Israel/Palestine

Israel Prize Winner Donates Cash Award to Israeli Group That Helps Palestinians

Hebrew University Prof. David Shulman will receive the prize on Thursday for his research into languages and culture in south India.

Nir Hasson May 11, 2016

Israel Prize laureate Prof. David Shulman announced on Wednesday that he would donate his 75,000 shekel ($20,000) cash prize to Ta'ayush, an Israeli group that assists Palestinian residents of the South Hebron Hills.

Shulman, who is an active member of Ta'ayush, will receive his prize on Thursday, in the context of the Independence Day celebrations.

The Hebrew University academic was awarded the Israel Prize in the field of religious research for his work on Indian languages and culture. He is regarded as one of the world's leading experts on Sanskrit and southern India.

In addition to his academic work, Shulman is a prominent left-wing activist.

In a video posted online on Wednesday, Shulman explained his decision to donate the prize money to Ta'ayush and his deliberations over whether to accept the prize at all, due to the "general deterioration of the situation and the witch hunt against Ta'ayush, peace and human rights activists by a right-wing establishment determined to perpetuate the occupation."

Shulman finally decided to accept the prize and donate the 75,000 shekel cash component to Ta'ayush.

Source: http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.719171