The New Israel Fund’s annual William S. Goldman Truth to Power Award is given annually to individuals that stand up for truth and give voice to the silenced, often at great personal, organizational, financial or reputational risk.
In 2018, NIF established this award to honor the memory of beloved NIF Board member William S. Goldman. This award seeks to honor Bill’s memory and honor the activists that chose to fight for a brighter tomorrow day in and day out.
Einav Zangauker, 2024 Winner
Einav Zangauker is a prominent figure in the protests by the families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. Her 24-year-old son, Matan Zangauker, is among those held captive in Gaza. Einav has been vocal in her criticism of the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for not doing enough to secure the release of the hostages.
She has fearlessly taken on the Israeli government, challenging its approach to hostage negotiations and demanding more transparency and urgency in securing the release of her son and others held captive. Central to Einav’s advocacy is her call for a ceasefire and her involvement in negotiating deals for the exchange and release of hostages.
Einav’s impact extends beyond her immediate circumstances; she has galvanized public opinion, bringing together diverse groups to push for the safe return of the hostages. Despite facing backlash from some quarters, including being labeled a “criminal” by the prime minister’s supporters, Einav remains undeterred, continuing to speak truth to power.
She stands as a beacon of hope for all those who seek justice and freedom in the face of adversity, and as a symbol for the righteous cause of demanding the return of the hostages.
English press coverage of the prize can be found at The Times of Israel.
Nasser Nawaj’ah, 2023 Winner
As a field researcher and lifelong activist, Nasser has been instrumental in recording the many human rights abuses committed by the Israel Defense Forces and settlers around Hebron. For his efforts, he has been targeted repeatedly by settlers and the Shin Bet (Israel’s domestic intelligence agency), and arrested without charges many times.
Despite this harassment, Nasser has never given up—or given in. Even after being arrested and threatened by the Shin Bet to “stop causing trouble,” he has refused. He is a thorn in the side of the Occupation and those who seek to perpetuate its violence.