Israel Prize

Trump, in absentia, becomes first non-Israeli to receive Israel’s top civilian honor

Trump reportedly planned to accept the prize with a videotaped address at one point, with Israel’s Education Minister officially extending the invitation in early February.

US President Donald Trump waves to the media after walking off of Air Force One at Miami International Airport on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
From right to left, Irit Oren Gunders and Zuri Dabush.

Klil chairman hails Israel Prize selection of Or L’Mishpachot founder

US President Donald Trump gestures while boarding Air Force One as he departs from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, March 20, 2026.

Trump weighs possible wartime Israel visit to receive Israel Prize on Independence Day

Prof. Ofer Merin, IFCJ President Yael Eckstein, and Prof. Jonathan HaLevy.

Grapevine, February 13, 2026: An anti-aggression alliance


Prof. Yair Zakovitch to receive Israel Prize in Bible Studies

"Yair Zakovitch is one of the most original biblical scholars in Israel and around the world," said the committee in its decision.

Prof. Yair Zakovitch

Jewish gymnast celebrates 100th birthday, honored by Olympic Committee

Ágnes Keleti, a retired Hungarian-Israeli Olympic and world champion artistic gymnast and coach, is considered the all-time most decorated Jewish gymnast in the world.

AGNES KELETI receives the Israel Prize from Education Minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem

Ruth Gavison, champion of secular-religious reconciliation, dies at 75

Gavison worked tirelessly to bridge the divide between secular and observant Jews and to retain Israel’s character as both a democratic and Jewish state.

Ruth Gavison 521

The Banai family: from vegetable market sellers to Israel Prize winners

The story of the Banai family and their impact on Israeli culture

(From left) Tower of David Museum director Eilat Lieber, Gavri Banai, exhibition curator Tal Kobo, musical adviser Yoav Kutner, Eviatar Banai and his parents, Simcha and Judge Yitzhak Banai at the Tower of David Museum

Israel Prize laureate Professor Zeev Sternhell passes away at 85

Sternhell, who received the prize for his studies into political sciences, was known worldwide as an expert on fascism.

Sternhell

Meet Naomi Stuchiner winner of the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement

Stuchiner is a beacon of light in a world darkened by the coronavirus outbreak.

Naomi Stuchiner, the founder of Beit Issie Shapiro in Ra’anana.

Meet Prof. Noam Vered, the 1st woman to win the Israel Prize for Talmud

As a child I felt that Talmud is a conversation that links people and creates joy and also has something different from everyday life, something higher and beautiful.

Noam: Teaching on Zoom is difficult and requires more effort than teaching in the classroom.

Beit Issie Shapiro founder to get Israel Prize for lifetime achievement

Naomi Stuchiner founded Beit Issie Shapiro almost 40 years ago, an Israeli organization dedicated to improving the life of children and adults with disabilities.

Naomi Stuchiner, founder of Beit Issie Shapiro.

Sheba cancer scientist to receive Israel Prize for Medical Science

Prof. Rechavi has dedicated his life to researching the genetic aspects of various cancers, including RNA sequencing, and has published 330 scientific papers in various medical journals.

Prof. Gideon Rechavi.

Israel Prize for Torah Literature awarded to Rabbi Yaakov Ariel

The 82-year-old Ariel is the former chief rabbi of Ramat Gan and a pillar of the religious Zionist community, but has not been free of controversy.

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel