Investigative Journalist Ilana Dayan Honored for Decades of Work
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Investigative journalist Ilana Dayan will be honored by Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem for her decades of work and advocacy for freedom of expression. The award recognizes her uncompromising journalism, including her leadership of the program "Uvda" since 1993. The ceremony will also mark the ordination of seven new Reform rabbis. Dayan's career began at Galei Tzahal, and she holds a doctorate from Yale University.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ilana Dayan to be honored by Hebrew Union College for decades of investigative journalism.
- The award recognizes her advocacy for freedom of expression and human rights in Israel.
- Dayan has led the investigative program "Uvda" on Keshet 12 since 1993.
- She is the first female soldier to serve as a correspondent for Galei Tzahal.
- The ceremony coincides with the ordination of seven new Reform rabbis.
Investigative journalist Ilana Dayan is set to receive a special honor from the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, recognizing her decades of uncompromising journalism and advocacy for freedom of expression and human rights. The decision to honor Dayan now is not coincidental, but rather a testament to her persistent fight for press freedom and democratic values in Israel.
Dayan, born in Argentina in 1964 and immigrated to Israel at age six, began her media career at Galei Tzahal, becoming the first female soldier to serve as a correspondent there. She holds a doctorate in law from Yale University and has taught constitutional law and freedom of speech at Tel Aviv University. Since 1993, she has led "Uvda" (Fact) on Keshet 12, an investigative program that has earned her numerous awards, including the Sokolov Prize and a lifetime achievement award from the Israeli Film and Television Academy.
The committee cited Dayan's embodiment of the biblical commandment to "seek and investigate and inquire diligently." They emphasized her courage in presenting Israeli society with an honest, sometimes painful, and challenging mirror, even when facing severe attacks and criticism from powerful figures. Her work is rooted in a deep love for the country and its Jewish and democratic spirit.
The ceremony will coincide with the ordination of seven new Reform rabbis (four women and three men) and will be attended by prominent public figures, including Dr. Nachman Shai, Dean of Hebrew Union College, and Rabbi Talia Avnon-Bennishiti, Head of the Rabbinical Seminary in Israel. Dr. Shai stated that Israel needs determined leadership committed to equality, freedom, justice, and peace, and that the college's graduates are at the forefront of this public struggle. Rabbi Avnon-Bennishiti added that the new spiritual leaders are tasked with building bridges and restoring connections in a time of division and eroding trust, dedicating their lives to Torah, community, and Israeli society with hope and a commitment to repair.