Markson to be presented with top award
This will make her the first Australian to receive the prestigious distinction.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of Israel’s most iconic and respected institutions, marks its 100th anniversary this year and as part of this historic milestone, the university will present its highest honour – the Scopus Award – to journalist Sharri Markson.
This will make her the first Australian to receive the prestigious distinction and she joins a distinguished list of past recipients including Elie Wiesel, Frank Sinatra and Milton Friedman.
The award – named for Mount Scopus, where the university’s cornerstone was laid in 1918 – honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to education, Israel and humanitarian values.
“I was utterly stunned when I was told I’d been selected for the illustrious Scopus Award,” Markson told The AJN.
“It is unexpected, surprising and overwhelming. This award is so special because I care deeply and passionately about the state of Israel and the future of our Jewish community, both in Australia and internationally.”
Markson said while she has campaigned for Israel throughout her journalism career, it has become the major focus of her life since October 7, 2023.
“Combating the misinformation, the untruths, the slander and the propaganda against Israel is a deep, personal mission for me,” she said.
“I have felt intensely motivated and compelled on this mission – it’s why so much of my nightly Sky News program is dedicated to this topic, and why we held the antisemitism summit in February this year.”
The Hebrew University is Israel’s premier university and has produced an incredible nine Nobel prize winners.
Markson said with the antisemitism young Jewish Australians face on campus, it’s comforting to know there are safe academic institutions in Israel.
“It’s worth remembering that there are brilliant universities in Israel, like the Hebrew University, which are a great option for Jewish students in Australia to consider.
“They won’t feel threatened or intimidated just for being Jewish. No one deserves to feel this way while trying to extend their studies.”
The Australian Friends of the Hebrew University will celebrate the university’s centenary with major events in Melbourne on July 31 and in Sydney on August 3.
Markson will be presented with her award, while Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, chancellor of the Hebrew University and former member of the Israeli Knesset, will deliver the keynote address.
For more information visit austfhu.org.au/events