On Sunday evening, Michal Herzog, the First Lady of the State of Israel, received the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Award at the Jewish Federations’ International Lions of Judah Conference (ILOJC) in Atlanta, Georgia, for her tireless work in exposing the systematic sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas.
 

In accepting the award, Mrs. Herzog had a message the women of Israel:
 

"I am deeply moved to receive this unique honor. I feel I am accepting it on behalf of the brave and resilient women of Israel who since October 7 until today, have shown their strength and courage on every front — as mothers, daughters, sisters, as fighters, as caregivers tending to both body and spirit, as voices for victims who cannot speak for themselves, and especially in the relentless fight to bring the hostages home."
 

In the wake of the October 7th attack on Israel, Mrs. Herzog, an attorney, has been one of the leading voices in exposing the systematic sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas. She believes that the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war should be condemned, and she plans to continue to lead this critical campaign until every voice is heard and every doubt as to the Hamas crimes against humanity has been eliminated.
 

“We are honored to present Mrs. Herzog with this award,” said Iris Kraemer, chair of Jewish Federation’s National Women’s Philanthropy. “Michal’s compassion, strength, and leadership since October 7 reflects the commitment to justice and humanity that Justice Ginsberg exemplified throughout her life.”
 

Named for the late Supreme Court Justice, the Lions of Judah’s highest award honors a person’s legacy as a visionary and a relentless advocate for justice. For over half a century, Justice Ginsburg pursued justice while balancing roles as a devoted wife, mother, friend, and mentor. As the second female and first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, she was a trailblazer who inspired generations.
 

The Lions of Judah are an international sisterhood of over 18,000 philanthropic women of all ages who serve as leaders in their communities to strengthen the Jewish future. Every Lion plays a critical role in driving social justice, helping the vulnerable, and building flourishing Jewish communities around the world with high-impact philanthropic gifts through their Jewish Federations.

Photo Credit: Dani Weiss

Photo subject: Jewish Federations Chair Julie Platt sits down with Israel's First Lady Michal Herzog, winner of the Lions of Judah's highest honor -- the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Award.