Lowy and Leibler to be awarded Israel’s Presidential Medal for global Jewish advocacy
Australia’s Sir Frank Lowy and Mark Leibler will receive Israel’s highest civilian honour, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour, for their extensive contributions to Israel and the global Jewish community.
President Isaac Herzog announced the honourees on Monday, recognising eight leaders for their dedication to Israel’s well-being and the Jewish people worldwide.
Mark Leibler
This year’s awards hold particular significance against the background of the ongoing conflict, as President Herzog chose these leaders for their unwavering commitment to Israel and exceptional support of the Jewish people over decades of endeavours, especially in response to the atrocities of October 7.
The President of the State of Israel awards the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour to those “who have made an extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity through their talents, their service, or in any other way”. This medal was an initiative of Israel’s Ninth President, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012.
Sir Frank Lowy with the statue of his late father
Sir Frank Lowy, a Holocaust survivor born in Czechoslovakia, migrated to Australia in 1952 after fighting in Israel’s War of Independence. Co-founding Westfield Corporation, Lowy built a global shopping centre empire, but he has long balanced his business success with deep philanthropic commitments to Israel. “His influence is also evident in fostering Israeli-Australian relations and supporting vital Israeli initiatives, most recently the National Library in Jerusalem,” President Herzog said.
Mark Leibler, a senior partner at Melbourne law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler, is celebrated for his long-standing leadership within the Jewish community in Australia and his unwavering advocacy for Israel. For over 50 years, Leibler has served in various roles, including as the National Chair of the Australia Israel & Jewish Affairs Council and as a board member of the Jewish Agency for Israel. His work has spanned the defence of Israel in global forums and promoting the Australia-Israel relationship. Additionally, Leibler has championed Indigenous rights in Australia, making him a unique voice for social justice beyond the Jewish community. Reflecting on the honour, Leibler told ‘The Australian’ newspaper ““I am astonished and deeply moved to have received this extraordinary honour, which I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
He stated, “Israel has always been central to my identity as a proud Australian Jew. This award reflects the strength and dedication of the Australian Jewish community, whose support for Israel has always exceeded our small numbers.”
In addition to Lowy and Leibler, six other prominent figures were honoured:
- Ronald S. Lauder (USA) – President of the World Jewish Congress and philanthropist, recognised for supporting Jewish education and combating antisemitism globally.
- Maurice Lévy (France) – Business leader and long-time supporter of Israel, honoured for strengthening France-Israel relations and fighting antisemitism in Europe.
- Malcolm Hoenlein (USA) – Former executive of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, acknowledged for bolstering U.S.-Israel relations.
- Julie Platt (USA) – Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, recognised for her dedication to North American Jewish communities and her advocacy for Israel.
- Sir Trevor Chinn (UK) – Philanthropist and leader within British Jewry, honoured for his support of Israel and Jewish communities in the UK.
- Brigitte Zypries (Germany) – Former German minister, acknowledged for her contributions to Israel-Germany relations and her work in combating antisemitism.
President Herzog lauded the recipients stating: “The past year, the most difficult since the founding of the state, tested our resilience as a nation and as the Jewish people; it showcased the diverse and beautiful face of Israeli society and proved, as we have always known and believed, that all of Israel is responsible for one another, that the Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel share a common destiny, and that we have great friends and supporters in the world who fight alongside us against antisemitism, defend Israel’s name in the media, and have long fought for Israel’s place among the nations. Your work and dedication embody this great bond, and the Jewish people and the State of Israel will remain deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.”
The medals will be presented in a formal ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem this December.
