"This prestigious honor, which he wished to award you, from those he confers in a personal capacity, recognizes the valuable service you have rendered our country and the attachment you have shown it," stated a letter sent to Schneider by Michael Blangy, director general of the Presidency of the Republic of France.

Schneider, who retired in May 2002, worked for the JDC for more than 27 years as country director for Hungary and Iran, director general of JDC's Paris office, program director of JDC-Israel and as executive vice president, JDC's international professional leader. He played an instrumental role in some of the organization's most historic rescue and relief operations, including those that brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel and Jews from the former Soviet Union to Israel and the United States.

While serving as director general of JDC Paris, Schneider implemented what have become thriving community-building and Jewish renewal efforts in Poland, Romania, the Baltics, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. In all of these countries, Schneider's visionary approach resulted in the development of national and multi-national Jewish bodies of leadership. These bodies have become increasingly effective partners in serving the needs of local constituencies throughout Europe. Specifically, Schneider helped establish the European Council of Jewish Social Service, an umbrella welfare consortium encompassing Jewish organizational bodies throughout Eastern and Western Europe.

While Schneider was at the organization’s helm, JDC re-entered the Soviet Union the late 1980s after a six-decade absence. During this time, JDC developed a network of welfare centers which now serve more than 240,000 elderly Jews across the former Soviet Union (FSU). Schneider also spearheaded JDC’s entry into Ethiopia in 1981.

"Michael has left a lasting legacy wherever he has worked," said Steve Schwager, JDC's current executive vice president and Schneider's successor. "The relationships he has formed over the course of his career with the highest ranking officials and community leaders have paved the way for us to build upon his incredible vision and success. This honor couldn’t be more well-deserved."