AEPJ celebrates Valerie Bello’s recognition with the Heritage Hero Lifetime Award

The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ) proudly celebrates the well-deserved recognition of Valerie Bello, long-time National Coordinator of the European Days of Jewish Culture in the UK, who has been awarded the prestigious Heritage Hero Lifetime Award by The Heritage Alliance. The award, presented at the historic Tower of London on March 5, acknowledges over 25 years of dedicated service in promoting Jewish heritage across the UK.

Valerie has played a central role in the European Days of Jewish Culture, a festival coordinated by the AEPJ that unites communities across Europe to celebrate Jewish heritage through exhibitions, guided tours, concerts, and cultural programs. Through her tireless efforts, she has ensured that the UK’s participation in the festival remains vibrant and impactful, bringing together synagogues, Jewish organizations, and cultural institutions to open their doors to the public. Her leadership has helped expand awareness, engagement, and appreciation for Jewish heritage, making it an integral part of the UK’s broader cultural landscape.

For over two decades, Valerie has not only coordinated events but has also championed the importance of heritage preservation, fostering dialogue between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Her work has strengthened ties between the EDJC and the UK’s national heritage sector, ensuring Jewish cultural sites and traditions receive the recognition they deserve.

During the 15th annual Heritage Heroes Awards, Valerie was honored alongside other outstanding volunteers in the heritage sector. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude not only for the award but also for the support of B’nai B’rith UK, the organization she has long been associated with, and the dedicated team of volunteers who have helped make the EDJC in the UK a success year after year.

“The awareness and importance of heritage have risen dramatically in recent years, both in the UK and across Europe,” Valerie stated. “Heritage plays a crucial role in preserving our history, protecting historic sites, and increasing our understanding of the past and its influence on the future.”

The Heritage Alliance, which represents over 200 heritage organizations in England, praised Valerie’s commitment to heritage education and preservation, emphasizing that volunteers like her are the backbone of cultural and historical conservation efforts.

AEPJ extends its heartfelt congratulations to Valerie for this well-earned recognition and celebrates her ongoing contributions to the European Days of Jewish Culture. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of the festival, ensuring that Jewish heritage remains an essential part of Europe’s cultural narrative.