The prize committee convened under the leadership of Prof. Daniela Weik and with the participation of members Prof. Dan Orbach and Prof. Iris Shagrir.
The prize committee stated in its reasoning that the prize is awarded to Prof. Billie Melman for her groundbreaking contribution to the study of modern social, cultural, and intellectual history. The committee emphasized that Prof. Melman paved ways for research that reconstructs the voices of women and classes that were suppressed and excluded from historiography, and she is a pioneer of gender history and historiography in Israel.
The committee also noted that her research reflects a multi-dimensional historical perspective on the human experience, and makes an exceptional contribution to defining modernity in the contexts of shaping national identity and the relationship with the East. The committee added that throughout a long career of excellence, she has trained generations of historians and has gained a leading reputation and influence in israel and worldwide.
The Israel Prize is the most important and prestigious prize awarded in the State of Israel. The prizes will be awarded on the eve of the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel.