The Prize
The Moskowitz Prize for Zionism was established by Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz as an expression of support for people who put Zionism into action in today's Israeli society, acting for the benefit of the common good in order to ensure the strength and resilience of the national Jewish homeland.
Watch a Video about the Award Ceremony 2008
The need for this special prize arose from the feeling, shared by many, that the true Zionist heroes in today's Israel - those known to the public as well as those far outside the public spotlight - do not always receive the institutional recognition and public praise they deserve.
These are Israeli men and women acting from a feeling of personal responsibility, vision and national mission, each in his field, and often while sacrificing their personal welfare and even endangering their personal security.
Commencing last year (2008 – 5768) a special prize (the Lion of Zion prize) is awarded to Israeli citizens, residents of Israel, who best personify modern Zionism in Israel in their actions addressing the challenges that face Zionism today - in education, culture, settlement, social action and other spheres.
You can learn more about last year's prize winners, on this website.
One of the traits shared by the 2008 Moskowitz Prize winners, and many of the candidates, is that each does not see themselves as an extraordinary person. Not as a hero, but as one who simply fulfills their duty, as an Israeli, to make Israel a better place – a safer, more just place, and at the end of the day – a more Zionist home.
In order to choose the prize winners, a public committee was established. After a long, careful process three winners were chosen for the 2008 Prize – people whom the committee sees as reflecting the best of Zionist action, within the complex realities of Israel today – in the fields of social action, education and settling the Land. The prize was divided, and $50,000 was awarded to each of the winners.
The second annual Moskowitz Prize for Zionism, to be awarded on Jerusalem Day, May 21st 2009, will have its winner or winners chosen by the public committee:
Cherna Moskowitz - Committee Chair
Prof. Moshe Arens
Brig. General Avigdor Kahalani
Amb.Yoram Ettinger
Rabbi Yedidya Atlas
Rabbi Pesach Lerner
Rabbi Daniel Moskowitz
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Ruth J. Lieberman - Director, Moskowitz Prize for Zionism
Special Academic Advisor: Nobel Prize Winner Prof. Yisrael Aumann..