04/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - In honour of its first President, Jean Kahn, the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and xenophobia (EUMC) has launched the Jean Kahn award, which is intended to reward individuals or organisations in recognition of an outstanding contribution in combating racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism by developing good practices and innovative projects at a European level. The first winner of the award will be selected in autumn 2003. Bob Purkiss, President of the EUMC explained that, "In his lifelong, unselfish and idealistic work of a Europe of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, Jean Kahn has shown a unique, personal example to us all. Beate Winkler, director of the EUMC added that, "By this award we want to honour Jean Kahn for his excellent work and at the same time encourage individuals and organisation throughout Europe to follow his example".