AFHU News Winter 2023

PAGE 18
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
AFHU NEWS VOL. 31 PAGE 19
Prof. Mona Khoury and Prof. Meir Buzaglo
Awarded Presidential Medal of Honor
by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog
On September 6, 2023, Israel’s President Isaac
Herzog awarded the Presidential Medal of
Honor to outstanding members of the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem faculty, Profs. Mona
Khoury and Meir Buzaglo, who have made an
extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel,
the Jewish people, and all humanity.
They were among 13 recipients in various fields
in Israel and the Diaspora to receive Israel’s
highest civilian honor during a ceremony at
the President’s residence. “Having a shared
foundation is what provides stability and
strength for growth and prosperity,” President
Herzog said. “This idea, of prosperity based
on great diversity but rooted in a common
foundation – is a very central theme that has
been woven into the Israeli presidency since its
inception.”
Hebrew University Vice President for Strategy
and Diversity Prof. Mona Khoury expressed her
gratitude for the Presidential Medal of Honor
and the recognition of her work in promoting
diversity and inclusion in academia. She stated,
“Receiving this prestigious award is not just a
personal honor, but a testament to the power
of diversity and unity in shaping a better future
for all people. Together, we can build a stronger
and more inclusive society that values the
contributions of every individual, regardless of
their background. Throughout my career, I’ve
had the privilege of breaking through glass
ceilings, and in my role at Hebrew University,
I’m committed to shattering those barriers for
others.”
Prof. Meir Buzaglo is a lecturer in the Hebrew
University’s Department of Philosophy, a leader
of the renewal of Jewish tradition and liturgical
poetry (piyyut) in Israel and has led the Tikkun
movement for social change. He says, “Amidst the
clamor of external distractions, precision in our
vision becomes paramount. As the ancient verse
wisely states, ‘Without vision, a nation perishes.’
Today, as Israel grapples with the complex
balance of being a Jewish and democratic state,
it faces pressing concerns. Yet, we should strive
to envision a revitalized Middle East, where we
can transform the challenges and crises that
confront us into opportunities for progress and
prosperity in the region while enriching the
Abraham Accords.”
The Medal was established by the late Shimon
Peres, the State of Israel’s ninth president. Upon
taking office, President Isaac Herzog established
an advisory committee chaired by Supreme
Court Judge (ret.), Prof. Yoram Danzinger, to
nominate candidates from all parts of Israeli
society, including Jewish Diaspora leaders.
Addressing the award recipients at the event,
President Herzog said, “This is embedded deeply
in the DNA of the State of Israel, and it is not
without reason that it is reflected in all its glory
in you – recipients of the Presidential Medal of
Honor in the 75th year of the State. You have
been privileged to do good, to bring about
change, and to make a dramatic contribution
to the State of Israel, to the Jewish people, for
all humanity. This is why each and every one of
you is worthy of receiving the highest civilian
decoration in Israel – the Presidential Medal of
Honor.”
Prof. Mona Khoury, receives the Presidential Medal of Honor from Israel’s
President Isaac Herzog
Prof. Meir Buzaglo, receives the Presidential Medal of Honor from Israel’s
President Isaac Herzog