Herzog to award 'Presidential Medal of Honor' to Lauder, Hoenlein, others

(JNS) — President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday the award of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor to eight Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from around the world, in recognition of their long-standing contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. 

Against the background of the ongoing war, the president chose these leaders for their unwavering commitment to Israel and their exceptional support of the Jewish people over decades of endeavors, particularly since the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded by the president to those who through their talents, service or any other means, have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity.

This medal was an initiative of Israel’s ninth president, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012.

Upon taking office, Herzog appointed an advisory committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, to recommend candidates for the honor.

Since then, the president has awarded the medal to prominent figures in Israel and worldwide, including heads of state, key social figures from all sectors of Israeli society, and global and Jewish leaders. 

This will be the first time the medals are collectively awarded to a group of Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from abroad, who have contributed to Israel and the Jewish people both personally and through institutions around the world—a category that will also be included in future years.

The recipients, as announced by the president, are:

• Ronald S. Lauder (USA)

• Maurice Lévy (France)

• Malcolm Hoenlein (USA)

• Julie Platt (USA)

• Sir Frank Lowy (Australia and Israel)

• Sir Trevor Chinn (U.K.)

• Brigitte Zypries (Germany)

• Mark Leibler (Australia)

The president personally informed each recipient of their selection.

In his conversations with the honorees, Herzog said: 

“The past year, the most difficult since the founding of the state, tested our resilience as a nation and as the Jewish people; it showcased the diverse and beautiful face of Israeli society and proved, as we have always known and believed, that all of Israel is responsible for one another, that the Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel share a common destiny, and that we have great friends and supporters in the world who fight alongside us against antisemitism, defend Israel’s name in the media, and have long fought for Israel’s place among the nations.

“Your work and dedication embody this great bond, and the Jewish people and the State of Israel will remain deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do,” he said.

Details of the medal recipients:

• Ronald S. Lauder (USA) – President of the World Jewish Congress—among the most significant Jewish organizations in the world—prominent Jewish leader and philanthropist, and generous contributor to numerous causes in Israel and the Jewish world, Lauder has for decades made significant contributions to strengthening Jewish communities globally and combating antisemitism. 

Through his support for educational initiatives especially, and the fight against antisemitic and anti-Israel campaigns, he has greatly impacted diplomacy, education and culture, influencing generations of Jewish youth worldwide.

• Maurice Lévy (France)—Born in Morocco, Lévy has fostered enduring business, social and political ties between France and Israel. He is known for his steadfast support for Israel and for combating antisemitism across Europe. Lévy ensured Israel’s representation in prestigious global platforms and other international forums. He has been honored as a Commandeur of the French Légion d’Honneur and Grand Officier of the Ordre National du Mérite.

• Malcolm Hoenlein (USA)—Hoenlein served for decades as the leading figure of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, representing more than 50 organizations across the U.S. He has been a key figure in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, advocating for Israel’s security and Jewish unity, and garnering support for Israel among global leaders and in U.S. politics and government.

• Julie Platt (USA)—Platt currently serves as chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), leading the largest Jewish community outside of Israel. She has worked tirelessly to significantly strengthen the ties between the North American Jewish community and the State of Israel, with a strong focus on fostering Jewish identity among Jewish children and youth in the U.S. 

She has long supported Israel and the Jewish community across the U.S. and the world, actively defending Israel’s name post-Oct. 7, in various forums, including as chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of Pennsylvania, advocating for the safety of Jewish students and for Israel’s right to self-defense.

• Sir Frank Lowy (Australia and Israel)—A Holocaust survivor who was born in Czechoslovakia and who fought in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, Lowy is a leading philanthropist who has greatly impacted the ties between Israel and Australia, supported the Jewish community in Australia and promoted the well-being of Israeli society in the fields of health, education and social welfare especially. His influence is also evident in supporting vital Israeli initiatives, most recently the National Library in Jerusalem.

• Sir Trevor Chinn (UK)—Chinn has for many decades been one of the most prominent leaders of British Jewry. He has served among other roles as chairman of the Joint Israel Appeal (now the UJIA) and founder of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM). He has worked tirelessly to strengthen Israel-U.K. relations and support Jewish communities in both countries, ensuring their security and defending Israel’s name within the political, diplomatic and public spheres in the U.K.

• Brigitte Zypries (Germany)—Zypries, a former German minister of economic affairs and justice, has long been an important political figure and president of the Israel-Germany Association. She has greatly contributed to strengthening ties between Germany and Israel, and between Israel and Europe, mainly through legal, economic and cultural cooperation. She has worked to solidify Israel’s status in Europe and to defend its reputation in the face of antisemitism and anti-Israel boycotts.

• Mark Leibler (Australia)—Leibler is a leading attorney and Jewish community leader in Australia who has worked extensively for human rights, Israel and the Jewish community in Australia. For decades, he has been a central figure on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod, working to promote the Australia-Israel friendship, combat antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments, defend Israel’s reputation and fight against boycotts.