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- Written by Silvia G. Golan
Yad Vashem Unveils Groundbreaking New Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus and David & Fela Shapell Family Collections Center
On Monday (8 July 2024), Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center inaugurated, in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal Herzog, the new Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus and the new David & Fela Shapell Family Collections Center at its heart. The new Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus also includes the Joseph Wilf Curatorial Center, the Wolfson Gallery featuring a new Video Art Wall Installation created by renowned video artist Ran Slavin and curated by Director of the Yad Vashem Archives, Museums and Collections Medy Shvide, and a new innovative auditorium and exhibition hall. The, 5-story, subterranean state-of-the-art structure, now houses Yad Vashem's vast collections of Holocaust-related artifacts, documentation, photography and artwork. The Collections Center is the epicenter of Yad Vashem's mission to safeguard these 'everlasting witnesses' of the atrocities of the Holocaust, ensuring their preservation of these hundreds of millions of items for future generations.
The inauguration of this ambitious project, initiated by Yad Vashem back in 2016, was kicked off on Sunday, 7 July 2024, with a stirring concert at the Jerusalem Theatre. This unique event seamlessly wove together classical and Jewish music with images of Yad Vashem's world-class archival collection. The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, led by Amos Boasson and featuring Violins for Hope, accompanied by the Neve Shir Choir and Cantor Simon Cohen, delivered soul-stirring performances of classical arrangements and beloved Jewish melodies.
The evening reached an emotional crescendo with a performance by IDF Reservist and violinist Mordechai Shenvald, who was injured in the wake of the October 7th Massacre in Gaza. Grandson of Holocaust survivors, Mordechai Shenvald played on a violin from Yad Vashem's Artifact Collection. This violin once belonged to Motale Shlain, a young Jewish partisan fighter who was killed, at the age of 14, while fighting the German army. Mordechai's moving rendition of the theme song from Steve Spielberg's film, "Schindler's List", embodied the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable adversity.
At yesterday's investiture ceremony, Israel's President, H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Holocaust survivor and Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Martin and Ilana Moshal and Irvin Shapell all spoke about Yad Vashem's unprecedented commitment to ensuring that the treasures from the Holocaust are preserved and protected at Yad Vashem for future generations.
Reflecting on the significance of the new facilities, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan reaffirmed the critical importance of Holocaust remembrance. "The few remaining items are invaluable, each a precious link to our past. Even after eighty years, the events of the Holocaust remain beyond our full comprehension. We believe that personal stories and belongings allow us to weave fragments of the tapestry of remembrance, six-million puzzle pieces and offer a glimpse into the lives of the Jewish people and communities of Europe and North Africa."
Chairman Dayan continued, "The national treasures to be housed here are deeply meaningful to us, both as Jews and as human beings. They bear silent witness to our people's experience during the Holocaust. To me, the collections housed here represent the crown jewels of the Jewish people—they are our very DNA. These artifacts will stand as a testament to our history, resilience, and culture for generations to come."
In his address, President Herzog stated, "Many of these items have been entrusted to Yad Vashem over the years with the purpose of giving voice and identity to the victims. Each item carries a story, a story of life, hope, and pain. These items connect us to the past and remind us of our responsibility to remember and to remind. Each one of them is a pillar of memory that cannot be toppled, a message that the past sends to the present and future.
President Herzog continued, "It is our duty to keep this memory alive, to give it the proper honor, and to preserve and share it for future generations. And thanks to all those who led this amazing project, we remember those who lost their lives, those who fought, and those who survived and witnessed the importance of memory. Thank you for being partners in this journey of remembrance. Thank you also to Yad Vashem, the management, the staff, and the thousands of volunteers and supporters worldwide for their dedication and mission - in the name of a whole nation. Together, we will continue to shed light on the truth and preserve the memory, for those who were, for those who will be, and for all of humanity."
As Yad Vashem embarks on this new chapter, these world-class facilities stand as beacons of remembrance, education, and hope—ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate and inspire future generations.
About the Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus and the David & Fela Shapell Family Collections Center:
Located on Yad Vashem's Mount of Remembrance, the Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus spans some 6,000 square meters. The heart of the Campus lies the new David & Fela Shapell Family Collections Center. It is here that Yad Vashem preserves, restores, and stores these Holocaust-related objects in a state-of-the-art facility. Boasting five world's most advanced laboratories for paper, photographs, artifacts, textiles and art, the center will preserve Yad Vashem collections including 227.6 million pages of documentation, nearly 40,000 artifacts, 14,000 works of art, 541,000 archival photographs and films, 2.8 million Pages of Testimony and tens of thousands of Holocaust survivor testimonies. Each item here tells a unique and poignant story of individuals, families, and communities that endured the Holocaust.
Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, was established in 1953. Located in Jerusalem, it is dedicated to Holocaust commemoration, documentation, research and education.
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- Written by Adi Esther Lahmi
The Slovak Institute, a lovely location in the center of Jerusalem, is now hosting the fascinating exhibitions "IN' Code" and "Woman."
This carefully chosen exhibition explores the remarkable lives of women who have left a lasting impression on society.
The "Woman" ally in the place is carefully crafted to recognize and illustrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of these extraordinary women via a stunning mix of art, photography, and captivating storytelling.
Beyond merely recognizing their past successes, the show seeks to offer a moving and personal glimpse intothe trials, wins, and adventures of these extraordinary women.
Entering the engaging exhibition atthe Slovak Institute instantly transports you to a world where emotional personal stories, inspiringvisual displays, and powerful artwork bring these women's power, elegance, and perseverance to life.
Each story has been chosen with care to provide an immersive and incredibly significant experiencethat allows visitors to relate to these remarkable women's lives and legacies on a very personal level.
Leaders who disregarded social conventions and broke down boundaries in a variety of fields—including science, politics, the arts, and humanitarian work—are among the women highlighted. Their common experiences serve as an ode to the strength of will and the capacity to effect change in theface of hardship. By highlighting the hardships, dedication, and achievements of those women, theexhibition hopes to motivate a new generation to carry on the tradition of promoting equality andjustice. Upon leaving the show, visitors will have a fresh understanding of the enormous influencethese women have had on the development of our world.
Among the notable people on display is Aylet Zurer, a well-known Hollywood performer best recognized for her parts in hit films like "Man ofSteel" and "Shtisel," which Netflix purchased in 2018.
Visitors will also discover the story of Estee Lauder, a founding business woman whose popular cosmetic brand lives on and carries her name longafter her death. Their tales offer a potent see to women's determination and strength in the face ofhardship, as well as serving as poignant reminders of the incalculable contributions made by women throughout history.
Apart from the inspirational stories of these extraordinary women, the Slovak Institute is also hosting the "IN' Code" exhibition, which features the fascinating paintings and sculptures of the renowned painter and sculptor Ašot Haas.
Through his powerful artwork, the artist—a close friend of Israel's—hopes to convey his steadfast support. Immerse yourself in the "IN' Code" show, and you'll see that Haas's artwork is enduring.
Every artwork appears to exist beyond time, beckoning viewers to experience a surreal visual adventure. The colorful and engrossing images in "IN' Code" give you the impression that you are exploring another reality in which you are the only one who notices splotchesof blue, red, or the full rainbow.
The exhibitions at the Slovak Institute offer an immersive experience that invites visitors to embark ona magical journey through the transcendent power of art and the enduring impact of the remarkable women who have shaped the tapestry of our world. This is achieved by offering a captivating fusion of story telling, visual creativity, and historical significance.
Or, as they call it in the institute, "cultural diplomacy matters.".
19 King David St. Jerusalem
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Adi Esther Lahmi is a member of DebateforPeace
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan
After a three-year, $50 million conservation and renewal program, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum opens as the capital’s official museum, June 1.
- New multi-level sunken entrance pavilion at the Jaffa Gate offers a new gateway to the Old City. The new visitor flow, integral to the museum’s concept, allows visitors to first better understand Jerusalem’s history through its new exhibition and provides food for thought to contemplate the complex reality of the Old City before entering its streets and alleyways.
- 10 completely new thematic galleries, telling Jerusalem’s 4,000-year story, and its centrality to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with models of the Second Temple, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock.
- Innovative and engaging content, including interactive, 12-meter multi-media wall (largest in Israel), 3-D digital modeling, video mapping, immersive 360 video installation, interactive sphere (first in Israel), 14 interactive maps, new animation films by Ari Folman and others
- Authentic artifacts, some dating back to approx. 1500 years BCE and many displayed in-situ for the first time.
- Citadel accessible to all visitors with ambitious Accessibility Program and first-of-its-kind elevator in Israel, chair lifts and ramps.
- Conservation of ancient citadel’s walls and minaret.
- Museum area doubled to over 20,000 square meters.
Eilat Lieber, Director and Chief Curator, Tower of David Jerusalem Museum:
“No other museum can tell Jerusalem’s story in such a distinctive setting, within this citadel, that has witnessed so many eventful periods in the city's past. The iconic architecture, massive Jerusalem stone walls and beautifully arched ceiling guard rooms create a unique setting for this museum which will become the gateway to this unique city. Alongside the physical conservation of the walls and towers of this ancient site, we have developed a completely new permanent exhibition and creative programming that tells Jerusalem's long, complex and colorful history in respectful, innovative and engaging ways. Whether it is a school child from Israel – or a visitor from overseas, I hope that the Tower of David can give them a basis for dialogue, tolerance and respect. These are the things that will make the world a better place and visitors from near and far will leave the museum with a better understanding of Jerusalem, this eternal city.”
Jerusalem, May 22, 2023 - After more than a decade in planning and three years of construction with a multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists, architects, curators, researchers, designers and creatives, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum opens to the public in the ancient citadel as the capital’s official museum on June 1st.
The $50 million renewal and conservation of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum was led by Dame Vivien Duffield through the Clore Israel Foundation together with the support of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, the Ministry of Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation, Keren Hayesod, The Jerusalem Foundation, the American Friends of Museums in Israel and the P Austin Family Foundation.
The Tower of David citadel, located between the old and new city, layered with nearly 3,000 years of history, is uniquely placed to tell the story of Jerusalem, a city that has no equal in the world. With its new visitor flow - from the Jaffa Gate entrance pavilion through the galleries, the Phasael Tower observation point and exiting into the Old City - the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum becomes the gateway to the exploration of Jerusalem. Integral to the museum’s new concept, this allows visitors to first better understand Jerusalem’s history through its new exhibition and provides food for thought to contemplate the complex reality of the Old City before entering its streets and alleyways.
The museum's new permanent exhibition begins with an interactive exploration of Jerusalem’s linear urban and cultural development. The next three galleries trace the sanctity of Jerusalem and its religious significance in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, weaving history and artifacts into the spiritual sphere with models of the Second Temple, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of Rock. The journey through Jerusalem's story, told in the different rooms of the citadel, takes the visitor through to the 21st century, focusing on the events and developments that have shaped the city in recent history, and continue to influence its present-day identity as the capital of the State of Israel. These include the completely restored Illés model of Jerusalem, made for the 1873 Vienna World Fair, that offers a unique bird’s eye view of Jerusalem at that time; and the development of modern-day Jerusalem shown through the prism of photography and film.
The galleries are arranged in a thematic-chronological order. While they do create a story together, each one can also stand on its own. Interdisciplinary methods have been used to convey the complex experience that represents the story of the city: history, geography, archeology, literature and theology, film and photography, culture studies, music and more.
Tal Kobo, Curator of the permanent exhibition: " Jerusalem has been invaded, conquered, destroyed and rebuilt– it has been independent and has submitted to empires and civilizations – but never been abandoned. These levels of history are still evident today and define the landscape and culture of the city, making Jerusalem one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It is a tremendous responsibility to curate an exhibition about this unique city".
The renewal and conservation project, which ensured the integrity of the ancient spaces and stones, was undertaken in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority. Excavations were carried out by a team of archaeologists in different areas of the citadel complex, followed by a complex conservation program.
Under the inspired direction of Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, Prof Etan Kimmel and lead architect Yotam Cohen-Sagi, the ancient citadel that was built as a fortress to keep people out, was transformed into a welcoming and accessible environment, ready to house a modern museum and everything that entailed. Etan Kimmel, Founder, Kimmel Eshkolot Architects on the architectural challenge: “The opportunity to bring the 21st century to this ancient iconic site is both a responsibility and an honor. We were set the task of renovating one of the earliest and most important architectural treasures of Jerusalem. Our challenge boiled down to our ability to find solutions to preserve the ancient stones which represent Jerusalem’s past without compromising their historic value or their beauty, all the while planning new architectural structures and introducing modern infrastructure using modern materials to create a fruitful, interesting meeting between the new and the old. Ever-present in our planning was our respect for this ancient structure." The result is a fully accessible museum with over 85 percent of the citadel being accessible with the newly leveled entrances to the ancient guardrooms, elevators and ramps as well as modern infrastructure, technology and networks being hidden from view.
Studio de Lange, Prof Chanan de Lange and Architect Tal Roih de Lange, developed the concept design and the permanent exhibition design of the new museum. Chanan de Lange: “This project was exceptional. To design a contemporary up-to-date exhibition in an international museum housed in a building with historical, archaeological, and cultural layers, stretching back 3,000 years of history was a challenging and unique opportunity. We created a site-specific museum experience with a modern, clean and accessible design. We adopted a minimalist and gentle approach and celebrated clean open spaces."
This minimalistic and delicate design stands in contrast to the existing powerful citadel structure. In order to balance the quantity of content, the original guardrooms of the citadel are left uncluttered with only a few wall texts. The design concept reflects the museum's wish to be used as a basis for discussion about Jerusalem and this continuing dialogue between Jerusalem's history and the present-day city can be felt in every room as Studio de Lange chose to open the existing windows of the citadel. For example, the visitor can study limestone vessels from 1st century Jerusalem against the backdrop of a view of Mishkenot Sha’ananim, thanks to vitrines created in the citadel’s arched window spaces. The design cleverly combines three main ways to engage the visitor with the history of Jerusalem: through authentic artifacts, each one carefully picked to tell different aspects of Jerusalem's history; through technology and multimedia – throughout the museum great detail has been given to the layers of technology that bring the stories to life; and through audio-visual where an audio guide will accompany visitors through the visually striking exhibition rooms. Architect Tal Roih de Lange "The result is a sensory experience that encourages active participation and allows visitors to engage in Jerusalem's history in various dynamic, stimulating and enjoyable ways."
Creative digital media, directed by Yoav Cohen, features digital storytelling and interactive media designed for meaningful engagement throughout the museum’s galleries. The 12-meter interactive multi-media wall, Sands of Time, that runs the length of the introductory gallery allows visitors to discover for themselves Jerusalem's 4000-year history with just a quick touch. The media concept for this interactive installation was designed by award-winning experience design firm Local Projects, responsible for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, amongst others, in the US. The end-design and programming were carried out by Shortcut Playground, Israel. Other highlights include the animation of a map from 1584 depicting Jerusalem during the time of the Second Temple; the 3D scanning of a bird's eye view of 19th century model of Jerusalem and the recreation of the interactive projection on a copy of the 6th century mosaic Madaba Map of Jerusalem, an interactive sphere of the world which is the only one in Israel and more.
Films created for the museum include an animated history of 4,000 years of Jerusalem history in three minutes by Golden Globe winner artist Ari Folman; several animated short films related to different periods based on archaeological and historical evidence, together with research and the reconstruction from Yeshiva University NY, the visualization of the Arch of Titus; a 360-degree filming inside the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa mosque that allows visitors to "enter" into these holy sites. An original film of Jerusalem from 1896, including footage by the Lumiere brothers, has been edited to bring to life Jerusalem at the turn of the 20th century. A montage of images from different religious festivals are projected onto one of the vaulted ceilings in a guardroom. Created by David Polonsky, one of the most important illustrators working in Israel today, the seven-minute experience allows the three calendars of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to converge in an only-in-Jerusalem manner.
The Museum kicks off its first summer season with a special opening event for the public on June 1st with events throughout the month ending with the last weekend in June with a back-to-back program of guided tours, all starting at the Tower of David and spreading out into both the old and the new city. In July, an interactive multi-media exhibition "Street Games" allows the visitor to become the "architect of the city" with well-known Jerusalem streets in the new Gallery space dedicated to changing exhibitions. Throughout the summer, there are activities for families and children. For more information and ticket purchase, please see our website www.tod.org.il
Dame Vivien Duffield, Chairman of the Clore Israel Foundation: We hope that we have created a striking 21st century museum that has balanced the architectural and structural preservation of the ancient fortress against adaptation for exhibitions that now contain artifacts with a wealth of modern technologies. Today, the museum is the center for learning and knowledge, leading to dialogue and understanding in this city. The Tower of David should continue to be a beacon of peace, tolerance, and coexistence among the inhabitants of this extraordinary mosaic of people who live in this wonderful city.”
President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog: In the book Song of Songs, King Solomon writes, “Like the Tower of David is your neck, built as a fortress.” Indeed, thanks to its fantastic location and its extraordinary appearance, this citadel has become throughout the ages a symbol of the magic and longing for this city and for everything that it represents. The generous support of Dame Vivien Duffield and all the partners involved have facilitated not only the preservation of the citadel but also the extensive renovation of the archaeological park and the establishment of galleries and new exhibits, as well as the renewal of infrastructure and improvements for accessibility.”
Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion: “The Jerusalem municipality is honored to be a leading partner in the conservation and renewal of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum. Jerusalem is like no other city, and the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum is like no other city museum. The ancient citadel has been the symbol of the city through the ages and one of the most important historic and archaeological heritage sites in the world. The new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum at the Jaffa Gate will serve as the new gateway to Jerusalem for the millions of visitors, tourists and pilgrims who want to explore the city’s rich and complex history before visiting the religious sites and ancient alleyways of the Old City.”
Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority: "The extensive renewal and conservation of the Tower of David are an unusual opportunity for us in the Israel Antiquities Authority to re-examine and learn more about one of the most fascinating sites in Jerusalem.
Our archaeologists discovered ancient fortifications, hidden passageways, previously unknown rooms, and more. The meticulous conservation of the minaret by the conservation department of the Israel Antiquities Authority will allow the Tower of David minaret to stand strong for many generations to come. The story of the citadel continues to be revealed in front of our eyes, and now will be presented to the public within the framework of the new museum."
Eilat Lieber - Director and Chief Curator of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, Tal Kobo - Curator of the Permanent Exhibition, Yael Brandt – Assistant Curator, Kimmel Eshkolot Architects: Prof Etan Kimmel Co-Founder and Lead Architect Yotam Cohen-Sagi, Studio de Lange: Prof. Chanan de Lange and Arch. Tal de Lange - Concept and permanent exhibition design, Yoav Cohen – Creative and Digital Media Director
About the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum
Located at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum resides within the ancient citadel, once the fortress defending the city. Today, it stands as a prominent cultural institution, intertwining the historical narrative of Jerusalem with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its archaeological excavations reveal the city's evolution across 3,000 years, while educational programs, guided tours, workshops, and lectures offer immersive learning experiences. The museum showcases temporary exhibitions featuring Jerusalem's contemporary expressions in art, design, architecture and more. The museum rests on the seam between modern and ancient Jerusalem and its towers offer spectacular 360-degree views of the entire city, new and old. As daylight fades, the citadel walls transform into a canvas for mesmerizing sound and light displays, projecting the history of Jerusalem and the tale of King David in huge breathtaking images. The museum, an independent nonprofit, strives to honor its commitment to preserving Jerusalem's rich heritage.
General information / about accessibility at the museum Phone: 02-626-5393 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To order guided tours: 02-626-5347
To order tickets : *2884 | 02-626-5333
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- Written by The Knesset
Jerusalem Day “Jerusalem – the Eternal City”
Jerusalem Day is celebrated on the 28th of Iyar, according to the Hebrew calendar, or in proximity to that date. On June 7, 1967 (the 28th of Iyar, 5727), in the course of the battles for Jerusalem in the Six-Day War, east Jerusalem was liberated from Jordanian rule and came under Israeli sovereignty.
One or two days before the holiday, a festive parade is held in Jerusalem, entitled “Rural Communities Salute Jerusalem.” Thousands of people march in the parade, mostly members of kibbutzim and moshavim and rural education institutions.
On the eve of Jerusalem Day, a large gathering of thanksgiving is held every year at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, with the participation of rabbis from the national-religious population and public figures.
On Jerusalem Day, festive ceremonies are held within Jerusalem and outside the city, as well as state memorial services for the soldiers who fell in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. A state service is conducted at Ammunition Hill, which was the site of one of the fiercest battles for the city. On this day, the Jerusalem Municipality holds the ceremony for presenting the Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem (“Yakir Yerushalayim”) awards.
The main event of the day is the March of Flags, or “Dance of Flags,” which is held in the afternoon hours. For this event, thousands of people come to Jerusalem, mostly young people from the religious Zionist movement. The celebrants conduct a large procession accompanied by songs, dancing and flag waving, which starts from the city center, enters the Old City and ends at the Western Wall in a mass prayer of thanksgiving.
70
names for Jerusalem according to the Midrash
4
quarters in the Old City
8
permanent gates along the Old City walls
19
- Number of years the city was divided between Israel and Jordan
Legislation on the status of Jerusalem
Following the IDF’s victory in the Six Day War, on June 27, 1967, the Knesset enacted three laws that established the effective unification of Jerusalem and made Israeli law applicable throughout the entire area of the unified city. The municipal boundaries of the city were altered and its area was increased nearly threefold: from 38,100 dunams to 110,000 dunams. Residents of east Jerusalem were granted permanent resident status, and they were permitted to vote in municipal elections, but not in the Knesset elections. One of the three laws passed deals with the preservation of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
On May 12, 1968 the government resolved to commemorate the 28th of Iyar – the Hebrew date of the city’s liberation – as Jerusalem Day. In 1998 this resolution was anchored in a law establishing this date, which symbolizes the continued historical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem, as a national holiday.
Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel was enacted in 1980, 13 years after the city's unification. The law states that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and the seat of the government institutions. The law mandates the protection of the holy places in the city and freedom of access to these places for members of all religions, and establishes the government of Israel’s commitment to provide for the development and prosperity of the city.
https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/about/pages/jerusalem.aspx
Photo Silvia G Golan
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan
Eylon Levy, a former Israeli Government spokesperson, called on the Government of Israel to establish an elite team of spokespeople in all languages, and in all time zones - a special forces unit able to spring into action at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world, properly armed with the ammunition, backup, and defensive gear - during a keynote address at the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage held yesterday (May 26) in Jerusalem.
Held for the 32nd consecutive year, the ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism, Amichai Chikli, who also delivered a speech.
Levy emphasized that the October 7 disaster triggered a regional conflict that escalated into a global war against Jews worldwide. He stated that Israel is losing the information battle in the international media, which is portraying Israel unjustly in this conflict. He stressed that the purpose of the State of Israel is to stop complaining about the hostility Jews face and suggested that the Israeli government should establish an elite team of professional, multilingual spokespersons that would represent Israel in global media at all times and locations. Suitable candidates for this global outreach can be found among new immigrants and in the Diaspora, serving as a force multiplier. He emphasized that this global battle for Israel's international standing requires a united front, leveraging the strength of Diaspora Jewry as a powerful ally. He stressed the importance of creating a unified command center to address media crises and fortify ties with the Jewish diaspora in this shared effort. "Israel is the only country required to defend itself in the court of global public opinion around the clock. It isn't fair. It isn't right. It isn't just. But it is what it is".
This year’s winners are Elad Simchayoff, European correspondent for Channel 12 News and Canaan Lidor, Jewish World reporter for The Times of Israel.
Lidor was recognized in the written media category, in memory of Luis and Trudi Schydlowsky, for his extensive coverage on various issues concerning the Jewish world and Jewish communities in Holland, Tunisia, the U.S. and elsewhere in 2023.
Lidor has written previously for The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz and Maariv. Simchayoff was recognized in the broadcast media category for his coverage on the rising of anti-Semitism in Europe following Oct.7 and for his "One a Day" podcast series.
A special citation for Fostering Israel-Diaspora Relations through the Arts in Memory of Naomi Shemer was presented to the internationally acclaimed Israeli singer Ilanit. The citation, established in 2014, has been presented previously to singer
and songwriter Nurit Hirsh, David D’Or, Idan Raichel, David Broza, Yehoram Gaon, Shalva Band, Danny Sanderson, Shuli Natan and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Chairman of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, Dr. Haim Katz, and the Director of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, Alan Schneider, is Director of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem presented the prizes to the winners.
Since its establishment in 1992, the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism has recognized excellence in reporting on contemporary Diaspora Jewish communities and on the state of Israel-Diaspora relations in Israeli print, broadcast
and online media. Widely recognized as the most prestigious prize in the Israeli media industry for Diaspora reportage, it was established to help strengthen the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.
The award is presented in memory of the late Wolf Matsdorf, editor of the World Center’s journal “Leadership Briefing” and a journalist in Israel and Australia, and his wife Hilda, a pioneer in social work in both countries, as well as in memory of Luis and Trudi Schydlowsky.
Photos credit: Bruno Charbit
