The Israel Democracy Institute presents its Democracy Award to a figure of international stature in recognition of his or her significant contribution to strengthening and fostering democracy and its values. The laureate is selected after a rigorous investigation which considers:
The candidate’s contribution to extending the groundwork of democratic principles and institutions in the world, or in a specific country or community the candidate’s accomplishments in strengthening these democratic values and institutions, particularly in the fields of freedom, eradication of violence, and the broadening of tolerance.
It is the fervent hope of the Israel Democracy Institute that the presentation of this Award and the concomitant media coverage will serve as an example to others who might follow suit - encouraged by the honor accorded to the present recipient - and toil unceasingly in the pursuit of democratic values for the entire world.
Former Laureates include:
Professor George Shultz
The Democracy Award was first conferred in June 1993 on former U.S. Secretary of State Professor George Shultz for his efforts, struggles and achievements in the promotion of human rights in general, and his contribution to the change in Soviet policy, in particular the opening of the gates of the Soviet Union for Jews.
Eduard Shevardnadze
In January 1998, the Israel Democracy Institute conferred its second Award on the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, for his contribution to the dramatic events of the 1980s which led to the end of the Cold War, and for all his efforts, beginning in 1995, to stabilize the regime in Georgia and to put it on the road towards democracy.
Adv. Haim Zadok
In September 2002, the Israel Democracy Institute conferred its third Award on the late former Minister of Justice Haim Zadok for his major role in establishing the constitutional infrastructure of democracy and establishing a civil society in Israel, for his achievements in shaping and formulating governmental and executive norms, for his contribution in strengthening the rule of law in Israel, and for his commitment to the promotion of human rights and basic values in society.
Read: The Israel Democracy Institute Mourns the Passing of Haim Tzadok, IDI’s First Chairman of the Board and Laureate of IDI’s Democracy Award.
Chief Justice Meir Shamgar
In September 2005, the Israel Democracy Institute presented its Democracy Award to former President of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Meir Shamgar for his efforts of promoting democracy, particularly his involvement in promoting the adoption of a constitution for the State of Israel.
At the event, which took place at the Knesset, Chief Justice Shamgar was presented with a preliminary copy of IDI’s Constitution by Consensus. Shamgar had been actively involved in this project and was pleasantly surprised to receive the very first copy.
Speakers at the event included:
Speaker of the Knesset, MK Reuven Rivlin (Read MK Reuven Rivlin’s address)
President of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Aharon Barak,
Minister of Justice, MK Tzipi Livni, and
President of the Israel Democracy Institute, Dr. Arye Carmon (Read Dr. Carmon’s address)