Deborah Lipstadt awarded Jonathan Sacks Institute Prize from Bar-Ilan University
Former US antisemitism envoy 'humbled' to be recognised for extraordinary intellectual leadership in the fight against antisemitism
Deborah Lipstadt, one of the world’s foremost authorities on Holocaust history, has been awarded the prestigious Jonathan Sacks Institute Prize for ‘Outstanding Achievement as a Public Intellectual’ from Bar-Ilan University for her leadership in combating antisemitism.
A distinguished historian and long-time professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, Lipstadt is widely regarded as one of the most prominent and effective figures at the forefront of the struggle against antisemitism.
In addition to her scholarly contributions, she has played a pivotal role in public service, including her tenure as United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, her service on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and, most famously, her successful legal defence against Holocaust denier David Irving.
In light of the dramatic global rise in antisemitism since 7 October 2023, The Prize Committee unanimously decided that Lipstadt was an “exceptionally worthy and timely recipient”, with Prof. Jonathan Rynhold, academic director of the Jonathan Sacks Institute, said she “exemplifies the rare combination of intellectual rigor, moral courage, and public engagement that Rabbi Sacks so deeply admired. Her work has shaped global discourse on antisemitism, truth, and democratic resilience at a moment when these issues are more urgent than ever.”
In response, Prof. Lipstadt said: “I have been blessed to receive many honours in my life. But this one, to paraphrase the last chapter of the Book of Proverbs, surpasses them all because of its connection with Bar-Ilan. Bar-Ilan is a university that was dear to my family. It honoured me with an Honorary Doctorate, and was led by Rabbi Emanuel Rackman, who was one of the great role models in my life.”
She added that Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “whom I was privileged to know, was a driving force in shaping contemporary Jewish life. He was unparalleled, beloved and honoured in, not just the Jewish world, but the world at large. I am, therefore, more than honoured. I am humbled by this.”
Prof. Arie Zaban, president of Bar-Ilan University, added: “Prof. Lipstadt’s work reminds us that standing up for truth requires courage, clarity, and persistence. We are proud to recognise her extraordinary contribution to Jewish life and moral leadership and thank the Gewurz family and the Rabbi Sacks Legacy for making this possible.”
Lady Elaine Sacks, widow of the late Rabbi Lord Sacks, added: “Deborah has shown extraordinary courage and integrity in her lifelong commitment to truth, justice, and the defence of human dignity. She well deserves this significant recognition, and I send my warmest congratulations.”
Joanna Benarroch, president of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy, added, “Rabbi Sacks believed that ideas change the world, and that courageous leadership in the public square is essential to a healthy society. Professor Lipstadt embodies that belief.”
The Jonathan Sacks Institute Prize, established by the Gewurz family of Montreal in memory of architect Samuel Gewurz, carries a monetary award of NIS 100,000 or £23k and will be formally presented at a special ceremony hosted by Bar-Ilan University in May 2026..
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