World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder presented António Guterres, the ninth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, with WJC’s highest honor, the World Jewish Congress Theodor Herzl Award. Guterres received the award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who work to promote Herzl’s ideals for a safer, more tolerant world for the Jewish people, on the evening of Monday, November 9, following a tribute paid by former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Zubin Mehta, music director emeritus of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, was presented with the WJC’s fifth Teddy Kollek Award for the Advancement of Jewish Culture.
Established in 2012, the World Jewish Congress Theodor Herzl Award recognizes outstanding individuals who work to promote Herzl’s ideals through international support for Israel and enhanced understanding of Jewish history, culture, and peoplehood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s award will be presented during a virtual gala.