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.
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.
This 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 spheres such as education, research, settlement, culture, defense and security.
You can learn more about our prize winners, on this website.
One of the traits shared by the 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 winners were chosen for the 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 annual Moskowitz Prize for Zionism, awarded in the City of David on Jerusalem Day. The winners are chosen by the public committee:
Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz - Committee Chair
Prof. Moshe Arens
Rabbi Yedidya Atlas
Amb.Yoram Ettinger
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Brig. General Avigdor Kahalani
Rabbi Pesach Lerner
Rabbi Daniel Moskowitz
Special Academic Advisor:
Nobel Prize Winner Prof. Yisrael Aumann
Ruth J. Lieberman - Director, Moskowitz Prize for Zionism