For her contribution to press freedom: Ilana Dayan to receive honorary doctorate

Hebrew Union College will award an honorary doctorate to journalist Ilana Dayan for her contributions to investigative journalism and press freedom in Israel. The ceremony will take place on November 6 in Jerusalem, alongside the ordination of seven Reform rabbis.

Ilana Dayan will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, in recognition of her contributions to investigative journalism in Israel, her work for press freedom and human rights, and her commitment to uncovering the truth. The festive ceremony will take place on November 6, 2026, during which seven Reform rabbis will be ordained. The selection committee noted that Dayan acts in accordance with the biblical commandment "You shall inquire and investigate and ask thoroughly, and behold, it is true and the matter is established." Dayan, born in Argentina in 1964, immigrated to Israel at age six, began her journalism career at Galei Tzahal, holds a doctorate in law from Yale University, and has hosted the investigative program "Uvda" since 1993. The ceremony will be attended by the institution's dean, Dr. Nachman Shai, and the head of the beit midrash, Rabbi Talia Avnon-Benvenisti, who spoke about the importance of leadership and connection in Israeli society.