Israeli journalist and Arab Muslim trailblazer receives honor at Never Is Now for championing shared society and pluralism
New York, NY, March 17, 2026 – ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today honored renowned Israeli news presenter Lucy Aharish with the Abraham Award at this year’s Never Is Now summit. As a young girl, Aharish was the only Arab Muslim in her Israeli school. After graduating from the Hebrew University and the Koteret School, she became the first Arab to present news on prime-time television in Israel. Aharish, now one of the most prominent voices in Israeli media, has devoted her professional career to promoting pluralism in Israeli media, and unifying different communities.
The award was presented on the mainstage during ADL’s 2026 Never Is Now Summit on Antisemitism and Hate, March 16-17 in New York City. Unable to travel due to the ongoing war, Aharish will receive the award virtually.
Aharish represents the possibility of shared society and complex identity within Israel, using her platform to promote mutual respect, dignity, and humanity and serving as a role model to younger generations by showing that multiple identities can coexist with a commitment to democracy and equality.
“I am pleased to honor Lucy Aharish with ADL’s Abraham Award, not just for her numerous contributions to Israeli media, but for her relentless efforts to bring people from different communities together,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “Her promotion of unity and peace goes far beyond the Middle East. She is a prime example of someone using their platform to denounce antisemitism and inspire hope.”
Aharish has had a distinguished career in media. Her ability to reach diverse audiences, Jewish, Arab, and international, has made her voice especially important in a changing Middle East. She hosted the prime-time news show on the i24 News channel in English, while also acting as the show runner for both the English and Arabic channels. She spent several years hosting a daily news talk show on Reshet, and has directed and hosted several documentaries on the channel. Aharish spent three years as head anchor of DemocratTV, a crowdfunding independent social media platform she co-founded, before joining Channel 13, where she has hosted a daily news show since 2023.
“My life has been connected to the Jewish people since the very beginning — to the history, to the narrative, to the human values and morals,” said Aharish. After the October 7th massacre, I knew that although we have experienced major disputes, like every nation on earth, in this fight we are united: Jews, Christians, Druze, Muslims. We are fighting for the future of our children, for our beloved country, for our home. We are fighting against antisemitism in all its forms.”
In 2015, Aharish was awarded one of Israel’s highest honors and was selected to light a torch at the National Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzel, the theme of which was “groundbreaking Israelis.” She also received the Ometz Award that same year for her efforts against racism in Israeli society. Last year, Aharish was awarded by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel for promoting discourse that focuses on tolerance, equality, and mutual respect in moments of national crisis. She has been frequently recognized for acting as a bridge-builder between communities and for inspiring others to have open conversations. Most recently, Aharish received the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation's Medal of Distinction.
ADL established the Abraham Award to recognize bold leaders from the government, nonprofit, or private sectors who utilize their platform to champion policies or initiatives that meaningfully advance the fight against antisemitism and hate. This award is given to those whose work relates to the goal of achieving peace in the Middle East.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate.