An excerpt from the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights:

“We are delighted that Irwin Cotler, our Founder and International Chair, was just awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, one of the country’s highest civilian awards. It recognizes those who “have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity.”

The award honours Irwin’s “unique contribution to the Jewish people” - a contribution celebrated by this short, moving video.

“[Irwin Cotler] is a world-renowned human rights advocate who has made a special contribution in the field of the struggle for human rights, and in the fight against antisemitism, hate crimes, and racism in general.” - Office of President Isaac Herzog

We invite you to congratulate Irwin for this acknowledgement of his decades-long career in tireless defence of human rights, including by combating antisemitism and other forms of hate.

Through your support, we can continue our critical work and build upon the inspirational legacy of our founder. Any contribution goes a long way.

On the Meaning of this Award
"Over the past few years, I have had the immense privilege of working closely with Professor Cotler, including on issues relating to Israel, antisemitism, and the global Jewish community. Over the course of those short years alone - in his role as both International Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and Canada's Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism - Professor Cotler's tireless contributions have been more than deserving of the Presidential Medal.

And yet, the past few years are merely a glimpse - a microcosm - of Prof. Cotler's lifetime of work on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. He has been a lifelong advocate for peace and human rights in Israel and the surrounding region. He played a role in the peace process between Egypt and Israel, was deeply involved in organizing humanitarian rescue efforts for both Soviet and Ethiopian Jewry, and has served as a trusted advisor and mentor to Israeli and Jewish leaders across decades and disciplines.

Professor Cotler represents the very best of what Israel and the Jewish people have to offer. He represents an aspirational Israel - one that is Jewish and democratic, prosperous and peaceful. At this juncture, his leadership is more valuable than ever, and the Presidential Medal of Honour is recognition of that."

- Noah Lew, Special Advisor to Irwin Cotler