Elise Stefanik Receives Theodor Herzl Prize Amid Gubernatorial Campaign
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was honored with the Theodor Herzl Prize by the World Jewish Congress on Monday evening. This recognition came shortly after she declared her bid to run for governor of New York. In her speech, she emphasized her commitment to fight against anti-Semitism and uphold “the very Western values that have shaped America.”
Speaking to an audience of 400 at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, she received the award from Ronald Lauder, a businessman and former U.S. ambassador to Austria. The Theodor Herzl Prize, established in 2012, is regarded as the World Jewish Congress’ highest accolade, recognizing those who embody Herzl’s vision of a secure and self-sufficient Jewish community.
“I want to express my gratitude to Ambassador Ronald Lauder for his unwavering leadership and dedication to Jewish unity and security,” Stefanik stated. “The World Jewish Congress under his guidance has promoted Theodor Herzl’s ideal of a strong and independent Jewish people respected worldwide.”
Stefanik continued, expressing how deeply honored she felt to receive the award, noting the Congress’s long-standing role as the moral conscience of Jewish communities around the globe. “You have defended Jewish communities everywhere, fought against anti-Semitism, and strengthened the ties between Israel and the free world,” she remarked.
During her address, she reflected on her advocacy against anti-Semitism in Congress and on college campuses, recalling a notable hearing in 2023 with presidents from prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. She recounted challenging them on whether calls for violence against Jews constituted a breach of their codes of conduct, recalling the ambiguous responses she received. “I was disheartened by the ‘it depends on the context’ replies,” she said, indicating that such responses are unacceptable. “It’s a moral issue, not a political one.”
Stefanik emphasized that this dialogue has sparked a global awareness of accountability in higher education, which she feels is still developing.
Turning her focus to New York, she described the state as being at the forefront of a struggle over fundamental Western values. “Eighty years after Kristallnacht, silence is not an option,” she declared, vowing to continue her fight against anti-Semitism and bigotry. She highlighted the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents within New York, making it crucial for her to act, especially considering the state’s significant Jewish population.
“The story of Theodor Herzl isn’t just history,” she asserted. “It embodies the spirit that has sustained the Jewish people and will help revive New York.”
The award announcement came right after billionaire philanthropist Miriam Adelson backed Stefanik’s gubernatorial campaign at another event. Stefanik also received the Mortimer Zuckerman Maccabee Warrior Award from the Zionist Organization of America for her efforts in combating anti-Semitism.
Adelson praised Stefanik for her bravery in tackling university leaders about anti-Semitic practices, recognizing her as a “great leader” dedicated to defending Jews and Israel.
Stefanik is set to officially launch her Republican campaign for governor, aiming to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Interestingly, Stefanik had been critical of then-candidate Donald Trump in the past but has since become one of his most fervent advocates in Congress.
