Institute Presents Scholar-Statesman Award to President Isaac Herzog of Israel

Pays Tributes to Donors Diane Troderman and Harold Grinspoon

Washington, D.C. - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy conferred its prestigious Scholar-Statesman Award on Israel's President Isaac Herzog at a gala event in New York City on Sunday evening, November 10, the research organization announced.

Herzog, elected in 2021 by Israel's parliament as his country's head of state by the widest margin in history, was recognized for his "unifying leadership at a time of unprecedented national trauma, and through him we are honoring the people of Israel for their resilience, determination, and grit during a year of unimaginable challenge, conflict, and war."

During the event, the Institute also paid tribute to Institute Trustees Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman for their decades-long support and commitment to the work of the research organization.

The Scholar-Statesman Award, now in its seventeenth year, celebrates outstanding leaders who, through their public service and professional achievements, exemplify the idea that sound scholarship and a discerning knowledge of history are essential to wise and effective policy and the advancement of peace and security in the Middle East. Previous recipients include U.S. President Bill Clinton, United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, among others.

After receiving the award, President Herzog sat for a 40-minute public conversation with Institute Segal Executive Director Robert Satloff, the Howard P. Berkowitz Chair in U.S. Middle East Policy, which focused largely on the impact of Hamas' October 7 attack and the war that it triggered. "We did not seek this war," President Herzog said. "But once it was imposed upon us, we have to make clear that history changes its course. We cannot repeat the same rounds again and again every few years, and we cannot tolerate terror. And that is why we are fighting so hard." [View a complete video of the conversation here.]

Herzog added that the threat from Iran, the main backer of Hamas, extends beyond Israel: "Iran is a grand issue that needs to be dealt with, not only by Europe and Israel, but by the world powers. It must comprehend that [Iran's] ideology will undermine and destroy the free world. They must comprehend that Iran, a nuclear Iran, is a threat to the entire universe. ... I think now there is a clear opportunity to gather forces together and make a change."

The president distinguished between the government of Iran and its people, saying "The regime calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and is acting as a rogue regime throughout the world. But the people of Iran carry a legacy, an incredible history, and a tradition, and they deserve so much better and they actually should rise up against the regime and fight for change."

The Israeli leader stated that he would be meeting with President Joe Biden during his trip to the United States to express his gratitude for U.S. support during the last year of war. He noted ongoing efforts to restore peace along the Israel-Lebanon border and to advance a "day-after" strategy in Gaza. He described a "warm and kind" conversation with president-elect Donald Trump in which they discussed efforts to find a "new direction" in the Middle East and to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

President Herzog expressed admiration for the signatory nations of the Abraham Accords and to Egypt and Jordan who "changed the course of history in the Middle East." He was hopeful that Israel would also find "a new direction with the Saudis" as well.

Despite the high price paid in the last year, the president was optimistic for the year ahead. "I'm quite confident that we should see a better future within a year," he said. "We will see many changes that will take us toward inclusion in the region, security, and peace."

During the New York gala, the Institute also paid tribute to the husband-and-wife team of Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman, who is also a member of the Institute's Board of Directors. The couple are devoted Institute Trustees who actively participate in all aspects of the Institute, including conferences, trips, and briefings. Beyond the Institute, they are giants in the world of philanthropy, supporting causes locally, nationally, and internationally. Their landmark project, the PJ Library, sends 7 million high-quality Jewish children's books every year in seven languages to families in forty countries.

For more about the Scholar-Statesman Award, see the Washington Institute webpage for the accolade.

Media Contact: Shelby Weiss, 202-230-9550, email.

About The Washington Institute: The Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution funded exclusively by U.S. citizens that seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them. Drawing on the research of its fellows and the experience of its policy practitioners, the Institute promotes informed debate and scholarly research on U.S. policy in the region.