"Strengthening pride in Jewish American heritage and supporting projects that increase
Jewish American identity"
About the King David Award
Since 1994, the King David Award has recognized men and women who have made dramatic contributions to American society and Jewish heritage.
The King David Award has been presented to great philanthropists and leaders of exceptional impact. From varied industries, geographies, and personal backgrounds, King David Award laureates share a common bond of dedication to American values and to the Jewish people.
The Jewish Heritage Commission of the United States identifies those who embody this very legacy. In 2017, the King David Award will be presented to Jewish Americans who contribute to the greatness of their country and take pride in their Jewish heritage.
King David Award Presentation
In the heart of the United States Capitol, Senators and Members of Congress will gather to honor the 2017 King David Award honorees. During this Congressional celebration of Jewish American heritage, Senators and Congressmen will highlight the achievements of a select group of outstanding Jewish leaders and philanthropists.
Members of Congress, the Jewish Heritage Celebration Committee, and the Jewish Heritage Commission of the United States will present the King David Award to Jewish leaders and philanthropists who embody the very success of the American Jewish experience: a dedication to philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and commitment to Jewish heritage and American values.
Past Recipients
Since 1994, the King David Award has recognized men and women who have made dramatic contributions to American society and Jewish heritage. From various walks of life and corners of the world, each recipient has made a profound impact on world Jewry, American society, and Western heritage.
— DIPLOMACY —
RONALD REAGAN
40th President of the United States
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV
Former President of the Soviet Union
DR. HENRY KISSINGER
LADY MARGARET THATCHER
Former Prime Minister of Great Britain
— NATIONAL SECURITY —
AMB. L. PAUL BREMER, III
RUDOLPH GUILIANI
— ARTS & CULTURE —
KIRK DOUGLAS
STEVEN SPIELBERG
— INDUSTRY & PHILANTHROPY —
HOWARD SCHULTZ
Scott Wolstein
Kenneth Goldman
Daniel Rose
BARRY STERNLICHT
Marc Goldman
Peter Friedmann
TED TURNER
Dr. Corey Goodman
Courtney Anixter
Mr. Dan Amos
— FRIENDS OF ZION —
ALAN DERSHOWITZ
TERESA HEINZ
MORTIMER B. ZUCKERMAN
— SCIENCE & PUBLIC HEALTH —
DR. ANDREW VON ESCHENBACH
DR. MARK MCCLELLAN
What people are saying about the
King David Award
"I just wanted to thank you again for selecting me to be one of this year's King David Award recipients. It was an experience my family and I will never forget. And what phenomenal company to be in, I might add. Titans of industry and philanthropy, I was honored to have a seat at the table.
Your effort and execution shined. The energy in the room was palpable. I couldn't even explain the afternoon to my friends. It was definitely something to see and be a part of.
The entire luncheon was orchestrated wonderfully. From hearing Paul Ryan's remarks, the opening prayer, to the notable Senators and Congressman traipsing in and out on their way to vote. It was incredible to witness our government through this lens. I felt grateful to spend time in the Capitol building. My appreciation for D.C. has heightened immensely since my 8th grade class trip.
Representing the Jewish community will always be a focal point of my life. The Jewish values, traditions, and culture are the cornerstone for how I live. I hope we continue to do great work and make a difference."
- Courtney Anixter, 2017 King David Award Honoree
Who we are
The Jewish Heritage Commission of the United States promotes critical projects that support Jewish heritage and identity throughout the United States and around the world. The Commission has three areas of focus: Jewish Education, promoting Jewish Life on Campus and strengthening the US-Israel relationship.
Presidential Proclamation
Every May, the United States Congress continues its decades-long tradition of officially recognizing Jewish American heritage.
In recent years, an event recognizing several outstanding Jewish Americans has been held on Capitol Hill.