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


Charles Bronfman Prize recipient shares his story in New York

The idea for Gastromotiva came from Hertz’s desire to connect to people and places and “the opportunity to give people dignity and use food as a universal language,” he said.

David Hertz

Bennett to Israel Prize winners: Our world advances thanks to you

At the ceremony celebrating Israel's 71st Independence Day, the education minister said goodbye to his official duties. "I did as best as I could for the people of Israel," he said.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett speaks at the 57th Israel Prize ceremony on Israel's 71st Independence Day, 2019.

Basking in our nascent independence

In 1950, more than a million Israelis celebrated the nation’s second birthday.

MEMBERS OF Kibbutz Gan Shmuel march on Israel’s second Independence Day, in Hadera in 1950.

Chicago-born Deborah Bernstein honored with Israel Prize

A Professor of sociology and anthropology, Bernstein devoted her career to the roles women take in Israeli life and Arab-Israeli relations.

Professor Deborah Bernstein

Bennett announces the winners for the lifetime achievement Israel Prize

Chaim and Miri Ehrental are founders of Zichron Menachem an organization that provides support for young people living in Israel with cancer without parents or siblings.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett announced Chaim and Miri Ehrental as winners of the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society

Bequests to State of Israel contribute to continued academic research

There are many Jews and non-Jews who make bequests to the State of Israel or leave part or all of their estates to the State of Israel.

President Reuven Rivlin with the twelve doctoral students who received a prize for their theses

Report: Miriam Peretz pitched by Kahlon, Lapid, New Right to join politics

“Miriam Peretz has devoted her life to education and imparting the Jewish and Zionist heritage while conducting lectures to youth and soldiers."

Miriam Peretz (L) shakes hands with Israel President Reuven Rivlin (R) during the Israel Prize ceremony in Jerusalem on Independence Day, April 19th, 2018.

Two classics come together

Yehoram Gaon Joins the IPO for a special concert of his songs

YEHORAM GAON

Grapevine: One man making a difference

A roundup of culture news across Israel.

FROM LEFT: Prof. Joshua S c hwartz, director, Ingeborg Rennert Center for Jerusalem Studies; Ingeborg Rennert; Guardian of Zion Award recipient Rabbi Israel Meir Lau; Prof. Arie Zaban, president, Bar-Ilan University.

To Natan Sharansky

When most of us think of Natan, we think of the attributes classically associated with him – tenacity, faith, humor, courage, optimism, brilliance and chutzpa.

Natan Sharansky