IIE has awarded the IIE Victor J. Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East annually since 2004, to recognize outstanding work being conducted jointly by two individuals, one Israeli Jew, and one Arab Muslim, working together to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.

We are deeply saddened by the continuing crisis in the region. We mourn the heartbreaking death of 2011 Goldberg Prize awardee Vivian Silver, and the tragic loss and bereavement of countless others in the ongoing conflict.

While we recognize that those who wish to work together to advance the cause of peace are facing even greater obstacles this year, we believe this work continues to be of utmost importance. We are committed to continuing to award this prize to uplift and support these partnerships to inspire others and provide a beacon of hope.

The 2025 Victor J. Goldberg IIE Prize for Peace in the Middle East was awarded on July 15, 2025 to Nitsan Joy Gordon and Jawdat Lajon Kasab for their work to foster healing, connection, and resilience between Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Bedouins in the Middle East. See full announcement.

Photo credit: Ella Faust

While there is no magic solution, one positive force may be to encourage people to live and work together at the grass roots, learning to trust and depend on one another for their common good.

Vic Goldberg, IIE Trustee

The Goldberg IIE Prize will encourage some of the best and the brightest young professionals to contribute their valuable knowledge and experience to the cause of peace in the Middle East, and will reward them for their courage and conviction in doing so.

Allan Goodman, IIE President and CEO

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