Northeast Ohio.
Tri-C President Dr. Michael Baston delivered the opening remarks, followed by AJC Cleveland President Jeremy Sosin, who reflected on the award’s legacy. Sosin noted its origins in a time when many communities, including the Jewish community, lacked representation at civic tables, and emphasized that the Isaiah Award continues to serve as a beacon for connection, understanding, and progress across communities.
This year’s finalist organizations, many of whom were also in attendance, include Cleveland Housing Network, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Esperanza, Inc., Food Strong, Global Cleveland, Senior Transportation Connection, Shoes and Clothes for Kids, and Two Foundation.
Accepting the award, Dorothy Moulthrop, Executive Director of Open Doors Academy, highlighted the organization’s commitment to educational equity across Greater Cleveland, affirming its belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the tools needed to succeed beyond high school.
Following the ceremony, Lee C. Shapiro, Regional Director of AJC Cleveland, moderated a keynote conversation titled “Building Bridges, Strengthening Community,” featuring Darrell L. McNair, President and CEO of MVP Plastics and recipient of AJC Cleveland’s 2025 Richard H. Adler Community Leadership Award, and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
The distinguished history of the AJC Cleveland 2025 Isaiah Award for Human Relations is reflected in the list of past recipients available here.
Cleveland Jewish News coverage of the event.
