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September 11 marked another anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. The victims of this terrible event were citizens of 70 countries and representing almost all faiths and religions.

To commemorate this event, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Robin Matthewman, invited government officials and representatives of different faiths and ethnicities to celebrate a Day of Interfaith Service in recognition of the work of those dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow citizens.

"President Obama has asked Americans to think of September 11 as a day of service and remembrance," said Matthewman. "He has called on the people of our country to join together on this day in a spirit of compassion and unity," she added.

To mark the occasion, Matthewman presented certificates of recognition to six social works belonging to the Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, Methodist and Evangelical communities. "The spirit of compassion and community spirit in Uruguay are as vibrant as they are in the United States. This country has many dynamic and forward-thinking people who have devoted their free time, and in many cases their careers, to the cause of improving the lives of their fellow Uruguayans," said Matthewman. "We recognize them not only for their selfless works within their own community but for their willingness to reach out to members of other faiths," she added.

Certificates of recognition were presented to:

1. Grupo Hogar Amanecer, represented by Jorge Rodriguez Salisbury. This Methodist organization serves the needs of 30 children and 15 adolescents by offering a home in the Barrio Manga neighborhood;

2. Fundación Pablo de Tarso, represented by Daniel Geymonat. The foundation, under the auspices of the Evangelical Church, is conducting an outstanding job with women and children in crisis;

3. The MASADA branch of B'nai B'rith, represented by Jacobo Wolkowicz. This branch was the organizer of the Second Conference of Latin America-Israel Pediatric Hemato-oncology, with the support of the Peluffo-Giguens foundation;

4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, represented by Brother Antonio Cappi. The Mormon Church has donated over 2,000 wheelchairs in Uruguay with the support of the ministries of Social Development and Public Health;

5. The Tzedek Hillel Organization, represented by Fabian Schamis and Stephanie Grunvald. The Organization works with Hillel Jewish university students worldwide by supporting volunteer programs in Uruguay, community projects such as A Roof for my Country and the Logros foundation;

6. Liceo Jubilar Juan Pablo Segundo, represented by Father Gonzalo Aemelius. This school and Father Aemelius work tirelessly to improve the lives of dozens of disadvantaged young Uruguayans in the Barrio Casavalle neighborhood, providing upper secondary education and various extracurricular activities.

U.S. Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman addressing guests. "I'm pleased to welcome you in my home as we honor six organizations that are working tirelessly to better their communities and improve thelives of their fellow citizens."		Jorge Rodriguez Salisbury, Jacobo Wolkowicz, Father Gonzalo Aemelius, Robin Matthewman, Brother Antonio Cappi, Daniel Geymonat, Stephanie Grunvald, Fabián Schamis and Irene Gofman, represnting their organizations.		Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman with Irene Gofman and Stephanie Grunvald of the Tzedek Hillel organization.
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